The bill establishes a new section, 403.541, in the Florida Statutes to regulate advanced nuclear reactors, defining what constitutes an "advanced nuclear reactor" and granting the Florida Public Service Commission the authority to oversee their design evaluation, permitting for nuclear materials, and safety standards. It also assigns specific responsibilities to the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure public health and environmental safety. The legislation mandates the development of criteria for laboratory certifications related to nuclear materials and requires permits for their possession and use, emphasizing strict safety conditions.

Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to integrate 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 self-consumption. It updates the legislative intent for renewable energy to include "clean energy" from nuclear sources and encourages research and development in this area. The bill allows for the installation of advanced nuclear reactors at certified electrical power plant sites under specific conditions and modifies the commission's discretion regarding the need for new electrical power plants. The changes aim to promote the safe use of advanced nuclear technology while ensuring environmental and public health protections, with the bill set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1461 Filed: 366.02, 403.506, 403.519
H 1461 c1: 366.02, 403.506, 403.519