Florida’s Critical and Regionally Significant Assets

By Alex Morse 09/07/2023

The state of Florida, with its extensive coastline and low-lying areas, faces unique challenges related to flooding and sea level rise. To address these growing concerns, the Florida Statutes of 2023 introduced measures for effective management of flood risks and heightened preparedness for sea level rise. Central to this initiative is the clear identification and protection of “critical assets” and “regionally significant assets.” This blog post delves into understanding these terms and their implications for Florida’s resilience strategy.

What is a Critical Asset?

According to 380.093, a “critical asset” is an essential component that is crucial for the daily functioning and safety of communities. These assets are broadly categorized into:

1. Transportation and Evacuation Facilities: This includes airports, bridges, bus terminals, ports, major roadways, marinas, rail facilities, and railroad bridges. They play an indispensable role in ensuring mobility and safety during evacuation procedures.
2. Critical Infrastructure: These are the lifelines of communities, ensuring basic services like water, electricity, and waste management. This category includes wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater treatment facilities, drinking water facilities, electric production facilities, and more.
3. Community and Emergency Facilities: These assets are pivotal during emergencies. They include schools, hospitals, fire stations, emergency operation centers, local government facilities, and other community support structures.
4. Natural, Cultural, and Historical Resources: Protecting the natural environment and preserving cultural and historical landmarks is also crucial. This category includes conservation lands, parks, wetlands, shorelines, and historical sites.

What are Regionally Significant Assets?

The statutes recognize that certain assets are not just vital to individual communities but have a broader regional importance, serving multiple geopolitical areas. These are termed as “regionally significant assets.” They encompass critical assets like those included in the list below but certainly include others, especially when factoring in what drives regional and local economies.

• Water resource facilities
• Regional medical centers
• Emergency operation centers
• Major transportation hubs and corridors like airports and seaports
• Regional utilities

These assets play a role in interconnecting communities, providing services across larger regions, and ensuring coordinated responses during crises.

Why are these Classifications Important?

Understanding and categorizing assets as critical and regionally significant is pivotal for:

1. Resource Allocation: Directing funds and resources towards protecting these assets can ensure maximum benefit and protection to the state and its residents.
2. Coordinated Action: Identifying regionally significant assets promotes a coordinated response among multiple jurisdictions, leading to more efficient and effective strategies.
3. Risk Assessment and Strategy Development: A comprehensive understanding of these assets allows for an effective vulnerability assessment. This aids in the creation of mitigation strategies and post-disaster redevelopment plans.

Moving Forward

By July 1, 2024, Florida aims to complete a comprehensive flood vulnerability and sea level rise assessment. This assessment will use data sets that include critical asset inventories, focusing on their vulnerabilities and associated risks. With an update every five years, the state ensures that it remains responsive to changing conditions and risks.

In conclusion, the protection of critical and regionally significant assets forms the backbone of Florida’s resilience strategy against flooding and sea-level rise. By recognizing, protecting, and routinely assessing these assets, Florida aims to foster a future that is not only resilient but also prepared for the challenges that come with changing climatic patterns.