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FL S0986
Bill
AI Summary
- Abolishes 37 named soil and water conservation districts effective December 31, 2025, transferring all assets and liabilities to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which must monitor the wind-down process
- Prohibits municipalities from assuming fire control services in annexed areas served by independent special fire control districts, requiring the district to remain the service provider and retain authority to levy taxes, impact fees, and assessments in the annexed area
- Creates liability protections for independent special districts that provide free public access to district lands or water areas for outdoor recreation, shielding them from duty-of-care obligations except in cases of gross negligence or deliberate injury
- Expands special district purchasing authority to buy commodities and contractual services from contracts of other political subdivisions, educational institutions, state and federal governments, nonprofit entities, and purchasing cooperatives
- Tightens eligibility requirements for soil and water conservation district supervisors to require agricultural ties such as owning agricultural land, active engagement in commercial agriculture, or related professional expertise, and authorizes independent special districts to require criminal history screening for employees, appointees, and certain contractors
Legislative Description
Special Districts
Last Action
Died in Community Affairs
6/16/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available