FL H1063

Creates the Carbon Sequestration Task Force adjunct to the Department of Environmental Protection to develop recommendations for a statewide carbon sequestration program, with 11 members including state officials, academic representatives, an agricultural landowner, and an environmental nonprofit representative, with appointments due by August 1, 2025.

Requires the task force to inventory terrestrial and aquatic environments suitable for carbon sequestration, develop standardized methodology for measuring baseline carbon levels, evaluate ecosystem services, identify existing carbon markets, and recommend benchmarks for increasing sequestration.

Mandates two reports: an interim report to the Secretary of Environmental Protection by October 1, 2026 (including a nonrecurring budget request for FY 2026-2027), and a final findings and recommendations report to the Governor and Legislature by October 1, 2027, with the task force terminating on April 30, 2028.

Participation in any carbon sequestration program or activity recommended by the task force is strictly voluntary; landowners may not be penalized or denied access to other state programs for declining to participate, and private property access requires express written consent.

Any future regulatory framework or enforcement mechanism related to carbon sequestration must receive explicit legislative approval before implementation.