LEGISLATIVE BILL SUMMARIES

Florida League of Cities

The 2024 regular Legislative Session commences on January 9 and will adjourn on March 8. Summaries of all the bills with municipal impact are listed below.


To search bill summaries by a keyword, click Control + F. If you have any questions on a specific bill, please contact the lobbyist tracking the bill. This is indicated by the last name in parenthesis following each bill summary. Links to the House and Senate are located at the bottom of the page.

Click here to download a PDF of the bill summaries.

01 - SPOTLIGHT BILLS

Residential Building Permits (Oppose)

HB 267 (Esposito) is a comprehensive building permit bill. Of concern to cities, the bill does the following: ...

HB 267 (Esposito) is a comprehensive building permit bill. Of concern to cities, the bill does the following: •Requires municipalities with a population of 30,000 or more to create a program to expedite the process of issuing building permits for residential subdivisions by August 15, 2024. •Creates a two-step application process that would include the adoption of a preliminary plat and a final plat in order to expedite the issuance of building permits. •Allows cities to work with the appropriate local government agencies to issue an address and a temporary parcel identification number for lot lines and lot sizes based on the metes and bounds of the plat contained in the application. •Requires applicants to have a performance bond for up to 120%. •Requires applicants to indemnify local governments that issue the permit. •Specifies that upon an applicant's request, a local government must issue no less than 50% of the permits for dwellings to be built. •Requires the local jurisdiction to reduce the permit fee by 75% if an owner retains a private provider. •Reduces the timeframe when municipalities must provide written notice of receipt and any other additional information that is required for a properly completed application to an applicant. •Reduces the number of times a municipality can ask an applicant for additional information. •Allows an application to be “deemed” approved if municipalities fail to meet any of the timeframes. (Branch)

Sovereign Immunity (Oppose) 

SB 472 (Brodeur) increases the statutory limits on liability for tort claims against the state and its agencies and subdivisions (which include cities). The current statutory limits for claims are $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. The bill would increase the caps to $400,000 per person and $600,000 per incident. The bill requires caps to be adjusted annually on July 1 to reflect changes in the regional Consumer Price Index. The bill prohibits an insurance policy from conditioning the payout of a claim on the passage of a claims bill. (Cruz) ...

SB 472 (Brodeur) increases the statutory limits on liability for tort claims against the state and its agencies and subdivisions (which include cities). The current statutory limits for claims are $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. The bill would increase the caps to $400,000 per person and $600,000 per incident. The bill requires caps to be adjusted annually on July 1 to reflect changes in the regional Consumer Price Index. The bill prohibits an insurance policy from conditioning the payout of a claim on the passage of a claims bill. (Cruz)

Articles in this section: 2

BUILDING CODE/CONSTRUCTION

Residential Building Permits (Oppose)

HB 267 (Esposito) is a comprehensive building permit bill. Of concern to cities, the bill does the following: ...

HB 267 (Esposito) is a comprehensive building permit bill. Of concern to cities, the bill does the following: •Requires municipalities with a population of 30,000 or more to create a program to expedite the process of issuing building permits for residential subdivisions by August 15, 2024. •Creates a two-step application process that would include the adoption of a preliminary plat and a final plat in order to expedite the issuance of building permits. •Allows cities to work with the appropriate local government agencies to issue an address and a temporary parcel identification number for lot lines and lot sizes based on the metes and bounds of the plat contained in the application. •Requires applicants to have a performance bond for up to 120%. •Requires applicants to indemnify local governments that issue the permit. •Specifies that upon an applicant's request, a local government must issue no less than 50% of the permits for dwellings to be built. •Requires the local jurisdiction to reduce the permit fee by 75% if an owner retains a private provider. •Reduces the timeframe when municipalities must provide written notice of receipt and any other additional information that is required for a properly completed application to an applicant. •Reduces the number of times a municipality can ask an applicant for additional information. •Allows an application to be “deemed” approved if municipalities fail to meet any of the timeframes. (Branch)

Articles in this section: 1

CYBERSECURITY

Articles in this section: 0

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Articles in this section: 0

ETHICS & ELECTIONS

Articles in this section: 0

FINANCE & TAXATION

Ad Valorem Property Tax Exemption for the Surviving Spouse of Quadriplegics (Monitor)

HJR 53 (Tant) proposes an amendment to the constitution to authorize the Legislature to provide for a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a quadriplegic who was receiving a property tax exemption on real estate used and owned as a homestead at the time of their death. The constitutional amendment must be approved by at least 60% of electors at the November 2024 general election and will take effect on January 1, 2025. (Chapman) ...

