summary
Introduced
12/19/2025
12/19/2025
In Committee
01/05/2026
01/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; amending s. 376.91, F.S.; revising and providing definitions; providing for the ratification of certain rules for cleanup target levels for PFAS; authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to update statewide cleanup target levels as necessary; requiring such updates to be ratified by the Legislature; requiring the department to adopt interim screening values until the United States Environmental Protection Agency establishes final standards for additional PFAS compounds; providing requirements to apply for prospective purchaser protection; requiring the department to review applications for completeness within a specified timeframe; providing that an application is deemed approved under specified circumstances; specifying the timeframe in which liability protection is effective; providing liability protection for certain contaminations; authorizing the department or other parties to pursue cost recovery; requiring the department to issue completion letters under certain circumstances; specifying the circumstances under which a prospective purchaser forfeits liability protection; requiring the department and the hb855-00 Department of Revenue to ensure eligibility to financial assistance for certain sites; creating s. 633.3041, F.S.; providing definitions; prohibiting fire service providers from using certain Class B firefighting foam after a specified date except under certain circumstances; providing construction; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill addresses the regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in various industries. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for PFAS cleanup, liability protection, and firefighting foam usage in Florida. For cleanup efforts, the bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to develop statewide cleanup target levels for PFAS, which must be ratified by the Legislature, and authorizes the department to adopt interim screening values until federal standards are established. The bill creates a process for prospective property purchasers to obtain liability protection by conducting thorough environmental inquiries, complying with continuing obligations, and meeting specific requirements, including a 120-day review period during which an application is deemed approved if not denied. Additionally, the bill prohibits fire service providers from using Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals after January 1, 2027, except during emergency firefighting operations or fire prevention services, while still allowing manufacturing and distribution of such foams. The legislation also ensures that sites meeting PFAS cleanup requirements remain eligible for financial assistance programs and tax credits, and provides a mechanism for the department to issue completion letters to prospective purchasers who satisfy all obligations, with the entire act set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
1st Reading (Original Filed Version) (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/855 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/855/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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