FNGLA Greenline March 2015

FNGLA HAPPENINGS
2015 Legislative Preview: Issues Affecting Our Industry
By Jim Spratt, Magnolia Strategies, LLC
As the Legislative Sessions swings into full gear, it’s
important you know what’s pinging squarely on
FNGLA’s radar in Tallahassee. FNGLA will be reaching
out to targeted FNGLA members and members-at-large
on specific grassroots actions when needed to propel
forward top priorities such as water policy and budget
issues. Stay tuned to your email...the ride may get a little
bumpy before the Legislative Session closes in May! In
the interim, here is a snapshot of FNGLA’s full legislative
plate as we protect and promote your business interests:
Water Policy
HB 7003 by Rep. Caldwell
Contains numerous statutory amendments and
clarifications including: equal standing for self-suppliers
of water to be eligible for technical assistance from water
management districts in the development of alternative
water supplies and the identification of water sources.
This bill also reinforces the founding principles of
Florida’s water law ensuring the Districts are meeting
their statutory requirement to plan for all existing and
future reasonable, beneficial uses of water. Requires the
Districts to re-open their water supply plans if a new
or competing use of water impacts an MFL (minimum
flows and levels). Requires the implementation of BMPs
within Springs Protection Zones.
SB 918 by Sen. Dean
This bill is largely a continuation of last year’s Springs
Restoration legislation which did not succeed. Unlike
the more comprehensive approach adopted by HB7003,
this bill focuses almost exclusively on springs. This water
bill mandates the creation of Springs Protection Zones
and outlines land use activities which are prohibited
within the zones. It requires expedited adoption of MFLs
for Outstanding Florida Springs and provides direction
to develop and enforce interim regulatory programs until
scientific data exists to finalize the MFLs.
This bill requires significant investments to abolish the
use of septic tanks within Spring Protection Zones,
connecting these septic users to central waste water
systems. The bill also creates a new advisory council to
review and rank water and restoration projects statewide.
Lastly, the bill encourages local governments to adopt,
at a minimum, the state model ordinance for urban
fertilizer application yet, provides significant latitude to
adopt much more emotionally driven non-science based
regulations.
Agricultural Sales Tax Exemptions
$15 million Impact on State Revenue
HB 249 by Rep. Raburn, SB 398 by Sen. Stargel
• Irrigation parts/repairs – $2.4m
• Parts and repairs for power farm equipment – $9.3m
• Stakes for plant production – $0.6m
• Trailers used in ag production – $1.3m
• Equipment used for storing ag products on the farm –
$1.4m
Property Rights
HB 383 by Rep. Edwards, SB 284 by Sen.
Diaz de la Portilla
Codifies portion of U.S. Supreme Court ruling
on a Florida case (Koontz decision) relating to
unconstitutional governmental exactions on property
owners. Also, this legislation clarifies when settlements
between governmental entities and property owners can
be reached during potential Bert Harris Act Claims.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Review Board
HB 120 by Rep. Beshears, SB 220 by Sen. Simpson
Expands make-up of the Commercial Motor Vehicle
Review Board by four people to include specific private
citizens and statutorily extends the time an individual has
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