The bill amends section 553.80 of the Florida Statutes to require local governments to utilize excess funds collected from fees associated with the enforcement of the Florida Building Code for necessary services or repairs on their stormwater management systems. It prohibits local governments from using state funds for these purposes if they have excess funds available. Additionally, local governments are barred from receiving state funds through local funding initiatives unless they have expended all available funds and have no excess funds for stormwater management improvements. The bill also establishes that local governments are ineligible for additional state funds if they have been audited by a legislative committee within a specified timeframe or fail to submit the required affirmation to their legislative delegation.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that any excess funds that cannot be carried forward must be used for specific purposes, including fee rebates, technology upgrades, construction of buildings for code enforcement agencies, or training programs for building officials. It also mandates that legislative committees report local governments that do not comply with these requirements to the presiding officers and appropriations chairs. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1477 Filed: 553.80