Bill > S0546

This bill modifies the process by which water management districts in Florida sell surplus lands, extending the timeframe for obtaining a certified appraisal to 360 days before a sale contract is effective, and revising the public notice requirements for selling these lands. Specifically, it allows for a single publication of the notice for parcels valued at $25,000 or less, with additional notification to adjacent property owners via certified mail and publication on the district's website, and then permits sale to an adjacent owner or highest bidder after a waiting period. For other surplus lands, the notice must be published for three consecutive weeks, with the first publication occurring between 30 and 360 days before the sale. The bill also clarifies exceptions for disposing of lands acquired with Florida Forever funds, which are funds dedicated to land acquisition for conservation purposes.