FL H1457

Amends Florida Statutes section 180.191 to prohibit municipalities located in counties with populations exceeding 1.5 million (based on the most recent U.S. Decennial Census) from imposing surcharges on out-of-boundary water and sewer consumers.

Municipalities in counties with populations of 1.5 million or less retain authority to impose surcharges up to 25 percent of standard rates under existing options: either matching in-boundary rates with an additional surcharge, or charging equitable rates with a surcharge capped at 50 percent total premium.

Clarifies that the rate limitation statute applies to municipally owned utilities within a single county and may apply across county lines pursuant to interlocal agreements.

Preserves existing enforcement mechanisms allowing aggrieved parties to pursue civil action for injunctive relief, with courts authorized to award treble damages and attorney's fees to prevailing parties.

Takes effect upon becoming law.