This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes related to solid waste management, specifically focusing on the issuance of construction permits for solid waste disposal and waste-to-energy facilities. It prohibits local governments and the Department of Environmental Protection from issuing such permits if the proposed facility is located within a 2-mile radius of certain federally authorized impoundment areas. The bill also includes provisions that allow for exceptions to this prohibition for existing constructions and operations as of July 1, 2026. Additionally, it updates cross-references and modifies definitions related to solid waste management.

The bill further establishes that each megawatt-hour produced by renewable energy facilities using solid waste will count towards recycling goals, and it allows counties to receive credit for recycling efforts involving yard trash and clean wood waste. It mandates that counties provide annual reports on their solid waste management and recycling activities, and it outlines penalties for local governments that fail to comply with the new requirements. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1196 Filed: 403.7049