HJR 53 (Tant) proposes an amendment to the constitution to authorize the Legislature to provide for a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a quadriplegic who was receiving a property tax exemption on real estate used and owned as a homestead at the time of their death. The constitutional amendment must be approved by at least 60% of electors at the November 2024 general election and will take effect on January 1, 2025. (Chapman)

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Nonprofit Homes for the Aged (Monitor) 

SB 220 (Wright) expands the current ad valorem tax exemption for not-for-profit homes for the aged. The bill will allow a home for the aged owned by a separate entity that is owned by a not-for-profit corporation to also receive the exemption. (Chapman) ...

SB 220 (Wright) expands the current ad valorem tax exemption for not-for-profit homes for the aged. The bill will allow a home for the aged owned by a separate entity that is owned by a not-for-profit corporation to also receive the exemption. (Chapman)

Tax Exemptions for Surviving Spouses of Quadriplegics (Monitor)

HB 55 (Tant) is the implementing bill for HJR 53 if it is voter-approved and would provide for a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a quadriplegic who was receiving a property tax exemption on real estate used and owned as a homestead at the time of their death. (Chapman) ...

HB 55 (Tant) is the implementing bill for HJR 53 if it is voter-approved and would provide for a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a quadriplegic who was receiving a property tax exemption on real estate used and owned as a homestead at the time of their death. (Chapman)

Other Bills of Interest 

SB 58 (Stewart) – Sales Tax Holiday for Micromobility Vehicles and Related Personal Safety Equipment  ...

SB 58 (Stewart) – Sales Tax Holiday for Micromobility Vehicles and Related Personal Safety Equipment  HB 113 (Maney) and SB 216 (Hooper) – Tax Collections and Sales HB 171 (Daniels) – Homestead Exemptions for Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responders SB 172 (Polsky) – Verification of Eligibility for Homestead Exemption SB 218 (Wright) and HB 239 (Killebrew) – Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Veterans SB 230 (Wright) – Sales Tax on Aircraft Sales and Leases SB 264 (Rodriguez) and HB 269 (Overdorf) – Aircraft Taxes HB 331 (Garcia) and HB 333 (Garcia) – Limitation of Property Tax Assessment SB 378 (Garcia) – Property Tax Assessment SB 380 (Hooper) and HB 295 (Anderson) – Disclosure of Estimated Ad Valorem Taxes SB 102 (Jones) – Property Insurance

Articles in this section: 4

GENERAL GOVERNMENT

Articles in this section: 0

OTHER

Price Controls (Support)

SB 110 (Jones) would repeal the preemption of city and county ordinances and rules imposing price controls on rent or other lawful business activity. (Chapman) ...

SB 110 (Jones) would repeal the preemption of city and county ordinances and rules imposing price controls on rent or other lawful business activity. (Chapman)

Private Property for Motor Vehicle Parking (Support)

HB 271 (Lopez, V.) and SB 388 (Garcia) narrow the current preemption on the regulation of private parking lot operations to include a preemption only on the rates charged for parking and for violating the parking lot rules. The bills would restrict parking lot owners from charging a late fee until after 30 days from the date the invoice was postmarked. The bill also prohibits parking lot owners from charging for parking if the vehicle is on the property for less than 10 minutes. (Branch) ...

HB 271 (Lopez, V.) and SB 388 (Garcia) narrow the current preemption on the regulation of private parking lot operations to include a preemption only on the rates charged for parking and for violating the parking lot rules. The bills would restrict parking lot owners from charging a late fee until after 30 days from the date the invoice was postmarked. The bill also prohibits parking lot owners from charging for parking if the vehicle is on the property for less than 10 minutes. (Branch)

Protection of Historical Monuments and Memorials (Monitor) 

HB 395 (Black) prohibits a local government from removing historical monuments and memorials. A local government may only relocate a historical monument in certain circumstances. The bill provides that any person or entity that damages, defaces, destroys or removes an existing monument or memorial will be civilly liable for the costs to return, repair or replace the monument or memorial unless the person was authorized or the entity was the owner. (Cruz)  ...

