The Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008 (House Bill 7135) signed into law by former Governor Crist created Section 403.7033, Florida Statutes. This section requires the DEP to perform an analysis and submit a report to the Legislature by February 1, 2010 regarding the necessity and efficacy of both statewide and local regulation of bags used by consumers to carry products from retail establishments. Until such time that the Legislature adopts the recommendations of DEP, no local or state government may enact any regulation or tax on the use of such retail bags.

DEP's Retail Bags Report has been submitted to the Governor, Senate President and House Speaker.

Our analysis and report focused on:

♦ Is retail bag regulation necessary? To determine this, we examined data about:

• The amount of retail bags generated, recycled, and disposed

• The role retail bags play in Florida's litter

• The effect retail bags have on wildlife and environment

• Life cycle studies which compare various retail bag alternatives

• Retail sector response to environmental issues connected with the use of bags

We sought input from all interested parties. We used this web page as a key component in sharing information and soliciting feedback from various stakeholders. Please see the below links to relevant information and resources from both inside and outside of DEP.

Public meetings:  Information about all public meetings we held regarding the retail bag analysis and report.

Public forum:  Web-based forum that was used to allow participants to share their thoughts, suggestions and comments. The link opens an archived version of the forum for viewing purposes only.

Florida Statute 403.7033:  Entire text of the statute.

DEP recycling main page:  Links to recycling data sources and programs.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at Jill.R.Scarborough@dep.state.fl.us.