FL S1548

Prohibits the Florida Department of Transportation from assigning or transferring its permitting rights across transportation rights-of-way to third parties or governmental entities without prior legislative approval, and bars authorities from requiring utility relocations on behalf of third-party or other governmental agency projects

Requires the Public Service Commission to approve targeted storm reserve amounts for each public utility effective January 1, 2025, set at 80% of the highest approved incremental storm costs over the preceding 5 calendar years, funded through base rate increases over a 4-year recovery period

Expands categorical eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to include households with individuals enrolled in Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI, VA disability benefits, SNAP, or TANF, and requires the Department of Commerce to develop an automatic payment process directly to energy suppliers on their behalf

Directs the Public Service Commission to conduct a feasibility study on small modular nuclear reactors (rated at 300 megawatts or less) in Florida, evaluating economic feasibility, safety, waste streams, job creation, reliability compared to natural gas/wind/solar, property tax benefits, and necessary statutory changes, with a report due to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2025

Takes effect July 1, 2024