Item P4 } P.4
`,
County of Monroe
�y,4 ' �, "tr, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Michelle Coldiron,District 2
�1 nff `ll Mayor Pro Tem David Rice,District 4
-Ile Florida.Keys Craig Cates,District 1
Eddie Martinez,District 3
w Mike Forster,District 5
County Commission Meeting
May 19, 2021
Agenda Item Number: P.4
Agenda Item Summary #8226
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: County Administrator
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Lisa Tennyson (305)292-4444
10:OOAM
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Report on 2021 State Legislative session outcomes.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
This is a session wrap-up discussion. The Florida State legislative session concluded Friday, April
30, 2021, as scheduled.
Monroe County's lobbying team will be present to join in the discussion.
The Commission's priorities included appropriations for Stewardship, land acquisition, pump-
out services, upgrades to Baker Act facility; authority to levy an additional penny sales tax for
flood mitigation; preservation of affordable Citizens wind insurance rates; reduction of derelict
vessels; resiliency funding; vacation rental grandfather protection; and preservation of home rule
authority.
A brief recap of Monroe's session outcomes (a more detailed chart is attached):
• The County was successful in securing all of its appropriations requests in full. This is
the first year we secured the entire $20M request for Stewardship. We also secured
funding for our pump out program in excess of what we requested.
• We had mixed results on wind insurance, where we successfully defeated efforts to
eliminate our rate cap and reduce the replacement value of new roofs, but will see a 1%
increase in our rate cap each year for the next five years.
• We had success with implementing a new 90 day anchoring limit for all the waters of the
Florida Keys, however before this limit can be effective, we must meet a requirement to
place 300 new mooring balls. This is a challenge given the regulatory hurdles, cost and
small geographic area outlined for these new mooring balls. We hope to work thru the
summer and next session to determine whether 300 is the right number based on need,
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P.4
and to identify ways to make mooring ball permitting and placement easier and less
costly.
• We were unsuccessful in gaining traction for legislation that would authorize the County
to levy an extra 1 penny sales tax, the revenues from which the County anticipated using
for flood mitigation projects. However, the State will be providing additional resilience
funding via the passage of HB 7019, which authorizes $100M annually for local
government flood mitigation projects. The legislature also allocated $500M in additional
resilience funding from the federal $lOB American Rescue Plan allocation to Florida.
• We were successful in making critical changes to the eligibility criteria for grant funding
under the new resiliency grant program created by HB 7019. Our changes ensure that
Monroe's flood mitigation projects will eligible for this new grant program. The bill's
original language made ineligible water quality protection components of flood
mitigation projects, as well as small-scale mitigation projects.
• We successfully amended a provision out of HB 667 Building Inspections that would
have required local governments to refund inspection fees if the applicant fails an
inspection.
• We were instrumental in the efforts to amend HB 2006 restricting Local Government
Emergency Orders to exempt hurricane-related evacuation and road closure orders.
• Home rule took a beating this year with the passage of a number of significant new pre-
emption bills. Of note, these preemption bills restrict local governments' ability to issue
emergency orders and to regulate home-based businesses. Local governments' land use
restrictions will be challenged by the passage of a bill that expands the scope of Bert
Harris. This session's vacation rental bill did not pass, thus Monroe County's
grandfathered regulations remain untouched.
Attached:
• Monroe County's 2021 State Legislative Priorities List
• Monroe County's 2021 State legislative Priorities Outcomes Chart
• Monroe County's 2021 State Legislative Agenda
2021-22 Session Dates:
• FAC Annual Conference: June 28-July 1, 2021 Orange County
• FAC Policy Conference: September 21-22, 2021 Palm Beach County
• FAC Legislative Conference: November 17-19, 2021 Walton County
• Interim Committee Weeks: October-December, 2021
• Legislative Session: January 11-March 11, 2022
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: Approval of the 2021 State Legislative Agenda,
miscellaneous resolutions.
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P.4
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
n/a
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
DOCUMENTATION:
2021 Leg Priorities One Pager
2021 Session End Outcomes Chart
2021 Monroe County State Legislative Agenda
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date:
Expiration Date:
Total Dollar Value of Contract:
Total Cost to County:
Current Year Portion:
Budgeted:
Source of Funds:
CPI:
Indirect Costs:
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts:
Revenue Producing: If yes, amount:
Grant:
County Match:
Insurance Required:
Additional Details:
REVIEWED BY:
Bob Shillinger Completed 05/04/2021 11:54 AM
Liz Yongue Completed 05/04/2021 12:02 PM
Board of County Commissioners Pending 05/19/2021 9:00 AM
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PA.a
MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
THE FLORIDA KEYS AREA OF CRITICAL STATE CONCERN2021 STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
FLORIDA KEYS STEWARDSHIP ACT FUNDING
Pursuant to the Florida Keys Stewardship Act:
Support $20M appropriation to construct water quality projects to improve/protect the quality of the Florida Keys'
nearshore waters and the marine environment of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Support recurring funding for Florida Keys Stewardship Act by including it in the State's Land Acquisition Trust
Fund.
Support$5M appropriation within Florida Forever for land acquisition within the Florida Keys that will both retire
development rights and conserve environmentally sensitive land.
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FLOODING/SEA LEVEL RISE MITIGATION FUNDING
` Support a legislative change giving Monroe County the ability to assess an additional penny sales tax (subject to a r-
local referendum) to give Monroe County a necessary additional financial resource to implement its road elevation 'Vi
program to respond to the severe and persistent flooding of County roads from sea level rise, King Tides, and storm iW
inundation.
Support legislation to help local governments fund flooding and sea level rise mitigation (HB 7019).
CITIZENS WIND INSURANCE T_
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Support legislation to preserve Monroe's annual wind insurance 10%rate increase glide path,recognizing that W
Monroe County pays the highest Citizens premium rate in the State despite having the strongest building code in the u
State.
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VACATION RENTAL REGULATIONS
Support legislation that provides a permanent"carve out"for Monroe County from preemptive vacation rental
regulations to enable the County to amend/update its vacation rental regulations in order to preserve its supply of o
workforce housing; or legislation that would allow local governments with grandfathered ordinances to amend and ei
update their regulations without losing their grandfathered status; and legislation that enhances Monroe County's
ability to enforce local vacation rental regulations.
