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Studio 67Florida Promotes “Nature-Based” Coastal Infrastructure for Flood Protection
SB 302 – Sen. Ileana Garcia (HB 1035 – Rep. James Mooney Jr.)
The bill establishes a statewide framework encouraging the use of nature-based coastal infrastructure—such as living shorelines and mangrove restoration—to reduce flooding and erosion. It directs DEP to develop permitting guidance and conduct a statewide study on flood-risk reduction and insurance benefits. Effective July 1, 2026.
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More Public Notice Before Conservation Land Sales and Swaps
HB 441 – Rep. Kim Kendall (SB 546 – Sen. Debbie Mayfield)
HB 441 by Rep. Kim Kendall (SB 546 by Sen. Debbie Mayfield) passed both chambers and was ordered enrolled. The bill requires earlier public notice and more online disclosure before certain state or water management district conservation lands are sold or exchanged.
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Streamlining Septic Permits for New Homes
HB 589 – Rep. Danny Nix Jr. (SB 698 – Sen. Jonathan Martin)
HB 589 (Nix) allows counties and municipalities to issue building or plumbing permits for single-family homes using septic systems once proof of a septic permit application is submitted to DEP. The bill preempts local requirements that the septic permit be issued first, potentially accelerating residential construction timelines.
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Stormwater Credit Program Overhaul Expands Use of Water Quality Enhancement Areas
SB 848 – Sen. Jay Truenow (HB 1457 – Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman)
CS/CS/SB 848 revises Florida’s stormwater mitigation framework by expanding the use of water quality enhancement area credits, transferring compliance responsibility to credit generators, and requiring financial assurances for regional stormwater systems. The law may affect county permitting, infrastructure planning, and participation in basin water quality projects. Effective July 1, 2026.
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Florida Moves to Phase Out PFAS Firefighting Foam and Require Wastewater Biosolids Testing
HB 1019 – Rep. William Conerly (SB 1230 – Sen. Gayle Harrell)
Florida legislation phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, requires inventories and disposal plans, and mandates PFAS testing for certain wastewater biosolids. Counties may face compliance costs tied to fire department foam replacement, wastewater monitoring, and environmental reporting requirements beginning July 1, 2026.
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Counties Gain New Authority to Enforce Derelict Vessel and Anchoring Rules
HB 1103 – Rep. Alex Andrade (SB 1682 – Sen. Jay Trumbull)
HB 1103 allows counties and municipalities to enforce certain vessel-related regulations, including addressing vessels at risk of becoming derelict and enforcing anchoring permits, through local ordinances coordinated with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Effective July 1, 2026.
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State Blocks Local “Net-Zero” Climate Policies and Carbon Fees
HB 1217 – Rep. David Snyder (SB 1628 – Sen. Bryan Avila)
HB 1217 prohibits state and local governments from adopting or funding net-zero greenhouse gas policies, restricting counties from implementing climate-related emissions targets, carbon fees, or similar programs. Counties must certify annual compliance with the Department of Revenue. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
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Biosolids Land Application Tightened Under New State Standards
HB 1245 – Rep. Jason Shoaf (SB 1294 – Sen. Jennifer Bradley)
Florida enacted legislation tightening rules for applying Class AA biosolids to land. The law limits application rates, requires recordkeeping, establishes bona fide sale requirements for broader distribution, and directs UF/IFAS to publish agronomic rate guidance. Counties may need to adjust biosolids disposal or land-application contracts.
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Restricting Septage Land Application When Advanced Wastewater Treatment Is Nearby
HB 1285 – Rep. Shane Abbott Boyles (SB 1474 – Sen. Don Gaetz)
CS/CS/HB 1285 limits permits for Class B biosolids land application when a qualifying wastewater treatment facility capable of higher treatment is within 30 miles. The policy encourages directing septage to advanced treatment infrastructure rather than land application. Counties may see operational impacts on wastewater utilities and septage management.
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Environmental Policy Overhaul: Legislature Restructures DEP Programs and Water Infrastructure Oversight
HB 1417 – Rep. Chip LaMarca (SB 1510 – Sen. Bryan Massullo)
Florida’s 2026 environmental policy legislation restructures several DEP programs, transfers administration of the Florida Communities Trust to the Acquisition and Restoration Council, revises wastewater and stormwater regulations, and modifies environmental permitting and fee requirements. Counties may see changes affecting utilities, environmental planning, and conservation grant programs. Effective July 1, 2026.
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Presented by the Florida Association of Counties, this initiative helps Floridians understand what’s at stake when it comes to local decision-making, public services, and the everyday systems that keep our communities strong. It’s about protecting what works, preserving what matters, and ensuring Florida remains a place where freedom and local decision-making go hand in hand.