(1) If two or more applications that otherwise comply with the provisions of this part are pending for a quantity of water that is inadequate for both or all, or that for any other reason are in conflict, and the water management district or department has deemed the applications complete, the water management district or the department has the right to approve or modify the application that best serves the public interest.
(2)(a) If two or more competing applications qualify equally under subsection (1), the governing board or the department shall give preference to a renewal application over an initial application.
(b) If two or more competing applications qualify equally under subsection (1) and none of the competing applications is a renewal application, the governing board or the department shall give preference to the application for the use where the source is nearest to the area of use or application consistent with s. 373.016(4)(a).
History.—s. 6, part II, ch. 72-299; s. 9, ch. 2013-92; s. 13, ch. 2016-1.
Structure Florida Statutes
Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use
Part II - Permitting of Consumptive Uses of Water (Ss. 373.203-373.250)
373.206 - Artesian wells; flow regulated.
373.207 - Abandoned artesian wells.
373.209 - Artesian wells; penalties for violation.
373.213 - Certain artesian wells exempt.
373.216 - Implementation of program for regulating the consumptive use of water.
373.217 - Superseded laws and regulations.
373.223 - Conditions for a permit.
373.2234 - Preferred water supply sources.
373.2235 - Effect of prior land acquisition on consumptive use permitting.
373.228 - Landscape irrigation design.
373.229 - Application for permit.
373.2295 - Interdistrict transfers of groundwater.
373.22951 - Validation of prior agreements between water management districts.
373.233 - Competing applications.
373.236 - Duration of permits; compliance reports.
373.239 - Modification and renewal of permit terms.
373.243 - Revocation of permits.
373.246 - Declaration of water shortage or emergency.