Which act evaluates and approves comprehensive plans submitted by cities and counties, in compliance with the State Comprehensive Planning Act?

• A. Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act, Chapter 163, Part II
• B. Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
• C. Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act of 1995
• D. Florida Growth Management Act of 1985

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that Florida’s Growth Management Act of 1985 establishes the statewide framework for how local plans are reviewed and approved to ensure they meet state growth goals. This act creates the authority and process by which cities and counties must submit their comprehensive plans for state evaluation and approval, making sure local planning aligns with statewide planning objectives. While the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act governs the local planning process and the Department of Community Affairs handles administration and review, the act that provides the formal evaluation and approval framework for those plans is the Growth Management Act of 1985. The other option relates to private property rights, which isn’t about plan evaluation, so it doesn’t fit the question’s focus on the statewide approval mechanism.