The purpose and effect of these rules is to comply with the requirements set forth in 2016, SB 552 (2016-01, Laws of Florida) amended section 373.219, F.S.. These rules provides for uniform rules for issuing permits that prevent groundwater withdrawals harmful to the water resources and a uniform definition of the term “harmful to the water resources” to provide water management districts with minimum standards necessary to be consistent with the overall water policy of the state for Outstanding Florida Springs. These rules are likely to affect consumptive use permitting in the Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River and Southwest Florida water management districts.
The rulemaking is complete as of June 12, 2025. The final rules can be found here: Chapter 62-41, Florida Administrative Code
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