Purpose


To implement revisions related to the statewide effort headed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the five water management districts (WMDs) to increase consistency in the consumptive use permitting (CUP), minimum flows and levels (MFLs), and water supply related programs of the WMDs. Chapters 40D-1, 40D-2, 40D-8, 40D-21, and 40D-80, F.A.C., and the Southwest Florida Water Management District Water Use Permit Information Manual Part B are being amended to (1) make the CUP rules less confusing for applicants; (2) treat applicants equitably statewide; (3) provide consistent protection of the environment; (4) streamline the application and permitting process; and (5) incentivize behavior that protects water resources, including water conservation.