FL H7061

Creates the Community Highway Safety Pilot Program within the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to assess transferring duties from the Division of Highway Patrol to county sheriffs in Pinellas County and Polk County.

Requires county sheriffs who contract with the department to assume law enforcement duties to patrol roadways and investigate traffic accidents within their counties, and sheriffs must employ existing division officers unless officers choose to relocate or pursue other employment.

Caps annual payments to sheriffs at $2,800,117 for Pinellas County or $3,167,447 for Polk County, with payments not to exceed the cost incurred by the department for the same services.

Prohibits transfer or lease of division property and fixed capital outlay to county sheriffs, and establishes a budget appropriation category for the program funded through transfers from the Florida Highway Patrol Program's Salaries and Benefits categories.

Program automatically repeals July 1, 2019, unless the Legislature acts to save it from repeal; bill takes effect July 1, 2017.