FL H0999

Creates Section 604.74, Florida Statutes, establishing the "Refrigerant Safety and Agricultural Continuity Act" to address the federally-mandated transition from R-410A refrigerants to A2L refrigerants (including R-454B) beginning in 2025-2026

Requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to submit annual reports to the Legislature beginning January 1, 2027, covering A2L refrigerant safety data, equipment availability, certified technician readiness, insurance standards, and federal rule updates

Authorizes the Department to coordinate with Florida College System institutions, career centers, and industry trade associations to expand training and certification programs for A2L refrigerant handling, installation, and servicing

Cites legislative concerns that R-454B refrigerants are mildly flammable, not fully tested for commercial agricultural applications, and pose potential risks including fire, equipment failure, and insurance exclusion

Estimates statewide economic impacts of the refrigerant transition in the billions of dollars for Florida's agricultural food processing and cold chain industries; effective date July 1, 2026