The Florida Senate

163.01  Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969.

163.02  Councils of local public officials.

163.03  Secretary of Community Affairs; powers and duties; function of Department of Community Affairs with respect to federal grant-in-aid programs.

163.04  Energy devices based on renewable resources.

163.05  Small County Technical Assistance Program.

163.055  Local Government Financial Technical Assistance Program.

163.06  Miami River Commission.

163.061  Miami River Commission; unanimous vote required for certain acts.

163.065  Miami River Improvement Act.

163.07  Efficiency and accountability in local government services.

163.01  Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969.--

(1)  This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969."

(2)  It is the purpose of this section to permit local governmental units to make the most efficient use of their powers by enabling them to cooperate with other localities on a basis of mutual advantage and thereby to provide services and facilities in a manner and pursuant to forms of governmental organization that will accord best with geographic, economic, population, and other factors influencing the needs and development of local communities.

(3)  As used in this section:

(a)  "Interlocal agreement" means an agreement entered into pursuant to this section.

(b)  "Public agency" means a political subdivision, agency, or officer of this state or of any state of the United States, including, but not limited to, state government, county, city, school district, single and multipurpose special district, single and multipurpose public authority, metropolitan or consolidated government, an independently elected county officer, any agency of the United States Government, a federally recognized Native American tribe, and any similar entity of any other state of the United States.

(c)  "State" means a state of the United States.

(d)  "Electric project" means:

1.  Any plant, works, system, facilities, and real property and personal property of any nature whatsoever, together with all parts thereof and appurtenances thereto, which is located within or without the state and which is used or useful in the generation, production, transmission, purchase, sale, exchange, or interchange of electric capacity and energy, including facilities and property for the acquisition, extraction, conversion, transportation, storage, reprocessing, or disposal of fuel and other materials of any kind for any such purposes.

2.  Any interest in, or right to, the use, services, output, or capacity of any such plant, works, system, or facilities.

3.  Any study to determine the feasibility or costs of any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, engineering, legal, financial, and other services necessary or appropriate to determine the legality and financial and engineering feasibility of any project referred to in subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2.

(e)  "Person" means:

1.  Any natural person;

2.  The United States; any state; any municipality, political subdivision, or municipal corporation created by or pursuant to the laws of the United States or any state; or any board, corporation, or other entity or body declared by or pursuant to the laws of the United States or any state to be a department, agency, or instrumentality thereof;

3.  Any corporation, not-for-profit corporation, firm, partnership, cooperative association, electric cooperative, or business trust of any nature whatsoever which is organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any state; or

4.  Any foreign country; any political subdivision or governmental unit of a foreign country; or any corporation, not-for-profit corporation, firm, partnership, cooperative association, electric cooperative, or business trust of any nature whatsoever which is organized and existing under the laws of a foreign country or of a political subdivision or governmental unit thereof.

(f)  "Electric utility" has the same meaning as in s. 361.11(2).

(g)  "Foreign public utility" means any person whose principal location or principal place of business is not located within this state; who owns, maintains, or operates facilities for the generation, transmission, or distribution of electrical energy; and who supplies electricity to retail or wholesale customers, or both, on a continuous, reliable, and dependable basis. "Foreign public utility" also means any affiliate or subsidiary of such person, the business of which is limited to the generation or transmission, or both, of electrical energy and activities reasonably incidental thereto.

(h)  "Local government liability pool" means a reciprocal insurer as defined in s. 629.021 or any self-insurance program created pursuant to s. 768.28(15), formed and controlled by counties or municipalities of this state to provide liability insurance coverage for counties, municipalities, or other public agencies of this state, which pool may contract with other parties for the purpose of providing claims administration, processing, accounting, and other administrative facilities.

(4)  A public agency of this state may exercise jointly with any other public agency of the state, of any other state, or of the United States Government any power, privilege, or authority which such agencies share in common and which each might exercise separately.

(5)  A joint exercise of power pursuant to this section shall be made by contract in the form of an interlocal agreement, which may provide for:

(a)  The purpose of such interlocal agreement or the power to be exercised and the method by which the purpose will be accomplished or the manner in which the power will be exercised.

(b)  The duration of the interlocal agreement and the method by which it may be rescinded or terminated by any participating public agency prior to the stated date of termination.

(c)  The precise organization, composition, and nature of any separate legal or administrative entity created thereby with the powers designated thereto, if such entity may be legally created.

(d)  The manner in which the parties to an interlocal agreement will provide from their treasuries the financial support for the purpose set forth in the interlocal agreement; payments of public funds that may be made to defray the cost of such purpose; advances of public funds that may be made for the purposes set forth in the interlocal agreements and repayment thereof; and the personnel, equipment, or property of one or more of the parties to the agreement that may be used in lieu of other contributions or advances.

(e)  The manner in which funds may be paid to and disbursed by any separate legal or administrative entity created pursuant to the interlocal agreement.

(f)  A method or formula for equitably providing for and allocating and financing the capital and operating costs, including payments to reserve funds authorized by law and payments of principal and interest on obligations. The method or formula shall be established by the participating parties to the interlocal agreement on a ratio of full valuation of real property, on the basis of the amount of services rendered or to be rendered or benefits received or conferred or to be received or conferred, or on any other equitable basis, including the levying of taxes or assessments to pay such costs on the entire area serviced by the parties to the interlocal agreement, subject to such limitations as may be contained in the constitution and statutes of this state.

(g)  The manner of employing, engaging, compensating, transferring, or discharging necessary personnel, subject to the provisions of applicable civil service and merit systems.

(h)  The fixing and collecting of charges, rates, rents, or fees, where appropriate, and the making and promulgation of necessary rules and regulations and their enforcement by or with the assistance of the participating parties to the interlocal agreement.

(i)  The manner in which purchases shall be made and contracts entered into.

(j)  The acquisition, ownership, custody, operation, maintenance, lease, or sale of real or personal property.

(k)  The disposition, diversion, or distribution of any property acquired through the execution of such interlocal agreement.

(l)  The manner in which, after the completion of the purpose of the interlocal agreement, any surplus money shall be returned in proportion to the contributions made by the participating parties.

(m)  The acceptance of gifts, grants, assistance funds, or bequests.

(n)  The making of claims for federal or state aid payable to the individual or several participants on account of the execution of the interlocal agreement.

(o)  The manner of responding for any liabilities that might be incurred through performance of the interlocal agreement and insuring against any such liability.

(p)  The adjudication of disputes or disagreements, the effects of failure of participating parties to pay their shares of the costs and expenses, and the rights of the other participants in such cases.

(q)  The manner in which strict accountability of all funds shall be provided for and the manner in which reports, including an annual independent audit, of all receipts and disbursements shall be prepared and presented to each participating party to the interlocal agreement.

(r)  Any other necessary and proper matters agreed upon by the participating public agencies.

(6)  An interlocal agreement may provide for one or more parties to the agreement to administer or execute the agreement. One or more parties to the agreement may agree to provide all or a part of the services set forth in the agreement in the manner provided in the agreement. The parties may provide for the mutual exchange of services without payment of any contribution other than such services.

(7)(a)  An interlocal agreement may provide for a separate legal or administrative entity to administer or execute the agreement, which may be a commission, board, or council constituted pursuant to the agreement.

(b)  A separate legal or administrative entity created by an interlocal agreement shall possess the common power specified in the agreement and may exercise it in the manner or according to the method provided in the agreement. The entity may, in addition to its other powers, be authorized in its own name to make and enter into contracts; to employ agencies or employees; to acquire, construct, manage, maintain, or operate buildings, works, or improvements; to acquire, hold, or dispose of property; and to incur debts, liabilities, or obligations which do not constitute the debts, liabilities, or obligations of any of the parties to the agreement.

(c)  No separate legal or administrative entity created by an interlocal agreement shall possess the power or authority to levy any type of tax within the boundaries of any governmental unit participating in the interlocal agreement, to issue any type of bond in its own name, or in any way to obligate financially a governmental unit participating in the interlocal agreement. However, any separate legal entity, the membership of which consists only of electric utilities as defined in s. 361.11(2) and which is created for the purpose of exercising the powers granted by part II of chapter 361, the Joint Power Act, may, for the purpose of financing or refinancing the costs of an electric project, exercise all powers in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds as are conferred by parts I, II, and III of chapter 159 or part II of chapter 166, or both. Any such entity may also issue bond anticipation notes, as provided by s. 215.431, in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of such bonds. All of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of parts I, II, and III of chapter 159 and part II of chapter 166, notwithstanding any limitations provided above, shall be fully applicable to such entity. In addition, the governing body of such legal entity may also authorize bonds to be issued and sold from time to time and delegate, to such officer, official, or agent of such legal entity as the governing body of such legal entity shall select, the power to determine the time; manner of sale, public or private; maturities; rate or rates of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at such time or times and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the officer, official, or agent so designated by the governing body of such legal entity. However, the amounts and maturities of such bonds and the interest rate or rates on such bonds shall be within the limits prescribed by the governing body of such legal entity in its resolution delegating to such officer, official, or agent the power to authorize the issuance and sale of such bonds. Bonds issued pursuant to this section may be validated as provided in chapter 75 and paragraph (15)(f). However, the complaint in any action to validate such bonds shall be filed only in the Circuit Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in Leon County, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the state attorney of each circuit in which a public agency participating in the electric project lies. Notice of such proceedings shall be published in the manner and at the time required by s. 75.06 in Leon County and in each county in which any portion of any public agency participating in the electric project lies.

(d)  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c), any separate legal entity created pursuant to this section and controlled by the municipalities or counties of this state or by one or more municipality and one or more county of this state, the membership of which consists or is to consist of municipalities only, counties only, or one or more municipality and one or more county, may, for the purpose of financing or refinancing any capital projects, exercise all powers in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds. Notwithstanding any limitations provided in this section, all of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of part I of chapter 125, part II of chapter 166, and part I of chapter 159 shall be fully applicable to such entity. Bonds issued by such entity shall be deemed issued on behalf of the counties or municipalities which enter into loan agreements with such entity as provided in this paragraph. Any loan agreement executed pursuant to a program of such entity shall be governed by the provisions of part I of chapter 159 or, in the case of counties, part I of chapter 125, or in the case of municipalities and charter counties, part II of chapter 166. Proceeds of bonds issued by such entity may be loaned to counties or municipalities of this state or a combination of municipalities and counties, whether or not such counties or municipalities are also members of the entity issuing the bonds. The issuance of bonds by such entity to fund a loan program to make loans to municipalities or counties or a combination of municipalities and counties with one another for capital projects to be identified subsequent to the issuance of the bonds to fund such loan programs is deemed to be a paramount public purpose. Any entity so created may also issue bond anticipation notes, as provided by s. 215.431, in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of such bonds. In addition, the governing body of such legal entity may also authorize bonds to be issued and sold from time to time and may delegate, to such officer, official, or agent of such legal entity as the governing body of such legal entity may select, the power to determine the time; manner of sale, public or private; maturities; rate or rates of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at such time or times and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the officer, official, or agent so designated by the governing body of such legal entity. However, the amounts and maturities of such bonds and the interest rate or rates of such bonds shall be within the limits prescribed by the governing body of such legal entity and its resolution delegating to such officer, official, or agent the power to authorize the issuance and sale of such bonds. A local government self-insurance fund established under this section may financially guarantee bonds or bond anticipation notes issued or loans made under this subsection. Bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph may be validated as provided in chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate such bonds shall be filed only in the Circuit Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in Leon County, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the state attorney of each circuit in each county where the public agencies which were initially a party to the agreement are located. Notice of such proceedings shall be published in the manner and the time required by s. 75.06 in Leon County and in each county where the public agencies which were initially a party to the agreement are located. Obligations of any county or municipality pursuant to a loan agreement as described in this paragraph may be validated as provided in chapter 75.

(e)1.  Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c), any separate legal entity, created pursuant to the provisions of this section and controlled by counties or municipalities of this state, the membership of which consists or is to consist only of public agencies of this state, may, for the purpose of financing acquisition of liability coverage contracts from one or more local government liability pools to provide liability coverage for counties, municipalities, or other public agencies of this state, exercise all powers in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds. All of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of s. 125.01 relating to counties and s. 166.021 relating to municipalities shall be fully applicable to such entity and such entity shall be considered a unit of local government for all of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of part I of chapter 159. Bonds issued by such entity shall be deemed issued on behalf of counties, municipalities, or public agencies which enter into loan agreements with such entity as provided in this paragraph. Proceeds of bonds issued by such entity may be loaned to counties, municipalities, or other public agencies of this state, whether or not such counties, municipalities, or other public agencies are also members of the entity issuing the bonds, and such counties, municipalities, or other public agencies may in turn deposit such loan proceeds with a separate local government liability pool for purposes of acquiring liability coverage contracts.

2.  Counties or municipalities of this state are authorized pursuant to this section, in addition to the authority provided by s. 125.01, part II of chapter 166, and other applicable law, to issue bonds for the purpose of acquiring liability coverage contracts from a local government liability pool. Any individual county or municipality may, by entering into interlocal agreements with other counties, municipalities, or public agencies of this state, issue bonds on behalf of itself and other counties, municipalities, or other public agencies, for purposes of acquiring a liability coverage contract or contracts from a local government liability pool. Counties, municipalities, or other public agencies are also authorized to enter into loan agreements with any entity created pursuant to subparagraph 1., or with any county or municipality issuing bonds pursuant to this subparagraph, for the purpose of obtaining bond proceeds with which to acquire liability coverage contracts from a local government liability pool. No county, municipality, or other public agency shall at any time have more than one loan agreement outstanding for the purpose of obtaining bond proceeds with which to acquire liability coverage contracts from a local government liability pool. Obligations of any county, municipality, or other public agency of this state pursuant to a loan agreement as described above may be validated as provided in chapter 75. Prior to the issuance of any bonds pursuant to subparagraph 1. or this subparagraph for the purpose of acquiring liability coverage contracts from a local government liability pool, the reciprocal insurer or the manager of any self-insurance program shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Office of Insurance Regulation of the Financial Services Commission that excess liability coverage for counties, municipalities, or other public agencies is reasonably unobtainable in the amounts provided by such pool or that the liability coverage obtained through acquiring contracts from a local government liability pool, after taking into account costs of issuance of bonds and any other administrative fees, is less expensive to counties, municipalities, or special districts than similar commercial coverage then reasonably available.

3.  Any entity created pursuant to this section or any county or municipality may also issue bond anticipation notes, as provided by s. 215.431, in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of such bonds. In addition, the governing body of such legal entity or the governing body of such county or municipality may also authorize bonds to be issued and sold from time to time and may delegate, to such officer, official, or agent of such legal entity as the governing body of such legal entity may select, the power to determine the time; manner of sale, public or private; maturities; rate or rates of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at such time or times and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the officer, official, or agent so designated by the governing body of such legal entity. However, the amounts and maturities of such bonds and the interest rate or rates of such bonds shall be within the limits prescribed by the governing body of such legal entity and its resolution delegating to such officer, official, or agent the power to authorize the issuance and sale of such bonds. Any series of bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph shall mature no later than 7 years following the date of issuance thereof.

4.  Bonds issued pursuant to subparagraph 1. may be validated as provided in chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate such bonds shall be filed only in the Circuit Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published in Leon County and in each county which is an owner of the entity issuing the bonds, or in which a member of the entity is located, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the state attorney of each circuit in each county or municipality which is an owner of the entity issuing the bonds or in which a member of the entity is located.

