Bill > S0718

This bill creates a new state law that completely prohibits counties and municipalities from creating their own regulations related to water management, specifically barring local governments from making rules about water quality, water quantity, pollution control, pollutant discharge prevention or removal, and wetlands. The state would exclusively control all regulation in these areas, effectively removing local governments' ability to create their own environmental protections. While the bill prevents local water-related regulations, it does include two notable exceptions: local governments can still maintain agreements with state agencies about water resources and can continue to operate their own water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. Additionally, if the Department of Environmental Protection determines a local government has violated this preemption, the department must notify the Chief Financial Officer, who will then withhold state funds from that local government. The bill also repeals an existing statute related to land management review teams and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/718