Section 373.4131, Florida Statutes, became effective on July 1, 2012, and requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in coordination with the five water management districts (WMDs) to develop statewide environmental resource permitting (ERP) rules. These rules are to rely primarily upon existing rules of the DEP and WMDs, but may be revised as necessary to achieve a more consistent, effective, and streamlined approach in the State’s ERP program. To implement Section 373.4131(1), FS., DEP has initiated rulemaking to revise rule chapter 62-330, F.A.C. The revisions to this rule chapter will necessitate amendments to St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) rule chapters 40C-1, 40C-4, 40C-41, 40C-42 and 40C-44, F.A.C. As part of its rulemaking, DEP also intends to incorporate by reference an applicant’s handbook. At least two volumes of the applicant’s handbook will apply in each WMD: (1) one volume that will include general and environmental procedures and forms that will apply statewide, and (2) a second volume specific to, and adopted by, the WMD that will (a) set forth design and performance standards for stormwater quality and quantity; (b) include basin designations and basin-specific rules within the WMD; and (c) address any District-specific thresholds and exemptions referenced in Chapter 62-330. These volumes will replace and/or amend the SJRWMD’s current applicant’s handbooks. Comments will be solicited regarding amendments to Chapters 40C-1, 40C-4, 40C-41, 40C-42 and 40C-44, F.A.C., and a document to be known as “Environmental Resource Permit Applicant’s Handbook, Volume II: For Use within the Geographic Limits of the St. Johns River Water Management District,” which is based on existing provisions contained in the SJRWMD’s current applicant’s handbooks. The District previously held a workshop regarding this rulemaking on September 14, 2012. Note: Members of the District’s Governing Board may attend the scheduled Rule Development Workshop.