5.  Bonds issued pursuant to subparagraph 2. may be validated as provided in chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate such bonds shall be filed in the circuit court of the county or municipality which will issue the bonds. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in the county where the complaint is filed, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the state attorney of the circuit in the county or municipality which will issue the bonds.

6.  The participation by any county, municipality, or other public agency of this state in a local government liability pool shall not be deemed a waiver of immunity to the extent of liability coverage, nor shall any contract entered regarding such a local government liability pool be required to contain any provision for waiver.

(f)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, any separate legal entity, created pursuant to the provisions of this section, wholly owned by the municipalities or counties of this state, the membership of which consists or is to consist only of municipalities or counties of this state, may exercise the right and power of eminent domain, including the procedural powers under chapters 73 and 74, if such right and power is granted to such entity by the interlocal agreement creating the entity.

(g)1.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, any separate legal entity created under this section, the membership of which is limited to municipalities and counties of the state, may acquire, own, construct, improve, operate, and manage public facilities, or finance facilities on behalf of any person, relating to a governmental function or purpose, including, but not limited to, wastewater facilities, water or alternative water supply facilities, and water reuse facilities, which may serve populations within or outside of the members of the entity. Notwithstanding s. 367.171(7), any separate legal entity created under this paragraph is not subject to commission jurisdiction and may not provide utility services within the service area of an existing utility system unless it has received the consent of the utility. The entity may finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, expansion, and improvement of such facilities relating to a governmental function or purpose through the issuance of its bonds, notes, or other obligations under this section or as otherwise authorized by law. The entity has all the powers provided by the interlocal agreement under which it is created or which are necessary to finance, own, operate, or manage the public facility, including, without limitation, the power to establish rates, charges, and fees for products or services provided by it, the power to levy special assessments, the power to sell or finance all or a portion of such facility, and the power to contract with a public or private entity to manage and operate such facilities or to provide or receive facilities, services, or products. Except as may be limited by the interlocal agreement under which the entity is created, all of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of s. 125.01, relating to counties, and s. 166.021, relating to municipalities, are fully applicable to the entity. However, neither the entity nor any of its members on behalf of the entity may exercise the power of eminent domain over the facilities or property of any existing water or wastewater plant utility system, nor may the entity acquire title to any water or wastewater plant utility facilities, other facilities, or property which was acquired by the use of eminent domain after the effective date of this act. Bonds, notes, and other obligations issued by the entity are issued on behalf of the public agencies that are members of the entity.

2.  Any entity created under this section may also issue bond anticipation notes in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds. The bonds may be issued as serial bonds or as term bonds or both. Any entity may issue capital appreciation bonds or variable rate bonds. Any bonds, notes, or other obligations must be authorized by resolution of the governing body of the entity and bear the date or dates; mature at the time or times, not exceeding 40 years from their respective dates; bear interest at the rate or rates; be payable at the time or times; be in the denomination; be in the form; carry the registration privileges; be executed in the manner; be payable from the sources and in the medium or payment and at the place; and be subject to the terms of redemption, including redemption prior to maturity, as the resolution may provide. If any officer whose signature, or a facsimile of whose signature, appears on any bonds, notes, or other obligations ceases to be an officer before the delivery of the bonds, notes, or other obligations, the signature or facsimile is valid and sufficient for all purposes as if he or she had remained in office until the delivery. The bonds, notes, or other obligations may be sold at public or private sale for such price as the governing body of the entity shall determine. Pending preparation of the definitive bonds, the entity may issue interim certificates, which shall be exchanged for the definitive bonds. The bonds may be secured by a form of credit enhancement, if any, as the entity deems appropriate. The bonds may be secured by an indenture of trust or trust agreement. In addition, the governing body of the legal entity may delegate, to an officer, official, or agent of the legal entity as the governing body of the legal entity may select, the power to determine the time; manner of sale, public or private; maturities; rate of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at the time and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the officer, official, or agent so designated by the governing body of the legal entity. However, the amount and maturity of the bonds, notes, or other obligations and the interest rate of the bonds, notes, or other obligations must be within the limits prescribed by the governing body of the legal entity and its resolution delegating to an officer, official, or agent the power to authorize the issuance and sale of the bonds, notes, or other obligations.

3.  Bonds, notes, or other obligations issued under subparagraph 1. may be validated as provided in chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate the bonds, notes, or other obligations must be filed only in the Circuit Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 must be published in Leon County and in each county that is a member of the entity issuing the bonds, notes, or other obligations, or in which a member of the entity is located, and the complaint and order of the circuit court must be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the state attorney of each circuit in each county that is a member of the entity issuing the bonds, notes, or other obligations or in which a member of the entity is located. Section 75.04(2) does not apply to a complaint for validation brought by the legal entity.

4.  The accomplishment of the authorized purposes of a legal entity created under this paragraph is in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions. Since the legal entity will perform essential governmental functions in accomplishing its purposes, the legal entity is not required to pay any taxes or assessments of any kind whatsoever upon any property acquired or used by it for such purposes or upon any revenues at any time received by it. The bonds, notes, and other obligations of an entity, their transfer and the income therefrom, including any profits made on the sale thereof, are at all times free from taxation of any kind by the state or by any political subdivision or other agency or instrumentality thereof. The exemption granted in this subparagraph is not applicable to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations.

(8)  If the purpose set forth in an interlocal agreement is the acquisition, construction, or operation of a revenue-producing facility, the agreement may provide for the repayment or return to the parties of all or any part of the contributions, payments, or advances made by the parties pursuant to subsection (5) and for payment to the parties of any sum derived from the revenues of such facility. Payments, repayments, or returns shall be made at any time and in the manner specified in the agreement and may be made at any time on or prior to the rescission or termination of the agreement or completion of the purposes of the agreement.

(9)(a)  All of the privileges and immunities from liability; exemptions from laws, ordinances, and rules; and pensions and relief, disability, workers' compensation, and other benefits which apply to the activity of officers, agents, or employees of any public agents or employees of any public agency when performing their respective functions within the territorial limits for their respective agencies shall apply to the same degree and extent to the performance of such functions and duties of such officers, agents, or employees extraterritorially under the provisions of any such interlocal agreement.

(b)  An interlocal agreement does not relieve a public agency of any obligation or responsibility imposed upon it by law except to the extent of actual and timely performance thereof by one or more of the parties to the agreement or any legal or administrative entity created by the agreement, in which case the performance may be offered in satisfaction of the obligation or responsibility.

(c)  All of the privileges and immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances, and rules which apply to the municipalities and counties of this state apply to the same degree and extent to any separate legal entity, created pursuant to the provisions of this section, wholly owned by the municipalities or counties of this state, the membership of which consists or is to consist only of municipalities or counties of this state, unless the interlocal agreement creating such entity provides to the contrary. All of the privileges and immunities from liability; exemptions from laws, ordinances, and rules; and pension and relief, disability, and worker's compensation, and other benefits which apply to the activity of officers, agents, employees, or employees of agents of counties and municipalities of this state which are parties to an interlocal agreement creating a separate legal entity pursuant to the provisions of this section shall apply to the same degree and extent to the officers, agents, or employees of such entity unless the interlocal agreement creating such entity provides to the contrary.

(10)(a)  A public agency entering into an interlocal agreement may appropriate funds and sell, give, or otherwise supply any party designated to operate the joint or cooperative undertaking such personnel, services, facilities, property, franchises, or funds thereof as may be within its legal power to furnish.

(b)  A public agency entering into an interlocal agreement may receive grants-in-aid or other assistance funds from the United States Government or this state for use in carrying out the purposes of the interlocal agreement.

(11)  Prior to its effectiveness, an interlocal agreement and subsequent amendments thereto shall be filed with the clerk of the circuit court of each county where a party to the agreement is located.

(12)  Any public agency entering into an agreement pursuant to this section may appropriate funds and may sell, lease, give, or otherwise supply the administrative joint board or other legal or administrative entity created to operate the joint or cooperative undertaking by providing such personnel or services therefor as may be within its legal power to furnish.

(13)  The powers and authority granted by this section shall be in addition and supplemental to those granted by any other general, local, or special law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to interfere with the application of any other law.

(14)  This section is intended to authorize the entry into contracts for the performance of service functions of public agencies, but shall not be deemed to authorize the delegation of the constitutional or statutory duties of state, county, or city officers.

(15)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or of any other law except s. 361.14, any public agency of this state which is an electric utility, or any separate legal entity created pursuant to the provisions of this section, the membership of which consists only of electric utilities, and which exercises or proposes to exercise the powers granted by part II of chapter 361, the Joint Power Act, may exercise any or all of the following powers:

(a)  Any such public agency or legal entity, or both, may plan, finance, acquire, construct, reconstruct, own, lease, operate, maintain, repair, improve, extend, or otherwise participate jointly in one or more electric projects, which are proposed, existing, or under construction and which are located or to be located within or without this state, with any one or more of the following:

1.  Any such legal entity;

2.  One or more electric utilities;

3.  One or more foreign public utilities; or

4.  Any other person,

if the right to full possession and to all of the use, services, output, and capacity of any such electric project during the original estimated useful life thereof is vested, subject to creditors' rights, in any one or more of such legal entities, electric utilities, or foreign public utilities, or in any combination thereof. Any such public agency or legal entity, or both, may act as agent or designate one or more persons, whether or not participating in an electric project, to act as its agent in connection with the planning, design, engineering, licensing, acquisition, construction, completion, management, control, operation, maintenance, repair, renewal, addition, replacement, improvement, modification, insuring, decommissioning, cleanup, retirement, or disposal, or all of the foregoing, of such electric project or electric projects.

(b)1.  In any case in which any such public agency or legal entity, or both, participate in an electric project with any one or more of the following:

a.  Any such legal entity;

b.  One or more electric utilities;

c.  One or more foreign public utilities; or

d.  Any other person,

and if the right to full possession and to all of the use, services, output, and capacity of any such electric project during the original estimated useful life thereof is vested, subject to creditors' rights, in any one or more of such legal entities, electric utilities, or foreign public utilities, or in any combination thereof, such public agency or legal entity, or both, may enter into an agreement or agreements with respect to such electric project with the other person or persons participating therein, and such legal entity may enter into an agreement or agreements with one or more public agencies who are parties to the interlocal agreement creating such legal entity. Any such agreement may be for such period, including, but not limited to, an unspecified period, and may contain such other terms, conditions, and provisions, consistent with the provisions of this section, as the parties thereto shall determine. In connection with entry into and performance pursuant to any such agreement, with the selection of any person or persons with which any such public agency or legal entity, or both, may enter into any such agreement, and with the selection of any electric project to which such agreement may relate, no such public agency or legal entity shall be required to comply with any general, local, or special statute, including, but not limited to, the provisions of s. 287.055, or with any charter provision of any public agency, which would otherwise require public bidding, competitive negotiation, or both.

2.  Any such agreement may include, but need not be limited to, any or all of the following:

a.  Provisions defining what constitutes a default thereunder and providing for the rights and remedies of the parties thereto upon the occurrence of such a default, including, without limitation, the right to discontinue the delivery of products or services to a defaulting party and requirements that the remaining parties not in default who are entitled to receive products or services from the same electric project may be required to pay for and use or otherwise dispose of, on a proportionate or other basis, all or some portion of the products and services which were to be purchased by the defaulting party.

b.  Provisions granting one or more of the parties the option to purchase the interest or interests of one or more other parties in the electric project upon such occurrences, and at such times and pursuant to such terms and conditions, as the parties may agree, notwithstanding the limitations on options in the provisions of any law to the contrary.

c.  Provisions setting forth restraints on alienation of the interests of the parties in the electric project.

d.  Provisions for the planning, design, engineering, licensing, acquisition, construction, completion, management, control, operation, maintenance, repair, renewal, addition, replacement, improvement, modification, insuring, decommissioning, cleanup, retirement, or disposal, or all of the foregoing of such electric project by any one or more of the parties to such agreement, which party or parties may be designated in or pursuant to such agreement as agent or agents on behalf of itself and one or more of the other parties thereto or by such other means as may be determined by the parties thereto.

e.  Provisions for a method or methods of determining and allocating among or between the parties the costs of planning, design, engineering, licensing, acquisition, construction, completion, management, control, operation, maintenance, repair, renewal, addition, replacement, improvement, modification, insuring, decommissioning, cleanup, retirement, or disposal, or all of the foregoing with respect to such electric project.

f.  Provisions that any such public agency or legal entity, or both, will not rescind, terminate, or amend any contract or agreement relating to such electric project without the consent of one or more persons with which such public agency or legal entity, or both, have entered into an agreement pursuant to this section or without the consent of one or more persons with whom any such public agency or legal entity, or both, have made a covenant or who are third-party beneficiaries of any such covenant.

g.  Provisions whereby any such public agency or legal entity, or both, are obligated to pay for the products and services of such electric project and the support of such electric project, including, without limitation, those activities set forth in sub-subparagraph d., without setoff or counterclaim and irrespective of whether such products or services are furnished, made available, or delivered to such public agency or legal entity, or both, or whether any electric project contemplated by such contract or agreement is completed, operable, or operating, and notwithstanding suspension, interruption, interference, reduction, or curtailment of the products and services of such electric project and notwithstanding the quality, or failure, of performance of any one or more of the activities set forth in sub-subparagraph d. with respect to such electric project.

h.  Provisions that in the event of the failure or refusal of any such public agency or legal entity, or both, to perform punctually any specified covenant or obligation contained in or undertaken pursuant to any such agreement, any one or more parties to such agreement or any one or more persons who have been designated in such agreement as third-party beneficiaries of such covenant or obligation may enforce the performance of such public agency or legal entity by an action at law or in equity, including, but not limited to, specific performance or mandamus.

i.  Provisions obligating any such public agency or legal entity, or both, to indemnify, including, without limitation, indemnification against the imposition or collection of local, state, or federal taxes and interest or penalties related thereto, or payments made in lieu thereof, to hold harmless, or to waive claims or rights for recovery, including claims or rights for recovery based on sole negligence, gross negligence, any other type of negligence, or any other act or omission, intentional or otherwise, against one or more of the other parties to such agreement. Such provisions may define the class or classes of persons for whose acts, intentional or otherwise, a party shall not be responsible; and all of such provisions may be upon such terms and conditions as the parties thereto shall determine.

j.  Provisions obligating any such public agency or legal entity, or both, not to dissolve until all principal and interest payments for all bonds and other evidences of indebtedness issued by such public agency or legal entity, or both, have been paid or otherwise provided for and until all contractual obligations and duties of such public agency or legal entity have been fully performed or discharged, or both.

k.  Provisions obligating any such public agency or legal entity, or both, to establish, levy, and collect rents, rates, and other charges for the products and services provided by such legal entity or provided by the electric or other integrated utility system of such public agency, which rents, rates, and other charges shall be at least sufficient to meet the operation and maintenance expenses of such electric or integrated utility system; to comply with all covenants pertaining thereto contained in, and all other provisions of, any resolution, trust indenture, or other security agreement relating to any bonds or other evidences of indebtedness issued or to be issued by any such public agency or legal entity; to generate funds sufficient to fulfill the terms of all other contracts and agreements made by such public agency or legal entity, or both; and to pay all other amounts payable from or constituting a lien or charge on the revenues derived from the products and services of such legal entity or constituting a lien or charge on the revenues of the electric or other integrated utility system of such public agency.

l.  Provisions obligating such legal entity to enforce the covenants and obligations of each such public agency with which such legal entity has entered into a contract or agreement with respect to such electric project.

m.  Provisions obligating such legal entity not to permit any such public agency to withdraw from such legal entity until all contractual obligations and duties of such legal entity and of each such public agency with which it has entered into a contract or agreement with respect to such electric project have been fully performed, discharged, or both.

n.  Provisions obligating each such public agency which has entered into a contract or agreement with such legal entity with respect to an electric project not to withdraw from, or cause or participate in the dissolution of, such legal entity until all duties and obligations of such legal entity and of each such public agency arising from all contracts and agreements entered into by such public agency or legal entity, or both, have been fully performed, discharged, or both.

o.  Provisions obligating each such public agency which has entered into a contract or agreement with such legal entity or which has entered into a contract or agreement with any other person or persons with respect to such electric project to maintain its electric or other integrated utility system in good repair and operating condition until all duties and obligations of each such public agency and of each such legal entity arising out of all contracts and agreements with respect to such electric project entered into by each such public agency or legal entity, or both, have been fully performed, discharged, or both.

