PALATKA, Fla., June 30, 2009 - Effective Wednesday, a new state law changes the process in which Florida's water management districts approve permits.

Under the new law, which was signed by Gov. Charlie Crist today, the 2009 Florida Legislature directed that the governing boards of the state's five water management districts delegate their authority to approve permits to each districts' executive director. The executive directors may designate other District staff to approve permits. Permit applications that are recommended for denial will continue to be considered by the governing boards.

In preparation for the possibility of Senate Bill 2080 becoming law, the St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board voted at its June 9 meeting to delegate its authority to take final action on permit applications recommended for approval to the District executive director, or designee. If the bill had been vetoed, the Board's action would have been voided.

Seeking to ensure that there continues to be opportunities for public involvement, the Board in June directed staff to develop a process to provide continued public participation in permitting decisions. Staff are currently working to develop such a process, recognizing that public input has always been an important part of the permitting process and the District's decisions.

For information about the District's permitting process and how the public can be involved, visit the District's Web site at sjrwmd.com/sb2080 .