This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding solar facilities and their decommissioning. It introduces new definitions and legislative intent aimed at promoting renewable solar energy while ensuring that agricultural land used for solar facilities is returned to a viable state post-decommissioning. Counties are authorized to adopt ordinances for the decommissioning of solar facilities that have reached the end of their useful life, which includes provisions for financial assurance from facility owners to cover decommissioning costs. The bill also establishes criteria for determining when a solar facility is considered to have reached the end of its useful life and allows for rebuttals to this presumption.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Environmental Protection to develop and annually update best management practices (BMPs) for the construction of solar facilities, ensuring that 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 customer benefits that exceed their costs. The Public Service Commission is tasked with submitting a proposed rule for these amendments by a specified deadline, ensuring timely implementation of the new regulations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 200 Filed: 163.3205