By the adoption of CS/HB 7023, (Click Here for a copy of the pertinent section of Bill),  the Florida Legislature has again authorized a new 2-year extension of permits issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and water management districts and building permits, including local government-issued development orders or certificates of level of service.

The statutory extension applies to those enumerated permits with expiration dates between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2016,  provided that a) notice to the authorizing entity of the permittee’s intention to invoke the 2-year extension and estimated time-frame for acting under the permit is made by December 31, 2014, and b) the total duration of the extension is not more than 4 years, including  this 2 -year period and any prior statutory permit extension.  This statutory extension does not apply to permits that are non-compliant with a court order or the terms of the permit or to certain development -of -regional impact approvals that were previously extended.

Absent a veto by Governor Scott, which is not anticipated, the new legislation will become effective on July 1, 2014.