Background

Brownfield 101

Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial properties where expansion, reuse, or redevelopment may be complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.

Brownfield Area- A contiguous area of one or more Brownfield sites, some of which may not be contaminated, that has been designated as such by a local government through resolution.

Florida Statues

In order to be designated Brownfield sites and/or areas need to go through the process of obtaining a resolution from their local government.

Florida Statutes: Title XII, Chapter 166.041 for municipalities; and Title XI, Chapter 125.66 defines the parameters for municipalities and counties issuing brownfield resolutions

History of Brownfields for Redevelopment

In 1997, the State of Florida passed the Brownfields Redevelopment Act. It was drafted based off of the same format as the federal act but included additional language, including Statutes that would allow the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to oversee the state Brownfields program, while continuing to enforce the environmental laws the state had in place.

For more information about Brownfields programs in the State of Florida, see the Florida Brownfields website