CS/HB 1043 Summary

• Creates consolidated housing authorities in Florida when commissioners from 2-3 neighboring municipal or county housing authorities (not under federal receivership) declare by identical resolution after public hearing and two consecutive meetings that consolidation serves the best interest of tenants and communities.

• Consolidated housing authority's area of operation includes the combined areas of all merged authorities, with the original authorities ceasing to exist except for winding up affairs and transferring all rights, contracts, obligations, and property to the new consolidated authority.

• Commissioners appointed as follows: 5 commissioners for two-authority consolidation (3 appointed by Governor, 1 by each municipality/county chair); 7 commissioners for three-authority consolidation (4 by Governor, 1 by each municipality/county for respective areas); Governor-appointed commissioners serve initial terms of 1, 2, and 3 years with 4-year terms thereafter.

• Consolidated housing authorities granted same functions, rights, powers, duties, privileges, and immunities as county or municipal housing authorities, including authority to borrow money, accept grants, and execute mortgages for rural housing projects and domestic farm labor facilities.

• Effective date: July 1, 2015.