3.  All actions taken by an agent designated in accordance with the provisions of any such agreement may, if so provided in the agreement, be made binding upon such public agency or legal entity, or both, without further action or approval by such public agency or legal entity, or both. Any agent or agents designated in any such agreement shall be governed by the laws and rules applicable to such agent as a separate entity and not by any laws or rules which may be applicable to any of the other participating parties and not otherwise applicable to the agent.

(c)  Any such legal entity may acquire services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof only from:

1.  An electric project in which it has an ownership interest; or

2.  Any other source:

a.  To the extent of replacing the services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof of its share of an electric project when the output or capacity of such electric project is reduced or unavailable; or

b.  At any time and in any amount for resale to any of its members as necessary to meet their retail load requirements.

However, under sub-subparagraph 2.b., such legal entity may not purchase wholesale power for resale to any of its members from any electric utility as a result of any legal proceeding commenced by the legal entity or any of its members after January 1, 1982, before any state or federal court or administrative body, to the extent that such purchase or proceeding would involuntarily expand the responsibility of the electric utility to provide such wholesale power.

(d)  Any such legal entity may sell services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof only to:

1.  Its members to meet their retail load requirements;

2.  Other electric utilities or foreign public utilities which have ownership interests in, or contractual arrangements which impose on such electric utilities or foreign public utilities obligations which are the economic equivalents of ownership interests in, the electric project from which such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof is to be acquired;

3.  Any other electric utility or foreign public utility to dispose of services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof that is surplus to the requirements of such legal entity:

a.  If such surplus results from default by one or more of the members of such legal entity under a contract or contracts for the purchase of such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof; and

b.  If the revenues from such contract or contracts are pledged as security for payment of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness issued by such legal entity or if such revenues are required by such legal entity to meet its obligations under any contract or agreement entered into by such legal entity pursuant to paragraph (b);

4.  Any other electric utility or foreign public utility for a period not to exceed 5 years from the later to occur of the date of commercial operation of, or the date of acquisition by such legal entity of any ownership interest in or right to acquire services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof from, the electric project from which such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof is to be acquired, if:

a.  One or more members of such legal entity have contracted to purchase such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof from such legal entity commencing upon the expiration of such period; and

b.  Such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof, if acquired commencing at an earlier time, could have been reasonably predicted to create a surplus or surpluses in the electric system or systems of such member or members during such period, when added to services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof available to such member or members during such period from facilities owned by such member or members or pursuant to one or more then-existing firm contractual obligations which are not terminable prior to the end of such period without payment of a penalty, or both; or

5.  Any combination of the above.

Nothing contained in this paragraph shall prevent such legal entity from selling the output of its ownership interest in any such electric project to any electric utility or foreign public utility as emergency, scheduled maintenance, or economy interchange service.

(e)  All obligations and covenants of any such public agency or legal entity, or both, contained in any contract or agreement, which contract or agreement and obligations and covenants are authorized, permitted, or contemplated by this section, shall be the legal, valid, and binding obligations and covenants of the public agency or legal entity undertaking such obligations or making such covenants; and each such obligation or covenant shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms.

(f)  When contract payments by any such public agency contracting with any such legal entity or revenues of any such public agency contracting with any other person or persons with respect to an electric project are to be pledged as security for the payment of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness sought to be validated, the complaint for validation may make parties defendant to such action, in addition to the state and the taxpayers, property owners, and citizens of the county in which the complaint for validation is filed, including nonresidents owning property or subject to taxation therein:

1.  Every public agency the contract payments of which are to be so pledged.

2.  Any other person contracting with such public agency or legal entity, or both, in any manner relating to such electric project, and particularly with relation to any ownership or operation of any electric project; the supplying of electrical energy to such public agency or legal entity, or both; or the taking or purchase of electrical energy from the electric project.

3.  The taxpayers, property owners, and citizens of each county or municipality in which each such public agency is located, including nonresidents owning property or subject to taxation therein, and the holders of any outstanding debt obligations of any such public agency or legal entity.

All such parties who are made defendants and over whom the court acquires jurisdiction in such validation proceedings shall be required to show cause, if any exists, why such contract or agreement and the terms and conditions thereof should not be inquired into by the court, the validity of the terms thereof determined, and the matters and conditions which are imposed on the parties to such contract or agreement and all such undertakings thereof adjudicated to be valid and binding on the parties thereto. Notice of such proceedings shall be included in the notice of validation hearing required to be issued and published pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (7)(c); and a copy of the complaint in such proceedings, together with a copy of such notice, shall be served on each party defendant referred to in subparagraphs 1. and 2. who is made a defendant and over whom the court acquires jurisdiction in such validation proceedings. Any person resident of this state or any person not a resident of, or located within, this state, whether or not authorized to transact business in this state, who contracts with any such public agency or legal entity, or both, in any manner relating to such electric project, may intervene in the validation proceedings at or before the time set for the validation hearing and assert any ground or objection to the validity and binding effect of such contract or agreement on his or her own behalf and on behalf of any such public agency and of all citizens, residents, and property owners of the state. No appeal may be taken by any person who was not a party of record in such proceedings at the time the judgment appealed from was rendered. An adjudication as to the validity of any such contract or agreement from which no appeal has been taken within the time permitted by law from the date of entry of the judgment of validation or, if an appeal is filed, which is confirmed on appeal shall be forever conclusive and binding upon such legal entity and all such parties who are made defendants and over whom the court acquires jurisdiction in such validation proceedings.

(g)  Each such public agency or legal entity, or both, which contracts with any other person or persons with respect to the ownership or operation of any electric project, and each such public agency which contracts with any legal entity for the support of, or supply of, power from an electric project, is authorized to pledge to such other person or persons or such legal entity, or both, for the benefit of such electric project all or any portion of the revenues derived or to be derived:

1.  In the case of any such public agency, from the ownership and operation of its electric or other integrated utility system; and

2.  In the case of a legal entity, from the provision of products and services by it;

and to pledge to such other person or persons or such legal entity, or both, for the benefit of such electric project any securities, contract rights, and other property. Each such legal entity is also authorized to pledge to, or for the benefit of, the holders of any bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by such legal entity, as security for the payment thereof, any revenues, securities, contract rights, or other property. Any such pledge shall specify the priority and ranking of such pledge in respect of other pledges, if any, of the same revenues, securities, contract rights, or other property by such public agency or legal entity. Any pledge of revenues, securities, contract rights, or other property made by any such public agency or legal entity, or both, pursuant to this section shall be valid and binding from the date the pledge is made. The revenues, securities, contract rights, or other property so pledged and then held or thereafter received by such public agency or legal entity, or any fiduciary, or such other person or persons shall immediately be subject to the lien of the pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act; and the lien of the pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, in contract, or otherwise against the public agency or legal entity making such pledge, without regard to whether such parties have notice thereof. The resolution, trust indenture, security agreement, or other instrument by which a pledge is created need not be filed or recorded in any manner.

(h)  Any such legal entity is authorized and empowered to sue and be sued in its own name. In the event that any such public agency or legal entity enters into a contract or an agreement with respect to an electric project located in another state, or owns an interest in an electric project located in another state, an action against such public agency or legal entity may be brought in the federal or state courts located in such state.

(i)  The provisions of this subsection shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof. The powers conferred by the provisions of this subsection shall be in addition and supplementary to the powers conferred by the other provisions of this section, by any other general, local, or special law, or by any charter of any public agency. When the exercise of any power conferred on any public agency or any legal entity by the provisions of this subsection would conflict with any limitation or requirement upon such public agency or such legal entity contained in the other provisions of this section, in any other general, local, or special law, except s. 361.14, or in the charter of such public agency, such limitation or requirement shall be superseded by the provisions of this subsection for the purposes of the exercise of such power pursuant to the provisions of this subsection.

(j)  While any bonds or other evidences of indebtedness issued by any such public agency or any such legal entity pursuant to the authority granted by paragraph (7)(c) or other applicable law remain outstanding, or while any such public agency or any such legal entity has any undischarged duties or obligations under any contract or agreement, including, but not limited to, obligations to any operator or joint owner of any electric project, the powers, duties, or existence of such public agency or such legal entity or of its officers, employees, or agents shall not be diminished, impaired, or affected in any manner which will affect materially and adversely the interests and rights of the owners of such bonds or other evidences of indebtedness or the persons to whom such duties or obligations are owed under such contract or agreement. The provisions of this subsection shall be for the benefit of the state, each such public agency, each such legal entity, every owner of the bonds of each such legal entity or public agency, and every other person to whom such public agency or such legal entity owes a duty or is obligated by contract or agreement; and, upon and after the earlier of the execution and delivery by any public agency or legal entity, pursuant to this section, of any contract or agreement to any person with respect to an electric project, or the issuance of such bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, the provisions of this subsection shall constitute an irrevocable contract by the state with the owners of the bonds or other evidences of indebtedness issued by such public agency or legal entity and with the other person or persons to whom any such public agency or legal entity owes a duty or is obligated by any such contract or agreement.

(k)  The limitations on waiver in the provisions of s. 768.28 or any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the Legislature, in accordance with s. 13, Art. X of the State Constitution, hereby declares that any such legal entity or any public agency of this state that participates in any electric project waives its sovereign immunity to:

1.  All other persons participating therein; and

2.  Any person in any manner contracting with a legal entity of which any such public agency is a member, with relation to:

a.  Ownership, operation, or any other activity set forth in sub-subparagraph (b)2.d. with relation to any electric project; or

b.  The supplying or purchasing of services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof.

(l)  Notwithstanding the definition of "electric project" contained in paragraph (3)(d), or any other provision of this subsection or of part II of chapter 361 limiting the parties which may participate jointly in electric projects, any public agency of this state which is an electric utility, or any separate legal entity created pursuant to the provisions of this section, the membership of which consists only of electric utilities, and which exercises or proposes to exercise the powers granted by part II of chapter 361, may exercise any or all of the powers provided in this subsection jointly with any other person with respect to the acquisition, extraction, conversion, use, transportation, storage, reprocessing, disposal, or any combination thereof of any primary fuel or source thereof, as well as any other materials resulting therefrom, only when such primary fuel or source thereof is to be used for the generation of electrical energy in one or more electric projects by such legal entity, any member thereof, or any combination thereof; and, in connection therewith, any such public agency or legal entity shall be deemed to have all the additional powers, privileges, and rights provided in this subsection.

(m)  In the event that any public agency or any such legal entity, or both, should receive, in connection with its joint ownership or right to the services, output, capacity, or energy of an electric project, as defined in paragraph (3)(d), any material which is designated by the person supplying such material as proprietary confidential business information or which a court of competent jurisdiction has designated as confidential or secret shall be kept confidential and shall be exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1). As used in this paragraph, "proprietary confidential business information" includes, but is not limited to, trade secrets; internal auditing controls and reports of internal auditors; security measures, systems, or procedures; information concerning bids or other contractual data, the disclosure of which would impair the efforts of the utility to contract for services on favorable terms; employee personnel information unrelated to compensation, duties, qualifications, or responsibilities; and formulas, patterns, devices, combinations of devices, contract costs, or other information the disclosure of which would injure the affected entity in the marketplace.

(16)(a)  All of the additional powers and authority granted by chapter 82-53, Laws of Florida, to a public agency as defined in paragraph (3)(b), a legal entity created pursuant to the provisions of this section, or both, respecting agreements for participation in electric projects shall apply to any agreement in existence as of March 25, 1982, as well as to any such agreement entered into thereafter; but no additional limitation provided in chapter 82-53 upon any power or authority of any such public agency or legal entity, or both, respecting agreements for participation in electric projects shall apply to any such agreement entered into prior to March 25, 1982.

(b)  Chapter 82-53, Laws of Florida, shall be deemed to be enacted for the purpose of further implementing the provisions of s. 10(d), Art. VII of the State Constitution, as amended.

(17)  In any agreement entered into pursuant to this section, any public agency or separate legal entity created by interlocal agreement may, in its discretion, grant, sell, donate, dedicate, lease or otherwise convey, title, easements or use rights in real property, including tax-reverted real property, title to which is in such public agency or separate legal entity, to any other public agency or separate legal entity created by interlocal agreement. Any public agency or separate legal entity created by interlocal agreement is authorized to grant such interests in real property or use rights without consideration when in its discretion it is determined to be in the public interest. Real property and interests in real property granted or conveyed to such public agency or separate legal entity shall be for the public purposes contemplated in the interlocal agreement and may be made subject to the condition that in the event that said real property or interest in real property is not so used, or if used and subsequently its use for such purpose is abandoned, the interest granted shall cease as to such public agency or separate legal entity and shall automatically revert to the granting public agency or separate legal entity.

History.--ss. 1, 2, ch. 69-42; ss. 11, 18, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 79-24; ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-31; s. 61, ch. 79-40; s. 68, ch. 81-259; ss. 1, 7, 8, ch. 82-53; s. 45, ch. 83-217; s. 21, ch. 85-55; s. 1, ch. 87-9; s. 6, ch. 87-237; s. 46, ch. 88-130; ss. 33, 34, ch. 90-360; s. 83, ch. 91-45; s. 11, ch. 93-51; s. 896, ch. 95-147; s. 45, ch. 96-406; s. 19, ch. 97-236; s. 61, ch. 99-2; s. 23, ch. 99-251; s. 1, ch. 2001-201; s. 72, ch. 2002-295; s. 156, ch. 2003-261.

163.02  Councils of local public officials.--

(1)  The governing bodies of any two or more counties, municipalities, special districts, or other governmental subdivisions of this state, or any of them, herein referred to as member local governments, may, by resolution, enter into an agreement with each other for the establishment of a council of local public officials. Any council established under the authority of this section shall be a corporation not for profit.

(2)  Representation on the council shall be in the manner provided in the agreement establishing the council. The representative from each member local government shall be the elected chief executive of said local government or, if such government does not have an elected chief executive, a member of its governing body chosen by such body to be its representative. Any member may withdraw from the council upon 60 days' notice subsequent to formal action by its governing body.

