SB 2444 Summary

• Creates section 287.09475, Florida Statutes, authorizing state agencies and local governments to enter into public-private partnership agreements to build, operate, manage, maintain, or finance public works infrastructure projects including telecommunications, utilities, broadband, waste water, and similar facilities.

• Requires private entities to bear all reasonable costs related to infrastructure projects not part of the governmental unit's work plan, including design, development, and installation costs, with costs potentially recoverable through user fees.

• Authorizes private entities to impose user fees on the public for infrastructure use, with revenue regulated by the governmental unit and portions returned to the governmental unit over the agreement term.

• Mandates independent cost-effectiveness and public benefit analysis before project approval, compliance with all federal and state laws and standards, and infrastructure facility ownership by the governmental unit upon completion or termination of the agreement.

• Limits public-private partnership agreements to a maximum term of 50 years and prohibits agreements with private entities that engage in or benefit from dealings with states designated by the U.S. Department of State as sponsors of terrorism.