House Bill 1461 establishes a regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors in Florida by creating a new section, 403.541, in the Florida Statutes. The bill grants the Florida Public Service Commission the authority to regulate these reactors and empowers the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection to fulfill specific regulatory roles. It defines advanced nuclear reactors to include both nuclear fusion and improved nuclear fission reactors, mandates the joint establishment of criteria for laboratory certifications analyzing nuclear materials, and requires permits for the possession, transfer, and use of nuclear materials, ensuring safety standards are met before such permits are issued.

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 not connected to the state's power grid. It updates the legislative intent for renewable energy policy to promote "clean energy," which now includes energy from advanced nuclear reactors, and encourages research and development of domestic advanced nuclear energy resources. The bill also allows for the construction of advanced nuclear reactors at existing electrical power plant sites, provided they replace a retired plant and do not exceed its capacity. It modifies the commission's discretion in determining the need for proposed plants and emphasizes conservation measures in evaluations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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