Bill > S1014

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, amends Florida Statutes to require municipal utilities (water or sewer utilities operated by a municipality) to extend service to properties outside their corporate limits under specific conditions, preventing them from denying service solely because the owner refuses annexation unless an annexation or developer agreement is in place before July 1, 2026. A "municipal utility" is defined as a water or sewer utility, and a "main line" refers to a pipe or conduit serving multiple properties, excluding individual service connections or pipes serving only one property. If a property is not served by another utility, is within one mile of a municipal utility's main line, and the municipal utility has "sufficient capacity" (meaning it has the infrastructure, supply, and ability to meet current and reasonably anticipated demands while complying with regulations), the utility must allow the owner to connect, provided the owner pays all associated fees, including those for necessary infrastructure. The municipal utility has 90 days to determine capacity and must then provide the owner with anticipated fees and requirements, and upon satisfaction of these, connect the property in a timely manner. The bill also allows municipal utilities to set minimum application requirements, such as estimated water/wastewater load and development plans, and grants owners the right to file a civil lawsuit to enforce these provisions, with prevailing owners able to recover attorney fees and court costs, and the court mandating the utility to connect the property.

Health and Social Services

Community Affairs (Senate), Regulated Industries (Senate), Rules (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1014