House Bill 1417 amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning environmental regulations, particularly focusing on the restructuring of the Acquisition and Restoration Council and the management of onsite sewage treatment systems. The bill expands the council's membership from 10 to 12 members, requiring representation from scientific disciplines and former elected officials, while deleting the creation of the Environmental Regulation Commission. It introduces new requirements for residential properties of 10 acres or less in certain lagoon management areas to connect to a central sewer system or upgrade to nutrient-reducing wastewater treatment systems by July 1, 2030. Additionally, the bill mandates that permitting agencies notify property owners of these requirements during applications for system repairs or replacements.

The legislation also establishes the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Protection Program, which aims to improve water quality and hydrology in the watershed and its downstream waters. It outlines the creation of a comprehensive protection plan, mandates the development of basin management action plans, and emphasizes the need for interagency cooperation and public-private partnerships. Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for managing nonpoint source pollution, including best management practices for agricultural entities, and prohibits the disposal of domestic wastewater biosolids in the watershed unless nutrient loadings can be controlled. Overall, HB 1417 seeks to enhance environmental protection measures while streamlining administrative processes related to land conservation and sewage management.

Statutes affected:
H 1417 Filed: 20.255, 259.105, 373.469, 373.807, 373.811, 380.093, 380.502, 380.504, 403.0671, 403.0872, 576.041, 576.045, 120.81, 373.421, 403.031, 403.704, 403.7222, 403.7234, 403.803, 403.8055, 403.814, 376.302, 380.5105