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FL S0338
Bill
AI Summary
- Requires the Florida Department of Health to adopt and enforce rules for bacteriological sampling of beach waters and public bathing places, changing the current permissive "may" to a mandatory "shall"
- Owners of beach waters and public bathing places must notify the department and resample water within 24 hours after a test result fails to meet health standards
- Department must issue health advisories within 24 hours or the next business day when water quality fails standards, and must order closures when deemed necessary to protect public health; closures remain in effect until water quality is restored and advisories are lifted
- Department must notify the affected municipality or county, the local Department of Environmental Protection office, and local affiliates of national television networks within 24 hours or the next business day of issuing a health advisory; municipalities, counties, and owners of public boat docks, marinas, and piers must report water quality incidents within the same timeframe
- Department must adopt by rule a health advisory sign of at least 20 inches by 20 inches to be posted at beach access points and conspicuous areas; municipalities and counties are responsible for signage on their properties, while the Department of Environmental Protection handles state-owned locations; effective date is July 1, 2024
Legislative Description
Sampling of Beach Waters and Public Bathing Spaces
Last Action
Died in Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
3/8/2024
Committee Referrals
Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government2/8/2024
Full Bill Text
No bill text available