Once again our legislators have lost sight of the goal. A bill currently wending its way through the legislature, HB1349, would gut what remaining protections they have. One of the most troubling provisions of the bill is that a permit application just has to be prepared and signed by an engineer, and be considered complete by the DEP, for the permit to be presumed to comply. In other words, if a developer can fill out a form, the DEP won’t bother to inspect or regulate; they will simply presume compliance.

Not a bright future for Florida’s wetlands. Please contact your state representatives in Tallahassee to express your opinion about this bill.