This bill establishes new safety standards for batteries used in personal mobility devices in Florida. It defines a "personal mobility device" as a small, lightweight vehicle powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, designed to transport only one person, including examples like electric bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. The bill prohibits the sale of such devices if they use batteries that are not certified by a recognized organization as meeting specific ingress protection standards, which ensure protection against temporary submersion in liquid.
Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for violations of this prohibition. A first offense could result in an administrative fine of up to $1,000, with escalating fines for subsequent violations—up to $5,000 for a second violation and $10,000 for a third or more. The fines collected will be deposited into the General Revenue Fund, and the department has the authority to suspend fines based on compliance with certain conditions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.