Florida Statutes 376.91 – Statewide cleanup of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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(1) DEFINITIONS.–As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Department” means the Department of Environmental Protection.
Terms Used In Florida Statutes 376.91
- person: includes individuals, children, firms, associations, joint adventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations, and all other groups or combinations. See Florida Statutes 1.01
- Recourse: An arrangement in which a bank retains, in form or in substance, any credit risk directly or indirectly associated with an asset it has sold (in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) that exceeds a pro rata share of the bank's claim on the asset. If a bank has no claim on an asset it has sold, then the retention of any credit risk is recourse. Source: FDIC
- Statute of limitations: A law that sets the time within which parties must take action to enforce their rights.
(b) “PFAS” means perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
(2) STATEWIDE CLEANUP TARGET LEVELS.–
(a) If the United States Environmental Protection Agency has not finalized its standards for PFAS in drinking water, groundwater, and soil by January 1, 2025, the department shall adopt by rule statewide cleanup target levels for PFAS in drinking water, groundwater, and soil using criteria set forth in s. 376.30701, with priority given to PFOA and PFOS. The rules for statewide cleanup target levels may not take effect until ratified by the Legislature.
(b) Until the department’s rule for a particular PFAS constituent has been ratified by the Legislature, a governmental entity or private water supplier may not be subject to any administrative or judicial action under this chapter brought by any state or local governmental entity to compel or enjoin site rehabilitation, to require payment for the cost of rehabilitation of environmental contamination, or to require payment of any fines or penalties regarding rehabilitation based on the presence of that particular PFAS constituent.
(c) Until site rehabilitation is completed or rules for statewide cleanup target levels are ratified by the Legislature, any statute of limitations that would bar a state or local governmental entity from pursuing relief in accordance with its existing authority is tolled from June 20, 2022.
(d) This section does not affect the ability or authority to seek any recourse or relief from any person who may have liability with respect to a contaminated site and who did not receive protection under paragraph (b).