Bill > H1319

This bill modifies Florida's laws regarding the Public Service Commission's jurisdiction over water and wastewater systems, with a particular focus on nonprofit organizations. The bill creates a detailed definition of a "qualifying nonprofit organization" that must meet specific governance criteria, including having open and fair elections for its governing board, ensuring board members are primarily organization members, and allowing direct member nominations for board positions. The bill establishes a procedure for the Public Service Commission to determine whether a nonprofit organization qualifies for an exemption from utility regulation, including a process where an organization can be disqualified from exempt status if it fails to meet the defined criteria. If disqualified, an organization must wait 24 months before petitioning to regain its exempt status, and the Commission is required to provide reasoning for any disqualification and allow the organization an opportunity to address concerns. The bill also makes technical amendments to cross-references in other sections of Florida statutes to align with these changes. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, giving organizations and the Public Service Commission time to prepare for the new requirements.

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https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1319