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VESSELS
"° Support SB 1086/HB 639 to improve boating safety and regulations including the reduction and prevention of
derelict vessels, addressing long-term anchoring of vessels, and ensuring sufficient funding to remove and dispose
of derelict vessels
` Support Mobile Vessel Pumpout Program Appropriation of$500,000 to support the County's vessel pump out
program to protect water quality of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS AND ISSUES
Support $200,000 appropriation for security and facility upgrades to Monroe County's Baker Act Receiving
Facility.
Support efforts to promote the development of affordable housing including full appropriation of Sadowski Trust
Fund.
Support robust funding for Everglades restoration and Florida Forever.
Contact information: Roman Gastesi,County Administrator,305-292-4441,gastesi-roman@monroecounty-fl.gov
Lisa Tennyson,Dir.Legislative Affairs,305-292-4444,tennyson-lira@monroecounty-fl.gov
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MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Office of Legislative Affairs
January 20, 2023.
Packet Pg. 2210
Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Priorities 2023,
Mayor Michelle Coldiron, District 2
Mayor Pro Tern David Rice, District 4
Commissioner Craig Cates, District i
Commissioner Eddie Martinez, District 3
Commissioner Mike Forster, District 5
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Roman Gastesi
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House District 120: Representative Jim Mooney
Senate District 39: Senator Ana Marie Rodriguez
Florida Association of Counties
Small County Coalition
Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact
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South Florida Regional Planning Association
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National Association of Counties c
Gulf States Counties and Parishes Caucus
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REPORT AND DISCUSSION.............................................................................................. 3
STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:
Stewardship, LATF,Water Quality................................................................... 5
LandAcquisition.............................................................................................. 6
Extra Penny Sales Tax for Road Resilience........................................................ 7
WindInsurance................................................................................................ 7
Marine Protection(Derelict Vessels and Pump Out Program).......................... g
AffordableHousing......................................................................................... ii
Vacation Rentals.............................................................................................. ii .0
Emergency Management................................................................................ 12
Everglades Restoration.................................................................................... 12
Coral Reef Protection....................................................................................... 12
Clerks'Funding/Judgeships............................................................................... 12
Single Use Plastic Bags .................................................................................... 12 N
Resilience Hardening and Planning................................................................... 12
Florida Retirement System............................................................................... 3.3
Home Rule, Unfunded Mandates, County Revenues .......................... 3.3
Appropriations...................................................................................... 14 A
GENERAL STATE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES:
Growth Management/Environmental Regulation.............................................. 3.5
EmergencyManagement................................................................................... 3.5
Health, Mental Health, and Social Services.......................................................... 3.6
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Transportation.................................................................................................... 17
Veterans.............................................................................................................. 3.7
CD
Libraries.............................................................................................................. 3.7
County Jails,Juvenile Justice............................................................................... 3.7
Homelessness.................................................................................................... 3.8
Overseas Heritage Trail Pedestrian Bridges........................................................ 3.8
MedicalMarijuana.............................................................................................. 3.8
Oil Drilling/Fracking............................................................................................ ig
Sustainability/PACE/Recycling .......................................................................... ig
CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 20
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Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Prioritises 2023,
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA DEVELOPMENT
Staff is seeking Board approval of the issues presented herein to be included in the County's 2021 State
Legislative Program. Upon Board approval, staff and the contract lobbying teams will pursue all of the
legislative issues approved bythe Board,and in so doing, place appropriate priority on the issuesthatthe Board
directs to receive a special level of attention in 2021.
AnnuallY,the Board reviews legislative priorities and gives direction on and approval of priority legislative issues m
to guide the County's lobbying efforts at both the State and federal level. Typically, the County identifies as U
priorities only its most pressing issues and then supports the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and the
Small County Coalition (SCC) in achieving their broader substantive initiatives. As a member of the Southeast
Florida Regional Climate Compact, Monroe County works collaboratively to help develop the Compact's N
legislative program.
Each year, the BOCC and staff evaluate the trends and issues affecting all County programs and services to
identify potential policy or substantive legislative issues. Included herein are the substantive priorities and
general issues to be pursued and supported during the 2023.State Legislative session.
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LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIESCD
The County's legislative efforts are incremental and focused on issues that are built upon throughout several
sessions, such as funding for water quality infrastructure and land acquisition, and protecting Citizen's wind
insurance affordability;these will continue to be legislative priorities in the 2020 session.
The County's number one priority is to secure a $25M appropriation through the Florida Keys Stewardship
Act(FKSA),of which $20M is to fund water quality projects and $5M is for land acquisition. The County utilizes
its share of Stewardship funding for the canal restoration program.
The FKSA authorizes an annual $5M set-aside of Florida Forever funding for the next ten years, dedicated
specifically to enable Florida Department of Environmental Protection to renew an aggressive land acquisition
program in the Florida Keys. As the universe of development permits shrinks, and the County reaches "build
out," there is a need to keep our State legislators mindful about the impacts and consequences of Monroe c,
County's challenge of protecting both environmentally sensitive lands while balancing private property rights.
The State of Florida, having designated the Florida Keys as an Area of Critical State Concern, is a partner with
Monroe County in this challenge and we continue to work closely with the State's ACSC oversight agency,the
Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) on these issues, and the State's main environmental regulatory
agency,the Department of Environmental Preservation.
An important goal is to have the Florida Keys Stewardship Act included as a funded project in State's Land
Acquisition Trust Fund. The Land Acquisition Trust Fund ("LATF") is funded with documentary stamp taxes
directed there by Amendment i. Projects currently funded in the LATF include some of the State's highest
environmental priorities, such as Everglades Restoration and springs restoration. Inclusion of the Keys'
Stewardship Act into the LATF would elevate our Stewardship Act to Statewide importance and help secure
annual funding.
Another top priority is to secure authority from the State to levy an extra 1-penny sales tax. The ultimate
levy of the i-penny tax, if State authority were to be secured, would be subject to the approval of our local
voters via a local referendum. The revenue raised from this i-penny sales tax would be used to implement a
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road elevation program to respond to the severe and persistent flooding of the County's roads from sea level
rise, King Tides, and storm inundation.
Wind insurance affordability is yet another critical need for our constituents and a key component in
preserving the Keys'strong local economy that is a valuable economic engine for the State. At the State level,
this requiresworking with Citizens Property Insurance Company's windstorm insurance to find waysto enhance
affordability,with the Office of Insurance Regulation to address annual rate increases, and to oppose efforts to
increase premiums, eliminate the io% cap on annual increases, reduce coverage, and reduce eligibility.
