SB451 Summary

• Amends Act 89-390 (1989) to authorize Lee County Commission to establish fire fighting districts and levy financial charges on residential and commercial properties within district boundaries.

• Increases maximum financial charge rate from a previously unspecified amount to $125.00 per fiscal year per unit of property, adjusted every ten years after October 1, 2011 for inflation based on Consumer Price Index for south urban region.

• Expands authorized uses of District Fire Protection Funds to include employment of paid firefighters and provision of emergency medical services, in addition to existing fire protection and prevention services.

• Requires County Commission to record ballot wording in meeting minutes when calling special elections, with wording limited to maximum allowable rates and must include authorized fund uses and time period of effect.

• Act becomes effective immediately upon passage and Governor approval.