HB 395 (Black) prohibits a local government from removing historical monuments and memorials. A local government may only relocate a historical monument in certain circumstances. The bill provides that any person or entity that damages, defaces, destroys or removes an existing monument or memorial will be civilly liable for the costs to return, repair or replace the monument or memorial unless the person was authorized or the entity was the owner. (Cruz)

Protections for Public Employees Who Use Medical Marijuana as Qualified Patients (Monitor)

SB 166 (Polsky) creates the Medical Marijuana Public Employee Protection Act. The bill would prohibit a public employer from taking adverse personnel actions against an employee or job applicant who is a qualified patient for their use of medical marijuana unless that use is impairing the employee's ability to perform their job duties or responsibilities. (Chapman) ...

SB 166 (Polsky) creates the Medical Marijuana Public Employee Protection Act. The bill would prohibit a public employer from taking adverse personnel actions against an employee or job applicant who is a qualified patient for their use of medical marijuana unless that use is impairing the employee's ability to perform their job duties or responsibilities. (Chapman)

Removal of Roadside Memorials (Monitor)

HB 421 (Gossett-Seidman) requires local governments and other entities to make best efforts to provide advance notice to the entity or person who installed a traffic-related roadside memorial commemorating a deceased person before altering, dismantling, destroying or removing it. (Cruz) ...

HB 421 (Gossett-Seidman) requires local governments and other entities to make best efforts to provide advance notice to the entity or person who installed a traffic-related roadside memorial commemorating a deceased person before altering, dismantling, destroying or removing it. (Cruz)

Resale of Tickets (Monitor)

HB 355 (McFarland) is a comprehensive bill regulating the sale and resale of tickets. The bill preempts the regulation of the sale or resale of tickets to the state. (Cruz) ...

HB 355 (McFarland) is a comprehensive bill regulating the sale and resale of tickets. The bill preempts the regulation of the sale or resale of tickets to the state. (Cruz)

Towing and Storage (Monitor) 

HB 179 (Bell), SB 202 (Rodriguez) and HB 213 (Smith) make changes related to towing-storage operator practices, including allowable fees, payment, lien requirements, sale of unclaimed vehicles and record retention. Specifically, the bills share the following provisions: ...

HB 179 (Bell), SB 202 (Rodriguez) and HB 213 (Smith) make changes related to towing-storage operator practices, including allowable fees, payment, lien requirements, sale of unclaimed vehicles and record retention. Specifically, the bills share the following provisions: •Reduce the timeframe in which a towing-storage operator must send the notice of lien from seven to four business days, and reduce storage charges that may be charged if a lienor fails to provide this notice. •Provide that a towing-storage operator may only charge certain fees. •Require towing-storage operators to accept specified forms of payment. •Increase the timeframe an unclaimed vehicle or vessel three years of age or newer may be sold by a lienor from 50 days to 65 days from the storage date, and require the notice of lien must not be sent less than 60 days before the sale. •Increase the timeframe for the public notice requirement related to sale on an unclaimed vehicle by a towing-storage operator from ten days to twenty days before the sale. •Require a towing-storage operator to make a towed vehicle available for inspection during normal business hours within 30 minutes after arrival at a storage facility. •Require a towing-storage operator to accept electronic titles as well as paper titles as evidence of a person’s interest in a vehicle or vessel.  •Require a towing-storage operator to retain records of all vehicles and vessels recovered, towed or stored; all notice publications and certified mailings; and fees for at least three years. •Provide that foreclosing a storage lien on a vehicle or vessel must be through the process as opposed to the warehouse lien and landlord and tenant statutes.  •Create notice and bond requirements for foreclosure of storage liens on vehicles or vessels held by self-storage facilities. Only HB 179 prohibits the Florida Highway Patrol from excluding a wrecker operator from its wrecker operator system based solely on a prior felony conviction, unless such conviction is for a specified felony offense.  Only SB 202 and HB 213 preempt counties and cities from imposing any regulations upon a towing-storage operator more stringent than those within this legislation. (Chapman)

Other Bills of Interest 

SB 40 (Stewart) – Review of Employment Contracts ...

