373.023 Scope and application.

(1) All waters in the state are subject to regulation under the provisions of this chapter unless specifically exempted by general or special law.

(2) No state or local government agency may enforce, except with respect to water quality, any special act, rule, regulation, or order affecting the waters in the state controlled under the provisions of this act, whether enacted or promulgated before or after the effective date of this act, until such special act, rule, regulation, or order has been filed with the department. However, any agency empowered to issue emergency orders affecting such waters may enforce such emergency orders prior to filing such orders with the department. Any rule or regulation in effect on the effective date of this act which is not filed with the department within 180 days after the effective date of this act shall be deemed repealed if the notice hereinafter called for shall have been received by the state or local agency issuing such rule or regulation. The department is directed to notify by certified or registered mail every state or local government agency known to be authorized to enforce any special act, rule, regulation or order affecting the waters of the state regarding the provisions of this subsection. The department is directed to review periodically such special acts, rules, regulations, and orders and to recommend to the appropriate agencies or the Legislature the amendment, consolidation, or revocation of inconsistencies or duplications therein.

(3) Any state or local governmental agency or other person having the power of eminent domain or condemnation under the laws of this state must notify the department or the governing board of a water management district prior to exercising that power.

History: s. 4, part I, ch. 72-299; s. 1, ch. 73-190.