Purpose


1. Update ASTM International standards for gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel oils, fuel oils, fuel ethanol, and biodiesel. Also, incorporate new ASTM International standards for biodiesel blends (with diesel fuel oils) for concentrations from 6% to 20%. 2. Establish a minimum octane rating requirement of 87 for gasoline, which includes gasoline-ethanol blends, sold, distributed, offered for sale or offered for distribution at retail gas stations. 3. Establish a minimum motor octane number requirement of 82 for gasoline, which includes gasoline-ethanol blends, with an octane rating of 87 or higher. 4. Establish a temporary lower minimum vapor pressure requirement for E85 Fuel Ethanol classes permitted for sale in Florida, expiring on November 30, 2010, for Class I Type E85 fuels and on April 30, 2011, for Class II Type E85 Fuels. Currently, such blends have difficulty meeting the requirements set forth in the ASTM International Designation for E85 Fuel Ethanol, which is approximately 12 years old (that particular specification). This change is only temporary and is expected to remain in effect only until such time that ASTM International addresses the situation in their specifications. 5. Amend language to reduce the maximum amount of water permissible in storage tanks containing ethanol and biodiesel fuels and their respective blended products from two inches to one quarter inch. 6. Reference and list all forms used in the stopping of sale of substandard fuel and subsequent release of said fuel after proper remedy; disposition of all listed fuel types; the removal of improperly labeled devices from service; the removal of inaccurate measuring devices from service; the removal from service of devices without inspection stickers; the removal from service of devices not maintained properly (in violation of NIST Handbook 44); and the removal of improperly functioning measuring devices from service. 7. Clarify the disposition of gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, fuel oils and alternative fuels. Including the disposition of biodiesel blends (with diesel fuel oils) with a flash point less than the standard, but greater than 100 °F (making it consistent with the existing disposition for diesel fuel oils of the same characteristics). And the disposition of biodiesel and biodiesel blends (with diesel fuel oils and fuel oils) above the ultra-low (S15) sulfur standard, but less than 35 ppm (making it consistent with the existing disposition for diesel fuel oils of the same characteristics). 8. Remove the prohibition for penalty from the discovery of water and/or suspended matter in referenced motor fuels and to transfer references for penalty prohibitions for specified violations to the penalty matrix section. 9. Amend penalties for vapor pressure violations over 11.0 psi, from June 1 through September 15 of each calendar year. Violations above the applicable standard, but less than and including 11.0 psi will still be subject to Stop Sale Order, but without penalty. 10. Provide instructions to terminal suppliers, wholesalers, and importers filling out the required DACS Form #03202 titled “Gasoline and Oil Inspection Affidavit and Inspection Fee Report.” 11. Update references to 16 CFR Federal labeling requirements. 12. Further clarify ethanol dispenser labeling requirements. 13. Amend to existing labeling language for M85 Fuel Methanol products to more clearly and conspicuously notify consumers that methanol blended products are not necessarily compatible with all flex fuel vehicles. 14. Provide instructions and requirements to persons and service agencies wishing to register with the Department as authorized meter mechanics, able to repair and/or adjust the accuracy of petroleum fuel measuring devices in this state. 15. Adopt the 2009 version of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 44. 16. Specify the time period in which the Department must be notified after the installation of a petroleum fuel measuring device. 17. Revise the penalty matrix.