HB 1343 Summary

• Creates section 287.09475, F.S. to establish a framework for public-private partnership (P3) agreements between governmental units (state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, special districts) and private entities to build, operate, maintain, or finance public works infrastructure projects including telecommunications, broadband, utilities, and waste management infrastructure.

• Requires private entities to bear all reasonable costs related to infrastructure projects not in the governmental unit's work plan, including design, development, and installation costs, which may be recouped through user fees authorized by the agreement.

• Mandates that governmental units conduct independent cost-effectiveness and public benefit analysis before procurement, ensure projects comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and standards, and require private entities to provide investment-grade revenue studies and comprehensive financing plans.

• Limits P3 agreements to a maximum term of 50 years with express approval required for any renewals, allows innovative financing techniques including federal and commercial loans, and permits performance-based annual payments subject to legislative or local appropriation.

• Prohibits governmental units from entering into P3 agreements with private entities that engage in or benefit from dealings with state sponsors of terrorism as designated by the U.S. Department of State.