FL S0486

Creates an 11-member nominating commission to recommend candidates for water management district governing board positions, with appointees selected by the Governor (3 members), President of the Senate (3 members plus 1 senator), and Speaker of the House (3 members plus 1 representative).

Requires district governing board nominees to reside within the district's territorial jurisdiction and possess significant experience in agriculture, development, local government, utilities, law, engineering, environmental science, hydrology, accounting, or finance.

Mandates legislative authorization for water management district acquisition costs exceeding $50 million and professional service procurement costs exceeding $5 million.

Prohibits water management districts from purchasing lands appraised over $50 million unless deemed environmentally critical or sensitive by the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida and specifically authorized by the Legislature.

Requires water management districts to review and make available for purchase lands no longer needed for conservation, restoration, or environmental purposes, provided the property can be returned to county ad valorem tax rolls.