Bill > H1313

This bill, titled "Springs," aims to enhance the protection and restoration of Florida's springs by revising funding distributions, council membership, and establishing new regulations for water quality and quantity. It directs more funds to the Ecosystem Management & Restoration Trust Fund for spring protection, modifies the Acquisition & Restoration Council (ARC) by adjusting its membership and duties to include more scientific expertise and a focus on water quality, and mandates that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and water management districts (WMDs) establish minimum flows and water levels for Outstanding Florida Springs (OFSs) and delineate specific protection zones. The bill also requires local governments to incorporate certain prohibitions into their comprehensive plans and ordinances to safeguard these springs, and tasks various state departments with conducting studies and submitting reports on related issues, while repealing provisions for periodic evaluations of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.