FL H1297

Amends chapter 2000-426, Laws of Florida, governing the Lealman Special Fire Control District in Pinellas County to establish annexation procedures for unincorporated territory.

Annexed areas are treated as lying within municipal corporate boundaries and are not subject to the District's authorized ad valorem tax levy.

For annexations occurring between the effective date and July 1, 2016, the District remains the primary fire, rescue, and emergency medical services provider and must be compensated annually by May 1 using the millage rate in effect on the act's effective date or any lower rate the District levies.

Compensation payments continue in perpetuity unless the District is completely relieved of service responsibility, except for isolated disaster responses such as hazardous material incidents, tornadoes, hurricanes, or major fires.

The prevailing party in any litigation to enforce the act is entitled to an award of attorney fees and costs; these requirements do not apply to annexations occurring after July 1, 2016.