Bill > S0384

This bill modifies the procedures for municipal annexation of state-owned lands in Florida by adding a new notification requirement. Specifically, when a municipality seeks to annex state-owned lands, it must now send a written or email notification to each member of the legislative delegation representing the county where the land is located at the time the first public hearing advertisement is published. The bill makes several technical changes to existing statutes, replacing the word "shall" with "must" and updating language around annexation procedures. The changes aim to improve transparency in the annexation process by ensuring that local legislative representatives are informed when state-owned lands are being considered for annexation. The bill also reenacts two related sections of Florida Statutes to incorporate these changes, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The annexation process still requires at least two public hearings, a feasibility study, and potentially a referendum, maintaining existing safeguards for territorial expansion.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Community Affairs (Senate), Environment and Natural Resources (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/384