House Bill 701 amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning water management districts, introducing new definitions and requirements to improve oversight and accountability. The bill defines "expenditure" and mandates the Commission on Ethics to investigate lobbyists or principals involved in prohibited expenditures, with findings reported to the Governor. It also prohibits certain individuals from making or accepting such expenditures and removes the requirement for legislative approval for establishing subdistricts or basins in specific water management districts. Additionally, the bill sets new quorum requirements for governing boards, necessitating a majority vote for actions taken, and requires the South Florida Water Management District to provide detailed reports on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

The legislation further establishes maximum millage rates for water management districts, mandates the submission of detailed preliminary budgets by January 15 each year, and introduces new procurement guidelines emphasizing competitive bidding and proof of acceptable work experience for large contracts. It requires that all eligible projects for the Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan be ranked on a separate list. The bill also outlines a structured process for project proposals addressing flooding and sea level rise, mandating submissions by various entities and ensuring a minimum cost share of 50% for projects. The total funding proposed each year must be at least $100 million, with specific allocations for water management districts, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 701 Filed: 373.0693, 373.079, 373.470, 373.503, 373.535, 373.6075