Florida SPCC for Manufacturing: Understanding Cybersecurity Requirements

 

In Florida, manufacturing companies must comply with specific Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations that include cybersecurity components to protect industrial control systems and operational technology. While SPCC traditionally focuses on oil spill prevention, Florida has expanded this framework to include digital security requirements for manufacturing facilities.

 

What is Florida SPCC for Manufacturing?

 

Florida's SPCC requirements for manufacturing facilities include both physical containment measures and cybersecurity protections for systems that control oil handling equipment, chemical processes, and industrial automation. These requirements are enforced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in coordination with the Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council.

 

Florida-Specific SPCC Cybersecurity Requirements

 

• Industrial Control System (ICS) Protection: Florida manufacturers must implement security measures to protect programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems that manage oil-containing equipment
• Hurricane Resilience Protocols: Due to Florida's hurricane risk, manufacturers must maintain digital backup systems for SPCC plans and implement cyber recovery protocols that can function during prolonged power outages
• Saltwater Corrosion Monitoring: Coastal manufacturers must implement digitally secured monitoring systems for equipment subject to saltwater corrosion, with specific encryption requirements for wireless sensors
• Heat-Related Systems Security: Special provisions for securing cooling systems and temperature monitoring equipment due to Florida's climate
• Florida Industrial Control Systems Security Program (FICSSP): Participation in this state-specific program is mandatory for manufacturers handling over 10,000 gallons of oil

 

Key Differences from Federal SPCC

 

• Florida Digital Certification: Manufacturers must obtain a Florida-specific digital certification for SPCC plans, requiring multifactor authentication
• Regional Threat Monitoring: Connection to the Florida Energy Sector Cybersecurity Consortium for real-time regional threat intelligence
• Water Table Considerations: Due to Florida's high water table, additional digital monitoring and secured alert systems are required for underground storage facilities
• Tourism Industry Protection: Manufacturing facilities near tourist areas have enhanced digital reporting requirements to prevent reputational damage to Florida's tourism industry

 

Compliance Steps for Florida Manufacturers

 

• Facility Assessment: Conduct a Florida-specific digital vulnerability assessment of all systems controlling oil-handling equipment
• Plan Development: Create a cybersecurity component for your SPCC plan that addresses Florida's unique environmental conditions
• Implementation: Deploy required security controls, including Florida-compliant authentication systems for operational technology
• Testing: Conduct quarterly cybersecurity drills integrated with physical spill response exercises
• Certification: Obtain certification from a Florida-registered Professional Engineer with cybersecurity credentials
• Submission: File your plan electronically through the FDEP's secure portal using Florida's digital signature standards

 

Florida SPCC Penalties and Enforcement

 

• Florida-Specific Fines: Violations can result in penalties up to $50,000 per day under Florida statute 376.16
• Mandatory Reporting: Florida requires 1-hour cyber incident reporting for any security event affecting SPCC-covered systems
• Public Disclosure: Non-compliant manufacturers may be listed on the FDEP public registry, affecting insurance rates specific to Florida's market

 

Resources for Florida Manufacturers

 

• Florida Manufacturing Cybersecurity Alliance (FMCA): Provides Florida-specific guidance and training for manufacturing cybersecurity
• FDEP Technical Assistance: Offers consultation on integrated physical and cyber controls for SPCC compliance
• South Florida Manufacturing Association (SFMA): Provides regional-specific compliance workshops for manufacturers in hurricane-prone areas
• Florida Atlantic University Industrial Security Center: Offers certification programs specifically for Florida SPCC compliance

 

By understanding these Florida-specific SPCC cybersecurity requirements, manufacturing facilities can better protect their operations from both environmental hazards and cyber threats while maintaining compliance with state regulations.