FL S0368

Auditor General must notify all governing body members of local governmental entities, district school boards, charter schools, and charter technical career centers when deteriorating financial conditions exist or when fund balance deficits cannot be covered by available resources.

Removed fund balance deficit as an automatic trigger for state review and oversight; entities now only subject to review when Governor or Commissioner of Education determines state assistance is needed.

Local governmental entities and district school boards must provide requested information within 45 days; failure to comply results in notification to Legislative Auditing Committee which may take action under statute 11.40.

Financial emergency boards may consult with other governmental entities to consolidate administrative services including asset sales, economic development, building inspections, parks and recreation, facilities management, engineering, insurance, planning and zoning, information systems, fleet management, and purchasing.

Governing body members of local governmental entities or district school board members who fail to resolve a state of financial emergency are subject to suspension or removal from office as malfeasance, misfeasance, and neglect of duty under the State Constitution.