American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What does the concurrency requirement in Florida's growth management laws mandate?

1. Deposits of substantial currency as bond for required improvements for new developments.

2. The processing and approval of multiple entitlements to streamline the permitting process.

3. That new development be prohibited unless adequate infrastructure is, or soon will be, in place to support new growth.

4. Infrastructure funding from state taxes for new developments.

The correct answer is: That new development be prohibited unless adequate infrastructure is, or soon will be, in place to support new growth.

The concurrency requirement within Florida's growth management laws is designed to ensure that new development does not occur unless the necessary infrastructure—such as roads, sewage, and public facilities—is available or will be provided in a timely manner to support that development. This approach aims to prevent overburdening existing infrastructure and promotes sustainable growth by linking development approvals directly to the availability of essential services. By adhering to this requirement, municipalities can manage their resources more effectively, ensuring that growth is balanced with community needs and infrastructure capabilities. The primary goal is to maintain a quality living environment while accommodating development demands. The other potential choices do not align with the intent of the concurrency requirement. For example, requiring deposits or bonds for improvements (first choice) relates to financial assurance, rather than the timing of infrastructure availability. Streamlining the permitting process (second choice) focuses on efficiency rather than ensuring infrastructure adequacy before development. Lastly, state funding for infrastructure (fourth choice) does not address the specific mandate that infrastructure must be in place before new developments proceed.