HB 5501 - Documentary Stamp Tax Distributions

• Amends section 201.15, Florida Statutes to revise the distribution of documentary stamp tax revenues and debt service obligations for bonds.

• Changes the authorization date for bonds eligible for debt service payments from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2015, affecting Preservation 2000 bonds, Florida Forever bonds, and Everglades Restoration bonds.

• Requires annual transfers from the Water Management Lands Trust Fund to the General Revenue Fund for debt service on bonds authorized pursuant to section 215.619(1)(a)2 and Specific Appropriation 1626A of the 2014-2015 General Appropriations Act.

• Maintains existing percentage distributions of documentary stamp tax revenues to various trust funds for transportation, housing, environmental protection, and land acquisition purposes.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2014.