Policy changes through decision models: planning and implementing Florida growth management, 1970–2010

Abstract

This study analyzes Florida's five growth management policies from 1970 to 2010. The two most recent policies cover sustainable urban development initiatives. In each of the five policies, one decision model represents the planning policy phase including state legislation and another model represents the subsequent policy implementation (administration) phase including state–regional–local regulation and enforcement. The thread of different models throughout the 10 phases reveals critical changes in legislation and implementation decision styles. It shows policy change and development from problem emergence through decades of legislation and implementation experiences. Florida's narrative demonstrates successful planning and problematic discretionary implementation including numerous incremental compliance versions. The failure of planning policies to link effectively to implementation highlights the distinction between legislative requirements and administrative activities. Implementation also played a key role in influencing subsequent planning and implementation phases.