summary
Introduced
01/24/2025
01/24/2025
In Committee
04/02/2025
04/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to health facilities; amending s. 154.205, F.S.; revising the definition of the term "health facility"; amending s. 154.209, F.S.; authorizing the authority to make mortgage or other secured or unsecured loans and refund or refinance outstanding bonds, obligations, loans, indebtedness, or advances issued, made, given, or incurred by or for the benefit of any health facility for the cost of a project in accordance with a specified agreement under certain circumstances; amending s. 154.213, F.S.; authorizing the authority to lease certain projects to a health facility under a loan agreement under certain circumstances; providing that specified projects financed by the authority shall be governed by one or more loan agreements under certain circumstances; providing requirements for such loan agreements; amending s. 154.225, F.S.; authorizing the authority to require certain health facilities to operate, repair, and maintain projects and bear certain costs under certain circumstances; amending s. 154.235, F.S.; authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds of other issuers if the proceeds were used for specified purposes; creating s. 154.248, F.S.; providing requirements for the closure of not-for-profit hb229-02-c2 hospitals; amending ss. 154.219, 154.221, 154.229, and 154.247, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 196.197, F.S.; providing tax exemption criteria for hospitals; providing applicability; reenacting ss. 159.27(16) and 215.681(1)(d), F.S., relating to definitions and ESG bonds and prohibitions, respectively, to incorporate the amendments made by the act; providing effective dates.
AI Summary
This bill expands and modifies regulations concerning health facilities in Florida, with several key provisions. It broadens the definition of "health facility" to include not-for-profit limited liability companies and entities providing various healthcare services, and authorizes health facilities authorities to make mortgage and loan agreements for financing and refinancing projects. The bill creates new requirements for the closure of not-for-profit hospitals, mandating 120 days' notice, multiple public notices and meetings, and specific notification procedures to local governments, healthcare providers, and emergency services within a 75-mile radius. Additionally, the legislation adds tax exemption criteria for hospitals, stipulating that hospitals cannot receive property tax exemptions if they have closed an emergency department without reopening an equivalent facility nearby. The bill also provides more flexibility for health facility authorities to issue bonds, make loans, and finance projects both within and outside their geographical jurisdictions, with the aim of supporting and stabilizing healthcare infrastructure and services across Florida.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (2)
Health & Human Services Committee (H), Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee (H)
Last Action
Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 68 (Ch. 2025-179) (on 04/30/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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