FL H1245

Bill

FL H1245

Biosolids Management

Introduced
01/08/2026

In Committee
03/04/2026

Crossed Over
03/10/2026

Passed
03/10/2026

Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act relating to biosolids management; amending s. 403.0855, F.S.; prohibiting the land application of bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products from exceeding the appropriate agronomic rate; specifying requirements for the management of the land application of bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and biosolids compost products at or below the agronomic rate; defining the term "agronomic rate"; prohibiting the bulk land application of biosolids when such bulk application constitutes disposal; defining the term "disposal"; requiring the owner or operator of certain land application sites to maintain application records for a specified timeframe and make such records available to the Department of Environmental Protection upon request; specifying requirements for such records; specifying that the department must require written notification of such recordkeeping requirements be provided to the owner or operator of such land at the time bulk Class AA biosolids are distributed for land application; providing that such recordkeeping requirements do not apply to certain biosolids; specifying requirements for the distribution of such biosolids; requiring the department to initiate rulemaking by a specified date; hb1245 -02-erLegislature requiring the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, on a specified basis and beginning on a specified date, to publish and make publicly available recommended agronomic rates for the reuse of bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products; specifying requirements for such recommendations; prohibiting Class AA biosolids fertilizer products and certain Class AA biosolids compost products from being marketed or distributed for agricultural land application unless specified requirements are met; prohibiting Class AA biosolids from being used for agricultural land application unless certain requirements are met; providing an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill aims to regulate the management of biosolids, which are treated sewage sludge, when applied to land for agricultural purposes, specifically focusing on "bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products." The key provisions prohibit applying these materials in amounts exceeding the "agronomic rate," which is defined as the scientifically determined nutrient application rate that considers plant needs, soil conditions, and water protection, with recommendations to be provided by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The bill clarifies that the bulk land application of biosolids is prohibited if it constitutes "disposal," meaning the nutrients applied cannot reasonably be expected to be used by crops and the biosolids are essentially being discarded. Owners or operators of land application sites must maintain detailed records of biosolids application for at least five years and make them available to the Department of Environmental Protection, with specific exceptions for certain dry, granular biosolids products. The Department of Environmental Protection is required to start rulemaking by November 1, 2026, to implement these regulations, and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences must publish recommended agronomic rates biennially starting by November 1, 2027. Furthermore, Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products cannot be marketed or distributed for agricultural use unless they meet specific requirements, including certification for compost products that don't claim nutrient benefits. The bill takes effect on November 1, 2026.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Jason Shoaf (R)*,

Other Sponsors (2)

Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee (House), State Affairs Committee (House)

Last Action

Ordered enrolled (on 03/10/2026)

Official Document

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245

(1 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245
BillText	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/BillText/er/PDF
Analysis - State Affairs Committee (Post-Meeting)	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/Analyses/h1245e.SAC.PDF
BillText	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/BillText/c2/PDF
Analysis - State Affairs Committee (Post-Meeting)	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/Analyses/h1245d.SAC.PDF
Analysis - Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee (Post-Meeting)	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/Analyses/h1245c.HAT.PDF
Analysis - Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee (Post-Meeting)	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/Analyses/h1245b.HAT.PDF
BillText	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/BillText/c1/PDF
Analysis - Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee (Post-Meeting)	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/Analyses/h1245a.NRD.PDF
	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/Amendment/270477/PDF
Analysis - Natural Resources & Disasters Subcommittee (Post-Meeting)	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/Analyses/h1245.NRD.PDF
BillText	https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1245/BillText/Filed/PDF

Bill > H1245

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Other Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary