Bill > H4095

This bill establishes the Headwaters Water Control District as an independent public corporation in Indian River County, Florida, defining its specific boundaries and outlining its charter requirements, which include that amendments can only be made by special act of the Legislature and that its governing board, the "Board of Supervisors," will consist of five members elected by landowners on a one-acre, one-vote basis. The bill also assigns maintenance responsibilities for certain canals: the Headwaters Water Control District will be responsible for the entire Lateral "U" Canal and a one-mile section of the Main Canal within the Fellsmere Water Control District, while the Fellsmere Water Control District retains responsibility for the Park Lateral Canal and the remaining portion of the Main Canal, with provisions for collaboration and dispute resolution regarding water management and canal use between the two districts. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Headwaters Water Control District provide 60 days' written notice to Indian River County and the City of Fellsmere before seeking future legislative amendments to its charter, and it specifies that the district will operate under the provisions of Chapter 298, Florida Statutes, concerning water control districts, unless inconsistent with this act, with a severability clause ensuring that if any part of the act is found invalid, the rest will remain in effect, and a contingent effective date tied to the passage of similar legislation.

Government Affairs

Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/4095