HB 7003- Relating to Water Resources
On Thursday, March 5th, HB 7003, by Rep. Matt Caldwell (R- Leigh Acres) passed through the House with 106 yeas and 9 nays. The Department of Environmental Protection projects a water shortage of 1.3 billion gallons of water per day by 2030. This bill comprehensively addresses this shortage and other water issues in our state. Some key components of the bill include the Springs Protection Program, the Central Florida Water Initiative, the Central and Southern Florida Project, and the Northern Everglades project. One major goal of this bill is to create an interagency agreement to develop and implement a uniform water management system; regarding water supply planning, consumptive water use permitting, and resource protection programs. HB 7003 now heads to the Senate for consideration.
AIF supports the Florida House of Representatives effort to address Florida’s major water challenges by developing legislation that address a series of critical issues.
AIF released the following press release regarding the passage of HB 7003.
Statement from AIF’s H2O Coalition
Regarding the Florida House’s Bipartisan Passage of
Comprehensive Water Policy
Tallahassee, Fla. – Associated Industries of Florida’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs Brewster Bevis released the following statement regarding the Florida House’s bipartisan passage of HB 7003:
“Today, the Florida House took a giant step forward in adopting a policy that will better prepare Florida for current and future water challenges. HB 7003 creates sustainable solutions for growing our water supply, provides protections for our springs, and gives water managers additional options so that the regional needs of our state can be better met.
The Coalition appreciates the hard work of Representative Matt Caldwell and especially House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. Under this Speaker’s leadership, we are closer than ever before to making the adoption of a comprehensive water policy a reality.
As this bill heads to the Senate, the H2O Coalition will continue to advocate for a broad solution that increases our state’s commitment to solving water quality and quantity issues.”
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HB 569- Relating to Agritourism
On Tuesday, March 3rd, HB 569, relating to Agritourism, by Rep. Neil Combee (R- Auburndale) unanimously passed the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee with 13 yeas and 0 nays. House Bill 569 addresses local government regulation of “agritourism” activities. The bill would remove the ability of local governments to regulate these activities. Several farmers testified on their personal experiences. AIF stood in support of this bill.
On Wednesday, March 4th, the senate comparison bill SB 594, by Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) also unanimously passed through the Community Affairs committee with 7 yeas and 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.
AIF supports any legislation that allows Florida farmers to safely expand their businesses through the use of Agritourism.
SB 158- Relating to Civil Liability of Farmers
On Tuesday, March 3rd, SB 158, relating to the Civil Liability of Farmers, by Senator Greg Evers (R-Pensacola) unanimously passed its first reading with 10 yeas and 0 nays. Senate Bill 158 addresses an exemption from civil liability to anyone who enters a farm for the purpose of removing a product. This bill now moves on to its second reading. AIF stood in support of this bill.
AIF supports legislation that will reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits brought against Florida’s business owners.