(3)  The local government council shall have the power to:

(a)  Study such area governmental problems as it deems appropriate, including but not limited to matters affecting health, safety, welfare, education, economic conditions, and area development;

(b)  Promote cooperative arrangements and coordinate action among its members; and

(c)  Make recommendations for review and action to the members and other public agencies that perform local functions and services within the area.

(4)  The council shall adopt bylaws designating the officers of the council and providing for the conduct of its business. The council may employ a staff, consult and retain experts, and purchase or lease or otherwise provide for such supplies, materials, equipment and facilities as it deems desirable and necessary.

(5)(a)  The governing bodies of the member governments may appropriate funds to meet the necessary expenses of the council. Services of personnel, use of equipment and office space, and other necessary services may be accepted from members as part of their financial support.

(b)  The council may accept funds, grants, gifts, and services from the state, from any other governmental unit, whether participating in the council or not, from the Government of the United States, and from private and civic sources.

(c)  The council shall make an annual public report of its activities to each of the member local governments, and shall have its accounts audited annually.

History.--ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ch. 69-69.

163.03  Secretary of Community Affairs; powers and duties; function of Department of Community Affairs with respect to federal grant-in-aid programs.--

(1)  The Secretary of Community Affairs shall:

(a)  Supervise and administer the activities of the department and shall advise the Governor, the Cabinet, and the Legislature with respect to matters affecting community affairs and local government and participate in the formulation of policies which best utilize the resources of state government for the benefit of local government.

(b)  Render services to local governments by assisting, upon request, in applying for and securing federal and state funds and by assisting the Executive Office of the Governor in coordinating the activities of the state with federal programs for assistance in and solution of urban problems.

(c)  Under the direction of the Governor, administer programs to apply rapidly all available aid to communities stricken by an emergency as defined in s. 252.34(3) and, for this purpose, provide liaison with federal agencies and other public and private agencies.

(d)  When requested, administer programs which will assist the efforts of local governments in developing mutual and cooperative solutions to their common problems.

(e)  Conduct programs to encourage and promote the involvement of private enterprise in the solution of urban problems.

(f)  Conduct continuing programs of analysis and evaluation of local governments and recommend to the Governor programs and changes in the powers and organization of local government as may seem necessary to strengthen local governments.

(g)  Assist the Governor and the Cabinet in coordinating and making more effective the activities and services of those departments and agencies of the state which may be of service to units of local government.

(h)  Provide consultative services and technical assistance to local officials in the fields of housing, redevelopment and renewal, local public improvement programs, planning and zoning, and other local programs and collect and disseminate information pertaining thereto, including information concerning federal, state, and private assistance programs and services.

(i)  Conduct research and studies, and prepare model ordinances and codes relating to the areas referred to herein.

(j)  Cooperate with other state agencies in the preparation of statewide plans relating to housing, redevelopment and renewal, human resources development, local planning and zoning, transportation and traffic, and other matters relating to the purposes of this section.

(k)  Accept funds from all sources to be utilized in programs designed to combat juvenile crime, including the making of contributions to the National Youth Emergency Corps.

(l)  Be authorized to accept and disburse funds from all sources in order to carry out the following programs:

1.  Advisory and informational services to local governments.

2.  Community development training under Title VIII of the Housing Act of 1964.

3.  Local planning assistance under s. 701 of the Housing Act of 1954.

4.  Statewide planning assistance under s. 701 of the Housing Act of 1954.

5.  Model cities technical assistance under s. 701 of the Housing Act of 1954.

(m)  Perform such other functions, duties, or responsibilities as may be hereafter assigned to him or her by law.

(2)  It is the intent of this section, with respect to federal grant-in-aid programs, that the department serve as the agency for disseminating information to local governments regarding the availability of federal grant-in-aid assistance to local governments in their efforts to secure federal grant-in-aid assistance, but only upon the request of such local governments, and for assisting local governments in maintaining liaison and communications with federal agencies concerning federal grant-in-aid programs. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require consent, approval, or authorization from the department as a condition to any application for or acceptance of grants-in-aid from the United States Government.

(3)  The department is authorized to adopt rules implementing the following grant programs, which rules shall be consistent with the laws, regulations, or guidelines governing the grant to the department:

(a)  Criminal justice grant programs administered by the Bureau of Criminal Justice Assistance.

(b)  Grants under the federal programs known as the Coastal Energy Impact Program and the Outer Continental Shelf Program administered by the Bureau of Land and Water Management.

(c)  Federal housing assistance programs.

(d)  Community Services Block Grant programs.

(e)  Federal weatherization grant programs.

(f)  The Jobs Impact Program of the federal Community Development Block Grant.

History.--s. 18, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 70-121; s. 91, ch. 79-190; s. 9, ch. 81-167; s. 9, ch. 83-55; ss. 5, 49, ch. 83-334; s. 1, ch. 84-218; s. 4, ch. 84-241; s. 157, ch. 92-152; s. 897, ch. 95-147; s. 62, ch. 99-2.

163.04  Energy devices based on renewable resources.--

(1)  Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or other provision of general or special law, the adoption of an ordinance by a governing body, as those terms are defined in this chapter, which prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources is expressly prohibited.

(2)  No deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements running with the land shall prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restrictions, covenants, or binding agreements. A property owner may not be denied permission to install solar collectors or other energy devices based on renewable resources by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property with respect to residential dwellings not exceeding three stories in height. For purposes of this subsection, such entity may determine the specific location where solar collectors may be installed on the roof within an orientation to the south or within 45° east or west of due south provided that such determination does not impair the effective operation of the solar collectors.

(3)  In any litigation arising under the provisions of this section, the prevailing party shall be entitled to costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

(4)  The legislative intent in enacting these provisions is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by encouraging the development and use of renewable resources in order to conserve and protect the value of land, buildings, and resources by preventing the adoption of measures which will have the ultimate effect, however unintended, of driving the costs of owning and operating commercial or residential property beyond the capacity of private owners to maintain. This section shall not apply to patio railings in condominiums, cooperatives, or apartments.

History.--s. 8, ch. 80-163; s. 1, ch. 92-89; s. 14, ch. 93-249.

163.05  Small County Technical Assistance Program.--

(1)  Among small counties, the Legislature finds that:

(a)  The percentage of the population of small counties residing in the unincorporated areas is relatively high based on the United States Decennial Census of 2000.

(b)  Projected revenue and expenditure trends of the small counties indicate that a serious fiscal condition has developed that could require a number of small counties to declare financial emergencies.

(c)  Fiscal shortfalls persist even though 12 of the small counties levied the maximum ad valorem millage authorized in their jurisdictions in 2001 and an additional 15 small counties levied between 8 and 10 mills.

(d)  State and federal mandates will continue to place additional funding demands on small counties.

(2)  Recognizing the findings in subsection (1), the Legislature declares that:

(a)  The fiscal emergencies confronting small counties require an investment that will facilitate efforts to improve the productivity and efficiency of small counties' structures and operating procedures.

(b)  Current and additional revenue enhancements authorized by the Legislature should be managed and administered using appropriate management practices and expertise.

(3)  The purpose of this section is to provide technical assistance to small counties to enable them to implement workable solutions to financial and administrative problems. As used in this section, "small county" means a county that has a population of 75,000 or less.

(4)  The Commissioner of Agriculture shall enter into contracts with program providers who shall:

(a)  Be a foundation that meets the requirements for nonprofit status under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with a governing board which includes in its membership county commissioners and professional staff of the county.

(b)  Have substantial and documented experience working closely with county governments in providing both educational and technical assistance.

(c)  Use existing resources, services, and information that are available from state or local agencies, universities, or the private sector.

(d)  Seek and accept funding from any public or private source.

(e)  Assist small counties in developing alternative revenue sources.

(f)  Provide assistance to small counties in areas such as financial management, accounting, investing, purchasing, planning and budgeting, debt issuance, public management, management systems, computers and information technology, economic and community development, and public safety management.

(g)  Provide for an annual independent financial audit of the program.

(h)  In each county served, conduct a needs assessment upon which the assistance provided for that county will be designed.

(5)(a)  The Commissioner of Agriculture shall issue a request for proposals to provide assistance to small counties. The request for proposals shall be required no more frequently than every third year beginning with fiscal year 2004-2005. All contracts in existence on the effective date of this act between the Comptroller and any other party with respect to the Small County Technical Assistance Program may be accepted by the Commissioner of Agriculture as the party in interest and said contracts shall remain in full force and effect according to their terms.

(b)  The Commissioner of Agriculture shall review each contract proposal submitted.

(c)  The Commissioner of Agriculture shall consider the following factors in reviewing contract proposals:

1.  The demonstrated capacity of the provider to conduct needs assessments and implement the program as proposed.

2.  The number of small counties to be served under the proposal.

3.  The cost of the program as specified in a proposed budget.

4.  The short-term and long-term benefits of the assistance to small counties.

5.  The form and extent to which existing resources, services, and information that are available from state and local agencies, universities, and the private sector will be used by the provider under the contract.

(6)  A decision of the Commissioner of Agriculture to award a contract under this section is final and shall be in writing.

(7)  The Commissioner of Agriculture shall provide fiscal oversight to ensure that funds expended for the program are used in accordance with the contracts entered into pursuant to subsection (4) and shall conduct a performance review of the program as may be necessary to ensure that the goals and objectives of the program are being met.

History.--s. 5, ch. 92-309; s. 5, ch. 96-311; s. 3, ch. 98-258; s. 22, ch. 2002-404.

163.055  Local Government Financial Technical Assistance Program.--

(1)  Among municipalities and special districts, the Legislature finds that:

(a)  State and federal mandates will continue to place additional funding demands on all municipalities and special districts.

(b)  State government lacks the specific technical expertise or resources to effectively perform ongoing educational support and financial emergency detection or assistance.

(2)  Recognizing the findings in subsection (1), the Legislature declares that:

(a)  The fiscal challenges confronting various municipalities and special districts require an investment that will facilitate efforts to improve the productivity and efficiency of their financial structures and operating procedures.

(b)  Current and additional revenue enhancements authorized by the Legislature should be managed and administered using appropriate management practices and expertise.

(3)  The purpose of this section is to provide technical assistance to municipalities and special districts to enable them to implement workable solutions to financially related problems.

(4)  The Chief Financial Officer shall enter into contracts with program providers who shall:

(a)  Be a public agency or private, nonprofit corporation, association, or entity.

(b)  Use existing resources, services, and information that are available from state or local agencies, universities, or the private sector.

(c)  Seek and accept funding from any public or private source.

(d)  Annually submit information to assist the Legislative Committee on Intergovernmental Relations in preparing a performance review that will include an analysis of the effectiveness of the program.

(e)  Assist municipalities and independent special districts in developing alternative revenue sources.

(f)  Provide for an annual independent financial audit of the program, if the program receives funding.

(g)  Provide assistance to municipalities and special districts in the areas of financial management, accounting, investing, budgeting, and debt issuance.

(h)  Develop a needs assessment to determine where assistance should be targeted, and to establish a priority system to deliver assistance to those jurisdictions most in need through the most economical means available.

(i)  Provide financial emergency assistance upon direction from the Executive Office of the Governor pursuant to s. 218.503.

(5)(a)  The Chief Financial Officer shall issue a request for proposals to provide assistance to municipalities and special districts. At the request of the Chief Financial Officer, the Legislative Committee on Intergovernmental Relations shall assist in the preparation of the request for proposals.

(b)  The Chief Financial Officer shall review each contract proposal submitted.

(c)  The Legislative Committee on Intergovernmental Relations shall review each contract proposal and submit to the Chief Financial Officer, in writing, advisory comments and recommendations, citing with specificity the reasons for its recommendations.

(d)  The Chief Financial Officer and the Legislative Committee on Intergovernmental Relations shall consider the following factors in reviewing contract proposals:

1.  The demonstrated capacity of the provider to conduct needs assessments and implement the program as proposed.

2.  The number of municipalities and special districts to be served under the proposal.

3.  The cost of the program as specified in a proposed budget.

4.  The short-term and long-term benefits of the assistance to municipalities and special districts.

5.  The form and extent to which existing resources, services, and information that are available from state and local agencies, universities, and the private sector will be used by the provider under the contract.

(6)  A decision of the Chief Financial Officer to award a contract under this section is final and shall be in writing with a copy provided to the Legislative Committee on Intergovernmental Relations.

(7)  The Chief Financial Officer may enter into contracts and agreements with other state and local agencies and with any person, association, corporation, or entity other than the program providers, for the purpose of administering this section.

(8)  The Chief Financial Officer shall provide fiscal oversight to ensure that funds expended for the program are used in accordance with the contracts entered into pursuant to subsection (4).

(9)  The Legislative Committee on Intergovernmental Relations shall annually conduct a performance review of the program. The findings of the review shall be presented in a report submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Financial Officer by January 15 of each year.

History.--s. 22, ch. 99-251; s. 1, ch. 2000-340; s. 157, ch. 2003-261.

163.06  Miami River Commission.--

(1)(a)  The Miami River Commission is hereby established as the official coordinating clearinghouse for all public policy and projects related to the Miami River to unite all governmental agencies, businesses, and residents in the area to speak with one voice on river issues; to develop coordinated plans, priorities, programs, projects, and budgets that might substantially improve the river area; and to act as the principal advocate and watchdog to ensure that river projects are funded and implemented in a proper and timely manner.

(b)  The commission may seek and receive funding to further its coordinating functions regarding river improvement projects of the commission. Nothing in this act affects or supersedes the regulatory authority of any governmental agency or any local government, and any responsibilities of any governmental entity relating to the Miami River shall remain with such respective governmental entity. However, the commission may accept any specifically defined coordinating authority or functions delegated to the commission by any governmental entity, through a memorandum of understanding or other legal instrument. The commission shall use powers of persuasion to achieve its objectives through the process of building a consensus work plan and through widespread publication of regular progress reports.

(2)  The Miami River Commission shall consist of:

(a)  A policy committee comprised of the Governor, the chair of the Dade delegation, the chair of the governing board of the South Florida Water Management District, the Miami-Dade County State Attorney, the Mayor of Miami, the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, a commissioner of the City of Miami Commission, a commissioner of the Miami-Dade County Commission, the chair of the Miami River Marine Group, the chair of the Marine Council, the Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority, and the chair of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; two neighborhood representatives, selected from the Spring Garden Neighborhood Association, the Grove Park Neighborhood Association, and the Miami River Neighborhood Enhancement Corporation, one neighborhood representative to be appointed by the city commission and one neighborhood representative to be appointed by the county commission, each selected from a list of three names submitted by each such organization; one representative from an environmental or civic association, appointed by the Governor; and three members-at-large, who shall be persons who have a demonstrated history of involvement on the Miami River through business, residence, or volunteer activity, one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the city commission, and one appointed by the county commission. All members shall be voting members. The committee shall also include a member of the United States Congressional delegation and the Captain of the Port of Miami as a representative of the United States Coast Guard, as nonvoting, ex officio members. The policy committee may meet monthly, but shall meet at least quarterly.

(b)  A managing director who has the responsibility to implement plans and programs.

(c)  A working group consisting of all governmental agencies that have jurisdiction in the Miami River area, as well as representatives from business and civic associations.

(3)  The policy committee shall have the following powers and duties:

(a)  Consolidate existing plans, programs, and proposals into a coordinated strategic plan for improvement of the Miami River and surrounding areas, addressing environmental, economic, social, recreational, and aesthetic issues. The committee shall monitor the progress on each element of such plan and shall revise the plan regularly.

