TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed another batch of three bills into law amid a flurry of new state legislation.
The latest laws come after five bills were sent to DeSantis’ desk on Monday, covering a range of different topics.
Recommended Videos
Below is a list of the three new laws, as well as the remaining two bills that DeSantis is considering.
HB 551 — Fire Prevention
House Bill 551 expands the types of fire alarm system projects that are eligible for a simplified building permit process.
More specifically, the expansion now includes projects to replace an existing fire alarm panel with the same make and model.
Under this law, contractors may start work immediately after submitting a completed simplified building permit application.
The law is set to take effect on July 1.
HB 733 — Brownfields Program
House Bill 733 makes several changes to the Brownfields Program, which incentivizes local governments and individuals to voluntarily clean up and redevelop polluted properties (i.e. “brownfield sites”).
Some of the changes effected by the law are as follows:
- Streamlines a process that requires certain sites to obtain approval from the EPA to participate in the program
- Revises requirements and timing to claim a tax credit under the Voluntary Cleanup Tax Credit program
- Allows larger brownfield properties to be subdivided into smaller parcels of land when it comes to brownfield site rehabilitation
The law is set to take effect on July 1.
HB 1123 — Sewer Systems
House Bill 1123 allows a local government that operates a sewer service to use revenue from the service to expand the sewage system.
The law is set to take effect on July 1.
HB 531 — Background Screening
House Bill 531 would require the Agency for Health Care Administration to create a public webpage to provide education and awareness of care provider background screening.
If approved, the bill is set to take effect on July 1.
HB 867 — Rail Transportation
House Bill 867 aims to establish the Coastal Link Commuter Rail Service Act.
Under this act, the state and local governments that have an agreement with Brightline to operate a commuter rail service on the Coastal Link corridor may take on indemnification and insurance obligations.
As such, the bill provides a framework under state law for lawsuits involving situations that pop up due to commuter rail services like Brightline.
If approved, the bill is set to take effect on July 1.