Affordable flood insurance is another important issue, but mainly a federal one. However, Monroe supports any
efforts that may be made by State Legislature on behalf of the 3.8 million Floridians who are policyholders in
the National Flood Insurance Program,to preserve the NFIP and affordable flood insurance.
The spate of pre-emption bills introduced in recent legislative sessions such as those related to vacation 0
rentals, single use plastic bags, business regulation, use of county rights of way, affordable housing, and local
referenda represent a significant challenge to home rule. We expect these State legislative efforts to continue
with respect to preemptions, revenue reductions,cost shifts and unfunded mandates.
.2
It is beneficial for the Board to be active participants in the legislative process by testifying on behalf of the
County and working with the legislative delegation. Staff will continue to keep the Board involved in legislative
issues through agenda items, resolutions, memoranda, FAC"Call to Action"emails, and regular updates.
LOBBYING CONTRACTS
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The County utilizes contract lobbying services at the State level to further Monroe County's legislative goals W
and to secure vital appropriations. Monroe County currently contracts with Robert Reyes with Capital Group,
John Wayne Smith and Ryan Matthews of Peebles Smith (with a sub-contract with Dean Canon of Gray-
Robinson), Frank Bernardino with Anfield Consulting,and Nick Iarossi with Capital City Consulting.These firms
provide a daily presence in Tallahassee and advocate forthe County's legislative priorities.
Staff coordinates regularly with the County's State lobbying team by phone and e-mail to strategize on key
State policy, regulatory, and budget issues. In addition to weekly conference calls during session, and weekly .6
issues tracking, lobbyists also submit monthly reports, and formally report annually to the Board of County
Commissioners.
Please find on the following pages a listing of the proposed Monroe County 2023.State legislative issues, with
a brief discussion on each.
0
KEY DATES
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2023.Legislative Session
December 2-4: FAC Legislative Conference
January 6: Local Delegation Meeting `V
January 20:Approval of BOCC Legislative Agenda
January-February: Legislative Committee Weeks
March 2: First Day of Session
March IT Florida Association of Counties Legislative Day
TBD: Keys Day
April 20: Last Day for Committee meetings
April 30: Last Day of Session
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Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Prioritises 2023,
FLORIDA KEYS STEWARDSHIP: WATER QUALITY PROTECTION
CHALLENGES:
➢ Unique Ecosystem:The Florida Keys lie within the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
This fragile and complex marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys is one of the unique ecosystems in the world
and is home to the only living coral reef in the continental U.S. and the third largest barrier reef in the
world,the largest sea grass meadow in the hemisphere,and 6,000 species of marine life. Leaching cesspits,
runoff and degraded canal waters pollute the nearshores waters of the Sanctuary and threaten the 0
ecosystem.
➢ Unrivaled Economic Impact: This ecosystem is the lifeblood of marine-based tourism and fisheries
economy unrivaled in the State of Florida generating over$4B in economic activity, enabling the Keys to y
generate $225M in sales tax revenue for the State (in normal years).
➢ Federal State Water Quality Mandates: The implementation of Advanced Wastewater Treatment
standards,storm water management and canal water restoration in the Florida Keys are all pursuantto and
in furtherance of the Federal Water Quality Protection Program mandates that apply to all of the waters
surrounding the Florida Keys. Congress created the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in iggo, and
directed US EPA and the State to develop a Water Quality Protection Program to restore and protect water `V
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quality.
➢ Wastewater Implementation: The State mandated that The Florida Keys Area of Critical Concern
construct a centralized wastewater treatment system in compliance with FS 383.and 4o3 across the span
of the ioo+ mile archipelago. This has cost the local governments of the Florida Keys s9ooM. The State
has invested siooM in that system.
➢ Storm Water and Degraded Canal Waters: With wastewater treatment system improvements almost
complete, the Keys must now address two remaining areas of water quality concern, storm water and
degraded canal waters. Runoff and poor canal water leach into the nearshore waters of the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary and threaten its fragile ecosystem. Environmental testing has determined that
many canals in the Keys have poor water quality that fall below the State water quality standards.
➢ Land Acquisition Trust Fund: A portion of the State's doc stamp taxes are deposited into this trust fund,
per Amendment 1,to fund State's environmental priority projects. Inclusion of the Stewardship Act into
the LATF would significantly enhance efforts to secure annual Stewardship funding.
➢ LOCAL COMMITMENT:
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o County Funds: The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners expended s7M in local funds to
conduct a Restoration Pilot Program, wherein we implemented a number of different restoration
technologies on seven different canals to determine the costs and benefits of each technique.
o RESTORE Act funds: The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has committed all of its
$20M in its RESTORE Act funds to Canal Restoration.
o Natural Resources Conservation Service Funds: The County secured a s4SM federal grant in 2oi8 to
remove hurricane-related debris from almost 200 canals.
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT a $20M appropriation for the implementation of The Florida Keys Stewardship Act.
SUPPORT inclusion of the Florida Keys Stewardship Act in the State's Land and Water Trust Fund.
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FLORIDA KEYS STEWARDSHIP ACT: LAND ACQUISITION
CHALLENGES:
➢ Area of Critical State Concern: The State of Florida designated the Florida Keys an Area of Critical State
Concern, in recognition of its unique and significant environmental resources, and through the
Administration Commission, the State maintains oversight of the growth and development issues in the
Florida Keys.
➢ Hurricane Evacuation: State law limits residential housing growth in the Keys sothat permanent residents
can be safely evacuated within 24 hours. U.S. i has limited capacity for cars on the road, which limits the
number of people that can live here. The State accomplishes this through an annual rationing of building m
permits, until we reach a cap or"build out." 0
➢ Development Permits:The State caps the total number of new building permits in the Keys. In 2013 that
cap was set at 3,550. Each year,for the next ten years,the State allocates 355 permits to the Keys.We will
reach build out in 2026, after which there will be no more permits, and no further development will be N
permitted. (Note, the County extended the buildout timeframe from 2023, and has divided its remaining
permits to extend the build out date to 2026 to allow for more time to focus on land acquisition.)
➢ Property Rights/Legal Liabilit After we apply all of the available permits (3,550), there will still be
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approximately 8,000 privately owned, undeveloped parcels, potentially with no ability to develop. The
deficit of permits could trigger property rights lawsuits against the local governments and the State from
owners who may have been denied the ability to build a home on their property. The total value of the `V
remaining 8,000 parcels, and the liability of potential takings claims, is conservatively estimated at$846M W
(2oi8 data). The County and the State have been named as co-defendants in property rights suits filed as
a result of ACSC regulations, and jointly defended those suits.
