HB 1087 - Town of Preservation Charter

• Creates the Town of Preservation in Orange County as a new municipality with a council-manager form of government consisting of a 5-member council and an elected mayor, effective upon voter approval in a 2019 referendum.

• Establishes strict environmental protections including prohibition of any development within 1,100 feet of the Econlockhatchee River and its tributaries, and requires a wildlife corridor within town boundaries.

• Grants the town all municipal powers under Florida law including taxation authority, with provisions for state-shared revenues, local option fuel tax revenues, and communication services tax distribution beginning in fiscal year 2019.

• Provides for citizen participation through initiative, referendum, and recall mechanisms; requires 4-year council terms with 3-term limits; mandates annual independent audits; and establishes a charter review at least every 10 years.

• Includes transition provisions allowing existing Orange County ordinances to remain in effect until rescinded by the town council, with the Orange County Comprehensive Plan serving as the interim land use plan until the town adopts its own.