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Florida to ban cancer-linked firefighting foam, require water tests for PFAS under new law

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed legislation to phase out toxic flame-retardant foam used by firefighters across the state.

The measure (HB 1019), effective July 1, will gradually ban the use, sale and possession of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent containing PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals” linked to cancer and other diseases.

It is dubbed the “Joe Cassello Act” after late Boynton Beach Democratic Rep. Joe Casello, who served as a Massachusetts firefighter for 30 years before relocating to South Florida. Casello spent years pushing to address PFAS contamination in Florida’s drinking water before his death.

PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in products ranging from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing and firefighting foam. The chemicals don’t break down in the environment or the human body, earning the “forever chemical” nickname, and have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease and other illnesses.

Governments across Florida have sued chemical manufacturers over the contamination. Miami-Dade County sued chemical giants 3M, DuPont and other manufacturers in 2020 after finding elevated PFAS levels in dozens of its water wells.

FEMA: Florida to receive $89M in new federal storm aid

Florida communities still recovering from a string of hurricanes will receive more than $89 million in new federal funding, FEMA announced June 16, with money aimed at both rebuilding damaged infrastructure and preparing for future storms.

A news release said the funding will support more than 70 projects across the state tied to Hurricanes Debby, Helene, Milton and earlier disasters, with a mix of reimbursements for past costs and investments designed to reduce future damage.

A key piece of the funding, or more than $14 million, will go toward hazard mitigation efforts, including Florida’s Elevate Florida program. The initiative will provide $12 million to help 35 homeowners statewide raise or retrofit their homes to better withstand flooding, a growing concern in coastal and low-lying areas.

The largest share of the funding – more than $69 million – comes through FEMA’s Public Assistance program, which reimburses state and local agencies for disaster response and recovery work.

Wakulla becomes latest Florida county to restrict data center construction

Wakulla County has joined a growing list of Florida counties that have paused or banned construction of AI data centers, with County Commissioners voting unanimously in favor of a permanent ban.

The vote came even as the board’s attorney cautioned that an indefinite ban put the county on a riskier legal footing than a temporary moratorium.

Acknowledging the packed meeting room and numerous speakers in favor of the ban, Commissioner Ralph Thomas argued constituents clearly had an “appetite” for a ban.

Most residents who spoke during public comment cited water usage and environmental concerns as their biggest reason for opposing data centers. Wakulla County is home to Wakulla Springs, the most extensive submerged cave network in North America.

“Wakulla County’s greatest asset is not something that we built … but actually something that we inherited: our natural resources, our water, our coastline, our springs, our river, our fishery,” said local resident Hunter Levine, a full-time fishing podcaster.

Public schools must excuse students for religious instruction, Florida AG says

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier last week issued a legal opinion affirming that all school districts must accommodate parents who want their children to leave or be absent from school for the purpose of receiving religious instruction.

Release time for religious instruction, also known as RTRI, allows students to be excused from school to attend religious instruction or “devotional exercises” off school property.

Uthmeier wrote the opinion in response to a question from Senator Clay Yarborough about whether existing Florida statutes require a school district to accommodate such requests. Uthmeier said his answer, in short, is yes.

According to Uthmeier’s opinion, certain school boards in Florida were providing “blanket denials” for RTRI programs or placing other types of restrictions. Both violate Florida law, said Uthmeier.

“Florida law, consistent with the Supreme Court’s decisions in Zorach and Mahmoud, prohibits public schools from restricting parents’ efforts to direct the religious upbringing of their children, including participation in RTRI,” Uthmeier wrote.