The bill amends section 553.80 of the Florida Statutes, establishing new conditions under which local governments can receive state funds through local funding initiative requests. Specifically, it prohibits local governments from receiving these funds unless they have fully expended all funds on authorized uses related to enforcing the Florida Building Code and do not have excess funds. Additionally, local governments that have been subject to a legislative committee audit within the past year or fail to submit an affirmation regarding their fund status are deemed ineligible for further state funding. The bill also mandates that legislative committees report any local governments that do not meet these criteria to the presiding officers and appropriations chairs.

Furthermore, the bill introduces specific provisions regarding the use of excess funds by local governments. It stipulates that any excess funds must be utilized for specific purposes, including necessary services or repairs to stormwater management systems, upgrading technology, constructing buildings for code enforcement agencies, or training programs for building officials. The bill emphasizes that local governments must adhere to recognized management and accounting practices to ensure that fees and funds are allocated solely for the intended purposes. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1614 Filed: 553.80