Information
Coastal Construction
Coastal Construction is regulated by a variety of jurisdictions. The State of Florida has established Coastal Construction Control Lines (CCCL) on a county-by-county basis to define that portion of the beach-dune system which is subject to severe fluctuations following major storm events. The purpose of the CCCL is to preserve and protect coastal barrier dunes and adjacent beaches from imprudent construction which can jeopardize the stability of the beach-dune system, accelerate erosion, and provide inadequate protection for upland structures.
Environmental Permits
Much of Florida’s distinctive character lies in the beauty of its natural features, especially its coastlines. This natural beauty has always been one of Florida’s major attractions for both tourists and residents. Ironically, the very features that draw people to Florida are potentially endangered by the increased population pressures.
Endangered Species
The Florida Manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian Manatee, is a native of the coastal waters of the State of Florida. These docile air breathing marine mammals average 10 feet in length and weigh approximately 1,200 pounds. Once plentiful, the state manatee population has dwindled due to hunting, habitat alteration, and other natural and man-caused influences. Today, there only approximately 2,500 manatees living in Florida waters.
Wetlands
Wetlands are generally defined as a natural community where water is at or covering the surface of the ground for all or part of the year. Coastal Wetlands typically include mangroves, saltwater marshes, and seagrasses.
Mangrove Regulations
The Legislature finds that there are over 555,000 acres of mangroves now existing in Florida. Of this total, over 80 percent are under some form of government or private ownership or control and are expressly set aside for preservation or conservation purposes.