The Areas of Critical State Concern program, created by Florida's landmark Environmental Land and Water Management Act of 1972, focuses public attention on geographic areas whose environmental or historical uniqueness is important to protect. Administered by the Department of Community Affairs, the program is intended to establish a strong state and local government partnership to guide growth and development while preserving privateÊpropertyÊrights.
Resource Planning and Management Committees comprised of state, local, and other officials are appointed first by the governor to explore voluntary approaches to solving growth problems. An Area of Critical State Concern may be designated if this proves unsuccessful.
The Development of Regional Impact (DRI) process provides for state and regional review of developments that impact more than one county. Major residential, shopping center, office, industrial, and other types of large-scale development are subject to DRI review according to statewide guidelines and standards. The Department of Community Affairs administers the overall DRI program.
