HB 791 Summary

• Prohibits county tourist development tax revenues and convention development tax revenues from being used for sports franchise facilities after July 1, 2019, except for contracts entered before that date.

• Requires sports franchises leasing or purchasing public land to pay fair market value as determined by independent appraisals, and prohibits franchises from constructing facilities on leased public land.

• Requires sports franchises to repay any outstanding debt incurred by state or local governments for facility construction, reconstruction, or renovation if the franchise permanently discontinues use of the facility.

• Repeals five statutes related to professional sports franchise incentive programs (ss. 288.1162, 288.11621, 288.11625, 288.11631, and 288.1171) while preserving existing certifications and contracts executed before July 1, 2019.

• Effective date is July 1, 2019, with existing contracts and agreements authorized under repealed programs continuing in full force and effect according to their original statutory requirements.