SB 40 (Stewart) – Review of Employment Contracts HB 175 (Benjamin) – Judgement Liens HB 15 (Rudman) – Contracts for Live Entertainment HJR 335 (Roth) – Requiring Broader Public Support for Constitutional Amendments or Revisions HB 217 (Mooney) and SB 222 (Rodriguez) – College Campus Facilities in Areas of Critical State Concern HB 109 (Andrade) and SB 246 (Harrell) – Conversion Charter Schools HB 275 (Canady) and SB 340 (Yarborough) – Intentional Damage to Critical Infrastructure HB 35 (Rudman) and SB 106 (Jones) – Acceptance of Cash Payments by Businesses HB 141 (Abbott) and SB 196 (Simon) – Regional Rural Development Grants Program HB 173 (Daniels) – Not-for-profit Corporations that Operate Residential Homeowners' Associations HB 177 (Andrade) and SB 204 (Brodeur) – Competition for the Sale of Event Tickets HB 189 (Salzman) – Gambling  EEG1 (Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee) – OGSR/Preregistered Voters EEG3 (Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee) – GSR/Financial Disclosure EEG5 (Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee) – OGSR/Campus Emergency Response

Articles in this section: 8

PERSONNEL

Cost-of-living Adjustment of Retirement Benefits (Monitor)

HB 151 (Busatta Cabrera) and SB 242 (Hooper) create an unfunded mandate for government entities that provide retirement benefits through the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Beginning on July 1, 2024, the cost-of-living benefit of each retiree and annuitant shall be adjusted without a requirement for the Legislature enacting sufficient funding. (Chapman) ...

HB 151 (Busatta Cabrera) and SB 242 (Hooper) create an unfunded mandate for government entities that provide retirement benefits through the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Beginning on July 1, 2024, the cost-of-living benefit of each retiree and annuitant shall be adjusted without a requirement for the Legislature enacting sufficient funding. (Chapman)

Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training for Law Enforcement Officers (Monitor) 

HB 195 (Chambliss) requires the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to consult with a national organization with expertise in mental health crisis intervention to establish minimum standards for basic skills and continued education training for law enforcement officers by July 1, 2025. (Cruz) ...

HB 195 (Chambliss) requires the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to consult with a national organization with expertise in mental health crisis intervention to establish minimum standards for basic skills and continued education training for law enforcement officers by July 1, 2025. (Cruz)

Reemployment of Retired Law Enforcement Officers (Monitor)

SB 400 (Burgess) specifies that retired law enforcement officers can be reemployed in a position that qualifies for the Special Risk Class by an employer that participates in the Florida Retirement System. The bill reduces the timeframe from 12 months to six months, during which a former employee is prohibited from receiving both a reemployment salary and retirement benefits. (Chapman) ...

SB 400 (Burgess) specifies that retired law enforcement officers can be reemployed in a position that qualifies for the Special Risk Class by an employer that participates in the Florida Retirement System. The bill reduces the timeframe from 12 months to six months, during which a former employee is prohibited from receiving both a reemployment salary and retirement benefits. (Chapman)

Articles in this section: 3

PROCUREMENT

Articles in this section: 0

PUBLIC RECORDS & PUBLIC MEETINGS

Citizen Volunteer Advisory Committees (Monitor)

SB 224 (Wright) and HB 413 (Altman) authorize citizen volunteer advisory committees that are comprised of representatives from four or more counties to conduct public meetings and workshops using communications media technology. HB 413 specifies that there must also be a 100-mile distance between the two most distant counties. The public notice must specify whether the meeting or workshop will be held in person or virtually and how members of the public can participate. (Cruz) ...

SB 224 (Wright) and HB 413 (Altman) authorize citizen volunteer advisory committees that are comprised of representatives from four or more counties to conduct public meetings and workshops using communications media technology. HB 413 specifies that there must also be a 100-mile distance between the two most distant counties. The public notice must specify whether the meeting or workshop will be held in person or virtually and how members of the public can participate. (Cruz)

Governing Body Meetings (Support)

HB 157 (Caruso) would allow local governments to meet and conduct official business via teleconferencing or other technological means, no more than two times per calendar year, as long as the meetings meet all of the requirements for public notice, public access and public participation. The bill does specify that meetings that include formal action on ordinances or are quasi-judicial hearings may not be conducted via teleconferencing or other technological means. (Cruz) ...

