TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a continued legislative effort, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has sanctioned another series of bills this week, adding to the extensive list of state laws enacted in the current year.
On Wednesday, DeSantis signed five new laws, followed by an additional approval on Thursday concerning the regulation of data centers within Florida.
Below is a detailed look at these newly ratified laws:
HB 271 — Bail Bonds
House Bill 271 mandates that foreign and alien bail bond insurers operating in Florida adhere to the same reporting standards required of domestic insurers in the bail bond industry.
This legislation is slated to come into effect on July 1.
SB 484 — Data Centers
Senate Bill 484 prohibits utilities from passing data center costs — including electricity costs — onto residential and small business customers.
Furthermore, the law prohibits utilities from serving data centers controlled by foreign countries of concern, and it allows local communities to set stricter standards on such centers.
The law takes effect in full on July 1.
HB 589 — Sewage Treatment
House Bill 589 refers to owners and builders of single-family homes that need to have an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system (OSTDS).
Under this law, local governments may no longer require these people to receive a construction permit for the OSTDS before issuing a building or plumbing permit, so long as there’s proof that the OSTDS permit has been applied for.
The law took effect upon being signed.
HB 803 — Building Permits
House Bill 803 limits local government regulation of glazing requirements on commercial buildings, and provides for lower fees when a private provider is retained for commercial construction projects.
The law also mandates that certain building permits expire after one year after issuance or on the effective date of the next edition of the Florida Building Code — whichever is later.
The law takes effect on July 1.
SB 848 — Stormwater Treatment
Senate Bill 848 allows ERP applicants to use compensating stormwater treatment as a mitigation measure when existing ambient water quality prevents compliance with water quality standards.
Furthermore, ERP applicants for regional stormwater managements systems must provide documentation of adequate financial responsibility, along with a graphic depicting the drainage area served by the system.
The law takes effect on July 1.
HB 927 — Local Land Planning
House Bill 927 requires certain local governments to create a registry of qualified contractors to conduct pre-application reviews of plans, permits or plats submitted in line with local land development rules.
The law takes effect on July 1.
