The bill addresses the regulation of geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida by repealing existing statutes related to licensing and operational regulations, specifically sections 403.281 through 403.401. It amends section 403.411 to prohibit the injection or release of substances into the atmosphere for altering temperature, weather, or sunlight intensity, while also increasing civil penalties for violations. Collected fines are mandated to be deposited into the Air Pollution Control Trust Fund. Additionally, the bill introduces section 403.4115, which requires operators of public infrastructure to report monthly on aircraft involved in geoengineering activities and establishes a reporting mechanism for violations, ensuring that the Department of Environmental Protection investigates and refers these reports as necessary.

Furthermore, the bill amends Florida Statutes Section 373.470 concerning Everglades restoration, specifically regarding the distribution of funds from the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund. It requires that, with certain exceptions, the department distribute these funds to the district based on legislative appropriations and updates the reference for fund distribution from 373.026(8)(b) to 373.026(7)(b). The bill also mandates that the district must match the distribution of funds with cumulative contributions by the fiscal year 2019-2020, allowing for various forms of contributions, including in-kind project design and construction work. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 56 Filed: 403.411, 252.44, 253.002, 373.026, 373.4598, 373.470
S 56 c1: 403.411, 253.002, 373.026, 373.4598, 373.470
S 56 c2: 403.411, 253.002, 373.026, 373.4598
S 56 er: 403.411, 253.002, 373.026, 373.4598