UF Law Conservation Clinic hosts water resources act and public interest discussion

Florida Springs
Florida Springs

Florida’s Constitution and its environmental laws reference the “public interest” repeatedly, usually with little explanation; for example, Chapter 373 of the Florida Statutes cites “public interest” forty-six times but does not define or otherwise qualify the term as it pertains to the consumptive use of water. 

UF Law Conservation Clinic Student Associates Courtney Meyer and Phil Sliger will discuss how the “public interest” has been interpreted by the water management districts, in their rules and handbooks, and by judicial and administrative tribunals. 

Even though the “public interest” test has been an important part of Florida water law for nearly 50 years, it remains a standard that is inconsistently interpreted or at times seemingly ignored. 

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Meyer and Sliger will argue that FDEP and the water management districts should reduce the inherent subjectivity of the term by developing a uniform factor test that FDEP and/or the water management districts are required to address and articulate on the record in their permitting decisions

The Florida Springs Council is sponsoring the free online zoom presentation on Dec. 9th at 10 a.m. The topic is in response to Nestle’s application for a water permit at Ginnie Springs.

Sign up here and you will receive a reminder and link by email.

Photo Collage of Florida Springs and A couple standing in the woods

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