HB 1427 Summary - Wakulla County Airport Authority

• Establishes the Wakulla County Airport Authority as an independent special district to own, operate, maintain, and improve the Wakulla County Airport, contingent upon transfer of the airport to the Authority.

• Governs the Authority through a three-member governing board elected by qualified electors within the authority area, with initial members George Shively, Ted Recker, and Steve Fults serving until the inaugural election held within 90 days of enactment.

• Grants the Authority broad powers including acquiring and disposing of property, issuing bonds, establishing rates and fees, imposing non-ad valorem assessments, and exercising all aviation powers granted to municipalities under Florida law.

• Prohibits the Authority from levying ad valorem taxes and requires annual budget adoption and compliance with reporting and audit requirements for independent special districts under Florida law.

• Becomes effective upon becoming law, with the Authority's charter only amendable by future special acts of the Legislature, though the governing board may expand or contract the airport through property acquisitions or disposals without requiring legislative approval.