FL H4073

Converts the Manatee County Port Authority from a dependent special district to an independent special district, effective October 1, 2026

Restructures the five-member governing board so that four members are appointed by the Governor (Seats 1-4) and one member is appointed by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners (Seat 5), with initial terms of 2 years for Seats 1 and 3 and 4 years for Seats 2 and 4

Requires a four-fifths affirmative vote for sales of Port Authority property or leases of 30 or more years

Transfers all contracts, assets, obligations, liabilities, and employees from the former dependent district to the new independent special district, while preserving employee rights including Florida Retirement System participation

Authorizes the Port Authority to establish a direct-support organization to receive and invest property, make expenditures, and promote maritime industry development, with annual budgets over $100,000 requiring independent financial audits