The proposed bill, titled the "Consumer Fairness in Utility Rates Act of 2025," amends section 180.191 of the Florida Statutes to enhance consumer protections regarding utility rates. It defines key terms such as "facility" and "recipient municipality," and mandates that municipalities operating water or sewer utilities impose the same base rates, fees, and charges on consumers within recipient municipalities as they do within their own boundaries. Additionally, municipalities are prohibited from imposing surcharges on consumers in recipient municipalities unless these surcharges are directly tied to documented costs and are clearly disclosed at the time of billing. The bill also restricts the use of surcharges as a general revenue source or profit margin.

Furthermore, the bill requires municipalities to hold public hearings before establishing or adjusting rates, fees, or surcharges, allowing consumer input from both their own and recipient municipalities. It mandates that municipalities file annual reports with the Public Service Commission detailing surcharge revenues and establishes a process for the Commission to review consumer disputes regarding rates, fees, or surcharges to ensure fairness and compliance with the new regulations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 225 Filed: 180.191