Florida's New PFAS Monitoring Requirement for Biosolids
What HB 1019 Means for Wastewater Utilities, Biosolids Programs, and Water Quality
Florida has taken a significant step into the evolving world of PFAS regulation. In June 2026, Governor DeSantis signed HB 1019 (the Joe Casello Act), legislation best known for phasing out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, but also for creating new monitoring requirements for wastewater treatment facilities and biosolids programs. [verleyenvi...mental.com], [fl-counties.com]
Under the new law, public entities that dispose of domestic wastewater biosolids or treated effluent and have a design flow of 25,000 gallons per day or greater must conduct quarterly sampling for PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, and submit results to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
The requirement is noteworthy because Florida is not currently imposing statewide numeric concentration limits for PFOA or PFOS in biosolids. Instead, the state is gathering occurrence data while federal guidance and risk assessments continue to develop. [epa.gov], [epa.gov]
Florida's existing biosolids program, regulated through Section 403.0855, Florida Statutes, already relies on site-specific permitting, groundwater and surface water monitoring protocols, and water quality protections designed to minimize environmental impacts from land application activities. The addition of PFAS monitoring introduces a new category of contaminants into that framework. [flsenate.gov], [62-640.650...tification]
For environmental professionals, the importance extends beyond wastewater facilities. PFAS entering municipal sewer systems from industrial sources, airports, military installations, and historic AFFF use can concentrate in biosolids generated during the treatment process. EPA has identified biosolids as a potential pathway for PFAS migration through land application, runoff, and groundwater recharge. [2026-inter...d-disposal | PDF], [epa.gov]
From WEL's perspective, this development signals a growing connection between wastewater management, biosolids programs, fire training facilities, and long-term watershed protection. As monitoring data accumulate statewide, regulators, utilities, consultants, and landowners will gain a clearer understanding of where PFAS are occurring and how they are moving through Florida's environmental systems. [verleyenvi...mental.com], [2026-inter...d-disposal | PDF]
In many ways, HB 1019 marks the beginning of a new chapter. The regulatory framework is still evolving, but Florida has made its first move: measure first, understand the problem, and use the data to guide future policy decisions.
References
Florida Association of Counties, HB 1019 Summary. [fl-counties.com]
Verley Environmental, Florida House Bill 1019: PFAS Sampling Requirements for Domestic Wastewater Facilities. [verleyenvi...mental.com]
Florida Statute §403.0855, Biosolids Management. [flsenate.gov]
F.A.C. Chapter 62-640, Biosolids Monitoring Requirements. [62-640.650...tification]
EPA Draft Guidance for Reducing Risk from PFOA and PFOS in Biosolids (2026). [epa.gov], [epa.gov]