The Safe Waterways Act is a proposed legislation aimed at improving the safety and quality of beach waters and public bathing places in Florida. It requires the Department of Health to submit a comprehensive report to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2025, detailing bacteriological sampling efforts. By December 31, 2025, both the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection must provide recommendations for transferring bacteriological sampling responsibilities, with an interagency agreement to be established by June 30, 2026, and the official transfer occurring on July 1, 2026. The bill also specifies that the Department of Environmental Protection will take on the sole responsibility for adopting and enforcing rules related to bacteriological sampling, including issuing immediate health advisories and closures of affected waters.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for municipalities and public facilities to notify the public about incidents affecting water quality and mandates the posting of health advisory signs in affected areas. It also establishes a public statewide interagency database for reporting fecal indicator bacteria data, which must be published promptly. The advisory committee overseeing beach water sampling will now be composed of equal representation from both the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection, with the latter department chairing the committee. These changes are designed to enhance the management, monitoring, and regulatory framework for public bathing places in Florida, ultimately aiming to improve public health measures related to water safety.

Statutes affected:
S 156 Filed: 514.021, 514.023, 514.0231