Fines for sewage spills, including from public utility systems, will soon increase significantly. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation (HB 1091) Tuesday at a Juno Beach ceremony with sponsors Sen. Joe Gruters and Rep. Randy Fine. The lawmakers said protecting Florida’s water remained a chief priority for state government. “Florida is not Florida without its abundant natural waterways. Water is at the heart of the state’s terrific quality of life, and what makes tourism the backbone of our economy,” Gruters said. “Given that, it is incumbent on us to aggressively tackle all pollution sources to clean up our environment and preserve our great state through accountability and responsibility.” Fine said few missions are more important. “There is no greater threat to Florida’s long-term prosperity than our water quality, and with the signing of HB 1091, we are taking steps to secure our future,” he said. The new law, in effect Wednesday, raises all fines for sewage spills by at least 50 percent. Many civil penalties go up 100 percent.