SB 742/HB 705 – Public Works Projects

On Monday, March 4, SB 742/HB 705 by Senator Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach) and Representative Jason Shoaf (R-Port St. Joe) was read for a third time and passed with 28 yeas and 12 nays.

This bill ensures that public works projects that use local funds may not require contractors to pay specific wage rates or provide locally mandated employment benefits. This provision already applies to projects that use state dollars. Some local governments are currently requiring the use of prevailing wage rates in their public works contracts. These requirements can dramatically impact project costs and impact an employer’s flexibility in employment decisions. AIF believes that the state minimum wage requirement and the free market are sufficient to ensure proper wage levels.

SB 742/HB 705 will now go to the Governor for approval.

AIF supports legislation that keeps businesses competing through free market access to public programs.

SB 720 – Asbestos & Silica Claims

On Monday, March 1, SB 720 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) was read for a third time on the Senate Floor and passed with 29 yeas and 6 nays.

SB 720 modifies the current list of procedures for a plaintiff to follow when filing a lawsuit regarding asbestos exposure. Currently, a written report must be submitted that includes personal information, asbestos exposure locations, an exposed persons employer at the time of the supposed exposure, any asbestos-related conditions associated with the exposure, any documentation that can support the claim, etc.

SB 720 would require the plaintiff to include information about their smoking history, names and details of anyone who is knowledgeable of the plaintiff’s exposure to asbestos, the specific product (type) of asbestos that the plaintiff was exposed to and the location.

SB 720 will now go to the Florida House for consideration.

AIF supports legislative initiatives that reinforce the system of checks and balances in our courts. Access to critical evidence and information is important, especially when the outcome of the case can be determined by the medical history of the plaintiff.

SB 7040 – Ratification of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Rules Relating to Stormwater

On Monday, March 4, SB 7040 by the Senator Debbie Mayfield (R-Melbourne) and the Senate Environment and Resources Committee was read for a second time on the House Floor and placed on third reading.

In 2021, the Florida Legislature directed DEP to begin rulemaking on stormwater management’s design and operations throughout the state. This rule sets standards for reducing pollution from stormwater runoff and DEP estimates that it will increase the cost of development by more than $2,600 per acre.

SB 7040 will be read for a third time on the House Floor on Tuesday, March 5.

As originally drafted, there was concern that the permit application process in the rule could result in protracted delays in receiving permits. AIF worked with DEP and legislative leaders to craft clarifying language that provides a significant amount of certainty in the process.

SB 1532/HB 1073 – Mitigation

On Monday, March 4, SB 1532/HB 1073 by Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) and Representative (R-Tavares) was read for a second time on the House Floor and placed on third reading.

This bill addresses the unavailability of wetland mitigation bank credits by allowing mitigation banking on public lands when no mitigation bank credits are available. The bill also expands the availability of water quality enhancement areas to private sector end-users. Current law only allows public entities with such access. By doing so, this legislation would add additional tools in the mitigation and compliance “toolbox” for Florida business.

SB 1532/HB 1073 will be read for a third time on the House Floor on Tuesday, March 5.

AIF supports legislation that expands private-sector involvement in water quality mitigation projects. These measures would allow businesses to operate effectively while working alongside regulators on lands/waterways categorized as mitigation banks.

SB 1082/HB 1051 – Housing for Agricultural Workers

On Monday, March 4, SB 1082/HB 1051 by Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa) and Representative Kaylee Tuck (R-Lake Placid) was read for a second time on the House Floor and placed on third reading.

This bill addresses several housing issues that directly impact agricultural operations in the state. The bill would make it unlawful for a local government to inhibit the construction or installment of housing for H-2A program workers.

SB 1082/HB1073 will be read for a third time on the House Floor on Tuesday, March 5.

AIF supports legislation that provides protections for farmers against authoritative local governments that impose regulations that are overbearing and impede the functionality of agricultural producers.