CS/HB 1363 Summary

• Creates the Pace Fire Rescue District as an independent special district in Santa Rosa County covering approximately 84 square miles to provide fire prevention, emergency rescue, and public safety services.

• Establishes a 5-member Board of Commissioners elected districtwide on nonpartisan ballots for 4-year terms (with initial staggered 2 and 4-year terms), with candidates qualifying through the Supervisor of Elections for a $25 filing fee or 25 voter petition signatures.

• Authorizes the district to levy ad valorem taxes at a maximum rate of 3.75 mills per year, non-ad valorem assessments (subject to referendum approval), impact fees, and user charges to finance operations.

• Grants the district authority to issue general obligation bonds, assessment bonds, and revenue bonds; prepare annual budgets with fiscal year October 1 through September 30; and adopt rules for fire prevention, control, and rescue operations.

• Requires a referendum by December 31, 2020 where qualified electors must approve creation of the district and authorize a millage not to exceed 2.50 mills annually for the act to take effect.