Key facts
- Florida has enacted HB 1217, prohibiting local governments from setting net-zero emissions goals.
- The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 22, takes effect July 1.
- Proponents claim the law protects energy security and economic interests by eliminating "Green New Deal" policies.
- Critics contend the law obstructs climate action and will lead to higher costs for residents.
- Local governments are required to submit annual compliance affidavits to the state Department of Revenue.
- The law also restricts local governments from purchasing items based on fuel use or production and from participating in carbon-trading programs.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law HB 1217, a measure that prohibits local governments from pursuing net-zero emissions goals. The bill, which takes effect July 1, also bans carbon taxes, assessments, and emission trading programs, stating they are detrimental to the state's energy security and economic interests. Proponents, like Rep. Berny Jacques, argue the law protects residents and businesses from additional costs associated with "Green New Deal" policies.
At least 10 cities and counties in Florida had previously implemented net-zero policies, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and Leon County. While the exact impact of the new law on these existing policies is subject to debate, advocates like Bradley Marshall of Earthjustice suggest the intent is to deter further local climate action. The law requires local governments to submit annual affidavits to the state Department of Revenue to verify compliance.
This legislation is part of a broader trend in Florida, where Governor DeSantis previously signed a law in 2024 removing references to "climate change" from state code and restructuring the state's energy policy around fossil fuels and infrastructure resilience. Critics, such as Laura Peterson of the Union for Concerned Scientists, view HB 1217 as an effort to obstruct accountability for the fossil fuel industry's contribution to climate change, potentially at the expense of constituents.
Beyond setting net-zero goals, HB 1217 also restricts local governments from purchasing items based on their fuel use or production, participating in carbon-trading programs, or using public funds to support organizations with net-zero policies. Cities and counties are also barred from imposing taxes or fees tied to carbon emissions.
Municipal utility Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), which serves over 288,000 customers and had committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, stated it is aware of the legislation and remains focused on delivering reliable energy while reducing CO2 emissions. OUC has set goals for a 50% reduction by 2030 and a 75% reduction by 2040. Other entities like Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami-Dade County also had net-zero goals. However, Leon County has rescinded a climate emergency resolution and rolled back plans to phase out fossil fuel vehicles in response to the new law.
Advocacy groups express concern that the law will have a chilling effect on other local clean energy initiatives and could lead to increased costs for Floridians already facing rising expenses for housing, groceries, and insurance.