Florida Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-40) has introduced SB 156, titled the “Safe Waterways Act,” aiming to enhance the safety and health standards of Florida’s beach waters and public bathing areas.
The legislation outlines comprehensive measures to transfer bacteriological sampling responsibilities from the Department of Health (DOH) to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), along with a series of new protocols to protect residents and visitors from waterborne risks.
READ: Florida AG Ashley Moody Announces Significant Decrease In Opioid Deaths Across The State
The proposed legislation includes several critical measures to ensure cleaner, safer waterways in Florida:
- Departmental Realignment:
- By July 1, 2026, all responsibilities for bacteriological sampling of beach waters and public bathing places will be transferred from DOH to DEP. This includes oversight of health advisories and rule enforcement.
- Enhanced Health Standards:
- DEP will adopt stricter rules for monitoring beach waters and public bathing places for fecal bacteria and other contaminants. Health advisories will be mandatory when water quality fails to meet established standards, requiring closures until safety is restored.
- Public Notifications and Signage:
- Municipalities and counties must display DEP-approved health advisory signs in affected areas. Signs will warn residents and visitors of contamination and risks, remaining in place until subsequent testing confirms safe conditions.
- Incident Reporting and Investigations:
- Local governments, marinas, and public facilities must report incidents affecting water quality. DEP will investigate wastewater treatment facilities and potential contamination sources within impacted regions.
- Data Transparency and Accountability:
- A statewide interagency database will be established for real-time reporting of fecal bacteria levels. DEP will coordinate with DOH to ensure public access to water quality data.
- Increased Capacity and Funding:
- The act includes provisions to retain and transfer experienced personnel and allocate appropriate budgets to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. DEP will oversee enforcement, monitoring, and reporting in collaboration with other state and local agencies.
This legislation prioritizes public health by addressing contamination risks more effectively and ensuring swift action to prevent harm.
READ: Florida Rep. Cammack Joins Texas Rep. Chip Roy As Original Co-Sponsor Of “SAVE Act”
Florida’s beaches attract millions of visitors annually, making it essential to maintain high safety standards. By centralizing authority under DEP, the bill aims to eliminate delays and improve efficiency in monitoring and addressing water quality issues.
The Safe Waterways Act, if approved, will take effect on July 1, 2026, with preliminary steps beginning as early as 2025.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.