HB 157 (Caruso) would allow local governments to meet and conduct official business via teleconferencing or other technological means, no more than two times per calendar year, as long as the meetings meet all of the requirements for public notice, public access and public participation. The bill does specify that meetings that include formal action on ordinances or are quasi-judicial hearings may not be conducted via teleconferencing or other technological means. (Cruz)

Public Records/Current and Former County and City Attorneys (Support)

HB 103 (Arrington) creates a public records exemption for the personal identifying and location information of current county and city attorneys and assistant/deputy county and city attorneys, as well as information regarding the spouses and children of those attorneys. (Cruz) ...

HB 103 (Arrington) creates a public records exemption for the personal identifying and location information of current county and city attorneys and assistant/deputy county and city attorneys, as well as information regarding the spouses and children of those attorneys. (Cruz)

Public Records/Service Provider Contracts (Monitor)

SB 290 (Wright) requires that certain public agency contracts include a requirement that service providers comply with public records laws. The bill defines a services provider as an individual, a partnership, a corporation or a business entity that enters into a contract for services with a public agency and is not acting on behalf of the public agency. Linked to SB 290, SB 292 (Wright) creates a public records exemption for contractors' and service providers' records related to audit or claims resolution, which are provided to a public agency pursuant to contract requirements. (Cruz) ...

SB 290 (Wright) requires that certain public agency contracts include a requirement that service providers comply with public records laws. The bill defines a services provider as an individual, a partnership, a corporation or a business entity that enters into a contract for services with a public agency and is not acting on behalf of the public agency. Linked to SB 290, SB 292 (Wright) creates a public records exemption for contractors' and service providers' records related to audit or claims resolution, which are provided to a public agency pursuant to contract requirements. (Cruz)

Other Bills of Interest

HB 191 (Brackett) – Town of Orchid, Indian River County ...

HB 191 (Brackett) – Town of Orchid, Indian River County

Articles in this section: 5

PUBLIC SAFETY

Cold Case Murders (Monitor)

SB 350 (Osgood) addresses cold case murders by establishing a process for reviewing and reinvestigating such cases. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies review cold cases upon receiving a written application from a designated person and outlines the criteria for conducting a full reinvestigation, including the identification of new probative leads or a likely perpetrator. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to develop a written application for cold case reviews and mandates training for employees on the procedures and requirements outlined in the bill.  ...

SB 350 (Osgood) addresses cold case murders by establishing a process for reviewing and reinvestigating such cases. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies review cold cases upon receiving a written application from a designated person and outlines the criteria for conducting a full reinvestigation, including the identification of new probative leads or a likely perpetrator. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to develop a written application for cold case reviews and mandates training for employees on the procedures and requirements outlined in the bill.  The bill also requires law enforcement agencies to report quarterly all relevant data to the Global Forensic and Justice Center at Florida International University. The bill directs the Center to establish a case tracking system and searchable public website. The bill also allows medical examiners to issue death certificates with nonspecific causes of death and manner of murder under certain conditions. (Cruz)

Employment and Curfew of Minors (Monitor)

HB 49 (Chaney) makes changes to the employment restrictions for minors. Under the bill, minors 16 and 17 years of age will now be permitted to work the same number of hours as a person 18 years of age or older. The bill would also prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing curfews on minors that are more stringent than those listed within the bill. (Cruz) ...

HB 49 (Chaney) makes changes to the employment restrictions for minors. Under the bill, minors 16 and 17 years of age will now be permitted to work the same number of hours as a person 18 years of age or older. The bill would also prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing curfews on minors that are more stringent than those listed within the bill. (Cruz)

Exposures of First Responders to Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs (Support)

HB 231 (Baker) provides criminal penalties for persons who unlawfully and intentionally possess and expose first responders who are acting in their official capacity to Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs. (Cruz) ...

