SB 818 – Utility Relocation

On Tuesday, April 22, SB 818 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill modifies the process of relocating utility facilities on a public right of way. It helps to ease some scheduling pressure that certain utilities may have in the relocation process as well as shifts the cost burden from the utility owner to the owner of the right of way that is requiring the relocation. These expenses often add up when developments, road projects, and other local structures require broadband facilities to be moved. As Florida becomes increasingly more developed, these relocations will become ever more frequent.

SB 818 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.

AIF supports initiatives that ease burdens for utility providers who are forced to move facilities from a right of way by local governments.

HB 561 – Manufacturing

On Tuesday, April 22, HB 561 by Representative Nan Cobb (R-Eustis) was heard by the House Commerce Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

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.

HB 561 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

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

HB 1239/SB 1574 – Energy Infrastructure Investment

On Tuesday, April 22, HB 1239 by Representative Jennifer Kincart-Jonsson (R-Lakeland) was heard by the House Commerce Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

On Tuesday, April 22, SB 1574 by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach) was heard by the Senate Fiscal Policy and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) continues to expand its presence in Florida’s economy as it becomes a more practical and cost-effective source of renewable energy. These bills would grant public utilities with a cost-recovery mechanism for qualifying RNG infrastructure projects. The bills would also encourage further solutions for the capture, sale, and reuse of methane gas.

HB 1239 will now go to the House Floor for consideration. SB 1574 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that provides an economically and technically feasible framework which encourages development and investment in renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and other energy technologies.

SB 496 – Timeshare Management Firms

On Tuesday, April 22, SB 496 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was heard by the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

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.

SB 496 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.

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

HB 579 – Local Government

On Tuesday, April 22, HB 579 by Representative Toby Overdorf (R-Palm City) was heard by the House Commerce Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill works to clear up regulatory patchwork at the local level by revising existing permitting processes that are often backlogged and provide an open door for selective scrutiny towards applicants for certain projects within municipal boundaries. The bill advances the timelines and reporting requirements for such applications.

HB 579 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that streamlines local bureaucratic efficiency and provides a more expedient and transparent permitting application process for Florida businesses.