(1) Whenever the implementation of specific authority granted by this chapter, or whenever delegation of another program requiring permits or other authorizations, would result in the department or a water management district processing two or more separate permits or other authorizations for the same activity or project, the department or governing board may procedurally consolidate such separate permits or other authorizations by establishing a single application, permit application fee, noticing procedure, schedule for agency review, and final agency action on the consolidated permit or other authorization.
(2) Procedures to consolidate permitting actions under this section do not constitute rules within the meaning of s. 120.52.
(3) Whenever two or more permits or other authorizations for aquaculture activities have been consolidated into a single process, responsibility for permitting or authorizing such activities shall not be delegated to any unit of local government pursuant to s. 373.103.