CS/HB 951 Summary

• Merges the East Naples Fire Control and Rescue District and Golden Gate Fire Control and Rescue District into a new independent special district called the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District in Collier County.

• Creates an 8-member board of fire commissioners that transitions to 5 commissioners with staggered 4-year terms after November 2018, with seats allocated to represent both the East Naples and Golden Gate divisions.

• Establishes district authority to levy ad valorem taxes up to 1.5 mills (the rate previously approved by referendum in each component district) and charge impact fees for capital improvements on new construction.

• Repeals four prior Florida statutes establishing the predecessor fire districts and transfers all assets and liabilities of both districts to the new Greater Naples Fire Rescue District.

• Requires approval by majority vote of qualified electors in both the East Naples Division and Golden Gate Division in a referendum held November 4, 2014, for the merger to take effect.