What is the role of the Department of Community Affairs?
The Florida Statutes designate the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as the “State Land Planning Agency”. Among other things, the DCA is responsible for facilitating review by affected state, local and regional agencies and for ensuring that proposed amendments are in compliance with all statutory requirements. Should the Board of County Commissioners desire to approve a proposed plan amendment, the amendment must be formally “transmitted” to DCA for review. DCA then must issue an Objections, Recommendations and Comments report (ORC Report). Prior to adoption of a proposed amendment, the County must address any issues raised by DCA in the ORC Report. Within 60 days of receiving the ORC report, the County must decide whether or not to adopt the proposed amendment. Amendments that are adopted by the Board of County Commissioners are again transmitted to DCA, outlining any changes made since the transmittal phase. DCA must then issue a “Notice of Intent” (NOI) to find each particular
