The bill focuses on improving water quality in Florida by addressing the prevalence and effects of lead in drinking water, particularly in public facilities that receive state funding. It mandates the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to conduct a comprehensive study on lead exposure, including the amount of lead piping in these facilities, its health impacts, and the financial implications for the state. The study must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2026, and the act is set to be repealed on June 30, 2026, unless reenacted.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to prioritize water quality improvement projects in special flood hazard areas and outlines specific actions for the Department of Health, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and water management districts to combat harmful algal blooms. It requires the development of training programs for healthcare professionals and a comprehensive plan to mitigate the effects of blue-green algal blooms, with deadlines for submission and implementation. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the South Florida Water Management District are tasked with monitoring nitrogen levels in Lake Okeechobee, while the Department of Environmental Protection and the St. Johns River Water Management District must ensure effective management of water quality in the Upper St. Johns River Basin.

Statutes affected:
H 1575 Filed: 403.0673