CS/HB 1109 Summary

• Creates Part VII of Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, establishing a comprehensive water supply policy framework that consolidates and reorganizes existing water management provisions related to planning, production, and funding.

• Requires water management districts to develop regional water supply plans identifying water supply needs, development project options, and resource development strategies based on a 20-year planning period with public input.

• Establishes distinct roles: water management districts lead water resource development planning while local governments, utilities, and regional water supply authorities lead implementation of water supply development projects.

• Authorizes regional water supply authorities created through interlocal agreements to develop, acquire, and supply water for counties and municipalities with specified governance structures and ad valorem tax authority not exceeding 0.5 mill.

• Creates funding mechanisms through the Water Protection and Sustainability Program with distribution formulas to water management districts for alternative water supply project assistance, with applicants required to pay at least 60% of project construction costs.