The bill amends sections of Florida Statutes related to waste incineration and solid waste management. It prohibits local governments and the Department of Environmental Protection from issuing construction permits for new solid waste disposal facilities or waste-to-energy facilities located within a half-mile radius of residential properties or schools. This restriction is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and does not apply to existing facilities or modifications to them. Additionally, the bill includes various amendments to conform cross-references and definitions within the solid waste management framework.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions that allow counties to receive recycling credits for renewable energy produced from solid waste, contingent upon maintaining a recycling program. It also outlines the conditions under which the Department may reduce municipal solid waste recycling goals for counties with waste-to-energy facilities facing financial challenges. The bill emphasizes the importance of recycling and provides guidelines for local governments to achieve solid waste management goals while ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
H 1609 Filed: 403.7049
H 1609 c1: 403.7049
H 1609 e1: 403.7049