The proposed bill establishes a new section in Florida law titled the "Refrigerant Safety and Agricultural Continuity Act," which aims to address the transition to A2L refrigerants in the state's agricultural and food processing industries. The bill outlines the legislative findings that highlight the reliance of these industries on refrigerant systems for product safety and temperature stability, while also noting the potential risks associated with the transition to A2L refrigerants, such as fire hazards and economic impacts estimated in the billions of dollars. The bill defines key terms, including "A2L refrigerant" and "department," which refers to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provide an annual report to the Legislature starting January 1, 2027, detailing safety performance data for A2L refrigerants, the availability of compliant equipment and certified technicians, insurance standards, and recommendations for the transition. The department is also authorized to collaborate with educational institutions and industry associations to enhance training programs for the safe handling and servicing of A2L refrigerants. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.