(b)  Prepare an integrated financial plan using the different jurisdictional agencies available for projected financial resources. The committee shall monitor the progress on each element of such plan and revise the plan regularly.

(c)  Provide technical assistance and political support as needed to help implement each element of the strategic and financial plans.

(d)  Accept any specifically defined coordinating authority or function delegated to the committee by any level of government through a memorandum of understanding or other legal instrument.

(e)  Publicize a semiannual report describing accomplishments of the commission and each member agency, as well as the status of each pending task. The committee shall distribute the report to the city and county commissions and mayors, the Governor, chair of the Dade County delegation, stakeholders, and the local media.

(f)  Seek grants from public and private sources and receive grant funds to provide for the enhancement of its coordinating functions and activities and administer contracts that achieve these goals.

(g)  Coordinate a joint planning area agreement between the Department of Community Affairs, the city, and the county under the provisions of s. 163.3177(11)(a), (b), and (c).

(h)  Provide a forum for exchange of information and facilitate the resolution of conflicts.

(i)  Act as a clearinghouse for public information and conduct public education programs.

(j)  Establish the Miami River working group, appoint members to the group, and organize subcommittees, delegate tasks, and seek council from members of the working group as necessary to carry out the powers and duties listed in this subsection.

(k)  Elect officers and adopt rules of procedure as necessary to carry out the powers and duties listed above and solicit appointing authorities to name replacements for policy committee members who do not participate on a regular basis.

(l)  Hire the managing director, who shall be authorized to represent the commission and to implement all policies, plans, and programs of the commission. The committee shall employ any additional staff necessary to assist the managing director.

History.--ss. 5, 7, ch. 98-402; s. 1, ch. 2003-123.

163.061  Miami River Commission; unanimous vote required for certain acts.--

(1)  No item, motion, directive, or policy position that would impact or in any way diminish levels of currently permitted commercial activity on the Miami River or riverfront properties shall be adopted by the Miami River Commission unless passed by a unanimous vote of the appointed members of the commission then in office.

(2)  No item, motion, directive, or policy position suggesting, proposing, or otherwise promoting additional taxes, fees, charges, or any other financial obligation on owners of riverfront property or shipping companies or operators shall be adopted by the Miami River Commission unless passed by a unanimous vote of all appointed members of the commission then in office.

History.--ss. 6, 7, ch. 98-402; s. 1, ch. 2003-123.

163.065  Miami River Improvement Act.--

(1)  SHORT TITLE.--This section may be cited as the "Miami River Improvement Act."

(2)  FINDINGS; PURPOSE.--

(a)  The Miami River Commission was created by chapter 98-402, Laws of Florida, to be the official coordinating clearinghouse for all public policy and projects related to the Miami River.

(b)  The United States Congress has provided funding for an initial federal share of 80 percent for the environmental and navigational improvements to the Miami River. The governments of the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County are coordinating with the Legislature and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to determine how the 20-percent local share will be provided.

(c)  Successful revitalizing and sustaining the urban redevelopment of the areas adjacent to the Miami River is dependent on addressing, through an integrated and coordinated intergovernmental plan, a range of varied components essential to a healthy urban environment, including cultural, recreational, economic, and transportation components.

(d)  The purpose of this section is to ensure a coordinated federal, state, regional, and local effort to improve the Miami River and adjacent areas.

(3)  AGENCY ASSISTANCE.--All state and regional agencies shall provide all available assistance to the Miami River Commission in the conduct of its activities.

(4)  PLAN.--The Miami River Commission, working with the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County, shall consider the merits of the following:

(a)  Development and adoption of an urban infill and redevelopment plan, under ss. 163.2511-163.2526, and participating state and regional agencies shall review the proposed plan for the purposes of consistency with applicable law.

(b)  Development of a greenway/riverwalk and blueway, where appropriate, as authorized in s. 260.011, to provide an attractive and safe connector system of bicycle, pedestrian, and transit routes and water taxis to link jobs, waterfront amenities, and people, and contribute to the comprehensive revitalization of the Miami River.

History.--s. 26, ch. 2000-170; s. 23, ch. 2001-60.

163.07  Efficiency and accountability in local government services.--

(1)  The intent of this section is to provide and encourage a process that will:

(a)  Allow municipalities and counties to resolve conflicts among local jurisdictions regarding the delivery and financing of local services.

(b)  Increase local government efficiency and accountability.

(c)  Provide greater flexibility in the use of local revenue sources for local governments involved in the process.

(2)  Any county or combination of counties, and the municipalities therein, may use the procedures provided by this section to develop and adopt a plan to improve the efficiency, accountability, and coordination of the delivery of local government services. The development of such a plan may be initiated by a resolution adopted by a majority vote of the governing body of each of the counties involved, by resolutions adopted by a majority vote of the governing bodies of a majority of the municipalities within each county, or by resolutions adopted by a majority vote of the governing bodies of the municipality or combination of municipalities representing a majority of the municipal population of each county. The resolution shall create a commission which will be responsible for developing the plan. The resolution shall specify the composition of the commission, which shall include representatives of county and municipal governments, of any affected special districts, and of any other relevant local government entities or agencies. The resolution must include a proposed timetable for development of the plan and must specify the local government support and personnel services that will be made available to the representatives developing the plan.

(3)  Upon adoption of a resolution or resolutions as provided in subsection (2), the designated representatives shall develop a plan for delivery of local government services. The plan must:

(a)  Designate the areawide and local government services that are the subject of the plan.

(b)  Describe the existing organization of such services and the means of financing the services, and create a reorganization of such services and the financing thereof that will meet the goals of this section.

(c)  Designate the local agency that should be responsible for the delivery of each service.

(d)  Designate those services that should be delivered regionally or countywide. No provision of the plan shall operate to restrict the power of a municipality to finance and deliver services in addition to, or at a higher level than, the services designated for regional or countywide delivery under this paragraph.

(e)  Provide means to reduce the cost of providing local services and enhance the accountability of service providers.

(f)  Include a multiyear capital outlay plan for infrastructure.

(g)  Specifically describe any expansion of municipal boundaries that would further the goals of this section. Any area proposed to be annexed must meet the standards for annexation provided in chapter 171. The plan shall not contain any provision for contraction of municipal boundaries or elimination of any municipality.

(h)  Provide specific procedures for modification or termination of the plan.

(i)  Specify any special act modifications which must be made to effectuate the plan.

(j)  Specify the effective date of the plan.

(4)(a)  A plan developed pursuant to this section must conform to all comprehensive plans that have been found to be in compliance under part II of this chapter, for the local governments participating in the plan.

(b)  No provision of a plan developed pursuant to this section shall restrict the authority of any state or regional governmental agency to perform any duty required to be performed by that agency by law.

(5)(a)  A plan developed pursuant to this section must be approved by a majority vote of the governing body of each county involved in the plan, and by a majority vote of the governing bodies of a majority of municipalities in each county, and by a majority vote of the governing bodies of the municipality or municipalities that represent a majority of the municipal population of each county.

(b)  After approval by the county and municipal governing bodies as required by paragraph (a), the plan shall be submitted for referendum approval in a countywide election in each county involved. The plan shall not take effect unless approved by a majority of the electors of each county who vote in the referendum, and also by a majority of the electors of the municipalities that represent a majority of the municipal population of each county who vote in the referendum. If approved by the electors as required by this paragraph, the plan shall take effect on the date specified in the plan.

(6)  If the plan calls for merger or dissolution of special districts, such merger or dissolution shall comply with the provisions of chapter 189.

(7)  If a plan developed pursuant to this section includes areas proposed for municipal annexation which meet the standards for annexation provided in chapter 171, such annexation shall take effect upon approval of the plan as provided in this section, notwithstanding the procedures for approval of municipal annexation specified in chapter 171.

History.--s. 13, ch. 99-378.

163.2511  Urban infill and redevelopment.

163.2514  Growth Policy Act; definitions.

163.2517  Designation of urban infill and redevelopment area.

163.2520  Economic incentives.

163.2523  Grant program.

163.2526  Review and evaluation.

163.3161  Short title; intent and purpose.

163.3162  Agricultural Lands and Practices Act.

163.3164  Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act; definitions.

163.3167  Scope of act.

163.3171  Areas of authority under this act.

163.3174  Local planning agency.

163.3177  Required and optional elements of comprehensive plan; studies and surveys.

163.31776  Public educational facilities element.

163.31777  Public schools interlocal agreement.

163.3178  Coastal management.

163.3179  Family homestead.

163.3180  Concurrency.

163.3181  Public participation in the comprehensive planning process; intent; alternative dispute resolution.

163.3184  Process for adoption of comprehensive plan or plan amendment.

163.3187  Amendment of adopted comprehensive plan.

163.3189  Process for amendment of adopted comprehensive plan.

163.3191  Evaluation and appraisal of comprehensive plan.

163.3194  Legal status of comprehensive plan.

163.3197  Legal status of prior comprehensive plan.

163.3201  Relationship of comprehensive plan to exercise of land development regulatory authority.

163.3202  Land development regulations.

163.3204  Cooperation by state and regional agencies.

163.3211  Conflict with other statutes.

163.3213  Administrative review of land development regulations.

163.3215  Standing to enforce local comprehensive plans through development orders.

163.3217  Municipal overlay for municipal incorporation.

163.3220  Short title; legislative intent.

163.3221  Florida Local Government Development Agreement Act; definitions.

163.3223  Applicability.

163.3225  Public hearings.

163.3227  Requirements of a development agreement.

163.3229  Duration of a development agreement and relationship to local comprehensive plan.

163.3231  Consistency with the comprehensive plan and land development regulations.

163.3233  Local laws and policies governing a development agreement.

163.3235  Periodic review of a development agreement.

163.3237  Amendment or cancellation of a development agreement.

163.3239  Recording and effectiveness of a development agreement.

163.3241  Modification or revocation of a development agreement to comply with subsequently enacted state and federal law.

163.3243  Enforcement.

163.3245  Optional sector plans.

163.3246  Local government comprehensive planning certification program.

163.2511  Urban infill and redevelopment.--

(1)  Sections 163.2511-163.2526 may be cited as the "Growth Policy Act."

(2)  It is declared that:

(a)  Fiscally strong urban centers are beneficial to regional and state economies and resources, are a method for reduction of future urban sprawl, and should be promoted by state, regional, and local governments.

(b)  The health and vibrancy of the urban cores benefit their respective regions and the state; conversely, the deterioration of those urban cores negatively impacts the surrounding area and the state.

(c)  In recognition of the interwoven destiny between the urban center, the suburbs, the region, and the state, the respective governments need to establish a framework and work in partnership with communities and the private sector to revitalize urban centers.

(d)  State urban policies should guide the state, regional agencies, local governments, and the private sector in preserving and redeveloping existing urban cores and promoting the adequate provision of infrastructure, human services, safe neighborhoods, educational facilities, and economic development to sustain these cores into the future.

(e)  Successfully revitalizing and sustaining the urban cores is dependent on addressing, through an integrated and coordinated community effort, a range of varied components essential to a healthy urban environment, including cultural, educational, recreational, economic, transportation, and social service components.

(f)  Infill development and redevelopment are recognized to be important components and useful mechanisms for promoting and sustaining urban cores. State and regional entities and local governments should provide incentives to promote urban infill and redevelopment. Existing programs and incentives should be integrated to the extent possible to promote urban infill and redevelopment and to achieve the goals of the state urban policy.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-378.

163.2514  Growth Policy Act; definitions.--As used in ss. 163.2511-163.2526:

(1)  "Local government" means any county or municipality.

(2)  "Urban infill and redevelopment area" means an area or areas designated by a local government where:

(a)  Public services such as water and wastewater, transportation, schools, and recreation are already available or are scheduled to be provided in an adopted 5-year schedule of capital improvements;

(b)  The area, or one or more neighborhoods within the area, suffers from pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress as defined by s. 290.0058;

(c)  The area exhibits a proportion of properties that are substandard, overcrowded, dilapidated, vacant or abandoned, or functionally obsolete which is higher than the average for the local government;

(d)  More than 50 percent of the area is within ¹/₄ mile of a transit stop, or a sufficient number of such transit stops will be made available concurrent with the designation; and

(e)  The area includes or is adjacent to community redevelopment areas, brownfields, enterprise zones, or Main Street programs, or has been designated by the state or Federal Government as an urban redevelopment, revitalization, or infill area under empowerment zone, enterprise community, or brownfield showcase community programs or similar programs.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-378.

163.2517  Designation of urban infill and redevelopment area.--

(1)  A local government may designate a geographic area or areas within its jurisdiction as an urban infill and redevelopment area for the purpose of targeting economic development, job creation, housing, transportation, crime prevention, neighborhood revitalization and preservation, and land use incentives to encourage urban infill and redevelopment within the urban core.

(2)(a)  As part of the preparation and implementation of an urban infill and redevelopment plan, a collaborative and holistic community participation process must be implemented to include each neighborhood within the area targeted for designation as an urban infill and redevelopment area. The objective of the community participation process is to encourage communities within the proposed urban infill and redevelopment area to participate in the design and implementation of the plan, including a "visioning" of the urban core, before redevelopment.

(b)1.  A neighborhood participation process must be developed to provide for the ongoing involvement of stakeholder groups including, but not limited to, community-based organizations, neighborhood associations, financial institutions, faith organizations, housing authorities, financial institutions, existing businesses, businesses interested in operating in the community, schools, and neighborhood residents, in preparing and implementing the urban infill and redevelopment plan.

2.  The neighborhood participation process must include a governance structure whereby the local government shares decisionmaking authority for developing and implementing the urban infill and redevelopment plan with communitywide representatives. For example, the local government and community representatives could organize a corporation under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to implement specific redevelopment projects.

(3)  A local government seeking to designate a geographic area within its jurisdiction as an urban infill and redevelopment area shall prepare a plan that describes the infill and redevelopment objectives of the local government within the proposed area. In lieu of preparing a new plan, the local government may demonstrate that an existing plan or combination of plans associated with a community redevelopment area, Florida Main Street program, Front Porch Florida Community, sustainable community, enterprise zone, or neighborhood improvement district includes the factors listed in paragraphs (a)-(n), including a collaborative and holistic community participation process, or amend such existing plans to include these factors. The plan shall demonstrate the local government and community's commitment to comprehensively address the urban problems within the urban infill and redevelopment area and identify activities and programs to accomplish locally identified goals such as code enforcement; improved educational opportunities; reduction in crime; neighborhood revitalization and preservation; provision of infrastructure needs, including mass transit and multimodal linkages; and mixed-use planning to promote multifunctional redevelopment to improve both the residential and commercial quality of life in the area. The plan shall also:

(a)  Contain a map depicting the geographic area or areas to be included within the designation.

(b)  Confirm that the infill and redevelopment area is within an area designated for urban uses in the local government's comprehensive plan.

(c)  Identify and map existing enterprise zones, community redevelopment areas, community development corporations, brownfield areas, downtown redevelopment districts, safe neighborhood improvement districts, historic preservation districts, and empowerment zones or enterprise communities located within the area proposed for designation as an urban infill and redevelopment area and provide a framework for coordinating infill and redevelopment programs within the urban core.

