House Bill 633 amends Florida Statutes concerning the operation and regulation of public swimming pools and bathing places, with a strong emphasis on safety and compliance. The bill mandates annual inspections of certain pools to ensure they meet sanitation and safety standards, including adherence to the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. It establishes the Public Swimming Pool and Spa Technical Committee within the Department of Health, which will have the authority to review and grant variances to rules and adopt necessary regulations. Additionally, employees involved in pool inspections must obtain a Florida Public Pool Specialist Certification, with costs covered by their departments.

Key changes in the bill include the removal of the requirement for the Department of Health to provide technical assistance to the Florida Building Commission and the elimination of the biennial review of rules by the committee. Local governments and enforcement districts are now explicitly required to determine compliance with construction standards. The bill also allows for the replacement of pool equipment without the need for engineering plans, as long as the new equipment meets original specifications. Furthermore, it revises the operating permit application process, ensuring that permits are granted unless there is clear evidence of non-compliance, and mandates written explanations for any permit denials, allowing applicants to address issues and reapply. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 633 Filed: 514.021, 514.028, 514.03, 514.031