HB 1393 Summary

• Creates the Broward Independent Fire District as an independent special district within Broward County to provide coordinated fire and emergency medical services with uniform countywide standards.

• Establishes a Broward Fire Board composed of elected officials from participating municipalities and Broward County, with board composition varying based on the number of jurisdictions served (3 members for one locality up to one member per locality for multiple jurisdictions).

• Authorizes the district to impose up to 3.75 mills in annual ad valorem taxes, collect impact fees on new construction ($0.15 per square foot for residential, $0.30 for commercial), user fees, and special assessments.

• Requires voluntary participation by municipalities and Broward County through resolution approval, with a 5-year commitment period before withdrawal is permitted; participation is limited to lands where the governing body approves district services.

• Takes effect only upon approval by majority vote of Broward County electors in a referendum scheduled for November 2, 2010; automatically terminates if no municipality or county joins within 5 years.