HB 593 by Rep. Debbie Boyd / SB 2530 by Sen. Carey Baker.  This legislation codifies Florida-friendly landscaping as the guiding principle for water conservation and healthy landscapes. The bill also provides additional recognition to the FNGLA-supported IFAS Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology.  Lastly, the bill strengthens the protections provided to homeowners wishing to install Florida-friendly landscapes.

SB 274 by Sen. Lee Constantine.  This bill was unanimously approved by his Environmental Preservation & Conservation Committee this week.  A “strike everything” version of the bill – vastly different from what was originally filed – was proposed. 

This version would apply to all first- and second-magnitude springs in the state – not just the pilot program on four springs as originally envisioned.  All counties with such springs would be designated as spring protection zones.  The bill imposes strict new standards on effluent and wastewater systems and establishes Total Maximum Daily Loads and Basin Management Plans for springs. “Florida Friendly Landscape” techniques and agricultural Best Management Practices are also targeted in the bill.  There is no companion bill in the House.

The Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association Director Ben Bolusky met recently with the Legislature and Governor Crist on activities that Promote Florida Friendly Landscaping and protect the environment.