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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Governor Ron DeSantis signed four bills on Monday. Here’s what you need to know.
One of the most notable pieces of legislation is the new vertiports bill. This law paves the way for the development of vertiports, necessary facilities for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Here are the key points of the bill:
Funding: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is empowered to fund up to 100% of public vertiport projects in the absence of federal funds. When federal support is involved, the state can contribute up to 80% of the non-federal share, signaling a push to jumpstart the vertiport industry.
Public-Private Partnerships: The legislation incorporates vertiports as qualifying projects under Florida’s P3 laws. This means that private developers can collaborate with the state to establish these new infrastructures, similar to existing partnerships for toll roads and airports.
Integration into Aviation Planning: The definition of airport infrastructure has been expanded to include vertiport pads, safety areas, charging systems, and necessary grid upgrades. This ensures vertiports are recognized as a part of Florida’s aviation landscape.
State Oversight on Design: The state, rather than local governments, will control design standards and operational regulations for vertiports. Local authorities will still manage zoning and land use, which will help prevent a fragmented regulatory approach.
Permitting Process: FDOT is tasked with expediting the approval procedures for vertiport projects, requiring local governments to approve permits for electric aircraft charging within 15 business days.
Incentives for Economic Growth: The legislation encourages investments in eVTOL technology and related infrastructure, fostering job creation in aerospace and tech sectors.
Effective Date: July 1
2. Local Administration of Vessel Restrictions (CS/CS/HB 1103)
Another bill focuses on local enforcement of vessel restrictions, equipping local governments with more authority to manage boating regulations and derelict vessels.
Key features include:
Expanded Local Authority: Local governments will be allowed to adopt ordinances related to derelict vessels, long-term anchoring permits, and vessels at risk of becoming derelict. They can also appoint code enforcement officers, not just police, to inspect vessels and issue citations.
State Oversight Maintained: While local governments gain enforcement capabilities, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) retains authority to approve local ordinances and set statewide standards.
Addressing Derelict Vessels: Local governments can designate vessels at risk of becoming derelict, prompting corrective action. If necessary, they can relocate, remove, store, or destroy these vessels, but such designations are strictly administrative and not criminal.
Long-term Anchoring Enforcement: Local officers can investigate anchoring violations and issue noncriminal citations, helping to maintain compliance with anchoring requirements.
Creation of Boating Restrictions: Cities and counties can establish or expand boating restrictions under certain safety conditions, requiring FWC approval and proper signage.
Effective Date: July 1
3. Agricultural Enclaves (CS/CS/SB 686)
The third piece of legislation is designed to facilitate agricultural development by allowing landowners to certify properties as agricultural enclaves.
Here are the main elements of the bill:
New Certification Process: Landowners can apply to local governments to have their property certified as an agricultural enclave. Local governments are then required to review the application and hold a public hearing within a specified timeframe. If they miss this deadline, certification may proceed automatically in some cases.
Development as Conforming Use: Once the land is certified, owners can submit development plans, which must be treated as legally conforming even if they conflict with current zoning laws or comprehensive plans. This represents a significant shift in how agricultural development is approached.
Effective Date: July 1
4. School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program (SB182)
In addition to the above initiatives, the School Teacher Training and Mentoring Program aims to enhance the quality of education by providing new and underperforming teachers with mentorship and support.
Key components of this bill include:
Mentorship Support: The program allows school districts and charter schools to assign experienced or retired teachers as mentors for new educators and those teaching in schools receiving “D” or “F” grades.
Eligibility Standards: The legislation outlines specific eligibility criteria for mentors, ensuring that only qualified individuals participate in the program.
Caseload Limits: To ensure quality mentorship, limits will be placed on the number of mentees assigned to each mentor, enabling them to provide focused guidance.
Mentor Stipends: Mentors will receive stipends of up to approximately $3,000 as compensation for their contributions, recognizing their role in supporting the development of their colleagues.
Effective Date: July 1
