The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding solar facilities and storm protection plans. It introduces provisions for the decommissioning of solar facilities that have reached the end of their useful life, allowing counties to adopt ordinances that require proper decommissioning within 24 months. The bill defines key terms such as "decommission" and "solar facility," and establishes a presumption that a solar facility has reached the end of its useful life under certain conditions, such as failure to produce power for 12 months. Additionally, it allows counties to require financial assurance from solar facility owners to cover decommissioning costs and mandates the Department of Environmental Protection to develop and annually update best management practices (BMPs) for solar facility construction.

Furthermore, the bill revises the requirements for storm protection plans by ensuring that any improvements included must have forecasted customer benefits that exceed their costs. It also updates the factors the Public Service Commission must consider when reviewing these plans and requires the commission to submit a proposed rule for adoption by a specified date. The effective date for the act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 193 Filed: 163.3205