The bill amends sections 376.3071 and 376.3072 of the Florida Statutes to remove the fiscal year limitation for the 2025-2026 period regarding certain deductibles and copayments related to petroleum cleanup programs. Specifically, it prohibits the assessment of deductibles and copayments, enforces no monetary caps, and mandates that all costs associated with cleanup activities be absorbed by the Inland Protection Trust Fund without the possibility of reimbursement or recovery. Exceptions to this provision include situations where the department has been denied access to a site, costs incurred before the grace period, and cases of gross negligence or intentional damage by the owner or operator of a petroleum storage system.

Additionally, the bill reenacts certain provisions related to the Ethanol or Biodiesel Damage program, which allows for up to $10 million in funding each fiscal year for repairs or preventive measures for petroleum storage systems damaged by ethanol or biodiesel. The bill also clarifies that payments will not be made for specific costs, such as proposal preparation or costs associated with non-compliant facilities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 5701E Filed: 376.3071, 376.3072
H 5701E e1: 376.3071, 376.3072
H 5701E er: 376.3071, 376.3072