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HB 1319

Jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission Relating to Water and Wastewater Systems

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Andrade

Bill would have expanded Florida's Public Service Commission regulatory authority over water and wastewater systems, shifting local utility control to state oversight; died in subcommittee.

Died in Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 1319

Legislative bill overview

HB 1319 would have expanded the Florida Public Service Commission's (PSC) regulatory jurisdiction over water and wastewater systems. The bill aimed to give the PSC authority to oversee rates, service standards, and operations for water and wastewater utilities that currently operate outside its purview, likely including municipal and regional systems.

Why is this important

Water and wastewater infrastructure directly affects public health, affordability, and service reliability for millions of Floridians. Regulatory oversight determines whether utilities operate efficiently, maintain infrastructure, and charge reasonable rates—making this a fundamental issue of utility governance and consumer protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state oversight: Municipalities and regional water authorities would lose some autonomy over their own utility operations and rate-setting decisions if transferred under PSC jurisdiction
  • Rate impacts: Expanded PSC regulation could increase compliance costs that utilities pass to ratepayers, or conversely, rate caps could limit utilities' ability to fund necessary infrastructure upgrades
  • Implementation complexity: The PSC would need substantial resources to regulate additional water systems; unclear which systems would be covered and transition mechanisms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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