HB 231 (Baker) provides criminal penalties for persons who unlawfully and intentionally possess and expose first responders who are acting in their official capacity to Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs. (Cruz)

Impeding, Provoking or Harassing First Responders (Support)

HB 75 (Rizo) and SB 184 (Avila) would make it unlawful for any person, after receiving a warning from a first responder not to approach, to violate such warning and approach or remain within 20 feet of a first responder who is engaged in the lawful performance of any legal or emergent duty, with the intent to: 1. Interrupt, disrupt, hinder, impede or interfere with the first responder’s ability to perform such duty; 2. Provoke a physical response from the first responder; or 3. Directly or indirectly harass the first responder or make so much noise that a ...

HB 75 (Rizo) and SB 184 (Avila) would make it unlawful for any person, after receiving a warning from a first responder not to approach, to violate such warning and approach or remain within 20 feet of a first responder who is engaged in the lawful performance of any legal or emergent duty, with the intent to: 1. Interrupt, disrupt, hinder, impede or interfere with the first responder’s ability to perform such duty; 2. Provoke a physical response from the first responder; or 3. Directly or indirectly harass the first responder or make so much noise that a first responder is prevented from performing their official duties or providing medical aid. SB 184 specifies that peaceful recording or observation is not harassment. (Chapman)

Possession or Use of a Firearm in a Sensitive Location (Support)

SB 130 (Berman) and HB 209 (Rayner) would prohibit the possession or use of a firearm in “sensitive locations.” The bills define a sensitive location as numerous public facilities including but not limited to buildings or facilities owned, leased or operated by government entities, including public transportation. (Cruz) ...

SB 130 (Berman) and HB 209 (Rayner) would prohibit the possession or use of a firearm in “sensitive locations.” The bills define a sensitive location as numerous public facilities including but not limited to buildings or facilities owned, leased or operated by government entities, including public transportation. (Cruz)

Storage of Firearms in Private Conveyances and Vessels (Monitor)

HB 419 (Hinson) prohibits the storage of firearms in unoccupied private conveyances and vessels unless the firearm is kept from ordinary view and locked within a trunk, utility or glove box, or another locked container, or secured with a device or mechanism that is securely affixed to the private conveyance or vessel. The bill requires local law enforcement agencies to engage in a promotional campaign to educate the public and gun owners about the requirements above. (Cruz) ...

HB 419 (Hinson) prohibits the storage of firearms in unoccupied private conveyances and vessels unless the firearm is kept from ordinary view and locked within a trunk, utility or glove box, or another locked container, or secured with a device or mechanism that is securely affixed to the private conveyance or vessel. The bill requires local law enforcement agencies to engage in a promotional campaign to educate the public and gun owners about the requirements above. (Cruz)

Other Bills of Interest

HB 27 (Benjamin) – Citizen’s Arrest ...

HB 27 (Benjamin) – Citizen’s Arrest SB 96 (Jones) – Use of Threatened Use of Force SB 98 (Jones) – Community Violence Task Force SB 100 (Jones) – Pregnant Woman in Custody HB 145 (Daley) and SB 180 (Polsky) – Sales of Ammunition HB 155 (Daley) and SB 182 (Polsky) – Pub Rec./Sales of Ammunition SB 176 (Polsky) and HB 291 (Hunschofsky) – Sale, Transfer, and Storage of Firearms HB 123 (Chambliss) and SB 274 (Rodriguez) – Child Water Safety Requirements SB 254 (Book) – Picketing or Protesting in or Near Health Care Facilities HB 259 (Waldron) and SB 270 (Berman) – Discharging a Firearm in Residential Areas

Articles in this section: 7

SHORT-TERM RENTALS

Articles in this section: 0

UTILITIES & NATURAL RESOURCES

Comprehensive Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan (Support)

SB 36 (Stewart) and HB 455 (Casello) require the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by July 2025, based on recommendations from the Department's 2020 75% Recycling Goal Final Report. The bill also requires the Department to convene a technical assistance group to help develop the plan. The plan must include the following: recycling goals based on sustainable materials management and waste diversion; a 30-year plan to implement strategies relating to recycling education and outreach; local government recycling assistance; and recycling materials market development. The bill requires the Department to submit ...

