The bill amends Florida statutes to improve the connectivity of municipalities that provide utility services, allowing them to connect with other municipalities and property owners beyond their boundaries under certain conditions, such as having adequate capacity and proximity to the utility's main line. It prohibits municipalities from denying connection requests solely based on a property owner's refusal to consent to annexation unless specific agreements are established. Additionally, the bill mandates that municipalities make capacity determinations within 30 days of receiving a connection request, with provisions for appeals and potential attorney fees if a denial is deemed unjustified.

Moreover, the bill introduces new requirements for interlocal agreements between municipalities and counties concerning water and wastewater services in designated economic development zones, specifying minimum requirements for service responsibilities and timelines. It also limits municipal regulation of wastewater utility infrastructure owned by other political subdivisions to prevent more restrictive local regulations from obstructing such projects. The bill further updates provisions related to rural electrical cooperatives, allowing electronic communication and voting in trustee elections, and requires the preparation of a member list for transparency. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1075 Filed: 180.19
H 1075 c1: 180.19
H 1075 c2: 180.19