The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the regulatory framework for solar facilities, particularly focusing on their decommissioning processes. It establishes legislative intent to promote renewable solar energy while ensuring that agricultural land used for solar facilities is returned to a viable agricultural state post-decommissioning. Key definitions are introduced, including "agricultural land" and "decommissioned," which outlines the requirements for removing solar facilities and restoring the land. The bill allows counties to adopt ordinances mandating proper decommissioning of solar facilities over 2 megawatts, presuming a facility has reached the end of its useful life under specific conditions, and provides a mechanism for facility owners to rebut this presumption.

Additionally, the bill empowers counties to require financial assurances from solar facility owners to cover decommissioning costs and mandates regular updates on these costs. If a facility owner fails to comply with decommissioning requirements, counties can take action to complete the process, including forfeiting financial assurances. The bill also clarifies that these provisions do not apply to sites with applications submitted before July 1, 2021, with a specific exception for applications submitted before July 1, 2025. Furthermore, it amends a cross-reference related to electric substations to ensure consistency with the new regulations for solar facilities.

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