CS/CS/HB 1129 - Special Districts Bill Summary

• Creates a process allowing water control districts (established under chapter 298 or by special act incorporating chapter 298 powers) to convert to community development districts through voter referendum, provided the district has been granted additional authority before July 1, 2014.

• Establishes referendum procedures conducted by mail ballot of registered electors, with the governing board specifying which special powers relating to public improvements and community facilities the district seeks to exercise.

• Requires the Department of Economic Opportunity to publish special acts, ordinances, and other documents creating special districts on its website by December 31, 2014, and authorizes coordination with the Department of State.

• Prohibits the Legislature from granting additional powers to converted water control districts unless the powers are approved by referendum, and exempts water control district conversions from standard charter requirements for community development districts.

• Takes effect July 1, 2014; districts created by conversion must record a notice of establishment within 30 days.