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FL H1523

FL H1523
Utility Services


summary

Introduced
02/28/2025
In Committee
04/24/2025
Crossed Over
04/24/2025
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act relating to utility services; amending s. 180.19, F.S.; requiring certain public meetings as a condition precedent to the effectiveness of a new or an extended agreement under which a municipality will provide specified utility services in other municipalities or unincorporated areas; specifying the matters to be addressed at such public meetings; requiring such agreements to be written; requiring annual public customer meetings; defining the terms "appointed representative" and "governing body"; limiting the portion of certain utility revenues that a municipality may use to fund or finance general government functions; requiring excess revenues to be reinvested into the municipal utility or returned to customers; amending s. 180.191, F.S.; revising provisions relating to permissible rates, fees, and charges imposed by municipal water and sewer utilities on customers located outside the municipal boundaries; creating s. 180.192, F.S.; requiring municipalities that provide specified utility services to report certain information by a specified date, and annually thereafter, to the Florida Public Service Commission; requiring the commission to compile such information and submit a report by a specified date, and annually thereafter, to the Governor and the Legislature; providing construction; amending s. 366.032, F.S.; prohibiting boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision from restricting or prohibiting fuel sources and appliances used to provide energy to consumers; revising retroactive applicability to include such boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities; providing effective dates.

AI Summary

This bill addresses several key aspects of utility services in Florida, focusing on municipal utility operations and regulations. It requires municipalities to hold public meetings before establishing or extending utility services to areas outside their boundaries, mandating discussions about service nature, rates, fees, and potential revenue usage. The bill limits municipalities to using only 10% of gross revenues from utility services outside their boundaries for general government functions, requiring any excess revenues to be reinvested in the utility or returned to customers. Additionally, the legislation creates new reporting requirements for municipalities providing utility services, compelling them to submit annual reports to the Florida Public Service Commission detailing customer numbers, sales volumes, and revenue information. The bill also prohibits local government entities from restricting or banning specific fuel sources or energy-related appliances, ensuring consumers have broader energy choices. Municipalities providing water or sewer services outside their boundaries must now charge rates that are not more than 25% higher than rates charged within their own boundaries, with specific provisions for inter-municipal utility service. The bill aims to increase transparency, limit municipal cross-subsidization, and protect consumer energy choices, with most provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

Sponsors (2)

Other Sponsors (2)

Commerce Committee (H), Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee (H)

Last Action

Died in Rules, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/HB 1137 (Ch. 2025-42) (on 06/16/2025)

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