The bill aims to regulate geoengineering and weather modification activities in Florida by repealing existing statutes related to licensing and operational requirements, 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. All fines collected will be deposited into the Air Pollution Control Trust Fund. Additionally, the bill introduces a reporting mechanism for individuals observing geoengineering activities, with the Department of Environmental Protection responsible for investigating these reports and referring violations to health or emergency management authorities. A new section, 403.4115, requires operators of public infrastructure to report monthly on aircraft involved in such activities.

In a separate part of the legislation, CS/CS/HB 477 amends several sections of Florida Statutes related to water management and Everglades restoration. It modifies the language regarding district actions from "shall not be considered final agency action" to "may not be considered final," and changes the requirement for a petition for formal proceedings to indicate that it "requires" a hearing under summary hearing provisions. The bill also authorizes the use of state funds for the EAA reservoir project and stipulates that distributions from the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund to the district must be matched by cumulative contributions from the district. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 477 Filed: 403.411, 252.44, 253.002, 373.026, 373.4598, 373.470
H 477 c1: 403.411
H 477 c2: 403.411, 253.002, 373.026, 373.4598, 373.470