summary
Introduced
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
In Committee
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to Marion County; creating the Uplands Stewardship District; providing a short title; providing legislative findings and intent; providing definitions; stating legislative policy regarding creation of the district; establishing compliance with minimum requirements for creation of an independent special district; providing for creation and establishment of the district; establishing the legal boundaries of the district; providing for the jurisdiction and charter of the district; providing for a board of supervisors; providing for a method for transition of the board from landowner control to control by the electors of the district; providing for membership, terms, election, removal, duties, and meetings of board members; providing for a district manager and district personnel; providing for a district treasurer, selection of a public depository, and district budgets and financial reports; providing for disclosure of certain public information and for web-based public access; providing for the general and special powers of the district; providing for bonds; providing for borrowing; providing for trust agreements; providing for future ad valorem taxation; providing for special assessments; providing for issuance of certificates of indebtedness; providing for tax liens; providing for tax payments, redemption of tax liens, and sharing in proceeds of tax sales; providing for foreclosure of liens; providing for mandatory use of certain facilities; providing for competitive procurement; providing for fees, rentals, and charges and minimum revenue requirements; providing for recovery of delinquent charges; providing for discontinuance of service; providing for enforcement and penalties; providing for suits against the district; providing for exemptions of district property from levies and sales; providing for termination, contraction, expansion, or merger of the district; providing for inclusion of territory; providing for required notices to purchasers of residential units within the district; specifying the district properties that are public; providing severability; providing for a referendum; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Uplands Stewardship District in Marion County, Florida, as an independent special district to provide comprehensive community development and manage infrastructure over a long period. The district will have a five-member board of supervisors, initially elected by landowners and later transitioning to election by qualified electors as the area becomes more populated. The district is granted broad powers to plan, acquire, construct, operate, and finance various public systems and facilities, including water, sewer, roads, parks, and potentially security and waste collection. It can issue bonds and levy special assessments and, after a referendum and transition to elector-elected board members, ad valorem taxes to fund its operations and improvements. The bill also outlines procedures for budgeting, financial reporting, competitive procurement, and the mandatory use of district facilities, while ensuring transparency and public access to information. Importantly, the district's powers are limited to its special purpose and must remain consistent with Marion County's comprehensive plan and land development regulations.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (1)
Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (House)
Last Action
Placed on Local Calendar, 03/11/26 (on 03/09/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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