The bill amends the membership structure of the Big Cypress Basin governing board by specifying that the Governor will appoint six members, with a requirement that four must be from Collier County and two from Lee County, all residing within the Big Cypress Basin. Additionally, it mandates the South Florida Water Management District to revise the boundaries of the Big Cypress Basin by July 1, 2026, based on a scientific study presented to the Legislature in January 2021. The bill also removes obsolete language regarding the initial establishment of the basin's boundaries.

Furthermore, the bill requires the South Florida Water Management District to ensure that ad valorem taxes collected within the Big Cypress Basin are allocated specifically for projects and flood control operations within the counties where the taxes were collected. This includes a revision of the apportionment of taxes, ensuring that the distribution aligns with the new requirements. The bill reenacts section 373.0697 to incorporate these amendments, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1161 Filed: 373.0693, 373.503