WJCT reports: Fernandina Beach Senator Sole ‘No’ As Sea Level Rise Bill Passes Committee

Florida State Senator Aaron Bean

February 14, 2020

A bill that would require state-financed coastal developments to account for sea level rise got its first no vote in a committee stop on Thursday, and it came from a prominent Northeast Florida senator.

Senate Bill 178, introduced by Miami Democrat Jose Rodriguez, would keep state-financed builders out of coastal areas unless they first conduct sea level impact projection, or SLIP, studies. The assessments would have to account for potential sea level rise and increased storm risk during the expected life of the structure or 50 years, whichever is less.

The requirements would also apply to reconstruction projects in coastal zones.

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