In advance of the approach of Tropical Storm Hermine, on Wednesday August 31st, Governor Scott declared a “State of Emergency” for much of the State of Florida.

Once that declaration was made, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection was authorized to issue “emergency field permits” for the following activities: temporary or remedial activities to protect structures; repair or replace minor structures, including due walkovers, retaining walls, decks and gazebos; dune restoration with beach compatible sand; repair or replacement of minor damages to coastal armoring structures, including bulkhead or seawall gaps, return walls, tiebacks, individual sheet piles, and armor stone; and other similar activities.

All construction pursuant to emergency field permits shall be reasonably expected to be completed within ninety (90) days of permit issuance.

Other activities, such as permanent foundation repair to major structures, repair or reconstruction of major structures, or repair or reconstruction of major damages to coastal armoring structures, cannot qualify for emergency field permits. Applications for such activities must be processed in Tallahassee, but will be processed under “emergency procedures”. The Processing Fees for emergency permits will be waived.

The following are the FDEP Field Representatives who may be called regarding emergency permitting:

Pinellas and Manatee Counties: Charles Grisafi (813) 470-5875

Sarasota County: Kelly Cramer (239) 344-5628

Charlotte and Lee Counties: Jennifer Cowart (941) 492-0701

Please Note: Local emergency permits may also be required for such activities.

Kathleen Black (813) 470-5733

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