The Florida Senate on Friday passed House Bill 1123, a measure authorizing municipalities to use revenue generated by operation of a municipality's central sewage system to fund expansion of that system. The bill passed on the floor by voice vote and was recorded 37 yeas, 0 nays.

Sponsor remarks cited resiliency and local initiatives. "This bill allows municipalities to utilize revenue generated from the operation of the municipality's central sewage system for the expansion of the central sewage system," said Senator Pizzo as he explained the bill on the floor. He described local efforts — particularly in coastal and storm-prone communities such as the City of Hollywood — to convert from septic systems to public sewer lines as part of resiliency and public-health investments.

Why it matters

Supporters told the Senate the change would make it easier for municipalities to finance sewer extensions and move homeowners off septic systems, which can be vulnerable in coastal and storm-impacted areas. The sponsor referenced post-storm resiliency discussions and local investments in converting septic-reliant areas to central sewer as a driving purpose for the bill.

Action and next steps

The bill passed the Senate 37-0 and will proceed to the House or to enrollment for the governor depending on the procedural status. Lawmakers said they expect the measure to facilitate municipal projects converting septic properties to public sewers, which supporters described as a local priority for resiliency and public health.