FL H0999

Creates Chapter 345, Florida Statutes, establishing the Northwest Florida Regional Transportation Finance Authority to construct, maintain, and operate transportation projects in northwest Florida counties with county commission approval.

Authorizes the authority to issue bonds maturing no more than 30 years after issuance, pledge revenues, and enter into security agreements with banks or trust companies; prohibits pledging state or local government credit or taxing power.

Grants the authority powers including eminent domain, property acquisition, toll collection, and contracting; designates Department of Transportation as the authority's agent for construction, operation, and maintenance (except transit facilities).

Establishes a governing board consisting of two members appointed by each participating county commission, an equal number appointed by the Governor, and a Department of Transportation district secretary representative.

Provides tax exemptions for the authority and bonds issued under the chapter; authorizes Department of Transportation to receive a share of net revenues proportional to its contributions; effective July 1, 2014.