This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding solar facilities and their decommissioning. It establishes 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 useful life. The bill defines key terms, including "decommission," which refers to the removal of a solar facility and restoration of the land. It allows counties to adopt ordinances for the decommissioning of solar facilities that have reached the end of their useful life, requiring financial assurance from facility owners to cover decommissioning costs. Additionally, it sets forth conditions under which a solar facility is presumed to have reached the end of its useful life and outlines the process for rebutting this presumption.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the Department of Environmental Protection to develop and annually update best management practices (BMPs) for the construction of solar facilities, ensuring they meet specific environmental standards. It also revises the requirements for storm protection plans related to transmission and distribution improvements, stipulating that any such improvements must provide forecasted customer benefits that exceed their costs. The Public Service Commission is tasked with adopting rules to implement these changes by a specified deadline. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 200 Filed: 163.3205