SB 36 (Stewart) and HB 455 (Casello) require the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by July 2025, based on recommendations from the Department's 2020 75% Recycling Goal Final Report. The bill also requires the Department to convene a technical assistance group to help develop the plan. The plan must include the following: recycling goals based on sustainable materials management and waste diversion; a 30-year plan to implement strategies relating to recycling education and outreach; local government recycling assistance; and recycling materials market development. The bill requires the Department to submit a report and recommendations to the Legislature following completion of the plan. (O'Hara)

Construction Materials Mining Activities (Monitor)

SB 198 (Avila) and HB 245 (Fabricio) specifies a ground vibration limit for construction materials mining activities within 1 mile of residentially zoned areas, which may not exceed .15 inches per second. It authorizes the State Fire Marshal to modify the standards, limits and regulations for the use of explosives in connection with construction materials mining activities within 1 mile of residentially zoned areas, which may include the temporary cessation of blasting. (O’Hara) ...

SB 198 (Avila) and HB 245 (Fabricio) specifies a ground vibration limit for construction materials mining activities within 1 mile of residentially zoned areas, which may not exceed .15 inches per second. It authorizes the State Fire Marshal to modify the standards, limits and regulations for the use of explosives in connection with construction materials mining activities within 1 mile of residentially zoned areas, which may include the temporary cessation of blasting. (O’Hara)

Dredging and Beach Restoration Projects (Monitor)

HB 163 (Gossett-Seidman) directs the Department of Environmental Protection to require, as a condition of a permit issued for the maintenance dredging of deepwater ports and for beach restoration projects, that any adverse impact analysis conducted for the activity be conducted by an independent contractor selected by the local government and in a manner prescribed by the Department. The bill specifies the independent contractor may not be associated with certain projects for one year prior and for one year after commencing the impact analysis. The bill also requires a local government to provide notice of its intent to ...

HB 163 (Gossett-Seidman) directs the Department of Environmental Protection to require, as a condition of a permit issued for the maintenance dredging of deepwater ports and for beach restoration projects, that any adverse impact analysis conducted for the activity be conducted by an independent contractor selected by the local government and in a manner prescribed by the Department. The bill specifies the independent contractor may not be associated with certain projects for one year prior and for one year after commencing the impact analysis. The bill also requires a local government to provide notice of its intent to conduct an analysis to adjacent local governments that may be affected by the activity. The bill’s requirements do not apply to any port dredging currently permitted or maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The bill specifies fines for violations of its requirements. (O’Hara)

Municipal Water and Sewer Utility Rates (Monitor)

HB 47 (Robinson, F.) and SB 104 (Jones) require a municipality that operates a water or sewer utility providing services to customers in another recipient municipality using a facility or plant located in the recipient municipality to charge customers in the recipient municipality the same rates, fees and charges it imposes on customers within its own municipal boundaries. (O'Hara) ...

HB 47 (Robinson, F.) and SB 104 (Jones) require a municipality that operates a water or sewer utility providing services to customers in another recipient municipality using a facility or plant located in the recipient municipality to charge customers in the recipient municipality the same rates, fees and charges it imposes on customers within its own municipal boundaries. (O'Hara)

Renewable Natural Gas (Monitor)

SB 480 (DiCeglie) authorizes an investor-owned utility to recover, through an appropriate cost-recovery mechanism administered by the Public Service Commission, prudently incurred renewable natural gas infrastructure project costs. The bill revises the required contents of a basin management action plan for an Outstanding Florida Spring to include identification of water quality improvement projects that can also produce and capture renewable natural gas through anaerobic digestion or other similar technologies at wastewater treatment plants, livestock farms, food production facilities and organic waste management operations. It encourages municipalities and counties to develop regional solutions to the processing, capture and reuse ...

SB 480 (DiCeglie) authorizes an investor-owned utility to recover, through an appropriate cost-recovery mechanism administered by the Public Service Commission, prudently incurred renewable natural gas infrastructure project costs. The bill revises the required contents of a basin management action plan for an Outstanding Florida Spring to include identification of water quality improvement projects that can also produce and capture renewable natural gas through anaerobic digestion or other similar technologies at wastewater treatment plants, livestock farms, food production facilities and organic waste management operations. It encourages municipalities and counties to develop regional solutions to the processing, capture and reuse or sale of renewable natural gas from landfills and wastewater treatment facilities. Finally, it authorizes the Department of Agriculture to expand any “farm-to-fuel” initiative to address the production and capture of renewable natural gas. (O’Hara)

Safe Waterways Act (Monitor)

HB 165 (Gossett-Seidman) and SB 338 (Berman) requires the Department of Health to adopt and enforce certain rules and issue health advisories for beach waters and public bathing places if the results of bacteriological water sampling at the site fail to meet health standards. The bill also expands the current law preemption of the issuance of health advisories related to bacteriological sampling of beach waters to include public bathing places. The bill specifies that beach waters and public bathing places must close if closure is necessary to protect health and safety and must remain closed until the water ...