➢ Conservation and Non-Conservation Lands: Florida Forever provides a programmatic funding source
through which the State can acquire lands to retire development rights, as long as those properties are
conservation lands within the Florida Forever project boundaries. Of the 8,000 privately-owned,
undeveloped properties that could be left without permits approximatelY3,500 lie within Florida Forever
project boundaries. In 2o3.8, we secured legislative changes that authorizes the State to acquire non-
conservation lands in ACSCto retire development rights. However,this type of acquisition requires a State
funding source.
➢ Military Base Buffering: The Keys are home the U.S. Naval Air Station Key West. Approximately 50o of
the 7,800 privately-owned, undeveloped parcels lie within NASKW's military buffer areas. In 2o18, we
secured legislative changes that prioritized NASKW within the State's military buffer lands program, but
the program requires greater State funding in order to acquire more base buffer land.
➢ LOCAL COMMITMENT:
o Since August 1, 2o3.6, Monroe County has expended a total of$18.9M in local funds(a combination of
infrastructure sales surtax and Monroe County Land Authority)to reduce this liability by acquiring land
and retire the development rights. The County has an additional $7.3.M budgeted. The State has
expended $4.5M. To date,327 development rights have been retired (253.by the County and 76 by the
State).
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT appropriation of$5M within Florida Forever as authorized in The Florida Keys Stewardship Act
for land acquisition within the Florida Keysthatwill both conserve environmentally sensitive land and retire
development rights to mitigate future takings liability.
SUPPORT continued partnership with DEO and FDEP to fund and implement an aggressive, long-term
land acquisition strategy aimed at reducing the total inventory of privately owned vacant land to curtail the
threat of significant future takings liability.
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Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Prioritises 2023,
SUPPORT increased funding for Military Base buffering for State acquisition of buffer lands around NASKW
that will protect base encroachment AND retire development rights to mitigate future takings liability.
FUNDING TO BUILD RESILIENCY TO SEA LEVEL RISE, KING TIDES AND STORM
INUNDATION ON COUNTY ROADS
CHALLENGES:
` Estimated Costs: In 2oi8, Monroe County embarked on a comprehensive study to examine the impacts of
sea level rise, King Tides and storm inundation on the County's road system. This study, currently 0
underway, has produced initial cost estimates of s3..8B to elevate and otherwise mitigate flooding impacts.
(This estimate does not include roadways within the Keys'municipalities.)
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` Many communities are currently impacted by severe and persistent flooding on their roads. This flooding N
affects public safety, commerce, property values and quality of life.
'' The County is charting a course to pursue all available funding streams to assist with this comprehensive
effort, including federal and state grants, special assessments and local funding.
` A highly impactful revenue source for Monroe is the i-cent infrastructure sales surtax. Monroe County
currently levies a i-cent infrastructure sales surtax that raises$34M, countywide, annually(of this amount
Monroe County BOCC is allocated approximately$23M.) We utilize the revenue from this i-cent sales tax W
for critical infrastructure needs including firehouses, jail facilities, wastewater treatment facilities,
courthouses,facilities for all constitutional officers, air ambulance helicopters,and land acquisition.
'' The current i-cent salestax sunsets in 2033,and we will seek,via referendum,to extend it 2053.The revenue
of the extension could be bonded to generate $200M.
` An additional i-cent tax levy, if levied after approval by the local voters via a referendum, would raise an
additional$34M annuallythat could be bonded to generate s-400M,which we contemplate utilizing toward
the County's road elevation/resiliency program.
REQUESTED ACTION:
` SUPPORT legislative authority for Monroe County to levy, by referendum, an additional i-cent sales tax
for roadway elevation to mitigate impacts of severe and persistent flooding from sea level rise, King Tides,
and storm inundation.
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WIND INSURANCE AND FLOOD INSURANCE:
AFFORDABILITY AND ACCESSABIL`ITY
CHALLENGES:
➢ Wind insurance rates: Monroe's residential and commercial Citizens'wind insurance rates are the highest
in the State. Monroe's premium rate 175%higher than the median coastal rate. Citizens Property Insurance
Company provides wind insurance coverage for approximately go%of Keys'homes. High costs and limited
coverage negatively impact our citizens, our workforce, our property values, and our economy.
➢ Monroe's building standards: Monroe County's building standards are among the most rigorous in the
State,yet this is not reflected in Citizens'rate calculations for Monroe.
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➢ Modeling: Despite dramatic differences in projected losses for Monroe County from the various rating
models, Citizens until this year used only the model most unfavorable to the County to apply statewide
increases to Monroe.
➢ Premiums vs.Claims: Premiums charged by Citizens are not commensurate with actual risk.
o From 2004-2o3.8 Monroe paid in total more than a half billion dollars in premiums over claims.
➢ Affordability and Annual Glide path: Monroe's already high rates are compounded with annual io%
increases. These costs exacerbate the County's housing cost crisis. Property insurance affordability is a key
component in preserving the Keys' strong local economy. The legislature recognized the importance of
affordable property insurance, but Citizens has failed to apply an "affordability" definition or standard
(beyond capping annual increases to io%.)
o Citizens Property Insurance Corporation statute reads: "The absence of affordable property insurance 0
threatens the public health, safety, and welfare and likewise threatens the economic health of the State.
The State therefore has a compelling public interest and a public purpose to assist in assuring that
property in the State is insured and that it is insured at affordable rates so as to facilitate the remediation, .2
reconstruction, and replacement of damaged or destroyed property in order to reduce or avoid the
negative effects otherwise resulting to the public health,safety,and welfare, to the economy of the State,
and to the revenues of the State and local governments which are needed to provide for the public
welfare."
o There has been some pre-session discussion by Citizens and lawmakers about raising Citizens'rates, and
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eliminating the zo l rate cap. We will monitor this discussion closely, and work with FIRM to advocate
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against any legislation that would increase or eliminate this cap. W
➢ Flood Insurance: Affordable flood insurance is another important issue, but mainly a federal one. W
Affordable flood insurance is provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). With more
NFIP policies than any other State, Florida has a lot at stake with the future of the program, and its
continued ability to provide flood insurance to Floridians at affordable rates. The majority of NFIP policies
belong to homes and businesses in the State's coastal communities;these coastal communities generate
8o%of the State's GDP. The County encourages the State Legislature to recognize the value of NFIP and
the local and statewide economic benefits of affordable flood insurance and to ensure and support
measures that preserve it.
