The bill CS/CS/CS/HB 1417 amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance environmental protection and streamline regulatory processes. It eliminates the Environmental Regulation Commission, transferring its responsibilities to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill introduces new requirements for solar facility permit applicants, mandating erosion and sediment control measures, and revises the definition of "qualifying project" to include coastal resiliency initiatives. It also requires properties with onsite sewage treatment systems to connect to central sewer systems or upgrade by 2030. Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for annual operation license fees for major air pollution sources, modifies payment timelines, and clarifies that construction permit fees will not be required for certain changes unless they trigger federal requirements.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the management and protection of water quality in the Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee River, and St. Lucie River watersheds. It mandates the development of Basin Management Action Plans with specific milestones for water quality improvement and requires the DEP to create an implementation schedule for achieving total maximum daily loads within a 20-year timeframe. The bill also introduces regulatory measures to control nutrient loadings, including prohibiting the disposal of domestic wastewater biosolids unless they do not contribute to nutrient loading. Overall, the legislation aims to promote sustainable development while ensuring the protection of Florida's water resources and environmental integrity.

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
H 1417 c1: 20.255, 259.105, 373.469, 373.807, 373.811, 380.502, 380.504, 403.0671, 403.0872, 255.065, 120.81, 373.421, 403.031, 403.704, 403.7222, 403.7234, 403.803, 403.8055, 403.814, 376.302, 380.5105
H 1417 c2: 20.255, 373.469, 373.807, 373.811, 380.512, 380.513, 380.514, 403.0671, 403.0872, 255.065, 120.81, 373.421, 403.031, 403.704, 403.7222, 403.7234, 403.803, 403.8055, 403.814, 380.5105
H 1417 c3: 20.255, 255.065, 373.469, 403.0872, 403.804, 120.81, 373.421, 376.302, 403.031, 403.067, 403.704, 403.7222, 403.7234, 403.803, 403.8055, 403.814
H 1417 e1: 20.255, 255.065, 373.469, 403.0872, 403.804, 120.81, 373.421, 376.302, 403.031, 403.067, 403.704, 403.7222, 403.7234, 403.803, 403.8055, 403.814
H 1417 er: 20.255, 255.065, 373.469, 403.0872, 403.804, 120.81, 373.421, 376.302, 403.031, 403.067, 403.704, 403.7222, 403.7234, 403.803, 403.8055, 403.814