(d)  Identify a memorandum of understanding between the district school board and the local government jurisdiction regarding public school facilities located within the urban infill and redevelopment area to identify how the school board will provide priority to enhancing public school facilities and programs in the designated area, including the reuse of existing buildings for schools within the area.

(e)  Identify each neighborhood within the proposed area and state community preservation and revitalization goals and projects identified through a collaborative and holistic community participation process and how such projects will be implemented.

(f)  Identify how the local government and community-based organizations intend to implement affordable housing programs, including, but not limited to, economic and community development programs administered by federal and state agencies, within the urban infill and redevelopment area.

(g)  Identify strategies for reducing crime.

(h)  If applicable, provide guidelines for the adoption of land development regulations specific to the urban infill and redevelopment area which include, for example, setbacks and parking requirements appropriate to urban development.

(i)  Identify and map any existing transportation concurrency exception areas and any relevant public transportation corridors designated by a metropolitan planning organization in its long-range transportation plans or by the local government in its comprehensive plan for which the local government seeks designation as a transportation concurrency exception area. For those areas, describe how public transportation, pedestrian ways, and bikeways will be implemented as an alternative to increased automobile use.

(j)  Identify and adopt a package of financial and local government incentives which the local government will offer for new development, expansion of existing development, and redevelopment within the urban infill and redevelopment area. Examples of such incentives include:

1.  Waiver of license and permit fees.

2.  Exemption of sales made in the urban infill and redevelopment area from local option sales surtaxes imposed pursuant to s. 212.055.

3.  Waiver of delinquent local taxes or fees to promote the return of property to productive use.

4.  Expedited permitting.

5.  Lower transportation impact fees for development which encourages more use of public transit, pedestrian, and bicycle modes of transportation.

6.  Prioritization of infrastructure spending within the urban infill and redevelopment area.

7.  Local government absorption of developers' concurrency costs.

In order to be authorized to recognize the exemption from local option sales surtaxes pursuant to subparagraph 2., the owner, lessee, or lessor of the new development, expanding existing development, or redevelopment within the urban infill and redevelopment area must file an application under oath with the governing body having jurisdiction over the urban infill and redevelopment area where the business is located. The application must include the name and address of the business claiming the exclusion from collecting local option surtaxes; an address and assessment roll parcel number of the urban infill and redevelopment area for which the exemption is being sought; a description of the improvements made to accomplish the new development, expanding development, or redevelopment of the real property; a copy of the building permit application or the building permit issued for the development of the real property; a new application for a certificate of registration with the Department of Revenue with the address of the new development, expanding development, or redevelopment; and the location of the property. The local government must review and approve the application and submit the completed application and documentation along with a copy of the ordinance adopted pursuant to subsection (5) to the Department of Revenue in order for the business to become eligible to make sales exempt from local option sales surtaxes in the urban infill and redevelopment area.

(k)  Identify how activities and incentives within the urban infill and redevelopment area will be coordinated and what administrative mechanism the local government will use for the coordination.

(l)  Identify how partnerships with the financial and business community will be developed.

(m)  Identify the governance structure that the local government will use to involve community representatives in the implementation of the plan.

(n)  Identify performance measures to evaluate the success of the local government in implementing the urban infill and redevelopment plan.

(4)  In order for a local government to designate an urban infill and redevelopment area, it must amend its comprehensive land use plan under s. 163.3187 to delineate the boundaries of the urban infill and redevelopment area within the future land use element of its comprehensive plan pursuant to its adopted urban infill and redevelopment plan. The state land planning agency shall review the boundary delineation of the urban infill and redevelopment area in the future land use element under s. 163.3184. However, an urban infill and redevelopment plan adopted by a local government is not subject to review for compliance as defined by s. 163.3184(1)(b), and the local government is not required to adopt the plan as a comprehensive plan amendment. An amendment to the local comprehensive plan to designate an urban infill and redevelopment area is exempt from the twice-a-year amendment limitation of s. 163.3187.

(5)  After the preparation of an urban infill and redevelopment plan or designation of an existing plan, the local government shall adopt the plan by ordinance. Notice for the public hearing on the ordinance must be in the form established in s. 166.041(3)(c)2. for municipalities, and s. 125.66(4)(b)2. for counties.

(6)(a)  In order to continue to be eligible for the economic and regulatory incentives granted with respect to an urban infill and redevelopment area, the local government must demonstrate during the evaluation, assessment, and review of its comprehensive plan required pursuant to s. 163.3191, that within designated urban infill and redevelopment areas, the amount of combined annual residential, commercial, and institutional development has increased by at least 10 percent.

(b)  If the local government fails to implement the urban infill and redevelopment plan in accordance with the deadlines set forth in the plan, the Department of Community Affairs may seek to rescind the economic and regulatory incentives granted to the urban infill and redevelopment area, subject to the provisions of chapter 120. The action to rescind may be initiated 90 days after issuing a written letter of warning to the local government.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-378; s. 18, ch. 2000-317; s. 24, ch. 2001-60.

163.2520  Economic incentives.--

(1)  A local government with an adopted urban infill and redevelopment plan or plan employed in lieu thereof may issue revenue bonds under s. 163.385 and employ tax increment financing under s. 163.387 for the purpose of financing the implementation of the plan, except that in a charter county such incentives shall be employed consistent with the provisions of s. 163.410.

(2)  A local government with an adopted urban infill and redevelopment plan or plan employed in lieu thereof may exercise the powers granted under s. 163.514 for community redevelopment neighborhood improvement districts, including the authority to levy special assessments.

(3)  Prior to June 1 each year, areas designated by a local government as urban infill and redevelopment areas shall be given a priority in the allocation of private activity bonds from the state pool pursuant to s. 159.807.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-378; s. 25, ch. 2001-60.

163.2523  Grant program.--An Urban Infill and Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program is created for local governments. A local government may allocate grant money to special districts, including community redevelopment agencies, and nonprofit community development organizations to implement projects consistent with an adopted urban infill and redevelopment plan or plan employed in lieu thereof. Thirty percent of the general revenue appropriated for this program shall be available for planning grants to be used by local governments for the development of an urban infill and redevelopment plan, including community participation processes for the plan. Sixty percent of the general revenue appropriated for this program shall be available for fifty/fifty matching grants for implementing urban infill and redevelopment projects that further the objectives set forth in the local government's adopted urban infill and redevelopment plan or plan employed in lieu thereof. The remaining 10 percent of the revenue must be used for outright grants for implementing projects requiring an expenditure of under $50,000. If the volume of fundable applications under any of the allocations specified in this section does not fully obligate the amount of the allocation, the Department of Community Affairs may transfer the unused balance to the category having the highest dollar value of applications eligible but unfunded. However, in no event may the percentage of dollars allocated to outright grants for implementing projects exceed 20 percent in any given fiscal year. Projects that provide employment opportunities to clients of the WAGES program and projects within urban infill and redevelopment areas that include a community redevelopment area, Florida Main Street program, Front Porch Florida Community, sustainable community, enterprise zone, federal enterprise zone, enterprise community, or neighborhood improvement district must be given an elevated priority in the scoring of competing grant applications. The Division of Housing and Community Development of the Department of Community Affairs shall administer the grant program. The Department of Community Affairs shall adopt rules establishing grant review criteria consistent with this section.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-378; s. 20, ch. 2000-317.

163.2526  Review and evaluation.--Before the 2004 Regular Session of the Legislature, the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability shall perform a review and evaluation of ss. 163.2511-163.2526, including the financial incentives listed in s. 163.2520. The report must evaluate the effectiveness of the designation of urban infill and redevelopment areas in stimulating urban infill and redevelopment and strengthening the urban core. A report of the findings and recommendations of the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability shall be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives before the 2004 Regular Session of the Legislature.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-378.

163.3161  Short title; intent and purpose.--

(1)  This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act."

(2)  In conformity with, and in furtherance of, the purpose of the Florida Environmental Land and Water Management Act of 1972, chapter 380, it is the purpose of this act to utilize and strengthen the existing role, processes, and powers of local governments in the establishment and implementation of comprehensive planning programs to guide and control future development.

(3)  It is the intent of this act that its adoption is necessary so that local governments can preserve and enhance present advantages; encourage the most appropriate use of land, water, and resources, consistent with the public interest; overcome present handicaps; and deal effectively with future problems that may result from the use and development of land within their jurisdictions. Through the process of comprehensive planning, it is intended that units of local government can preserve, promote, protect, and improve the public health, safety, comfort, good order, appearance, convenience, law enforcement and fire prevention, and general welfare; prevent the overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration of population; facilitate the adequate and efficient provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, recreational facilities, housing, and other requirements and services; and conserve, develop, utilize, and protect natural resources within their jurisdictions.

(4)  It is the intent of this act to encourage and assure cooperation between and among municipalities and counties and to encourage and assure coordination of planning and development activities of units of local government with the planning activities of regional agencies and state government in accord with applicable provisions of law.

(5)  It is the intent of this act that adopted comprehensive plans shall have the legal status set out in this act and that no public or private development shall be permitted except in conformity with comprehensive plans, or elements or portions thereof, prepared and adopted in conformity with this act.

(6)  It is the intent of this act that the activities of units of local government in the preparation and adoption of comprehensive plans, or elements or portions therefor, shall be conducted in conformity with the provisions of this act.

(7)  The provisions of this act in their interpretation and application are declared to be the minimum requirements necessary to accomplish the stated intent, purposes, and objectives of this act; to protect human, environmental, social, and economic resources; and to maintain, through orderly growth and development, the character and stability of present and future land use and development in this state.

(8)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the repeal of ss. 163.160 through 163.315 by s. 19 of chapter 85-55, Laws of Florida, shall not be interpreted to limit or restrict the powers of municipal or county officials, but shall be interpreted as a recognition of their broad statutory and constitutional powers to plan for and regulate the use of land. It is, further, the intent of the Legislature to reconfirm that ss. 163.3161 through 163.3215 have provided and do provide the necessary statutory direction and basis for municipal and county officials to carry out their comprehensive planning and land development regulation powers, duties, and responsibilities.

(9)  It is the intent of the Legislature that all governmental entities in this state recognize and respect judicially acknowledged or constitutionally protected private property rights. It is the intent of the Legislature that all rules, ordinances, regulations, and programs adopted under the authority of this act must be developed, promulgated, implemented, and applied with sensitivity for private property rights and not be unduly restrictive, and property owners must be free from actions by others which would harm their property. Full and just compensation or other appropriate relief must be provided to any property owner for a governmental action that is determined to be an invalid exercise of the police power which constitutes a taking, as provided by law. Any such relief must be determined in a judicial action.

History.--ss. 1, 2, ch. 75-257; ss. 1, 20, ch. 85-55; s. 1, ch. 93-206.

163.3162  Agricultural Lands and Practices Act.--

(1)  SHORT TITLE.--This section may be cited as the "Agricultural Lands and Practices Act."

(2)  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.--The Legislature finds that agricultural production is a major contributor to the economy of the state; that agricultural lands constitute unique and irreplaceable resources of statewide importance; that the continuation of agricultural activities preserves the landscape and environmental resources of the state, contributes to the increase of tourism, and furthers the economic self-sufficiency of the people of the state; and that the encouragement, development, and improvement of agriculture will result in a general benefit to the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state. It is the purpose of this act to protect reasonable agricultural activities conducted on farm lands from duplicative regulation.

(3)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Farm" is as defined in s. 823.14.

(b)  "Farm operation" is as defined in s. 823.14.

(c)  "Farm product" means any plant, as defined in s. 581.011, or animal useful to humans and includes, but is not limited to, any product derived therefrom.

(4)  DUPLICATION OF REGULATION.--Except as otherwise provided in this section and s. 487.051(2), and notwithstanding any other law, including any provision of chapter 125 or this chapter, a county may not exercise any of its powers to adopt any ordinance, resolution, regulation, rule, or policy to prohibit, restrict, regulate, or otherwise limit an activity of a bona fide farm operation on land classified as agricultural land pursuant to s. 193.461, if such activity is regulated through implemented best management practices, interim measures, or regulations developed by the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or a water management district and adopted under chapter 120 as part of a statewide or regional program; or if such activity is expressly regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, or the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

(a)  When an activity of a farm operation takes place within a wellfield protection area as defined in any wellfield protection ordinance adopted by a county, and the implemented best management practice, regulation, or interim measure does not specifically address wellfield protection, a county may regulate that activity pursuant to such ordinance. This subsection does not limit the powers and duties provided for in s. 373.4592 or limit the powers and duties of any county to address an emergency as provided for in chapter 252.

(b)  This subsection may not be construed to permit an existing farm operation to change to a more excessive farm operation with regard to traffic, noise, odor, dust, or fumes where the existing farm operation is adjacent to an established homestead or business on March 15, 1982.

(c)  This subsection does not limit the powers of a predominantly urbanized county with a population greater than 1,500,000 and more than 25 municipalities, not operating under a home rule charter adopted pursuant to ss. 10, 11, and 24, Art. VIII of the Constitution of 1885, as preserved by s. 6(e), Art. VIII of the Constitution of 1968, which has a delegated pollution control program under s. 403.182 and includes drainage basins that are part of the Everglades Stormwater Program, to enact ordinances, regulations, or other measures to comply with the provisions of s. 373.4592, or which are necessary to carrying out a county's duties pursuant to the terms and conditions of any environmental program delegated to the county by agreement with a state agency.

(d)  For purposes of this subsection, a county ordinance that regulates the transportation or land application of domestic wastewater residuals or other forms of sewage sludge shall not be deemed to be duplication of regulation.

History.--s. 1, ch. 2003-162.

163.3164  Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act; definitions.--As used in this act:

(1)  "Administration Commission" means the Governor and the Cabinet, and for purposes of this chapter the commission shall act on a simple majority vote, except that for purposes of imposing the sanctions provided in s. 163.3184(11), affirmative action shall require the approval of the Governor and at least three other members of the commission.

(2)  "Area" or "area of jurisdiction" means the total area qualifying under the provisions of this act, whether this be all of the lands lying within the limits of an incorporated municipality, lands in and adjacent to incorporated municipalities, all unincorporated lands within a county, or areas comprising combinations of the lands in incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas of counties.

(3)  "Coastal area" means the 35 coastal counties and all coastal municipalities within their boundaries designated coastal by the state land planning agency.

(4)  "Comprehensive plan" means a plan that meets the requirements of ss. 163.3177 and 163.3178.

(5)  "Developer" means any person, including a governmental agency, undertaking any development as defined in this act.

(6)  "Development" has the meaning given it in s. 380.04.

(7)  "Development order" means any order granting, denying, or granting with conditions an application for a development permit.

(8)  "Development permit" includes any building permit, zoning permit, subdivision approval, rezoning, certification, special exception, variance, or any other official action of local government having the effect of permitting the development of land.

(9)  "Governing body" means the board of county commissioners of a county, the commission or council of an incorporated municipality, or any other chief governing body of a unit of local government, however designated, or the combination of such bodies where joint utilization of the provisions of this act is accomplished as provided herein.

(10)  "Governmental agency" means:

(a)  The United States or any department, commission, agency, or other instrumentality thereof.

(b)  This state or any department, commission, agency, or other instrumentality thereof.

(c)  Any local government, as defined in this section, or any department, commission, agency, or other instrumentality thereof.

(d)  Any school board or other special district, authority, or governmental entity.

