This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance funding provisions for special districts, particularly in rural areas. It revises section 215.971 to allow state financial assistance to be provided to specified special districts, enabling them to receive payments for invoices under certain conditions. The bill specifies that if an agency agreement includes financial assistance to a rural community or area of opportunity, it can also extend to special districts that are geographically located within those areas or provide essential services like water and wastewater. This change aims to alleviate financial hardships faced by these entities when managing agreements.

Additionally, the bill updates the definition of "rural community" in section 288.0656 to explicitly include special districts alongside counties and municipalities. It recognizes independent special districts that provide water and wastewater services within rural areas of opportunity as eligible entities for rural economic development initiatives. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, thereby expanding the scope of financial assistance and support for rural special districts in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 214 Filed: 215.971, 288.0656
S 214 c1: 215.971, 288.0656