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HB 419

Residential Utility Disconnections

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Chambliss and 5 co-sponsors

HB 419 would restrict Florida utility disconnections for residential customers by requiring notice periods and protections for vulnerable groups, but died in committee.

Died in Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 419

Legislative bill overview

HB 419 proposes restrictions on utility companies' ability to disconnect residential customers from essential services like water, electricity, and gas. The bill would establish notice requirements, grace periods, and protections for vulnerable populations before disconnection could occur. The measure died in the Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee without advancing to a full chamber vote.

Why is this important

Utility disconnections directly affect housing stability and public health—loss of electricity or water creates dangerous living conditions, particularly for elderly residents, children, and low-income households. Florida's growing population and ongoing affordability challenges make utility payment defaults an increasingly common problem affecting thousands of families annually.

Potential points of contention

  • Utility company costs: Providers argue that strict disconnection restrictions increase bad debt losses, which may be passed to other consumers through higher rates
  • Defining vulnerable populations: Disagreement over which groups deserve special protections and how to verify eligibility without creating administrative burdens
  • Payment enforcement mechanisms: Concern that extended grace periods without disconnection threats could reduce payment compliance and increase overall defaults

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

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