Nature-based methods for improving coastal resiliency.

(1) By January 1, 2027, the department shall develop design guidelines and standards for optimal combinations of nature-based methods for using green or hybrid green-gray infrastructure to address coastal resiliency, including local mitigation strategies for erosion control, sea-level rise, and storm surge.

(2) By January 1, 2027, the department must initiate rulemaking, subject to legislative ratification, to provide for a clear and consistent statewide permitting process under s. 373.4131 for nature-based methods for improving coastal resiliency and to address all of the following:

(a) Criteria and thresholds for permits to implement nature-based methods, including monitoring, inspection, and reporting requirements.

(b) Procedures governing the review of applications and notices, duration and modification of permits, operational requirements, and transfers of permits.

(c) Provisions for emergencies, abandonment and removal of systems, and significant erosion in areas of critical state concern.

(d) Exemptions and general permits that do not allow significant adverse impacts to occur individually or cumulatively.

(e) Improvement of coastal resiliency using nature-based solutions, including living seawalls, shoreline and vegetation planting, seagrass planting, wave attenuation devices, green or hybrid green-gray stormwater infrastructure, beach renourishment, dune and wetland restoration, reinforced dunes, reef restoration, and ecologically sound building materials.

(f) Protection and maintenance of access to and navigation of the marked channel and the right-of-way of the Florida Intracoastal Waterway as defined in s. 327.02.

(g) Creation of permitting incentives for the use of new strategies and technologies, such as 3D printing and other forms of manufacturing, for living shorelines and nature-based features for coastal protection.

(h) Incentives to encourage local governmental entities to create projects using nature-based solutions for coastal protection through the Resilient Florida Grant Program pursuant to s. 380.093(3)(b)1.d.

(i) Guidelines for determining when a nature-based solutions project is clearly in the public interest and safety under s. 373.414(1)(a).

(j) Development of a clear and efficient permitting process after designated storm events or disasters to replace failed coastal infrastructure with nature-based or green or hybrid green-gray infrastructure that follows established guidelines in subsection (1).

(k) Identification of ways local governmental entities can participate in coastal resiliency, including:

1. Mangrove replanting and hydrological restoration programs.

2. Restoration of oyster reefs, salt marshes, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

3. Identification and monitoring of threats to mangroves.

4. Protection of barrier and spoil islands.

(3) The department and local governments shall promote public awareness and education on the value of nature-based solutions for coastal resiliency, including the preservation and restoration of wetlands, floodplains, seagrasses, mangroves, and other natural systems along the coastline.