FEMA says Florida Risks Losing Flood Insurance Because of Legislation

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is raising concerns with Gov. Rick Scott that an environmental streamlined-permitting bill that passed the Legislature could cause Florida communities to lose their federal flood insurance.

HB 503 passed after initial concerns from environmental groups were resolved. Among other things, the bill provides that the issuance of local or state development permits cannot require other local, state or federal permits be issued first. The bill has not been sent yet to the governor.

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