The Areas of Critical State Concern Program protects resources and public facilities of major statewide significance. Designated areas of critical state concern are:
- City of Apalachicola (Franklin County)
- City of Key West and the Florida Keys (Monroe County)
- The Green Swamp (portions of Polk and Lake counties)
- The Big Cypress Swamp (Collier County)
The department reviews all local development projects within the designated areas and may appeal to the Administration Commission any local development orders that are inconsistent with state guidelines. The department also is responsible for reviewing and approving amendments to comprehensive plans and land development regulations proposed by local governments within the designated areas.
Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern Annual Reports
2010 Florida Keys Removal of Designation Report
30-Day Report / Work Program Matrices
Proposed Rules
Technical Appendices
2009 Florida Keys Removal of Designation Report
2009 Florida Keys Removal of Designation Report Appendix A: Local Government Reports
2008 Florida Keys Removal of Designation Report
2008 Florida Keys Removal of Designation Report Appendix A: Local Government Reports
2008 Florida Keys Removal of Designation Report Appendix B: Agency Reports
Monroe County Hurricane Evacuation Working Group
Pursuant to Rule 28-20.110, Florida Administrative Code (Land Planning Regulations for the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern - Monroe County), the Monroe County Hurricane Evacuation Working Group has been formed to complete a comprehensive analysis of hurricane evacuation issues in the Florida Keys and to develop strategies to reduce actual hurricane clearance times and thereby reduce potential loss of life from hurricanes. Members of the committee include representatives from Monroe County, the Cities of Islamorada, Key Colony Beach, Key West, Layton, and Marathon, and the Department of Economic Opportunity. A final report was completed in January 2005. Material from each working group meeting is available by request by contacting the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Alternatives for Reducing Evacuation Time
Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study
The department, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Monroe County, initiated the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study. It has two computer-based components: the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Impact/Analysis Assessment Model and the Routine Planning Tool. The model and the tool were developed to help evaluate the impacts of additional development in the Florida Keys and to plan the future of Monroe County. The South Florida Regional Planning Council maintains and runs simulations on the model and provides the tool to the public. To access the tool, visit the South Florida Regional Planning Council's website.
2003 Florida Keys Areas of Critical State Concern Assessment