Bill > H0865

This bill creates new state-level regulations for local governments regarding drinking straws and stirrers, establishing specific requirements for how municipalities can regulate these items. The bill defines several key terms related to environmentally-friendly products, including "renewable" (certified by USDA or TUV Austria programs), "home compostable" (certified by independent third-party bodies), "industrial compostable" (similarly certified), and "marine biodegradable" (able to completely break down in marine environments within one year). Local governmental entities are prohibited from creating rules about drinking straws or stirrers that do not allow for the sale and use of renewable, compostable, or marine biodegradable alternatives, and must amend existing regulations by January 1, 2027, to permit such products. If a local government chooses to regulate drinking straws or stirrers, any new rules must require the items to be renewable, home compostable certified, industrial compostable certified, and marine biodegradable. The bill provides exemptions for prepackaged drinks and straws used in hospitals, medical care facilities, and senior care facilities, and importantly, does not mandate that local governments create such regulations, but sets standards if they choose to do so.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/865