Permitting Consistency
Consumptive Use Permitting Consistency (CUPcon)
A statewide effort, led by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), to improve consistency in the consumptive/
water use permitting programs implemented by the five water management districts is underway.
Consumptive use permitting rules, developed under the authority of Ch. 373, F.S., are inconsistent among the districts. This results in confusion for the regulated public, particularly along the border areas of the districts, and inequitable treatment of similar applicants in different districts. The development of separate procedures and rules also is costly and inefficient.
The goals of CUPcon are to make water-use permitting programs less confusing for applicants; to treat applicants equitably statewide; to streamline the process; to provide consistent protection of the environment; and to provide incentives for behavior that protects water resources (such as water conservation).
Workshops
FDEP and the water management districts will hold
rule development workshops throughout the state. If you have information or suggestions that you would like a
workgroup to consider, please send an email to
. In the email please note the workgroup to which your information pertains and provide your contact information.
More Information
For more information view the
CUPcon page on DEP's website or contact Carlos Herd at 386.362.1001 or 800.226.1066 (FL toll free).
Statewide Environmental Resource Permitting (SWERP)
Currently, between DEP and Florida's five water management districts, at least five different versions of the
environmental resource permitting (ERP) rules are in place statewide. Reducing the number and complexity of the rules will make it easier for everyone to understand and apply what is expected of them during the ERP regulatory process, and will improve predictability and consistency in permitting decisions. A statewide rule will not raise or lower environmental standards.
In April 2012, Governor Rick Scott signed legislation granting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) the authority to create one statewide rule for the ERP program.
Suwannee River Water Management District is working with DEP, the other water management districts, local governments, citizens and businesses throughout the development of the statewide rule.
Workshops
DEP will host two rulemaking workshops via webinar. All interested parties are invited to participate. The webinars will be held on August 7 and 16. For more information please visit
DEP's SWERP Workshop web page.
More information
For all up-to-date information about the Statewide ERP rulemaking, please visit
DEP's website or contact Tim Sagul at 386.362.1001 or 800.226.1066 (FL toll free).