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
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` SUPPORT legislation that reduces Monroe's annual wind insurance rate increase maximum from io%to a
COLA-based annual increase, recognizing Monroe's unique affordability issues, strong building codes and
overall importance to the State of Florida. 0
OPPOSE legislation what would increase the annual cap on premium increases above io%or that would
eliminate the cap. cv
SUPPORT legislation to help lower premiums and annual rate increases by requiring Citizens to:
o Apply mitigation credits that account for Monroe's rigorous building standards;
o Apply an affordability definition or standard, perthe statutory language mandating affordability.
SUPPORT legislationto lowerwind insurance premiumson multifamily affordable units by re-categorizing
them to"personal residential"from "commercial residential."
OPPOSE legislation that limits the availability of Citizens'coverage (particularly in areas such as Monroe,
where there is no reasonable degree of competition for windstorm insurance.)
SUPPORT the legislative efforts of Fair Insurance Rates for Monroe (FIRM) related to both wind and flood
insurance affordability and availability for Monroe County.
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Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Prioritises 2023,
MARINE PROTECTION:
DERELICT VESSELS AND PUMP OUT PROGRAM
CHALLENGES:
➢ Derelict Vessels: Monroe County has the highest number of derelict vessels in the State.The generation of
derelict vessels(DVs)around the State has been recognized by the Florida Legislature and the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as posing significant navigational and environmental
impacts. In the past several years, new legislation has addressed several issues related to DVs; however,
additional legislative focus will continue to be critical for significant improvements towards the reduction
and prevention of DVs. 0
In 203.9,the Florida Legislature redirected approximately 3o%of statewide recreational vessel registration
fees into a Trust Fund for use in funding derelict vessel removals. This has resulted in a revenue reduction
of approximately$70,00o annually for Monroe County. The legislation also authorized FWC to administer N
a Derelict Vessel Grant Program for distribution of the funds. The State's primary purpose was to ensure
more equitable distribution of funding across the state for derelict vessel removals, particularly to
communities with minimal boating revenues, and allow FWC to utilize any unspent funds for agency-
funded removals.
The Trust Fund currently generates approximately$2.3.million dollars annually. Since this associated grant
funding became available in March, Monroe County has secured over si68,000 in DV removal funding from W
FWC. However, recent Legislative actions have significantly reduced FWC's spending authority for
distribution of these funds. In addition,current remaining funds have been reprioritized for use in response
to hurricane-related derelict vessels rather than distribution through the grant program. Marine Resources
staff do not believe the intent of this funding was to address natural disaster response for derelict vessels,
and doing so in the future creates unpredictable and unreliable funding availability for local governments,
particularly Monroe County.
Consistent with FWC and Statewide goals, Monroe County supports legislation that:
o Authorizes FWC's budget request for agency spending authority to utilize revenues in the Derelict
Vessel Trust Fund for distribution via grant program to local governments for the removal of derelict
vessels
o Excludes the use of the Derelict Vessel Trust Fund revenues for hurricane response activities. o
o Reducesthe numberof derelict vessels, including specifically addressing long-term anchoring of vessels
that often leads to vessels becoming derelict, and
o Encourages prevention efforts, such as enhancement to at-risk vessel laws and establishment of a o
Statewide Derelict Vessel Prevention Program.
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➢ Vessel Pump Out Water Protection Program: The pristine waters of the Florida Keys attract high numbers
of boaters from all over the State and country. These waters are within the Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary and are designated as a No Discharge Zone (NDZ) by DEP and the Sanctuary. In 203.3, Monroe
County implemented a large-scale Mobile Vessel Pumpout Program to assist boaters in complying with the
NDZ. Monroe County is also launching implementation of a Marina Pumpout Initiative to expand the
number of available shoreside pumpout facilities throughout the Keys.
• Monroe County requires occupied vessels to provide a "proof of pump out"and provides a free weekly
mobile pump out service. Combined,these measures have ensured nearly i00%compliance with NDZ
regulations.
• To date,the Mobile Vessel Pumpout Program has captured over 2 million gallons of vessel sewage.
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• Monroe County supports this program through its Boater Improvement Funds, Clean Vessel Act
funding, and direct legislative appropriations. This funding makes it possible to provide the pump out
service at no charge, which is highly effective at incentivizing boaters to pump out and ensuring water
quality protection for public health and our marine environment.
Consistent with Statewide goals, Monroe County supports legislation that:
o Secures a continued legislative appropriation for mobile vessel pump out services in Monroe County.
o Establishes a statewide No Discharge Zone including a requirement that boaters provide proof that
their vessel was pumped out.
➢ Anchoring Laws: From 2009-2017, Monroe County was one of five local governments who participated in
a statewide Pilot Program for Anchoring & Mooring to test several regulatory approaches for waterway
management. At its conclusion, a final report was submitted by FWC to the Florida Legislature o
recommending several statutory changesto boating laws. In recentyears,many ofthese recommendations
have been implemented; however, the issue of long-term anchoring was not properly addressed and still
presents significant challenges for Monroe County such as boating safety, public waterway access and
environmental damage.
Consistent with Statewide goals, Monroe County supports legislation that:
o Addressesthe issue of long-term anchoring of vessels throughout the state,such astime limits for both
occupied and stored vessels, and
o Grants local governments more authority to regulate vessel anchoring while retaining statewide
uniformity.
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REQUESTED ACTIONS:
Derelict Vessels:
SUPPORT FWC's budget request for agency spending authorityto utilize revenues in the Marine Resources
Conservation Trust Fund for distribution via grant program to local governments forthe removal of derelict .6
vessels.
SUPPORT exclusion of the use of the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund revenues for hurricane
response activities for derelict vessels to ensure continuous, sufficient funding to local governments for
routine derelict vessel removal needs.
` SUPPORT establishment of a statewide Derelict Vessel Prevention Program to provide funding for
preventative efforts such as statewide Vessel Turn-In Program.
` SUPPORT statutory changes to define a vessel with three(3)or more at-risk citations as a`public nuisance'
and allow law enforcement to relocate, remove and/or destroy these vessels to reduce the number of `V
derelict vessels.
SUPPORT statutory change to allow law enforcement the ability to relocate at-risk vessels tied to
mangroves to protect habitat and discourage inappropriate shoreside access.
Vessel Sewage:
SUPPORT a legislative appropriation of$750,000 to support Monroe County's Mobile Vessel Pump Out
Program.
