Small Businesses Saved from Over Regulation

Last year the Florida Chamber fought back against an emergency rule that would have unnecessarily shifted the burden of pollution notifications to the public, the media and elected officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to Florida companies that may not be equipped to handle such requests.

As soon as the rule was public, the Florida Chamber of Commerce led a coalition effort to raise concerns on potential regulatory uncertainty, vague reporting thresholds, and the burdensome media reporting requirement with Florida DEP leadership.

Yesterday, SB 532, filed by Senator Bill Galvano, which would once again ensure the regulated community is not forced to become the regulator when it comes to reporting spills to the public, passed its first committee stop.

The Florida Chamber believes that the core function of the Florida DEP is to use its expertise and judgment to provide appropriate notice and recommendations to the public and we commend the Florida Legislature for making it clear that small businesses should not do the job of the Florida DEP.

The Florida Chamber will continue to closely monitor this issues and provide updates. To learn more, please visit the Florida Chamber’s Water Issue Page.