The proposed bill, titled the Joe Casello Act, aims to regulate the use and distribution of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Florida. It establishes a new section in the Florida Statutes, defining key terms and outlining a phased prohibition on AFFF. Starting July 1, 2026, the use of AFFF for nonemergency training and testing will be banned, and entities must report their inventories to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). By July 1, 2027, the sale, purchase, or distribution of AFFF will be prohibited, and entities must submit disposal plans. Finally, by July 1, 2029, possession and use of AFFF will be entirely banned, with certain exceptions for airports, military applications, emergency situations, and specific retrofit projects.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to require public entities that dispose of domestic wastewater biosolids and treated effluent to conduct quarterly sampling for PFAS and report the results to the DEP. This sampling is for informational purposes only until the establishment of water quality standards by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The DEP is tasked with adopting rules for the containment and disposal of AFFF, maintaining a registry of alternative firefighting foams, and providing technical assistance and grants for transitioning to safer products. Violations of the act may result in civil penalties and the DEP may seek injunctive relief to ensure compliance. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.