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 new restriction aims to protect communities from potential environmental and health impacts associated with such facilities. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for existing operations and modifications that were in place before the effective date.

The bill also makes several conforming changes 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 renewable sources. Furthermore, it establishes penalties for local governments that fail to comply with the new requirements, including ineligibility for grants from the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance environmental protections while promoting responsible waste management practices in Florida.

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