SUPPORT establishment of a statewide No Discharge Zone including a requirement that boaters provide
proof that their vessel was pumped out (similar to Monroe County's existing Proof of Pumpout'
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Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Priorities 2023,
requirement). These measures would improve water quality, provide statewide consistency, and provide
additional pumpout opportunities for boaters.
Anchoring Laws:
SUPPORT legislation authorizing local governments to set anchoring time limits in certain designated
areas upon approval by FWC when alternative options such as public mooring fields and/or suitable
anchorages are available.These measures would retain statewide uniformity and regulation, reduce long-
term anchoring of stored and/or unattended vessels, improve boating safety and public waterway access,
and reduce environmental damage.
OPPOSE further dilution of county authority to regulate vessels and waterways.
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING a
CHALLENGE:The challenges facing citizens of finding and securing affordable housing in Monroe County are
not new but have increased exponentially after Category 5 Hurricane Irma hit the Keys in 20i7.
As an "Area of Critical State Concern," Monroe is the only County to receive a special set aside in the State's
competitive annual allocation of Housing Tax Credits. Staff works in partnership with Florida Housing Finance
Corporation for awards of Tax Credits and SAIL funding, as well with DEO to highlight the importance of
funding and other incentives to aid in our ongoing housing recovery and rebuilding efforts, and to address the
County's affordable housing challenges.
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
` SUPPORT award of Tax Credits to Monroe County, and protection of the Florida Keys set-aside;
SUPPORT award of SAIL funding to Monroe County-
SUPPORT legislation that provides propertytax relief on residential properties that provide long-term
affordable/workforce rental housing; and
SUPPORT full appropriation of Sadowski Housing Trust Fund monies for affordable housing.
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VACATION RENTALS
REQUESTED ACTIONS: CD
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` SUPPORT legislation that provides a "carve out" for Monroe County from preemptive vacation rental
regulations via the County's status as an Area of Critical State Concern to enable the County to
amend/update our vacation rental regulations in order to increase supply of workforce housing.
SUPPORT legislation that protects Monroe County's grandfathered vacation rental ordinances and that
would allow local governments with grandfathered ordinances to amend and update their regulations
without losing their grandfathered status.
SUPPORT legislation that enhances Monroe County's abilityto enforce local vacation rental regulations.
` OPPOSE legislation that preempts local communities from regulating vacation rentals, and legislation
that threatens grandfathered protections.
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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
` SUPPORT legislation creating a public records exemption for after action reports, assessments, and
databases that maybe used to support response efforts(like WebEC)C),emergency management database
platforms,applications, programs,software, and the date and records contained therein; and the personal
identification information and financial information of persons related to disaster management and
response, including disaster responders, persons using a public shelter during an emergency, persons with
special needs, and persons providing or receiving damage assessment information.
EVERGLADES RESTORATION o
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
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SUPPORT legislation and funding to support continued implementation of the Comprehensive y
Everglades Restoration Plan.
CORAL REEF PROTECTION
REQUESTED ACTIONS: T_
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SUPPORT legislation and funding that protects and preserves Florida's coral reef tract. W
CLERKS FUNDING/JUDGESHIPS
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT continued attention to the adequate funding for the functions of the clerks of court, including
an allocation process that result in a fair and sufficient distribution of court generated revenue.
OPPOSE the decertification of any Monroe County Courtjudgeships and to any reductions to the local
judiciary.
SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
OPPOSE legislation that preempts local communities from banning single use plastic bags, particularly
coastal communities where plastic bags are not only an environmental pollutant but also pose a danger
to ocean and coastal wildlife.
RESILIENCE HARDENING AND PLANNING
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT State legislation that encourages vulnerability assessments, coordinates resources and
supports the efforts of local governments to mitigate and adapt to hurricanes, sea level rise, and other
climate-related challenges, and State funding for adaptation planning and investments in areas such as
roads and other infrastructure projects that provide hazard mitigation and serve to reduce immediate and
long-term risks to critical infrastructure.
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Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Priorities 2023.
FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
OPPOSE any benefit changes that result in an increase in the FRS county and county employee
contribution rates.
SUPPORT requiring all legislation that potentially results in an increase in the FRS contribution rate orthe
closing of the traditional pension plan to new employees to be analyzed and evaluated to determine the
direct fiscal impact of proposed changes to all local and State government to be eligible for consideration.
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HOME RULE, UNFUNDED MANDATES,
COUNTY REVENUES, STATE FUNDING LEVELS C
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CHALLENGES:
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➢ Pre-emption of Home Rule: Home rule, conferred to Florida counties by Article Vill, Section i(f) and i(g)
of the Florida Constitution (3.968), and by section 3.25.o3., Florida Statutes, is the principle that the
government closest to the people is the appropriate authority to serve the needs and requirements of the
community.The preservation of this concept is essential to the operation of county governments in Florida, T,
and which allows counties to develop and implement county-based solutions to local problems. `CD
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o Pre-emption Examples:The State Legislature often pursues local government pre-emptions in its
bills that prohibit local governments from banning or even regulating activities enabled by the
Legislature such as:fracking, single use plastic bags and vacation rentals.
➢ Unfunded Mandates:The State Legislature frequently passes legislation that compels local governments
to provide a service, program, or benefit without providing the appropriate funding. As more and more
mandates are created, local governments are faced with the burden of using local tax dollars to finance
functionsthat they have little control over and compromising local governments'abilityto provide services
requested by our local communities.
➢ Cost shifts: The State Legislature frequently passes legislation that passes along the costs or increases
local share requirements for services traditionally funded by the State, such as but not limited to County
Health Departments, Courts, Clerks'offices,Juvenile Justice, and mental health services. 0
➢ Restrictions of County Revenue Sources:Atthe same time the State Legislation imposes more mandates
and costs, it often pursues legislation reducing, restricting or eliminating sources of revenue for county
services, such as the Local Business Tax, Communication Services Tax, impact fees, transportation
concurrency fees, State park admission fees, and sales taxes.
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REQUESTED ACTIONS:
OPPOSE legislation that would revise current law in a manner that reduces or eliminates current local
government-related revenues or preempts home rule authority.
OPPOSE efforts to shift cost of services, implement unfunded mandates, reduce State funding for
infrastructure, programs and services, or other legislation that is costly and limits Monroe County's ability
to serve the needs of its citizens.
OPPOSE legislation that preempts the legislative and policy-making powers of counties used to regulate
land use and implement local zoning controls.
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Packet Pg. 2223
APPROPRIATION REQUESTS
REQUESTS:
$20M legislative appropriation for water quality projects in the Florida Keys.
