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FloridaHB 1672026House

Former Phosphate Mining Lands

Sponsored By: Lawrence McClure (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationJudiciary CommitteeState Affairs CommitteeRules

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

State radiation surveys for former mine land

Beginning July 1, 2026, current owners of former phosphate land can request a state gamma radiation survey. Florida's health department must complete it within 120 days after receiving the request. It must record radiation readings and measurement locations, and share preliminary results within 30 days after completion. Owners have 60 days after receiving the survey to request one more if they reasonably believe it was flawed or unrepresentative. The department must complete that survey within 90 days after receiving the request. The additional survey becomes final within 90 days after completion.

New liability defense for former mine claims

Beginning July 1, 2026, landowners can record a former phosphate mine notice in their county's official records. Former phosphate mines are areas where phosphate mining occurred; phosphogypsum stacks are excluded. The required notice states: “NOTICE: This property is a former phosphate mine as defined in s. 378.213(2), Florida Statutes.” People covered by Florida's environmental liability law can plead and prove a new defense against covered claims. The occurrence must result solely from a natural geological substance of a former phosphate mine. The defense also requires the recorded notice and a completed Florida health department radiation survey.

Radiation surveys required for phosphate mining lawsuits

Beginning July 1, 2026, plaintiffs must file a property radiation survey with complaints in covered phosphate mining or reclamation lawsuits. This covers strict liability, negligence, and similar pollution claims, including claims involving mining overburden and phosphate extraction or processing waste. The surveyor must hold certification from the American Board of Health Physics or National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists. The survey must show representative gamma readings, background levels under federal radiation survey guidance, and measurement locations. It must identify equipment, testing methods, calibration dates and procedures, and the surveyor's name, training, education, and experience. The survey must be verified under penalty of perjury.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lawrence McClure

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Richard Gentry

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 28

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 32 • No: 4

Senate vote • 1/27/2026

Rules Vote

Yes: 22 • No: 0

House vote • 1/15/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 87 • No: 24

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-103

    5/26/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    5/22/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    5/12/2026

  4. Ordered enrolled

    3/11/2026House

  5. In Messages

    3/11/2026House

  6. Passed; YEAS 32 NAYS 4 -SJ 823

    3/11/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time -SJ 823

    3/11/2026Senate

  8. Read 2nd time -SJ 823

    3/11/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Special Order Calendar, 03/11/26

    3/6/2026Senate

  10. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    1/27/2026Senate

  11. Favorable by- Rules; YEAS 22 NAYS 0

    1/27/2026Senate

  12. Received

    1/22/2026Senate

  13. On Committee agenda-- Rules, 01/27/26, 9:00 am, 412 Knott Building

    1/22/2026Senate

  14. Referred to Rules

    1/16/2026Senate

  15. In Messages

    1/15/2026Senate

  16. Passed; YEAS 87, NAYS 24

    1/15/2026House

  17. Read 3rd time

    1/15/2026House

  18. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    1/15/2026House

  19. Read 2nd time

    1/15/2026House

  20. 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)

    1/13/2026House

  21. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (1/15/2026)

    1/12/2026House

  22. Bill released to House Calendar

    11/19/2025House

  23. Reported out of State Affairs Committee

    11/19/2025House

  24. Favorable by State Affairs Committee

    11/19/2025House

  25. Added to State Affairs Committee agenda

    11/12/2025House

Bill Text

  • er

    7/1/2026

    PDF

  • Filed

    10/14/2025

    PDF

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