Florida Power Plant Siting Act Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

Florida Power Plant Siting Act Key Terms & Definitions

Associated Facilities: Facilities that are integral to the operation of a power plant, such as transmission lines, substations, and fuel storage facilities. (Section 403.503(7), Florida Statutes)

Certification: The written order of the secretary, or designee, approving an application for the licensing of an electrical power plant, in whole or with modifications or conditions. (Section 403.503(4), Florida Statutes)

Conditions of Certification: The requirements and limitations imposed on the construction and operation of a power plant by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. (Section 403.503(6), Florida Statutes)

Electrical Power Plant: Any electrical generating facility that uses any process or fuel and includes any associated facility that directly supports the operation of the electrical power plant. (Section 403.503(13), Florida Statutes)

Electrical Power Plant Site: Any proposed location within which an electrical power plant will be located. (Section 403.503(15), Florida Statutes)

Federally Delegated or Approved Permit Program: Any environmental regulatory program approved by a federal agency and delegated to a state or local governmental agency pursuant to federal law. (Section 403.503(18), Florida Statutes)

Final Order: The final agency action of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection granting or denying certification for the construction and operation of a power plant. (Section 403.509, Florida Statutes)

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP): The lead agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Florida Power Plant Siting Act. (Section 403.504, Florida Statutes)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): A state agency involved in the power plant siting process, responsible for assessing potential impacts on fish and wildlife resources.

Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC): A state agency involved in the power plant siting process, responsible for determining the need for new power plants and ensuring reliable, cost-effective electricity supply.

Licensee: An applicant that has obtained a certification order for the construction and operation of an electrical power plant. (Section 403.503(21), Florida Statutes)

Modification: Any change in the certification order for an electrical power plant, including any change in the conditions of certification. (Section 403.503(22), Florida Statutes)

One-Stop Permitting Process: A centralized, streamlined process for obtaining all necessary state, regional, and local permits for power plant construction and operation.

Power Plant Siting Act (PPSA): The Florida law (Sections 403.501-403.518, Florida Statutes) that establishes the process for licensing and regulating the construction and operation of large-scale power plants in the state.

Recommended Order: The order issued by an administrative law judge after conducting a certification hearing, which includes findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation to grant or deny certification. (Section 403.508, Florida Statutes)

Renewable Energy Facilities: Power plants that generate electricity using renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or biomass. These facilities are generally exempt from the PPSA unless they include a non-renewable component meeting the 75 MW threshold. (Section 403.503(14), Florida Statutes)

Site Certification Application (SCA): The application submitted by a power plant developer to the FDEP, seeking approval for the construction and operation of a power plant. (Section 403.5064, Florida Statutes)

Transmission Lines: Electrical power lines that are associated facilities of a power plant and are designed to transmit electricity from the plant to the electrical grid. (Section 403.503(7), Florida Statutes)

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A Note to Our Readers: We hope this guide is a valuable resource in helping you better understand the . However, it's not a substitute for professional advice and doesn't cover every scenario. Always consult with regulatory bodies and professionals for the most current advice and project-specific guidance.