Sen. Jennifer Bradley filed Senate Bill 958 on Dec. 18 to impose statewide certification standards for drinking straws and stirrers, potentially rolling back local paper-straw mandates. The bill cites studies linking PFAS "forever chemicals" to many paper straws and raises accessibility concerns for people with disabilities. Localities would have until Jan. 1, 2027 to align rules with state-required third-party certifications (renewable, compostable, marine biodegradable). Supporters say the change creates uniform rules; opponents warn it limits local environmental control.
Florida Bill Would Limit Local Paper Straw Bans, Require State Certifications by 2027
Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via GettyPaper straws for the drinks they serve
Florida lawmakers have introduced Senate Bill 958, a proposal that would restrict local governments from banning or limiting drinking straws and stirrers unless those products meet a set of state-defined environmental and safety certifications. Filed Dec. 18 by Republican Sen. Jennifer Bradley for the 2026 legislative session, the measure could roll back paper-straw mandates already adopted by several Florida cities.
What the Bill Would Do
SB 958 would bar cities and counties from enforcing any rule "regarding the use, disposition, sale, prohibition, or restriction of drinking straws or stirrers" unless the products are certified across multiple categories. Acceptable items would need third-party verification as renewable, home compostable, industrial compostable, and marine biodegradable by recognized organizations such as the Biodegradable Products Institute, the USDA BioPreferred Program, or TÜV Austria.
GettyMore eco friendly paper straws are replaced those made from plastic.
Timing and Exemptions
The bill would give local governments until Jan. 1, 2027 to amend any straw regulations that do not meet the state standards. SB 958 does not require municipalities to regulate straws; it only conditions local restrictions on meeting the statewide certification benchmarks. The proposal exempts straws included with prepackaged beverages and excludes hospitals, medical care facilities, and senior care facilities.
Rationale Cited by Sponsors
Proponents say the bill responds to health and accessibility concerns and seeks consistent, science-based policy across Florida.
The bill text cites independent university studies that it says indicate many paper straws contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called "forever chemicals," and it highlights that paper alternatives may not be suitable for some people with disabilities.
Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via GettyPaper straws stuck in a glass of lemonade.
Local Impact and Debate
If enacted, SB 958 could affect cities that moved from single-use plastic straws to paper options, including Orlando, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Supporters argue the measure simplifies compliance for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions while encouraging certified alternatives. Critics say it would limit local control and could undermine community-specific environmental goals.
The Florida Legislature is scheduled to begin its 2026 session on Jan. 13, 2026, when SB 958 will be considered along with other environmental and public health proposals.
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