(11)  "Land" means the earth, water, and air, above, below, or on the surface, and includes any improvements or structures customarily regarded as land.

(12)  "Land use" means the development that has occurred on the land, the development that is proposed by a developer on the land, or the use that is permitted or permissible on the land under an adopted comprehensive plan or element or portion thereof, land development regulations, or a land development code, as the context may indicate.

(13)  "Local government" means any county or municipality.

(14)  "Local planning agency" means the agency designated to prepare the comprehensive plan or plan amendments required by this act.

(15)  A "newspaper of general circulation" means a newspaper published at least on a weekly basis and printed in the language most commonly spoken in the area within which it circulates, but does not include a newspaper intended primarily for members of a particular professional or occupational group, a newspaper whose primary function is to carry legal notices, or a newspaper that is given away primarily to distribute advertising.

(16)  "Parcel of land" means any quantity of land capable of being described with such definiteness that its locations and boundaries may be established, which is designated by its owner or developer as land to be used, or developed as, a unit or which has been used or developed as a unit.

(17)  "Person" means an individual, corporation, governmental agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any other legal entity.

(18)  "Public notice" means notice as required by s. 125.66(2) for a county or by s. 166.041(3)(a) for a municipality. The public notice procedures required in this part are established as minimum public notice procedures.

(19)  "Regional planning agency" means the agency designated by the state land planning agency to exercise responsibilities under law in a particular region of the state.

(20)  "State land planning agency" means the Department of Community Affairs.

(21)  "Structure" has the meaning given it by s. 380.031(19).

(22)  "Land development regulation commission" means a commission designated by a local government to develop and recommend, to the local governing body, land development regulations which implement the adopted comprehensive plan and to review land development regulations, or amendments thereto, for consistency with the adopted plan and report to the governing body regarding its findings. The responsibilities of the land development regulation commission may be performed by the local planning agency.

(23)  "Land development regulations" means ordinances enacted by governing bodies for the regulation of any aspect of development and includes any local government zoning, rezoning, subdivision, building construction, or sign regulations or any other regulations controlling the development of land, except that this definition shall not apply in s. 163.3213.

(24)  "Public facilities" means major capital improvements, including, but not limited to, transportation, sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, potable water, educational, parks and recreational, and health systems and facilities, and spoil disposal sites for maintenance dredging located in the intracoastal waterways, except for spoil disposal sites owned or used by ports listed in s. 403.021(9)(b).

(25)  "Downtown revitalization" means the physical and economic renewal of a central business district of a community as designated by local government, and includes both downtown development and redevelopment.

(26)  "Urban redevelopment" means demolition and reconstruction or substantial renovation of existing buildings or infrastructure within urban infill areas or existing urban service areas.

(27)  "Urban infill" means the development of vacant parcels in otherwise built-up areas where public facilities such as sewer systems, roads, schools, and recreation areas are already in place and the average residential density is at least five dwelling units per acre, the average nonresidential intensity is at least a floor area ratio of 1.0 and vacant, developable land does not constitute more than 10 percent of the area.

(28)  "Projects that promote public transportation" means projects that directly affect the provisions of public transit, including transit terminals, transit lines and routes, separate lanes for the exclusive use of public transit services, transit stops (shelters and stations), office buildings or projects that include fixed-rail or transit terminals as part of the building, and projects which are transit oriented and designed to complement reasonably proximate planned or existing public facilities.

(29)  "Existing urban service area" means built-up areas where public facilities and services such as sewage treatment systems, roads, schools, and recreation areas are already in place.

(30)  "Transportation corridor management" means the coordination of the planning of designated future transportation corridors with land use planning within and adjacent to the corridor to promote orderly growth, to meet the concurrency requirements of this chapter, and to maintain the integrity of the corridor for transportation purposes.

(31)  "Optional sector plan" means an optional process authorized by s. 163.3245 in which one or more local governments by agreement with the state land planning agency are allowed to address development-of-regional-impact issues within certain designated geographic areas identified in the local comprehensive plan as a means of fostering innovative planning and development strategies in s. 163.3177(11)(a) and (b), furthering the purposes of this part and part I of chapter 380, reducing overlapping data and analysis requirements, protecting regionally significant resources and facilities, and addressing extrajurisdictional impacts.

History.--s. 3, ch. 75-257; s. 49, ch. 79-190; s. 10, ch. 81-167; s. 10, ch. 83-55; s. 2, ch. 85-55; s. 3, ch. 92-129; s. 2, ch. 93-206; s. 2, ch. 95-257; s. 22, ch. 95-280; s. 7, ch. 95-310; s. 2, ch. 98-176; s. 2, ch. 99-378.

163.3167  Scope of act.--

(1)  The several incorporated municipalities and counties shall have power and responsibility:

(a)  To plan for their future development and growth.

(b)  To adopt and amend comprehensive plans, or elements or portions thereof, to guide their future development and growth.

(c)  To implement adopted or amended comprehensive plans by the adoption of appropriate land development regulations or elements thereof.

(d)  To establish, support, and maintain administrative instruments and procedures to carry out the provisions and purposes of this act.

The powers and authority set out in this act may be employed by municipalities and counties individually or jointly by mutual agreement in accord with the provisions of this act and in such combinations as their common interests may dictate and require.

(2)  Each local government shall prepare a comprehensive plan of the type and in the manner set out in this act or shall prepare amendments to its existing comprehensive plan to conform it to the requirements of this part in the manner set out in this part. Each local government, in accordance with the procedures in s. 163.3184, shall submit its complete proposed comprehensive plan or its complete comprehensive plan as proposed to be amended to the state land planning agency by the date specified in the rule adopted by the state land planning agency pursuant to this subsection. The state land planning agency shall, prior to October 1, 1987, adopt a schedule of local governments required to submit complete proposed comprehensive plans or comprehensive plans as proposed to be amended. Such schedule shall specify the exact date of submission for each local government, shall establish equal, staggered submission dates, and shall be consistent with the following time periods:

(a)  Beginning on July 1, 1988, and on or before July 1, 1990, each county that is required to include a coastal management element in its comprehensive plan and each municipality in such a county; and

(b)  Beginning on July 1, 1989, and on or before July 1, 1991, all other counties or municipalities.

Nothing herein shall preclude the state land planning agency from permitting by rule a county together with each municipality in the county from submitting a proposed comprehensive plan earlier than the dates established in paragraphs (a) and (b). Any county or municipality that fails to meet the schedule set for submission of its proposed comprehensive plan by more than 90 days shall be subject to the sanctions described in s. 163.3184(11)(a) imposed by the Administration Commission. Notwithstanding the time periods established in this subsection, the state land planning agency may establish later deadlines for the submission of proposed comprehensive plans or comprehensive plans as proposed to be amended for a county or municipality which has all or a part of a designated area of critical state concern within its boundaries; however, such deadlines shall not be extended to a date later than July 1, 1991, or the time of de-designation, whichever is earlier.

(3)  When a local government has not prepared all of the required elements or has not amended its plan as required by subsection (2), the regional planning agency having responsibility for the area in which the local government lies shall prepare and adopt by rule, pursuant to chapter 120, the missing elements or adopt by rule amendments to the existing plan in accordance with this act by July 1, 1989, or within 1 year after the dates specified or provided in subsection (2) and the state land planning agency review schedule, whichever is later. The regional planning agency shall provide at least 90 days' written notice to any local government whose plan it is required by this subsection to prepare, prior to initiating the planning process. At least 90 days before the adoption by the regional planning agency of a comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, pursuant to this subsection, the regional planning agency shall transmit a copy of the proposed comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, to the local government and the state land planning agency for written comment. The state land planning agency shall review and comment on such plan, or element or portion thereof, in accordance with s. 163.3184(6). Section 163.3184(6), (7), and (8) shall be applicable to the regional planning agency as if it were a governing body. Existing comprehensive plans shall remain in effect until they are amended pursuant to subsection (2), this subsection, s. 163.3187, or s. 163.3189.

(4)  A municipality established after the effective date of this act shall, within 1 year after incorporation, establish a local planning agency, pursuant to s. 163.3174, and prepare and adopt a comprehensive plan of the type and in the manner set out in this act within 3 years after the date of such incorporation. A county comprehensive plan shall be deemed controlling until the municipality adopts a comprehensive plan in accord with the provisions of this act. If, upon the expiration of the 3-year time limit, the municipality has not adopted a comprehensive plan, the regional planning agency shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive plan for such municipality.

(5)  Any comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, adopted pursuant to the provisions of this act, which but for its adoption after the deadlines established pursuant to previous versions of this act would have been valid, shall be valid.

(6)  When a regional planning agency is required to prepare or amend a comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, pursuant to subsections (3) and (4), the regional planning agency and the local government may agree to a method of compensating the regional planning agency for any verifiable, direct costs incurred. If an agreement is not reached within 6 months after the date the regional planning agency assumes planning responsibilities for the local government pursuant to subsections (3) and (4) or by the time the plan or element, or portion thereof, is completed, whichever is earlier, the regional planning agency shall file invoices for verifiable, direct costs involved with the governing body. Upon the failure of the local government to pay such invoices within 90 days, the regional planning agency may, upon filing proper vouchers with the Chief Financial Officer, request payment by the Chief Financial Officer from unencumbered revenue or other tax sharing funds due such local government from the state for work actually performed, and the Chief Financial Officer shall pay such vouchers; however, the amount of such payment shall not exceed 50 percent of such funds due such local government in any one year.

(7)  A local government that is being requested to pay costs may seek an administrative hearing pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 to challenge the amount of costs and to determine if the statutory prerequisites for payment have been complied with. Final agency action shall be taken by the state land planning agency. Payment shall be withheld as to disputed amounts until proceedings under this subsection have been completed.

(8)  Nothing in this act shall limit or modify the rights of any person to complete any development that has been authorized as a development of regional impact pursuant to chapter 380 or who has been issued a final local development order and development has commenced and is continuing in good faith.

(9)  The Reedy Creek Improvement District shall exercise the authority of this part as it applies to municipalities, consistent with the legislative act under which it was established, for the total area under its jurisdiction.

(10)  Nothing in this part shall supersede any provision of ¹ss. 341.321-341.386.

(11)  Each local government is encouraged to articulate a vision of the future physical appearance and qualities of its community as a component of its local comprehensive plan. The vision should be developed through a collaborative planning process with meaningful public participation and shall be adopted by the governing body of the jurisdiction. Neighboring communities, especially those sharing natural resources or physical or economic infrastructure, are encouraged to create collective visions for greater-than-local areas. Such collective visions shall apply in each city or county only to the extent that each local government chooses to make them applicable. The state land planning agency shall serve as a clearinghouse for creating a community vision of the future and may utilize the Growth Management Trust Fund, created by ²s. 186.911, to provide grants to help pay the costs of local visioning programs. When a local vision of the future has been created, a local government should review its comprehensive plan, land development regulations, and capital improvement program to ensure that these instruments will help to move the community toward its vision in a manner consistent with this act and with the state comprehensive plan. A local or regional vision must be consistent with the state vision, when adopted, and be internally consistent with the local or regional plan of which it is a component. The state land planning agency shall not adopt minimum criteria for evaluating or judging the form or content of a local or regional vision.

(12)  An initiative or referendum process in regard to any development order or in regard to any local comprehensive plan amendment or map amendment that affects five or fewer parcels of land is prohibited.

History.--s. 4, ch. 75-257; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 3, ch. 85-55; s. 6, ch. 86-191; s. 1, ch. 87-338; s. 1, ch. 92-129; s. 5, ch. 93-206; s. 1, ch. 95-322; s. 23, ch. 96-410; s. 158, ch. 2003-261.

¹Note.--Repealed by s. 55, ch. 2002-20; similar material now appears in ss. 341.8201-341.842.

²Note.--Repealed by s. 1, ch. 95-145.

163.3171  Areas of authority under this act.--

(1)  A municipality shall exercise authority under this act for the total area under its jurisdiction. Unincorporated areas adjacent to incorporated municipalities may be included in the area of municipal jurisdiction for the purposes of this act if the governing bodies of the municipality and the county in which the area is located agree on the boundaries of such additional areas, on procedures for joint action in the preparation and adoption of the comprehensive plan, on procedures for the administration of land development regulations or the land development code applicable thereto, and on the manner of representation on any joint body or instrument that may be created under the joint agreement. Such joint agreement shall be formally stated and approved in appropriate official action by the governing bodies involved.

(2)  A county shall exercise authority under this act for the total unincorporated area under its jurisdiction or in such unincorporated areas as are not included in any joint agreement with municipalities established under the provisions of subsection (1). In the case of chartered counties, the county may exercise such authority over municipalities or districts within its boundaries as is provided for in its charter.

(3)  Combinations of municipalities within a county, or counties, or an incorporated municipality or municipalities and a county or counties, or an incorporated municipality or municipalities and portions of a county or counties may jointly exercise the powers granted under the provisions of this act upon formal adoption of an official agreement by the governing bodies involved pursuant to law. No such official agreement shall be adopted by the governing bodies involved until a public hearing on the subject with public notice has been held by each governing body involved. The general administration of any joint agreement shall be governed by the provisions of s. 163.01 except that when there is conflict with this act the provisions of this act shall govern.

(4)  The state land planning agency and a local government shall have the power to enter into agreements with each other and to agree together to enter into agreements with a landowner, developer, or governmental agency as may be necessary or desirable to effectuate the provisions and purposes of ss. 163.3177(6)(h) and (11)(a), (b), and (c), and 163.3245.

History.--s. 5, ch. 75-257; s. 4, ch. 85-55; s. 8, ch. 95-310; s. 1, ch. 96-416; s. 3, ch. 98-176.

163.3174  Local planning agency.--

(1)  The governing body of each local government, individually or in combination as provided in s. 163.3171, shall designate and by ordinance establish a "local planning agency," unless the agency is otherwise established by law. Notwithstanding any special act to the contrary, all local planning agencies or equivalent agencies that first review rezoning and comprehensive plan amendments in each municipality and county shall include a representative of the school district appointed by the school board as a nonvoting member of the local planning agency or equivalent agency to attend those meetings at which the agency considers comprehensive plan amendments and rezonings that would, if approved, increase residential density on the property that is the subject of the application. However, this subsection does not prevent the governing body of the local government from granting voting status to the school board member. The governing body may designate itself as the local planning agency pursuant to this subsection with the addition of a nonvoting school board representative. The governing body shall notify the state land planning agency of the establishment of its local planning agency. All local planning agencies shall provide opportunities for involvement by applicable community college boards, which may be accomplished by formal representation, membership on technical advisory committees, or other appropriate means. The local planning agency shall prepare the comprehensive plan or plan amendment after hearings to be held after public notice and shall make recommendations to the governing body regarding the adoption or amendment of the plan. The agency may be a local planning commission, the planning department of the local government, or other instrumentality, including a countywide planning entity established by special act or a council of local government officials created pursuant to s. 163.02, provided the composition of the council is fairly representative of all the governing bodies in the county or planning area; however:

(a)  If a joint planning entity is in existence on the effective date of this act which authorizes the governing bodies to adopt and enforce a land use plan effective throughout the joint planning area, that entity shall be the agency for those local governments until such time as the authority of the joint planning entity is modified by law.

(b)  In the case of chartered counties, the planning responsibility between the county and the several municipalities therein shall be as stipulated in the charter.

