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SB 322

Relating to: a Department of Children and Families program to make payments to child care programs, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 14 co-sponsors

SB 322 mandates landlords to maintain cooling systems below 82°F during extreme heat, ensuring tenant health and comfort while requiring timely repairs.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
0
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Bill Summary · SB 322

Summary of SB 322 - Construction

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: SB 322
- Title: Construction
- Status: Filed
- Introduced: November 03, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Civil practice and procedure, Public Health, solicitations

Purpose and Intent

SB 322 aims to amend existing Florida statutes related to construction and landlord obligations, particularly focusing on the maintenance of cooling facilities in rental properties. The bill seeks to ensure that landlords provide adequate cooling solutions to maintain habitable conditions during extreme heat, thereby enhancing tenant health and safety.

Key Provisions

  1. Definitions:

    • Introduces new definitions for terms such as "cooling equipment," "habitable space," and "outdoor heat index" to clarify the requirements for cooling facilities.

  2. Landlord Obligations:

    • Cooling Facilities: Landlords must ensure that cooling equipment can maintain indoor temperatures at or below 82°F when the outdoor heat index reaches or exceeds 90°F.
    • Repair Requirements: Landlords are required to repair or replace defective cooling equipment within three business days of receiving tenant notice, unless delays are due to supply chain issues.
    • Exceptions: Landlords are not in violation of cooling obligations if:
      • Tenants unreasonably deny access for repairs.
      • Cooling equipment is out of service due to events beyond the landlord's control, provided repairs commence within 48 hours.

  3. Compliance Timeline:

    • For rental agreements in effect before July 1, 2026, landlords must comply with the new cooling requirements by July 1, 2027.

  4. Continuing Education for Contractors:

    • Updates definitions related to air-conditioning contractors and mechanical contractors.
    • Establishes continuing education requirements for certificateholders and registrants, allowing credits for participation in professional associations.

  5. Local Government Authority:

    • The bill does not preempt local governments from enforcing stricter standards regarding cooling facilities.

Impact

  • Tenants: The bill directly benefits tenants by ensuring that rental properties maintain adequate cooling, which is crucial for health and comfort, especially during extreme heat conditions.
  • Landlords: Landlords will need to adjust their maintenance practices and may incur costs related to upgrading or maintaining cooling systems.
  • Contractors: Changes in continuing education requirements may affect contractors' licensing and renewal processes.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was filed on November 3, 2025, and is currently in the legislative process. If passed, it will require compliance from landlords by specified dates, impacting both current and future rental agreements.

This summary provides an overview of SB 322, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on stakeholders in the construction and rental housing sectors.

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

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