Bill > S1226

This bill, titled the "Refrigerant Safety and Agricultural Continuity Act," allows commercial and agricultural food processing and cold chain industries in Florida to continue using equipment with R-410A refrigerants until January 1, 2035, or as otherwise decided by the Legislature, despite federal regulations phasing out this type of refrigerant in favor of newer, mildly flammable A2L refrigerants like R-454B. The bill acknowledges concerns that A2L refrigerants may not be fully tested or certified for all applications, potentially leading to safety risks, equipment failure, and insurance issues, and aims to protect the state's agricultural sector, which relies on these cooling systems for food safety and export. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is tasked with keeping records of R-410A equipment, reporting annually to the Legislature on the safety and availability of A2L refrigerants, and coordinating with educational institutions and industry groups to develop training for the new refrigerants. Furthermore, businesses complying with the bill's provisions and using R-410A refrigerants are granted immunity from liability related to their continued use until a state-certified safe alternative is fully available.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1226