Comprehensive Plan Elements and Implementation

Every city and county in Florida is required to adopt a "Comprehensive Plan," which acts as a long-term blueprint for the area's growth. To ensure this plan fits effectively with the plans of neighboring communities, it must contain specific chapters, known as "elements." The most critical element is Future Land Use, which designates what can be built where (e.g., residential vs. industrial) on a map. Other required elements include Traffic Circulation to manage road networks; infrastructure plans for Sanitary and Storm Sewers, Potable Water, and Solid Waste; and Conservation to protect natural resources like aquifers. The plan must also address Recreation and Open Space, ensure adequate Housing for the current and future population, and, for coastal counties, provide Coastal Zone Protection to manage development near beaches and handle hurricane evacuations. Finally, the plan must include Intergovernmental Coordination to ensure the city talks to the county and school board, as well as a general Utilities element.