The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance regulations related to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, focusing on agricultural practices, consumer services, and public safety. Key provisions include exempting certain department positions from the Career Service System, requiring electric utilities to submit long-term site plans for power plants, and establishing new regulations for electric vehicle charging stations. The bill also introduces a grant program for retail fuel facilities to modernize infrastructure, revises pest control operator certification processes to allow remote testing, and creates an Honest Service Registry for charitable organizations to ensure transparency. Additionally, it establishes emergency recovery programs for timber landowners and updates school nutrition regulations.

Further amendments address the classification of agricultural lands, ensuring that lands used for solar energy systems are classified as agricultural if they meet specific criteria. The bill prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against agricultural producers based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and introduces stricter regulations for charitable organizations regarding foreign contributions. It also enhances funding for mosquito control programs and establishes penalties for mislabeling food products. Overall, the bill aims to streamline regulatory processes, improve public safety, and support the agricultural community in Florida while ensuring compliance with existing laws.

Statutes affected:
S 700 Filed: 110.205, 193.461, 201.25, 388.021, 388.181, 388.241, 388.301, 388.311, 388.321, 388.322, 388.323, 388.341, 388.351, 388.361, 388.381, 388.391, 388.401, 388.46, 403.067, 482.111, 482.141, 482.155, 482.156, 482.157, 487.044, 496.417, 500.03, 500.166, 500.172, 501.135, 501.912, 531.48, 531.49, 570.544, 570.822, 595.404, 599.002, 599.003, 599.012, 616.12, 741.0305, 790.33, 812.0151