Bill > S1230

This bill, also known as the "Joe Casello Act," aims to regulate the use and disposal of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemicals that can persist in the environment. Starting July 1, 2026, AFFF will be prohibited for non-emergency training or testing, and entities possessing it will need to report their inventories to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). By July 1, 2027, the sale, purchase, and distribution of AFFF in Florida will be banned, and remaining stockpiles will require a disposal plan submitted to the DEP. A complete prohibition on the possession and use of AFFF will take effect on July 1, 2029, with exceptions for airports, military applications where no alternatives exist, emergency firefighting situations when alternatives are unavailable, and specific approved retrofit projects. The DEP will be responsible for creating rules for AFFF containment and disposal, maintaining a list of PFAS-free alternatives, and providing assistance, including grants, to help fire departments and airports transition to safer products. Violators could face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day, with additional penalties for failing to report or submit disposal plans, and the DEP can seek court orders to enforce compliance. Additionally, public entities that manage wastewater treatment facilities with a daily flow of 25,000 gallons or more will be required to quarterly test their biosolids (treated sewage sludge) and treated effluent for PFAS and report the results to the DEP, though these initial reports will be for informational purposes only until the EPA establishes and the DEP adopts specific water quality standards for these substances.

Budget and Finance

Environment and Natural Resources (Senate), Fiscal Policy (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1230