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CS/SB 366 — Civil Penalties Under the Gas Safety Law of 1967
by Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government and Senator Yarborough
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Regulated Industries Committee (RI)
The bill revises the maximum penalties for violations of Florida’s Gas Safety Law (ch. 368, part I, F.S.), or rules adopted pursuant to that law, to be $266,015 (increased from $25,000) for each violation for each day the violation persists, not to exceed $2,660,135 in aggregate (up from $500,000) for any related series of violations until June 30, 2025. This would mirror the maximum fines currently provided under federal law for pipeline safety violations under 49 C.F.R. s. 190.223, as updated pursuant to 88 Fed. Reg. 89,560 on December 28, 2023.
On or after July 1, 2025, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) must, by rule, annually consider and revise the penalties established based on the Consumer Price Index, penalties established in federal law for pipeline safety violations, and the intent of the Legislature for the PSC to maintain its pipeline safety violation enforcement certification with the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
In addition, the bill provides the PSC with rulemaking authority to implement the above provisions.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 36-0; House 113-0