Florida Surf-Pool Rule Change Withdrawn, Leaving Small Projects in Limbo

Overview

• An amendment to a health bill sponsored by Sen. Debbie Mayfield was withdrawn days before the session ended, stopping a late push to loosen rules for compact surf pools.
• The proposal sought to drop the exemption from Florida Department of Health oversight from four acres to a quarter‑acre.
• Martin Aquatic backed the effort and hired lobbyist Robert Stuart Jr. to advocate for the change, according to the company.
• With the amendment pulled, the four‑acre threshold remains in effect and smaller pools continue under Department of Health regulation.
• Industry observers say newer wave technology can deliver quality surf experiences on quarter‑acre sites, but fan‑touted neighborhood lagoons and concepts tied to Universal’s partners could face delays under current rules.