FL H0593

Creates the City of Panacea in Wakulla County as a new municipality with a council-manager form of government, comprising approximately 850 persons and 2,743 acres with specific geographic boundaries.

Establishes a five-member city council elected at-large for 4-year terms, with a mayor and vice mayor elected by the council, along with a city manager, city attorney, and city clerk as charter officers.

Provides comprehensive municipal powers including budget adoption (fiscal year October 1-September 30), revenue bonding, tax authority, and land use regulations, while initially adopting Wakulla County ordinances and comprehensive plan as transitional measures.

Requires approval through a referendum on June 30, 2015, with the city officially created and established on July 1, 2015, followed by an initial special election on August 18, 2015, to elect the first city council.

Grants waivers to state incorporation requirements for minimum population (1,500) and population density (1.5 persons per acre) to preserve the city's historic coastal character, and allows continuation of county fire rescue services and sheriff law enforcement pending city ordinance.