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, effective July 1, 2025. This prohibition aims to protect communities from potential environmental and health impacts associated with such facilities. The bill also includes provisions for existing operations and modifications, ensuring they are not affected by this new restriction.

Additionally, the bill makes several conforming amendments to cross-references within the statutes and updates definitions related to solid waste management. It emphasizes the importance of recycling and renewable energy production from solid waste, allowing counties to receive recycling credits for energy produced from solid waste. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of counties in reporting their recycling activities and establishes penalties for non-compliance with recycling goals, including ineligibility for grants from the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance waste management practices while safeguarding public health and the environment.

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