This bill amends sections of Florida Statutes related to public waters and health advisories for beach waters and public bathing places. It prohibits local governments and special districts from applying for permits to establish or maintain public mooring fields outside their territorial boundaries or within incorporated areas, with exceptions for previously approved mooring fields. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health must adopt and enforce rules regarding health standards for beach waters and public bathing places, requiring timely health advisories and notifications to relevant authorities when water quality fails to meet established standards.

The bill also introduces requirements for counties, municipalities, and special districts to close affected beach waters and public bathing places when necessary, ensuring that closures remain in effect until water quality is restored. It establishes a framework for health advisory signage, detailing the responsibilities of local governments and the Department of Environmental Protection in posting and maintaining these signs. The health advisory signs must be prominently displayed and remain until subsequent testing confirms that water quality meets safety standards. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
S 1042 Filed: 373.118, 514.023