House Bill 973 proposes the dissolution of 37 soil and water conservation districts in Florida, effective December 31, 2025, with their assets and liabilities being transferred to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes, including changes to the definitions of "governmental agency" and "publicly accessible website," allowing governmental agencies to publish required information on their official websites. It also removes the requirement for certain special districts to publish advertisements and public notices on a publicly accessible website in each county they span. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that prevent municipalities from assuming services provided by independent special fire control districts in annexed areas and establishes liability limitations for independent special districts that allow public access to their lands for recreational purposes.

Furthermore, the bill mandates performance reviews for independent special districts and requires criminal history screenings for certain individuals associated with these districts. It expands the scope of purchasing agreements for special districts, allowing them to procure services from a wider range of entities, including educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. The bill also updates qualifications for supervisors of soil and water conservation districts, ensuring they are registered voters with specific agricultural engagement criteria. Overall, HB 973 aims to enhance the operational efficiency, accountability, and transparency of independent special districts while ensuring public safety and compliance with legal requirements.

Statutes affected:
H 973 Filed: 189.053, 582.19, 582.20