This bill establishes a new section of Florida law focused on "Water Safety for Cooling Towers, Water Storage Tanks, and Supplemental Disinfection Systems," aimed at enhancing public health safety through stringent regulations on the maintenance and operation of cooling towers. It requires owners to register their cooling towers and related systems with the Department of Health, providing essential details such as location and operational specifics. Owners must develop maintenance programs by September 1, 2027, in line with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2018, which includes routine bacteriological sampling and immediate response protocols for contamination. Additionally, they are mandated to maintain records of inspections and disinfection schedules for at least three years, ensuring these records are accessible to health authorities.

The bill also outlines compliance inspection protocols, requiring inspections before startup and every 90 days thereafter by qualified personnel. Owners must notify health departments within 24 hours of receiving concerning Legionella culture results and take necessary actions based on contamination levels. The legislation includes enforcement mechanisms, allowing health officials to inspect cooling towers and collect water samples in response to legionellosis cases, with penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, it allows for waivers and variances under specific conditions, providing flexibility while upholding public health standards. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.