$5M legislative appropriation for land acquisition in the Florida Keysthrough Florida Forever set-aside.
' $750,000 legislative appropriation for pump-out services in the Florida Keys.
$200,000 legislative appropriation for facility and security upgrades to the Guidance Care Center's Baker
Act facility.
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Packet Pg. 2224
Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Prioritises 2023,
GROWTH MANAGEMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
` SUPPORT the continued designation of the Florida Keys as an Area of Critical State Concern.
OPPOSE legislation that prevents counties from having local environmental protection programs that are
stricter in nature than State or federal regulatory programs.
"° OPPOSE any legislation that restricts State, county and city government purchases of conservation land, 0
and which would effectively eliminate land conservation efforts in the Florida Keys.
SUPPORT growth management legislation that is thoroughly vetted with all stakeholders,and thattakes
a targeted approach to increasing regulatory efficiencies, rather than broadly preempting local y
governments.
SUPPORT legislative efforts that strengthen the existing roles and home rule powers of local
governments to implement comprehensive planning programs that guide future development and
encourage the most appropriate use of land and natural resources.
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SUPPORT county home rule authority, and current statutory provisions, which allow counties to retainCD
their current transportation concurrency systems, and impact fees,as adopted by local ordinance. W
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
c�
` SUPPORT legislation creating a public records exemption for after action reports, assessments, and
databases that maybe used to support response efforts(like WebEOC),emergency management database
platforms,applications,programs,software,and the date and records contained therein;and the personal
identification information and financial information of persons related to disaster management and
response, including disaster responders, persons using a public shelter during an emergency, persons with
special needs, and persons providing or receiving damage assessment information.
SUPPORT assistance for building/identifying Out of County Shelter for residents of Monroe County in
cases of mandatory evacuation during storm-related events and other emergencies. o
SUPPORT an increase to the county base grant funding, which has remained unchanged for nearly a
decade. N
` SUPPORT maintaining the original intent and purpose of the Emergency Management Preparation And
Assistance Trust Fund, which is to serve as a funding source for State and local emergency management
programs, by ensuring that all monies collected for purposes of funding emergency management,
preparedness and assistance are deposited into the EMPA Trust Fund and spent on emergency
management activities, and opposing legislative sweeps of these trust fund monies.
` SUPPORT changes to the EMPA trust fund by ensuring the $2.00 and $4.00 annual surcharge on all
homeowner and business insurance policies is assessed on either a per-parcel or per-unit basis of coverage,
rather than on a single policy and a repeal of the service charge to general revenue on the EMPA trust fund
and redirect these monies back to the counties in the same manner in which the EMPA base grant is
distributed.
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Packet Pg. 2225
HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH,
SOCIAL SERVICES, AND fEMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
"` SUPPORT efforts to secure state financial assistance (ie, legislative appropriation) to make necessary
upgrades to the Guidance Care Center facility that serves as Monroe County's Baker Act facility.
SUPPORT increasing State general revenue funding for County Health Departments(CHDs), preserving
the ability of CHDs to provide primary care and direct patient care services, particularly in communities
without adequate substitutes or alternative providers for these services, and maintaining a coordinated
system of county health departments (CHDs) that is centrally housed within the Department of Health m
(DOH). 0
` OPPOSE efforts to decentralize the public health system by transferring authority over CHDs from the
DOH to the respective county governments, any State reductions to the County Health Department Trust
Funds; and any efforts, legislative or otherwise,to limit or eliminate the provision of primary care services y
in CHDs. )
SUPPORT increased funding for core mental health and substance abuse services. SUPPORT efforts to
increase supportive housing,employment and education initiatives for people with behavioral health issues
and/or disabilities. SUPPORT diverting, medically assisting, or treating mentally ill persons outside of the
criminaljustice system through alternative community programs.
SUPPORT establishing a cap on growth in the individual county Medicaid costs to address cost shifts; and W
continued evaluation ofthe County-State Medicaid cost-share arrangement.
SUPPORT State legislation drawing down federal funds made available to Florida under the PPACA to
expand health care coverage to certain individuals who earn up to 3.38 percent of the federal poverty level,
if such a program does not further shift Medicaid costs to counties.
OPPOSE legislation that limits the ability of county EMS providers to be reimbursed for out of network
transports.
SUPPORT maintaining a countywide regulatory system for EMS through the current Certificate of Public
Convenience and Necessity(COPCN) process.
SUPPORT efforts to increase supportive housing, employment and education initiatives for people with
behavioral health issues and/or disabilities. c,
SUPPORT appropriate funding for children in early learning and school age care to ensure children's access
to educational, enrichment and readiness programs; and continuation of funding for the Florida Healthy o
Start and Healthy Families program.
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SUPPORT the continuation of a coordinated Transportation Disadvantaged (TD)system,and appropriate
and dedicated State funding for the TD program; protect the TD trust fund.
TRANSPORTATION
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT continuing enhanced State funding for the Small County Outreach Program (SCOP). This
funding is critical to Monroe County, which is a small county with major bridge and local road
responsibilities.
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Packet Pg. 2226
Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Prioritises 2023,
` SUPPORT increasing the cost cap (from $400,000 to $750,000) for counties to self-perform road
improvement projects using the Constitutional Gas Tax proceeds.
SUPPORT legislation that would index local option fuel taxes to annual adjustments of the CPI.
` SUPPORT amending s.336.045, Florida Statutes,to include an additional paragraph expressly authorizing
Florida counties to determine the reasonable level and frequency of local road maintenance.
VETERANS
REQUESTED ACTIONS: o
` SUPPORT legislation establishing a program that allocates State funds to hire Veterans Services Officers
in counties in order to increase services and federal benefits for Florida veterans.
LIBRARIES
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT State Aid to Public Libraries Grant Program: Restore funding to $23,000,000. This provides
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Monroe County with approx. $40-5oK each year. W
SUPPORT Library Cooperative Grant Program: Appropriate recurring $2,000,000 (F.S. 257.40-42). This
supplies many of the Libraries Databases and electronic resources that we would be unable to provide
independently.
SUPPORT Public Library Construction Grants: Appropriate funding of$3.6,800,000 to support all eligible
applications(F.S. 257.191). Monroe will apply for this grant for the Marathon library project.
` SUPPORT Career Online High School: Appropriate to $750,000. This is a program that allows adults who
did not graduate from high school to complete their education online and receive a credentialed diploma.
Monroe will be applying for participation in the coming year.
