The proposed bill, titled the Florida Service Lateral Assessment and Rehabilitation Act, aims to address significant issues related to wastewater collection systems in Florida, particularly focusing on the private-side service laterals that contribute to sewage leaks and environmental hazards. The bill mandates that all utility systems, both public and private, establish and maintain a comprehensive condition assessment program for service laterals, which includes regular inspections, data collection, and reporting to the Department of Environmental Protection. The inspections must be conducted at least once every seven years using closed-circuit television systems, and any lateral identified with a high likelihood of failure must be flagged for immediate rehabilitation under a newly established monolithic repair program.

To ensure compliance, the bill outlines penalties for utility systems that fail to adhere to the new requirements, including administrative fines and potential suspension of operational permits. Additionally, the state may provide funding and incentives to support utility systems in enhancing their assessment and repair programs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to improve the structural integrity of service laterals, thereby reducing the risk of sanitary sewer overflows and protecting Florida's water resources.