FL H1485

Changes water management district governing board members from appointed by the Governor to elected in nonpartisan elections, with terms commencing the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January following general elections.

Terminates the terms of current appointed board members upon swearing in of elected replacements and establishes 4-year terms for elected members, with vacancies filled by gubernatorial appointment to complete the remainder of the term.

Transfers budget approval authority for water management districts from the Executive Office of the Governor to the Legislature, requiring budgets to be submitted by January 1 annually for legislative review and approval.

Changes the fiscal year for water management districts from October 1 – September 30 to July 1 – June 30.

Effective date: July 1, 2011.