SB 1822 – Waste Management

On Monday, April 28, SB 1822 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was introduced on the Senate Floor and was temporarily postponed.

SB 1822 establishes a preemption on local governments who currently have the ability to regulate auxiliary containers. The bill adds definitions that clarify auxiliary containers as “reusable or single-use bag, cup, bottle, can, or other packaging that is made of cloth, paper, plastic, and other frequently recycled materials. The definitions also include materials used for food consumption or delivery by a restaurant or retailer.

SB 1822 awaits further action on the Senate Floor.

AIF supports legislation that unifies regulatory measures to a uniform standard that applies to all of Florida’s 67 counties. These measures will ease compliance difficulties on Florida businesses and consumers.

SB 600 – Manufacturing

On Monday, April 28, SB 600 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) was read for a third time on the Senate Floor and was reported favorably with 35 yeas and 0 nays.

This bill restructures Florida’s approach to encouraging manufacturing investments. At the Department of Commerce, the bill creates the role of “Chief Manufacturing Officer” to oversee the “Statewide Office of Manufacturing.” Additionally, the bill provides for a Florida’s Manufacturers’ Workforce Development Program designed to encourage small manufacturers with new technologies, cybersecurity protocols, and workforce training. The bill also creates a promotional campaign that boasts state-manufactured products to consumers.

SB 600 will now go to the Florida House for consideration.

AIF supports initiatives that drive new manufacturing investment to the state and the promotion of “Made in Florida” products.

HB 897 – Timeshare Plan Management

On Monday, April 28, HB 897 by Representative Kim Berfield (R-Clearwater) was substituted for its Senate companion on the Senate Floor, SB 496 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala), was read for a third time and was reported favorably with 36 yeas and 0 nays.

This bill clarifies the applicability of recently enacted legislation that governs timeshare management firms and community association management companies. The bills narrow the conflict-of-interest language to clarify the regulations to ensure transparency. The bill also clarifies how many times these management firms must meet per year and streamlines the process ensuring regular oversight of these meetings. Finally, the legislation requires annual disclosure of information to stakeholders in the community.

HB 897 will now go to the Governor for approval.

AIF supports streamlining and clarifying the community association management companies’ regulations to ensure compliance and growth for Florida’s residents and businesses.

HB 1137 – Utility Service Restrictions

On Monday, April 28, HB 1137 by Representative Jason Shoaf (R-Port St. Joe) was substituted for it’s Senate companion on the Senate Floor, SB 1002 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares), was read for a third time and was reported favorably with 36 yeas and 0 nays.

This bill preempts local governments from enacting restrictions against how the source of energy is produced, used, delivered, converted or supplied by utility providers. The bill has several housekeeping provisions that eliminates any current local ordinance conflicting with the proposed preemption.

HB 1137 will now go to the Governor for approval.

AIF supports legislation that relieves tensions between utility providers and local governments that impose restrictions against different energy sources.