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COUNTY JAILS, INMATE MEDICAL COSTS, JUVENILE JUSTICE
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REQUESTED ACTIONS:
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` OPPOSE sentencing of State inmates to county jails, but support counties' ability to contract with the
Department of Corrections for housing State inmates.
` SUPPORT legislation that reduces jail expenses by setting a reimbursement amount paid by counties to
medical providers for health care services for inmates and arrestees at no higher than the established
Medicare rate plus io%,the same rate as currently charged to the Department of Corrections, unless there
is an existing contract in place or a business practice providing a lower rate.
SUPPORT continued efforts to obtain Medicaid eligibility for persons incarcerated in county jails while
waiting disposition of their cases and to ensure that existing Medicaid benefits are not terminated during
incarceration.
SUPPORT initiatives that reduce juvenile detention through prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation
services.
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Packet Pg. 2227
` SUPPORT the Legislature appropriating State funds to the Department of Juvenile Justice to upgrade,
renovate, or reconstruct detention centers across Florida that are in a State of disrepair and State
investments in juvenile facilities to improve the conditions of secure confinement for detained youth
without such costs being shifted to the counties.
HOMELESSNESS
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT legislation that creates a dedicated State funding source for homelessness programs and
services. o
SUPPORT continued coordination with the State's homeless planning council, specifically as it develops
policies in support of the new Federal Strategic Plan to end Homelessness.
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SUPPORTthe development of strategiesthat would allow local governmentsto work with the State and
federal government to serve target populations: The chronically homeless, Veterans and Families and
children,with particular emphasis on children aging out of the foster care system.
SUPPORT a process that would waive the fees related to obtaining personal identification from the State
for persons identified as homeless.
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OVERSEAS HERITAGE TRAIL:
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
CHALLENGES:
➢ Pedestrian/Fishing Bridges: These bridges are an essential part of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage
Trail.They are on the National Register of Historic Places.The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail Master a,
Plan (completed in 2000 was prepared by Monroe County in partnership with FDEP FDOT and the
National Park Services to fulfill the expressed vision by Monroe County citizens to have a continuous trail
along US 3.spanning the length of the Keys.As such,completion of the trail is a high priorityforthe County,
FDEP and other project stakeholders. The bridges are in poor condition, posing hazards to trail users and
boaters underneath and posing environmental hazards to the waters of the National Marine Sanctuary. (In
203.4, DEP closed 4 of these bridges due to their unsafe structural condition.) DEP must conduct a
Preliminary Design and Engineering study (PDE) to assess the conditions of the bridges and
repair/rehabilitation options. The PDE will cost$7.5M. Possible sources for funding include the following: o
inclusion in DEP's legislative budget request and TAP funds are also a possibility, but TAP funds are also
limited. cv
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT DEP's efforts to fund the Preliminary Design and Engineering study.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT home rule: maintaining local authority to determine land use, zoning, and other regulatory
standards for marijuana cultivation, processing, and distribution.
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Packet Pg. 2228
Monroe County Board of County Commissioners State Legislative Prioritises 2023,
` SUPPORT recurring revenue: a taxation or fee structure should be implemented with the State or
independently to help counties recoup all costs for public services, including but not limited to law
enforcement, and regulatory enforcement.
SUPPORT legislation that provides comprehensive health-based regulatory system where the DOH is
responsible for licensing cultivation sites, dispensing facilities, and manufacturers of marijuana for
medicinal purposes.
OIL DRILLING/FRACKING
REQUESTED ACTIONS: 0
OPPOSE legislation authorizing hydraulic fracturing or"fracking"or similar well stimulation processes and
treatments performed for the purpose of exploration or production of energy resources in the State, or in
the Florida Keys, or any area near conservation land or drinking water aquifers.
OPPOSE legislation pre-empting local regulation of fracking/drilling activities, including ancillary activities
such as waste storage, handling and disposal,truck traffic,and other local public health and safety impacts.
OPPOSE legislation that would create a public records law exemption for proprietary information provided
by drilling companies.
SUPPORT continuation of prohibitions against leases or permits for oil or gas drilling within Florida's W
territorial seas, State lands, and the Everglades.
SUSTAINABILITY, PACE, RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
SUPPORT the 2023. legislative initiatives of the SE Florida Regional Climate Compact's Legislative
Program.
SUPPORT State legislation that encourages vulnerability assessments, coordinates resources and
supports the efforts of local governments to mitigate and adaptto sea level rise, increasing storm severity
and other climate changes, and State funding for adaptation planning and investments in areas such as m
roads and other infrastructure projects that provide hazard mitigation and serve to reduce immediate and
long-term risks to critical infrastructure. o
SUPPORT a State comprehensive climate change action plan, energy policies, and other initiatives to
reduce carbon dioxide and other compounds in the atmosphere which will help provide solutionsto present
and future generations, including ecosystem sustainability, long term water supply,flood protection,public
health and safety, and economic growth and prosperity.
SUPPORT State funding of Solid Waste Management Grants.
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Packet Pg. 2229
MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Michelle Coldiron, District 2
BOCC2 @monroecounty-fl.c�ov3o5-292-4512
Mayor Pro Tern David Rice, District 4
BOCC4@monroecounty-El.pov3o5-289-6000
Craig Cates, District 1 m
BOCC1@monroecountv-fl.c�ov 305-292-3440
Eddie Martinez, District 3
BOCC3@monroecounty-f1.90v 305-292-3430 °—
Mike Forster, District 5
BOCC5@monrocounty-fl.c�ov 305-453-8787 a,
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Roman Gastesi
Gostesi-roman@monroecounty-fl.gov W
Office:305-292-4441
Cell:305-394-1332
DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
Lisa Tennyson
♦ Tennyson-liso@monroecounty-fl.gov
Office:305-292-4444
Cell:305-509-1709
COUNTY ATTORNEY
Bob Shillinger
Shillinger-bob@monroecounty-fl.gov
Office:305-292-3470
Cell:305-747-4717 CD
cv
LOBBYISTS:
Capitol Group: Robert Reyes,Tallahassee, FI 850-425-4050
Anfield Consulting: Frank Bernardino, Tallahassee, FI 866-96o-5939
Peebles, Smith, Matthews:John Wayne Smith, Ryan Matthews,Angela Drzewiecki,Tallahassee, FI 850-
681-7383
Gray Robinson: Dean Cannon,Tallahassee, FI 850-577-9090
Capital City Consulting: Nick larossi,Tallahassee FI 850-222-9075
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