summary
Introduced
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to regulation of public swimming pools and bathing places; amending s. 514.0115, F.S.; providing that, notwithstanding an exemption from supervision or regulation, certain pools are subject to annual inspections by the Department of Health to ensure compliance with specified standards; providing the Public Swimming Pool and Spa Technical Committee with the sole authority to review and approve certain variances; amending s. 514.021, F.S.; requiring the committee, rather than the department, to adopt certain rules for the operation of public swimming pools and public bathing places; making conforming changes; deleting a requirement that the department provide technical assistance to the Florida Building Commission in updating certain construction standards; amending s. 514.025, F.S.; requiring certain department and county health department employees to obtain the Florida Public Pool Specialist Certification within a specified timeframe; requiring that such certification be renewed every 5 years and maintained as long as the employees are assigned to specified duties; providing that the department or the county health department, as applicable, bears the cost of such employee certifications; amending s. 514.028, F.S.; deleting a certain advisory review board and replacing it with the Public Swimming Pool and Spa Technical Committee; providing for meetings and membership of the committee; requiring the committee to hold public workshops for the development of certain rules; providing notice requirements for such workshops; providing purposes of the committee; providing for reimbursement of travel expenses for committee members; amending s. 514.03, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; prohibiting the department and county health departments from requiring engineered plans for or re-engineering of swimming pools, spa pools, wading pools, or interactive water features to be submitted for equipment replacements if certain conditions are met; providing that pool/spa contractors performing the equipment replacement are responsible for making certain certifications; amending s. 514.031, F.S.; revising application requirements for public swimming pool operating permits; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill modifies regulations for public swimming pools and bathing places in Florida, primarily by shifting authority and responsibilities. It mandates annual inspections for certain previously exempt pools to ensure compliance with sanitary and safety standards, including the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, and grants the Public Swimming Pool and Spa Technical Committee sole authority to approve variances from these rules. The bill also requires employees of the Department of Health and county health departments involved in pool inspections to obtain and maintain a specific certification, with the cost covered by their respective departments. Furthermore, it establishes the Public Swimming Pool and Spa Technical Committee as the primary body for adopting operational rules and reviewing variances, replacing an advisory board, and outlines its membership, meeting requirements, and public workshop procedures for rule development. The bill also prohibits the department from requiring engineered plans for equipment replacements in pools and spas if the new equipment meets original design specifications, placing the certification responsibility on the pool/spa contractor. Finally, it revises operating permit application requirements and clarifies the process for granting or denying permits.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1200 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1200/BillText/Filed/HTML |
Loading...