Alternative Text Description for Development of Regional Impact (DRI)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAP OVERVIEW

This map displays Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) throughout the State of Florida. DRIs are developments that, due to their character, magnitude, or location, substantially affect the health, safety, or welfare of citizens in more than one county. The map shows the spatial distribution of these significant development projects across Florida's peninsula and panhandle regions, revealing where large-scale developments with regional consequences are concentrated.

GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The map covers the entire State of Florida, from the panhandle region in the northwest (including areas near Tallahassee, Dothan, and Albany) to the southern tip near Miami. Major cities labeled on the map include Jacksonville on the northeast coast, Orlando in the central region, Tampa and St. Petersburg on the west-central coast, and Miami on the southeast coast. The Gulf of America forms the western boundary, while the Atlantic Ocean borders the east. Additional cities visible include Valdosta to the north, Gainesville in north-central Florida, Palm Coast on the northeast coast, Cape Coral on the southwest coast, and Coral Springs near Miami. The map also shows the Straits of Florida to the south.

KEY INSIGHTS

DRIs are concentrated primarily in Florida's major metropolitan areas and coastal regions. The Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area shows the highest concentration of developments, with dense clustering throughout the region. The Orlando metropolitan area displays substantial DRI activity, with developments spreading outward from the city center. Jacksonville shows notable concentrations in and around the urban core. The southeast coast from Palm Beach through Miami exhibits significant linear development patterns along the coastal corridor. The Tallahassee region in the panhandle shows moderate clustering. In contrast, rural interior areas of the state, particularly in central and northern Florida, show minimal to no DRI presence. The Florida Keys display scattered developments extending southwest from the mainland.

VISUAL ELEMENTS

Development of Regional Impact (DRI)

This layer represents developments that have substantial regional impacts affecting multiple counties in Florida.

Development of Regional Impact Sites (red/brown polygons)

Appearance:

The developments are shown as red or brownish-red polygon shapes of varying sizes scattered across the state.

Distribution:

DRIs appear throughout Florida but are heavily concentrated in major metropolitan areas along both coasts and in central Florida. The distribution follows urban development patterns with minimal presence in rural agricultural and conservation areas.

Notable locations:

The Tampa-St. Petersburg area contains the densest concentration of DRIs, with developments filling much of the metropolitan region. Orlando shows substantial clustering in the central part of the state. Jacksonville displays concentrated development in the northeast. The southeast coastal corridor from West Palm Beach through Fort Lauderdale to Miami shows continuous development patterns. Tallahassee in the panhandle shows a moderate cluster. Cape Coral on the southwest coast displays visible concentrations.

Spatial patterns:

DRIs cluster around major urban centers and follow coastal development corridors. Linear patterns are evident along the southeast Atlantic coast. Metropolitan areas show radial expansion patterns from city centers. The interior portions of the peninsula remain largely undeveloped. Developments appear to avoid large conservation areas, including the Everglades region in south Florida and interior wetlands. The pattern reflects Florida's urbanization primarily concentrated in coastal and major inland metropolitan areas.

SYMBOL GUIDE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This map represents all DRIs in the State of Florida compiled from multiple governmental sources. DRIs require special review processes due to their regional significance. The size and distribution of these developments reflect Florida's growth patterns, with major population centers and tourist destinations driving large-scale development activity. The absence of DRIs in certain areas may indicate rural character, conservation lands, or areas with less intensive development pressure. The map provides a statewide view appropriate for understanding regional development patterns rather than site-specific details.

DATA CONTEXT

Data Source:

This dataset was compiled by the UF GeoPlan Center from various sources including the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), Regional Planning Councils, and County Governments. Tabular data is based on the DEO's Status of Application for Developments of Regional Impact. Source dates and additional input information are available in the dataset metadata. Data source layer name: DRI_DEO_2021Q2.

Definition Query:

No filtering criteria applied; all DRIs in the dataset are displayed.

Scale Information:

The map shows a statewide view of Florida appropriate for understanding regional distribution patterns of DRIs across the state. This scale is suitable for identifying concentrations and regional trends rather than individual site characteristics.

Coordinate System:

NAD_1983_HARN_Florida_GDL_Albers (WKID 3087)

Time Period of Content:

Data current as of the second quarter of 2021 (2021Q2).

Limitations:

The accuracy and completeness of DRI locations depend on records provided by multiple agencies including Regional Planning Councils and County Governments. Data currency varies by source. Users should consult the metadata for specific source dates and inputs. The map represents approved or recorded DRIs and may not include recently submitted applications or projects that have not yet completed the review process.

Map Coverage:

The map encompasses the entire State of Florida, including the panhandle, peninsula, and Florida Keys, extending from the Georgia and Alabama borders in the north to the southernmost Keys, and from the Gulf of America in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east.

The alternative text description of this map was AI-generated and may contain inaccuracies.