The amendment to this Rule Chapter is a result of changes made to the beaches funding program in 2019, as codified in Chapter 2019-122, Laws of Florida. The amendment revises the project ranking criteria that the Department must consider in determining and assigning annual funding priorities for beach management and erosion control projects and with respect to managing inlets. The changes are intended to conform with statutory authority under 161.101, F.S. for the Department to evaluate and distribute funds from the program to local governments and municipalities to restore and nourish critically eroded beaches.