No. CS/HB 999
Filed under Agriculture.
Refrigerant Safety and Agricultural Continuity; Requires DACS to provide annual report to Legislature by specified date; authorizes DACS to coordinate with certain entities for specified purpose.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDFederal rules now force Florida's food processors and cold-storage operators to replace R-410A refrigerant with new A2L blends like R-454B starting in 2025, but those blends are mildly flammable and not fully tested for commercial agricultural use.
Starting January 1, 2027, and every year after, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services must report to the Legislature on refrigerant safety data, equipment and technician availability, insurance standards, and the state's readiness for a full transition.
The department must also track the status of the federal Environmental Protection Agency rule driving the switch, since that rule's own timeline and requirements could still change.
The department may also coordinate with Florida colleges, career centers, and industry trade groups to expand training and certification for handling the new refrigerants, though nothing requires it to.
AIThe Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, working with the Department of Environmental Protection and the State Fire Marshal, must send a written report to the Senate President and House Speaker by January 1, 2027, and every year after that.
AIThe report must cover the safety record of A2L refrigerants, whether enough compliant equipment and certified technicians exist statewide, applicable insurance and liability standards, and recommendations on the state's readiness for a full transition.
AIThe department may, but is not required to, work with Florida College System schools, career centers, and industry trade associations to build training and certification programs for safely handling, installing, and servicing the new refrigerants.