HB 165 (Gossett-Seidman) and SB 338 (Berman) requires the Department of Health to adopt and enforce certain rules and issue health advisories for beach waters and public bathing places if the results of bacteriological water sampling at the site fail to meet health standards. The bill also expands the current law preemption of the issuance of health advisories related to bacteriological sampling of beach waters to include public bathing places. The bill specifies that beach waters and public bathing places must close if closure is necessary to protect health and safety and must remain closed until the water quality is restored in accordance with the Department's standards. The bill requires the Department to adopt by rule specifications for signage that must be used when it issues a health advisory against swimming in affected beach waters or public bathing places due to elevated levels of specified bacteria and requires such signage to be placed at beach access points and access points to public bathing places until the health advisory is removed. The bill specifies that municipalities and counties are responsible for posting and maintaining the signage around beaches and public bathing places they own. Finally, the bill requires the Department to develop an interagency database for reporting fecal indicator bacteria data and specify that fecal indicator bacteria relating to sampled beach waters and public bathing places must be published in the database within five business days after receipt of the data. (O'Hara)

State Renewable Energy Goals (Monitor)

SB 144 (Berman) and HB 193 (Eskamani) amend multiple provisions of law relating to renewable energy. The bills prohibit the drilling, exploration for or the production of oil, gas or other petroleum products on the lands and waters of the state. The bills provide that by 2050, 100% of the electricity used in the state will be generated from 100% renewable energy and that by 2051, the state will have net zero carbon emissions. The bills direct the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to coordinate with state, regional and local entities to ...

SB 144 (Berman) and HB 193 (Eskamani) amend multiple provisions of law relating to renewable energy. The bills prohibit the drilling, exploration for or the production of oil, gas or other petroleum products on the lands and waters of the state. The bills provide that by 2050, 100% of the electricity used in the state will be generated from 100% renewable energy and that by 2051, the state will have net zero carbon emissions. The bills direct the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to coordinate with state, regional and local entities to develop a unified statewide renewable energy plan. (O’Hara)

Statewide Environmental Resource Permitting Rules (Monitor)

SB 406 (Rodriguez) requires that stormwater management systems be designed with side slope horizontal-to-vertical ratio of 4:1 or an equivalent substitute. The bill supersedes all other side slope rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection, water management districts or delegated local programs. (O’Hara) ...

SB 406 (Rodriguez) requires that stormwater management systems be designed with side slope horizontal-to-vertical ratio of 4:1 or an equivalent substitute. The bill supersedes all other side slope rules adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection, water management districts or delegated local programs. (O’Hara)

Trees on Residential Property (Support)

SB 122 (Stewart) repeals a state law preemption of local government regulation of tree pruning, trimming or removal on residential property. (O’Hara) ...

SB 122 (Stewart) repeals a state law preemption of local government regulation of tree pruning, trimming or removal on residential property. (O’Hara)

Other Bills of Interest

SB 192 (Garcia, I.) – Anchoring of Vessels in Anchoring Limitation Areas (Biscayne Bay) ...

SB 192 (Garcia, I.) – Anchoring of Vessels in Anchoring Limitation Areas (Biscayne Bay) SB 426 (Garcia, I.) – Community Associations HB 229 (Payne) and SB 364 (Collins) – Public Service Commission Rules SB 366 (Yarborough) and HB 81 (Brackett) – Gas Safety SB 404 (Rouson) – Urban Agriculture Pilot Projects SB 452 (Burton) and HB 451 (Bell) – Land Acquisition Trust Fund (Heartland Headwaters) HB 437 (Porras) – Anchoring Limitation Areas (Biscayne Bay) SB 484 (Bradley) – Flood Disclosure in the Sale of Real Property

Articles in this section: 10

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