The bill CS for SB 7002 First Engrossed amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning water management districts, introducing new definitions and requirements to enhance oversight and accountability. It defines "expenditure" and mandates the Commission on Ethics to investigate lobbyists or principals making prohibited expenditures, with a report to the Governor. The bill removes the need for legislative approval to establish subdistricts or basins and sets new quorum requirements for governing boards, requiring a majority of members for official business and an affirmative majority vote for actions. Additionally, it authorizes the South Florida Water Management District to acquire land for a reservoir project north of Lake Okeechobee and requires detailed annual reports on the Everglades restoration plan, including costs and performance indicators.

Moreover, the bill modifies the budgeting process for water management districts, requiring annual reports to include specific project performance indicators and a capital improvement plan submitted for legislative review by January 15 each year. It establishes conditions for levying ad valorem taxes, necessitating a majority vote from the governing board and voter approval for certain capital projects. The bill emphasizes transparency in budgeting, ensuring expenditures align with core mission areas. It also enhances the Resilient Florida Grant Program by requiring separate rankings for eligible projects and establishes a revolving loan program for financing. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 7002 Filed: 373.079, 373.503, 373.535, 373.6075, 380.095
S 7002 c1: 373.0693, 373.079, 373.470, 373.503, 373.6075, 380.095
S 7002 e1: 373.026, 373.0693, 373.079, 373.503, 373.6075, 380.095