This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance safety requirements for residential swimming pools, particularly focusing on properties that are transferred or sold on or after October 1, 2025. It mandates that all residential swimming pools must be equipped with at least one safety feature, such as a pool barrier, safety cover, exit alarms, or pool alarms, regardless of when the pool was built. Additionally, it requires title companies, inspectors, or mortgage underwriters to report any violations of these safety requirements to local law enforcement agencies. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in a misdemeanor charge, although penalties can be waived if the pool owner rectifies the violation within 45 days and completes a drowning prevention education program.

The bill also introduces specific barrier requirements for residential swimming pools, ensuring that they are at least four feet high and free from gaps that could allow children to access the pool area. Similar to the safety feature requirements, these barrier regulations apply to all pools sold or transferred after the specified date. The bill further amends the drowning prevention education program to ensure it is publicly available and outlines the funding mechanisms for the program. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 604 Filed: 515.27, 515.31