Land and Water Management (HB 479)
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Florida
2026
HB 479 puts the state in charge of all rules on water quality, water use, pollution control, spill prevention and cleanup, and wetlands. Cities and counties could no longer pass their own environmental rules. They may still run their drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems and join shared programs with other agencies. If they break this law, the state can withhold their funds. The bill also ends land management review teams. Effective July 1, 2026.
Vote Yes on this bill if you want the state to set one uniform policy for water quality, water use, pollution control, and wetlands, with penalties for local governments that pass their own rules.
Organizations that support this bill may include statewide business and development associations, agricultural and industrial groups, and property rights advocates who favor uniform state rules and fewer local mandates.
Supported By
Vote No on this bill if you want cities and counties to keep authority to adopt stricter local standards for water, pollution, and wetlands based on community needs.
Organizations that oppose this bill may include environmental and conservation groups, water quality advocates, and city and county associations concerned about losing local control and stronger protections.
