Introduction

The Florida State Clearinghouse (SCH) administers the intergovernmental coordination and review process of certain state and federal activities within the state of Florida which involve federal financial assistance and/or direct federal activity.  The State Clearinghouse also reviews all programs which federal agencies have indicated are eligible for inclusion under Presidential Executive Order 12372.

Section 403.061(40), F.S., identifies the SCH as the state single point of contact for coordinating the states review of these activities.

What is the purpose of the State Clearinghouse?

The State Clearinghouse process is designed to:

• eliminate duplication;
• ensure the proposals are in accord with state plans, policies, programs, objectives and procedures;
• determine if the proposed project is fiscally and environmentally sound;
• ensure that the proposals are consistent with the Florida Coastal Management Program;
• determine if the project will have any adverse effects of Florida's natural resources, wildlife, historical or archaeological sites or artifacts;
• provide information to agencies concerning proposed activities that may affect their respective programs; and
• resolve conflicts, when necessary.
  

How does the State Clearinghouse work?

How do I determine if my application is subject to review?

Your federal application must be submitted to the State Clearinghouse for review if it:

1. Originates from a state agency, state university, or state community college; or
   
2. Involves applications for federal funding, excluding student loans and small business loans.  These projects generally originate from local school boards, local health departments and profit/nonprofit organizations; or
   
3. Includes activities that may affect Florida's environment or water quality, such as construction or transportation; or
   
4. Pertains to one or more of the following state and federal laws:
   - Section 216.212, Florida Statutes
   - Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP)
   - Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA)
   - National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
   - National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
   - Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act;
   
5. Involves projects which have been determined to have a significant effect on Florida's environment, including those requiring:
   - Environmental Assessments (EAs)
   - Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)
   - FCMP Consistency Determinations
   

How do I comply with the State Clearinghouse requirements?

Applicants whose projects may have a significant effect on Florida's environment, including those requiring Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, and/or Florida Coastal Management Program Consistency Determinations, must submit a minimum of 15 copies to the State Clearinghouse.   Failure to send a sufficient number of copies will result in unnecessary delays.

The application should include the following items:

• Application for Federal Assistance facesheet (SF 424 Form), including the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number.
• Budget Information (SF 424A Form, 424C Form, or 524 Form), including budget summary, budget narrative and funding source.
• Program Narrative or Executive Summary or Abstract; this information must include purpose, scope, justification, area to be served, staffing and other pertinent data.
• Maps which show project activity location(s) within Florida, if applicable.
• For Construction Projects: Maps which show exact site location, as well as information regarding sewer, water supply, zoning, susceptibility to flooding, storm water management, hydrology and acreage.