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Florida Constitution Revision Commission

PUB 700491: Protection of Sovereignty Lands by Aymee Laurain

ARTICLE X: MISCELLANEOUS, Section 11. Sovereignty lands.

SECTION 11.Sovereignty lands.

The title to lands under navigable waters, within the boundaries of the state, which have not been alienated, including beaches below mean high water lines, is held by the state, by virtue of its sovereignty, in trust for all the people. Sale of such lands may be authorized by law, but only when in the public interest and with a majority public vote . Private use of portions of such lands may be authorized by law, but only when not contrary to the public interest. Nor should it result in hazardous waste or noise pollution. Private use must also not interfer with ecosystems, be it local or through navigatable means such as winds or ocean currents. Private use must also not interfere with public health and safety which includes but is not limited to air quality, drinking water, beach safety, lead exposure, known displacement of wildlife in urban areas, hunting within maximum range of residential areas, or other threats. In the event a private use operation results in such damages they will be required to cover all costs of restoration, healthcare coverage, emergency proceedures, mortuary affairs, loss of life compensation, and a public compensation fee to all residents of the state to which the sovereign land belongs in the event that permanent or longterm damage which would require more than six months to restore..