39th Environmental Permitting Summer School

Over the last 10 years, the nation has been subject to frequent definition changes to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS), resulting in extreme uncertainty in the jurisdiction of Section 404 jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The changes have been brought on by the last four administrations and significantly affected by a stalwart couple from Idaho and the federal court system. In March of this year, we were gifted with perhaps the BEST (measured by the humor of its title, even if you disagree on the content) joint memorandum ever issued by the US EPA and US Army Corps of Engineers. In this course, a panel of WOTUS experts will discuss the latest revisions to the definition and the implications for practitioners in Florida. Come with your questions. Audience participation is encouraged!

Absolutely the most current and reliable information available on what the 2025 Legislature passed (or considered but failed to pass) and why; assessment of Florida’s changing political landscape with respect to environmental and water policy issues; comprehensive preview of what’s expected with respect to the implementation of 2024 legislation with a look ahead to the 2026 session and beyond. This course is designed for audience participation, so come with your questions for the panelists!

Think Environmental Permitting in Florida is an old hat? Think again! This important area of law is constantly evolving, formally or otherwise. This extremely informative (and perhaps even a little fun) course combines the legal principles of ERP permitting, including policy and rulemaking updates, with practical tips for achieving compliance and avoiding process “pitfalls” from regulators and practitioners. The presentation will be led by lawyers and scientists from the public and private sector who will engage in free flowing dialogue with the audience whenever possible. Questions are highly encouraged! The course assumes a working knowledge of the ERP process and criteria, and it is intended to examine emerging issues that make or break applications, including those subjected to the extraordinary scrutiny of an administrative hearing, and what those issues mean for ERP applicants.