The bill aims to establish safety standards for batteries used in personal mobility devices, which are defined as small, lightweight vehicles powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries designed for single-person transport, such as electric bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. It amends section 403.7192 of the Florida Statutes to prohibit the sale of personal mobility devices that utilize batteries not certified by a recognized organization as meeting specific ingress protection standards, particularly those that protect against temporary submersion in liquid.
Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for violations of this prohibition, with fines escalating from $1,000 for a first offense to $10,000 for subsequent violations. The collected fines 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.