Loading chat...
FL S0156
Bill
AI Summary
- Transfers responsibility for bacteriological sampling of beach waters and public bathing places from the Department of Health to the Department of Environmental Protection via a type two transfer effective July 1, 2026, including all powers, duties, personnel, records, property, and unexpended funds
- Requires the Department of Health to report to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2025, on sampling volumes, health advisories issued, staffing levels, and costs, followed by joint transfer recommendations from both departments by December 31, 2025, and an interagency agreement by June 30, 2026
- Mandates that DEP immediately issue health advisories when beach water quality fails to meet standards and requires closure of non-compliant beach waters until quality is restored, replacing the previous discretionary authority
- Requires owners of beach waters and public bathing places to notify DEP and resample within 24 hours of a failed test, and obligates municipalities, counties, boat docks, marinas, and piers to immediately report incidents that may affect water quality
- Directs DEP to adopt standardized health advisory signage warning of fecal bacteria contamination, establish a public statewide interagency database for fecal indicator bacteria data, and notify local television network affiliates when advisories are issued
Legislative Description
Safe Waterways Act
Last Action
Died in Health Policy
6/16/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available