Water bill would punish counties that disobey it
This article was posted on 01 12, 2026
Heads-up, Floridians! The 2026 legislative session kicks off on Tuesday, giving state legislators 60 days to pull a fast one on us.
For example, there's a bevy of bills with broad public record exemptions that "risk creating a government that operates further out of public view," as the executive director of the nonprofit American Oversight told the Tallahassee Democrat.
There's also another bill that would fast-track development at the expense of home rule: Senate Bill 208, which the nonprofit 1000 Friends of Florida refers to as "Sprawl by Another Name."
And then there's House Bill 479, titled "Land and Water Management," from Rep. Randy Maggard (R-District 54) of Pasco County. This legislation would essentially prohibit counties and municipalities from regulating water -- the essence of life.
"The bill language takes control from local communities that manage water quality, quantity, pollution and other aspects and centralizes that power in a Stalinesque way, with state leaders heavily supported by corporate interest," says Chance Johnmeyer, president of Recall Florida. "This is a gross violation of the public's trust."
It's no wonder columnist Craig Pittman just nominated HB 479 for the title of Worst Bill of the Year.
Today, Recall Florida is highlighting Pittman's coverage of it for the Florida Phoenix. He writes:
"This is a bill designed to let polluters run amok, even if the result threatens all our health.
If anyone tries to resist, Maggard’s bill contains a strong penalty to stop them. If any city or county persists in trying to protect its citizens from pollution, the [Florida Department of Environmental Protection] is ordered to notify the state’s chief financial officer.
Then, per the bill, the CFO is supposed to withhold state funds from those local governments, effectively killing their ability to pay for police, fire departments, solid waste, libraries, and so forth."
To keep reading Pittman's column, "Florida lawmaker is back with bill promoting water pollution," visit the Florida Phoenix.
To look up your House rep so you can let them know how you feel about HB 479, visit the House's "Find Your Elected Officials in Florida" page.
If you'd also like to give Rep. Maggard a piece of your mind, you can find his contact info here.