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Bill > H0771


FL H0771

Local Government Assessments


summary

Introduced
02/19/2025
In Committee
02/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act relating to local government assessments; amending s. 125.01, F.S.; removing special assessments as a source of funding for certain municipal facilities and services; removing the ability of the legislative and governing body of a county to levy and collect special assessments; removing special assessments as a mechanism to finance services or programs rendered specially for the benefit of property or residents in unincorporated areas; creating s. 163.31635, F.S.; requiring certain ordinances or land development regulations to provide for reimbursement by the local government; making the local government responsible for payment of fees or taxes assessed for conservation easements for certain land development projects; defining the terms "conservation easement" and "development right"; providing an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill makes significant changes to local government assessments and land development regulations in Florida. The legislation removes special assessments as a funding mechanism for county services and facilities, effectively prohibiting counties from levying and collecting special assessments for municipal services in unincorporated areas. Additionally, the bill creates new provisions regarding conservation easements, requiring local governments to reimburse landowners for any fees or taxes related to conservation easements and making local governments responsible for paying taxes or fees associated with land development projects on properties subject to conservation easements. The bill defines key terms such as "conservation easement" (using the definition from existing statute 704.06) and "development right" (using the definition from statute 193.501(6)). These changes aim to provide financial protections for property owners, particularly those with land subject to conservation restrictions, by shifting the financial burden of certain assessments from property owners to local governments. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving local governments time to adjust their policies and budgeting practices to comply with the new requirements.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration (on 05/03/2025)

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