Table of Contents

Capital Improvements Programming

These statutes require all local comprehensive plans to include a capital improvements element (§163.3177(3)). It requires annual review of this element and authorizes modifications to the five-year capital improvement schedule by ordinance rather than plan amendment.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Florida’s planning enabling statute stipulates that comprehensive plans must include a conservation element that addresses environmentally sensitive areas (§163.3177(6)(d)). It provides examples of natural resources that should be assessed for protection, including wetlands, estuarine marshes, beaches, shores, flood plains, rivers, forests, and wildlife areas (§163.3177(4)(d)). Requirements for local comprehensive plans include long-term goals for conservation and protection and an analysis of future water needs and sources.

Cocoa Beach's 2025 Comprehensive Plan includes a conservation element, as required by this statute.

Planning and Zoning Enabling Laws

Florida requires all counties, cities, towns, and villages to prepare comprehensive plans. And it authorizes all counties, cities, towns, and villages to adopt zoning regulations.

Transfer of Development Rights

Florida’s planning and zoning enabling statute authorizes counties and municipalities to establish transfer of development rights programs through their land development regulations (§163.3202(3)).