House Bill 733 amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning brownfields, primarily targeting the requirements for property owners and the tax credit application process for rehabilitating contaminated sites. The bill eliminates the requirement for property owners to provide information about institutional controls to local governments for mapping, as well as the local government's mapping obligations. It also revises the conditions for claiming tax credits, including application submission timeframes and eligibility criteria, while changing the terminology from "No Further Action" orders to "site rehabilitation completion" orders. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of "brownfield sites" and broadens the range of eligible applicants, allowing trusts and community-based organizations to participate in the brownfield program.

Furthermore, the bill streamlines the designation process for brownfield areas by requiring local governments to notify and hold public hearings on proposed designations, considering economic development potential and private sector interest. It clarifies eligibility for participation in the brownfield program, emphasizing that local governmental entities and individuals who have not contributed to contamination since July 1, 2025, can participate. The legislation also includes provisions for liability protection, outlines documentation for site rehabilitation completion, and prioritizes agriculture education facilities in brownfield sites. Additionally, it reenacts a section to establish the Interdisciplinary Center for Brownfield Rehabilitation Assistance at the University of South Florida, focusing on research and innovative solutions for contamination removal. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 733 Filed: 376.78, 196.1995, 288.1175