The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding solar facilities, particularly those constructed on agricultural land. It establishes a legislative intent to promote renewable solar energy while ensuring that agricultural land used for solar facilities is returned to a viable state for agricultural use after the facility's operational life. Key definitions are introduced, including "agricultural land" and "decommissioned," which outlines the process for removing solar facilities and restoring the land. The bill allows counties to adopt ordinances requiring proper decommissioning of solar facilities over 2 megawatts, presuming a facility has reached the end of its useful life under specific conditions, such as prolonged inactivity or abandonment.

Additionally, the bill empowers counties to require financial assurances from solar facility owners to cover decommissioning costs and mandates regular updates on these estimates. If a facility owner fails to decommission as required, counties can take action to complete the process, including forfeiting financial assurances. The bill also includes a provision that exempts sites with prior applications for solar facilities submitted before July 1, 2021, from these new decommissioning requirements, with a similar exemption for applications submitted before July 1, 2025. The bill aims to balance the growth of solar energy infrastructure with the preservation of agricultural land.

Statutes affected:
H 1595 Filed: 163.3205, 163.3208
H 1595 c1: 163.3205, 163.3208