Units of local government abutting the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean, or which include or are contiguous to waters of the state where marine species of vegetation listed by rule as ratified in s. 373.4211 constitute the dominant plant community, shall develop a coastal zone protection element pursuant to s. 163.3177. Such units of local government shall be eligible to receive technical assistance from the state in preparing coastal zone protection elements and shall be the only units of local government eligible to apply to the department for available financial assistance. Local government participation in the coastal management program authorized by this act shall be voluntary. History: s. 9, ch. 78-287; s. 11, ch. 94-122.