This bill establishes a regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors in Florida, granting the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) exclusive authority to oversee their regulation. It defines "advanced nuclear reactor" and outlines the responsibilities of the PSC, the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Protection in evaluating designs, issuing permits, and developing safety guidelines. Entities wishing to possess or use nuclear materials for advanced nuclear reactor activities must obtain necessary permits and comply with safety standards, including the installation of radiation control devices. The bill also introduces penalties for violations and requires the PSC to adopt rules for implementation.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to incorporate advanced nuclear energy into Florida's energy policy, revising the definition of "public utility" to exclude certain entities producing electricity from advanced nuclear reactors for their own consumption. It updates the legislative intent regarding renewable energy to include "clean energy," which encompasses energy produced by advanced nuclear reactors, and emphasizes the importance of research and development in this area. The bill modifies the criteria the PSC must consider in its preliminary studies of electric utility site plans to include nuclear energy resources and introduces provisions for constructing advanced nuclear reactors not connected to the state's electrical power grid. It also revises the exclusive forum for determining the need for new electrical power plants, providing the commission with more discretion in this matter, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1696 Filed: 366.02, 403.506, 403.519