This bill amends the Florida Statutes regarding the Big Cypress Basin, specifically revising the membership of the governing board and establishing new boundary requirements. The bill mandates that the South Florida Water Management District appoint six members to the governing board, with specific representation from Collier and Lee Counties. Additionally, it requires the district to revise the boundaries of the Big Cypress Basin by July 1, 2026, based on a scientific study presented to the Legislature, ensuring that only counties with at least 25% of their jurisdictions within the new boundary are included.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the manner in which basin ad valorem taxes are allocated, ensuring that taxes collected within the Big Cypress Basin are used specifically for projects and flood control operations within the respective counties. The language regarding the apportionment of taxes has been updated to clarify the distribution between district and basin purposes. The bill also reenacts a section related to basin taxes to incorporate these amendments. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1636 Filed: 373.0693, 373.503