House Bill 1377 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the safety and maintenance of cooling towers, domestic water holding tanks, and supplemental disinfection systems in Florida. It introduces Part III of Chapter 386, Florida Statutes, which includes new sections detailing legislative intent, definitions, and requirements for registration, reporting, and recordkeeping. Owners of these systems are required to register with the Department of Health through a statewide electronic system, report specific information every 90 days starting July 1, 2027, and maintain records related to inspections and maintenance. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Health in managing the registration system and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

The legislation mandates that cooling tower owners develop or update maintenance programs by September 1, 2027, in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2018, and includes specific procedures for bacteriological sampling and disinfection protocols. It establishes requirements for culture analyses, notification protocols for high Legionella counts, and mandates that disinfection be performed by certified applicators. Compliance inspections are required at startup and every 90 days thereafter, with penalties for non-compliance, including civil and criminal repercussions. The bill also allows county health departments to issue waivers and variances under certain conditions, ensuring public health is prioritized while providing flexibility for owners. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.