Florida Proposed Bill Targets Paper Straws
A new legislative proposal in Florida aims to regulate the use of paper straws and stirrers by food service establishments.
Senate Bill 958 was filed on December 18, followed by House Bill 2195 on December 26. Both bills seek to limit local governments’ ability to impose their own regulations regarding straws and stirrers.
According to HB 2195, “Many businesses and communities in this state are using paper straws and stirrers, claiming they are a better option for public health and the environment.” However, contrary findings from independent university research suggest that many paper straws may contain harmful PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to various health risks.
The legislation emphasizes that any regulations on straws should adhere to “science-based government policy.” A 2023 study published in the journal Food Additives and Contaminants by researchers at the University of Antwerp discovered that 90% of the tested paper straw brands contained PFAS chemicals.
In fact, 27 out of 39 different straw types were found to have these chemicals, primarily likely used as water-repellent coatings, highlighting the presence of PFAS most frequently in paper straws.
If local authorities decide to regulate straws, the proposed rules mandate that they must be renewable, certified compostable—both at home and industrially—and marine biodegradable.
If passed, this law would take effect immediately and require local governments to adjust existing straw regulations by January 1, 2027. Notably, this rule won’t apply to hospitals or prepackaged beverages.
President Donald Trump previously expressed his opposition to paper straws, issuing an executive order in February that banned their use by federal agencies. He criticized the effectiveness of paper straws, arguing that they often have issues—like not lasting long enough, posing health risks due to chemicals, and even being more expensive to make than plastic straws.
In his words, “I was tired of straws melting in my mouth.” He detailed how the transition to paper straws might be counterintuitive since they may come individually wrapped in plastic.
Meanwhile, a separate bill has been introduced in New Jersey that would prohibit restaurants from automatically providing disposable tableware unless a customer requests it. This bill was introduced in May and amended in December, further pushing for environmentally friendly practices in the dining industry.
Under this new framework, restaurants would need to opt for reusable and washable utensils, instead of sticking to plastic options, which seems like a step toward reducing waste. There could be some challenges, but it’s all part of the ongoing conversation about how to make our everyday practices more sustainable.
