FL H0619

Requires circuit court approval for sales or leases of county, district, or municipal hospitals, unless the hospital is exempt under subsection (14) or required by statutory charter to seek voter referendum approval.

Mandates hospital governing boards to publicly advertise and solicit proposals from qualified purchasers or lessees, and to document findings in writing supporting the determination to accept a proposal, including fair market value analysis and continued service commitments.

Establishes a 120-day public notice period before closing, allowing interested persons 20 days to submit written opposition statements, with 10-day response period available for the board or proposed buyer/lessee.

Grants circuit courts jurisdiction to approve transactions based on compliance with procedural requirements, fair market value receipt, continued health care service provisions, and absence of arbitrary board action; provides 30-day appellate review period.

Exempts hospitals that received no tax support in the 5 years preceding the proposed transaction and transactions completed before March 9, 2011; effective January 1, 2012.