SB 1248 Summary: Ratepayer Representation Act

• Prohibits counties from providing water or sewer services to unincorporated areas where a municipality has authorization through a franchise agreement, resolution, or ordinance, unless the agreement expires or is no longer in effect.

• Allows counties to assume water/sewer service in unincorporated areas after an agreement expires if the county compensates the municipality for fair market value of transferred facilities, or if a majority of ratepayers vote to switch to county service in areas with agreements lacking expiration dates.

• Limits municipal water and sewer surcharges on consumers outside municipal boundaries to 25 percent above rates for in-city consumers, requires surcharges to be listed as separate line items on bills, and permits ratepayers to petition the Public Service Commission or county to determine if rates are just and equitable.

• Requires Florida Public Service Commission approval before municipalities acquire utility facilities that will serve unincorporated area ratepayers, with approval contingent on demonstrating cost savings, improved service quality, lower operating costs, and enhanced financial and technical resources.

• Clarifies that municipal corporate powers do not extend to unincorporated county areas without express county commission consent, and subjects municipalities providing services in unincorporated areas to Public Service Commission regulations.