CS/HB 359 Summary

• Extends the appraisal validity period for surplus land sales from 120 days to 360 days before the contract effective date.

• Reduces the publication window for surplus land sale notices from 30-360 days to 30-45 days before the sale, maintaining the requirement for three weekly newspaper publications condensed into a single publication.

• Authorizes water management district governing boards to sell lands acquired with Florida Forever funds directly without first offering them to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund for five specified purposes: linear facilities, conservation easements, land exchanges, governmental public uses, and portions deemed surplus at acquisition.

• Creates a streamlined process for selling parcels valued at $25,000 or less that are no longer needed for conservation purposes, requiring only one notice publication and allowing 14-30 day bidding periods for adjacent property owners.

• Takes effect July 1, 2016.