Florida Democrats Introduce Bills to Address Sewage Discharges and Aging Wastewater Infrastructure
Two Democrats in the Florida Legislature, Sen. Lori Berman and Rep. Lindsay Cross, have filed bills ahead of the 2025 Legislative Session to increase transparency and efficiency in addressing sewage discharges and aging wastewater infrastructure. The bills, SB 978 and HB 861, aim to direct the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to compile a comprehensive list of wastewater treatment facilities, prioritize facility needs, and inform the public of progress on upgrade projects.
Sewage discharges have become leading causes of water quality degradation in the state, prompting the lawmakers to take action. The legislation is a response to previous incidents in St. Petersburg, where sewage spills occurred during severe weather events. The bills have garnered support from environmental advocacy groups, emphasizing the importance of clean water and resilient wastewater infrastructure.
The legislation seeks to ensure that finite tax dollars are spent wisely to address daily usage and natural disasters. If passed and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the bills would take effect on July 1. The lawmakers are hopeful that the legislation will help prioritize significant investments in upgrading Florida’s wastewater infrastructure to protect water quality and public health.
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