(2)  Nothing in this act shall prevent the governing body of a local government that participates in creating a local planning agency serving two or more jurisdictions from continuing or creating its own local planning agency. Any such governing body which continues or creates its own local planning agency may designate which local planning agency functions, powers, and duties will be performed by each such local planning agency.

(3)  The governing body or bodies shall appropriate funds for salaries, fees, and expenses necessary in the conduct of the work of the local planning agency and shall also establish a schedule of fees to be charged by the agency. To accomplish the purposes and activities authorized by this act, the local planning agency, with the approval of the governing body or bodies and in accord with the fiscal practices thereof, may expend all sums so appropriated and other sums made available for use from fees, gifts, state or federal grants, state or federal loans, and other sources; however, acceptance of loans must be approved by the governing bodies involved.

(4)  The local planning agency shall have the general responsibility for the conduct of the comprehensive planning program. Specifically, the local planning agency shall:

(a)  Be the agency responsible for the preparation of the comprehensive plan or plan amendment and shall make recommendations to the governing body regarding the adoption or amendment of such plan. During the preparation of the plan or plan amendment and prior to any recommendation to the governing body, the local planning agency shall hold at least one public hearing, with public notice, on the proposed plan or plan amendment. The governing body in cooperation with the local planning agency may designate any agency, committee, department, or person to prepare the comprehensive plan or plan amendment, but final recommendation of the adoption of such plan or plan amendment to the governing body shall be the responsibility of the local planning agency.

(b)  Monitor and oversee the effectiveness and status of the comprehensive plan and recommend to the governing body such changes in the comprehensive plan as may from time to time be required, including preparation of the periodic reports required by s. 163.3191.

(c)  Review proposed land development regulations, land development codes, or amendments thereto, and make recommendations to the governing body as to the consistency of the proposal with the adopted comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, when the local planning agency is serving as the land development regulation commission or the local government requires review by both the local planning agency and the land development regulation commission.

(d)  Perform any other functions, duties, and responsibilities assigned to it by the governing body or by general or special law.

(5)  All meetings of the local planning agency shall be public meetings, and agency records shall be public records.

History.--s. 6, ch. 75-257; s. 1, ch. 77-223; s. 5, ch. 85-55; s. 2, ch. 92-129; s. 9, ch. 95-310; s. 9, ch. 95-341; s. 1, ch. 2002-296.

163.3177  Required and optional elements of comprehensive plan; studies and surveys.--

(1)  The comprehensive plan shall consist of materials in such descriptive form, written or graphic, as may be appropriate to the prescription of principles, guidelines, and standards for the orderly and balanced future economic, social, physical, environmental, and fiscal development of the area.

(2)  Coordination of the several elements of the local comprehensive plan shall be a major objective of the planning process. The several elements of the comprehensive plan shall be consistent, and the comprehensive plan shall be economically feasible.

(3)(a)  The comprehensive plan shall contain a capital improvements element designed to consider the need for and the location of public facilities in order to encourage the efficient utilization of such facilities and set forth:

1.  A component which outlines principles for construction, extension, or increase in capacity of public facilities, as well as a component which outlines principles for correcting existing public facility deficiencies, which are necessary to implement the comprehensive plan. The components shall cover at least a 5-year period.

2.  Estimated public facility costs, including a delineation of when facilities will be needed, the general location of the facilities, and projected revenue sources to fund the facilities.

3.  Standards to ensure the availability of public facilities and the adequacy of those facilities including acceptable levels of service.

4.  Standards for the management of debt.

(b)  The capital improvements element shall be reviewed on an annual basis and modified as necessary in accordance with s. 163.3187 or s. 163.3189, except that corrections, updates, and modifications concerning costs; revenue sources; acceptance of facilities pursuant to dedications which are consistent with the plan; or the date of construction of any facility enumerated in the capital improvements element may be accomplished by ordinance and shall not be deemed to be amendments to the local comprehensive plan. All public facilities shall be consistent with the capital improvements element.

(4)(a)  Coordination of the local comprehensive plan with the comprehensive plans of adjacent municipalities, the county, adjacent counties, or the region; with the appropriate water management district's regional water supply plans approved pursuant to s. 373.0361; with adopted rules pertaining to designated areas of critical state concern; and with the state comprehensive plan shall be a major objective of the local comprehensive planning process. To that end, in the preparation of a comprehensive plan or element thereof, and in the comprehensive plan or element as adopted, the governing body shall include a specific policy statement indicating the relationship of the proposed development of the area to the comprehensive plans of adjacent municipalities, the county, adjacent counties, or the region and to the state comprehensive plan, as the case may require and as such adopted plans or plans in preparation may exist.

(b)  When all or a portion of the land in a local government jurisdiction is or becomes part of a designated area of critical state concern, the local government shall clearly identify those portions of the local comprehensive plan that shall be applicable to the critical area and shall indicate the relationship of the proposed development of the area to the rules for the area of critical state concern.

(5)(a)  Each local government comprehensive plan must include at least two planning periods, one covering at least the first 5-year period occurring after the plan's adoption and one covering at least a 10-year period.

(b)  The comprehensive plan and its elements shall contain policy recommendations for the implementation of the plan and its elements.

(6)  In addition to the requirements of subsections (1)-(5), the comprehensive plan shall include the following elements:

(a)  A future land use plan element designating proposed future general distribution, location, and extent of the uses of land for residential uses, commercial uses, industry, agriculture, recreation, conservation, education, public buildings and grounds, other public facilities, and other categories of the public and private uses of land. Each future land use category must be defined in terms of uses included, and must include standards to be followed in the control and distribution of population densities and building and structure intensities. The proposed distribution, location, and extent of the various categories of land use shall be shown on a land use map or map series which shall be supplemented by goals, policies, and measurable objectives. The future land use plan shall be based upon surveys, studies, and data regarding the area, including the amount of land required to accommodate anticipated growth; the projected population of the area; the character of undeveloped land; the availability of public services; the need for redevelopment, including the renewal of blighted areas and the elimination of nonconforming uses which are inconsistent with the character of the community; and, in rural communities, the need for job creation, capital investment, and economic development that will strengthen and diversify the community's economy. The future land use plan may designate areas for future planned development use involving combinations of types of uses for which special regulations may be necessary to ensure development in accord with the principles and standards of the comprehensive plan and this act. In addition, for rural communities, the amount of land designated for future planned industrial use shall be based upon surveys and studies that reflect the need for job creation, capital investment, and the necessity to strengthen and diversify the local economies, and shall not be limited solely by the projected population of the rural community. The future land use plan of a county may also designate areas for possible future municipal incorporation. The land use maps or map series shall generally identify and depict historic district boundaries and shall designate historically significant properties meriting protection. The future land use element must clearly identify the land use categories in which public schools are an allowable use. When delineating the land use categories in which public schools are an allowable use, a local government shall include in the categories sufficient land proximate to residential development to meet the projected needs for schools in coordination with public school boards and may establish differing criteria for schools of different type or size. Each local government shall include lands contiguous to existing school sites, to the maximum extent possible, within the land use categories in which public schools are an allowable use. All comprehensive plans must comply with the school siting requirements of this paragraph no later than October 1, 1999. The failure by a local government to comply with these school siting requirements by October 1, 1999, will result in the prohibition of the local government's ability to amend the local comprehensive plan, except for plan amendments described in s. 163.3187(1)(b), until the school siting requirements are met. Amendments proposed by a local government for purposes of identifying the land use categories in which public schools are an allowable use or for adopting or amending the school-siting maps pursuant to s. 163.31776(3) are exempt from the limitation on the frequency of plan amendments contained in s. 163.3187. The future land use element shall include criteria that encourage the location of schools proximate to urban residential areas to the extent possible and shall require that the local government seek to collocate public facilities, such as parks, libraries, and community centers, with schools to the extent possible and to encourage the use of elementary schools as focal points for neighborhoods. For schools serving predominantly rural counties, defined as a county with a population of 100,000 or fewer, an agricultural land use category shall be eligible for the location of public school facilities if the local comprehensive plan contains school siting criteria and the location is consistent with such criteria.

(b)  A traffic circulation element consisting of the types, locations, and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares and transportation routes, including bicycle and pedestrian ways. Transportation corridors, as defined in s. 334.03, may be designated in the traffic circulation element pursuant to s. 337.273. If the transportation corridors are designated, the local government may adopt a transportation corridor management ordinance.

(c)  A general sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, potable water, and natural groundwater aquifer recharge element correlated to principles and guidelines for future land use, indicating ways to provide for future potable water, drainage, sanitary sewer, solid waste, and aquifer recharge protection requirements for the area. The element may be a detailed engineering plan including a topographic map depicting areas of prime groundwater recharge. The element shall describe the problems and needs and the general facilities that will be required for solution of the problems and needs. The element shall also include a topographic map depicting any areas adopted by a regional water management district as prime groundwater recharge areas for the Floridan or Biscayne aquifers, pursuant to s. 373.0395. These areas shall be given special consideration when the local government is engaged in zoning or considering future land use for said designated areas. For areas served by septic tanks, soil surveys shall be provided which indicate the suitability of soils for septic tanks. By January 1, 2005, or the Evaluation and Appraisal Report adoption deadline established for the local government pursuant to s. 163.3191(a), whichever date occurs first, the element must consider the appropriate water management district's regional water supply plan approved pursuant to s. 373.0361. The element must include a work plan, covering at least a 10-year planning period, for building water supply facilities that are identified in the element as necessary to serve existing and new development and for which the local government is responsible.

(d)  A conservation element for the conservation, use, and protection of natural resources in the area, including air, water, water recharge areas, wetlands, waterwells, estuarine marshes, soils, beaches, shores, flood plains, rivers, bays, lakes, harbors, forests, fisheries and wildlife, marine habitat, minerals, and other natural and environmental resources. Local governments shall assess their current, as well as projected, water needs and sources for at least a 10-year period, considering the appropriate regional water supply plan approved pursuant to s. 373.0361, or, in the absence of an approved regional water supply plan, the district water management plan approved pursuant to s. 373.036(2). This information shall be submitted to the appropriate agencies. The land use map or map series contained in the future land use element shall generally identify and depict the following:

1.  Existing and planned waterwells and cones of influence where applicable.

2.  Beaches and shores, including estuarine systems.

3.  Rivers, bays, lakes, flood plains, and harbors.

4.  Wetlands.

5.  Minerals and soils.

The land uses identified on such maps shall be consistent with applicable state law and rules.

(e)  A recreation and open space element indicating a comprehensive system of public and private sites for recreation, including, but not limited to, natural reservations, parks and playgrounds, parkways, beaches and public access to beaches, open spaces, and other recreational facilities.

(f)1.  A housing element consisting of standards, plans, and principles to be followed in:

a.  The provision of housing for all current and anticipated future residents of the jurisdiction.

b.  The elimination of substandard dwelling conditions.

c.  The structural and aesthetic improvement of existing housing.

d.  The provision of adequate sites for future housing, including housing for low-income, very low-income, and moderate-income families, mobile homes, and group home facilities and foster care facilities, with supporting infrastructure and public facilities.

e.  Provision for relocation housing and identification of historically significant and other housing for purposes of conservation, rehabilitation, or replacement.

f.  The formulation of housing implementation programs.

g.  The creation or preservation of affordable housing to minimize the need for additional local services and avoid the concentration of affordable housing units only in specific areas of the jurisdiction.

The goals, objectives, and policies of the housing element must be based on the data and analysis prepared on housing needs, including the affordable housing needs assessment. State and federal housing plans prepared on behalf of the local government must be consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the housing element. Local governments are encouraged to utilize job training, job creation, and economic solutions to address a portion of their affordable housing concerns.

2.  To assist local governments in housing data collection and analysis and assure uniform and consistent information regarding the state's housing needs, the state land planning agency shall conduct an affordable housing needs assessment for all local jurisdictions on a schedule that coordinates the implementation of the needs assessment with the evaluation and appraisal reports required by s. 163.3191. Each local government shall utilize the data and analysis from the needs assessment as one basis for the housing element of its local comprehensive plan. The agency shall allow a local government the option to perform its own needs assessment, if it uses the methodology established by the agency by rule.

(g)  For those units of local government identified in s. 380.24, a coastal management element, appropriately related to the particular requirements of paragraphs (d) and (e) and meeting the requirements of s. 163.3178(2) and (3). The coastal management element shall set forth the policies that shall guide the local government's decisions and program implementation with respect to the following objectives:

1.  Maintenance, restoration, and enhancement of the overall quality of the coastal zone environment, including, but not limited to, its amenities and aesthetic values.

2.  Continued existence of viable populations of all species of wildlife and marine life.

3.  The orderly and balanced utilization and preservation, consistent with sound conservation principles, of all living and nonliving coastal zone resources.

4.  Avoidance of irreversible and irretrievable loss of coastal zone resources.

5.  Ecological planning principles and assumptions to be used in the determination of suitability and extent of permitted development.

6.  Proposed management and regulatory techniques.

7.  Limitation of public expenditures that subsidize development in high-hazard coastal areas.

8.  Protection of human life against the effects of natural disasters.

9.  The orderly development, maintenance, and use of ports identified in s. 403.021(9) to facilitate deepwater commercial navigation and other related activities.

10.  Preservation, including sensitive adaptive use of historic and archaeological resources.

(h)1.  An intergovernmental coordination element showing relationships and stating principles and guidelines to be used in the accomplishment of coordination of the adopted comprehensive plan with the plans of school boards and other units of local government providing services but not having regulatory authority over the use of land, with the comprehensive plans of adjacent municipalities, the county, adjacent counties, or the region, with the state comprehensive plan and with the applicable regional water supply plan approved pursuant to s. 373.0361, as the case may require and as such adopted plans or plans in preparation may exist. This element of the local comprehensive plan shall demonstrate consideration of the particular effects of the local plan, when adopted, upon the development of adjacent municipalities, the county, adjacent counties, or the region, or upon the state comprehensive plan, as the case may require.

a.  The intergovernmental coordination element shall provide for procedures to identify and implement joint planning areas, especially for the purpose of annexation, municipal incorporation, and joint infrastructure service areas.

b.  The intergovernmental coordination element shall provide for recognition of campus master plans prepared pursuant to s. 1013.30.

c.  The intergovernmental coordination element may provide for a voluntary dispute resolution process as established pursuant to s. 186.509 for bringing to closure in a timely manner intergovernmental disputes. A local government may develop and use an alternative local dispute resolution process for this purpose.

2.  The intergovernmental coordination element shall further state principles and guidelines to be used in the accomplishment of coordination of the adopted comprehensive plan with the plans of school boards and other units of local government providing facilities and services but not having regulatory authority over the use of land. In addition, the intergovernmental coordination element shall describe joint processes for collaborative planning and decisionmaking on population projections and public school siting, the location and extension of public facilities subject to concurrency, and siting facilities with countywide significance, including locally unwanted land uses whose nature and identity are established in an agreement. Within 1 year of adopting their intergovernmental coordination elements, each county, all the municipalities within that county, the district school board, and any unit of local government service providers in that county shall establish by interlocal or other formal agreement executed by all affected entities, the joint processes described in this subparagraph consistent with their adopted intergovernmental coordination elements.

3.  To foster coordination between special districts and local general-purpose governments as local general-purpose governments implement local comprehensive plans, each independent special district must submit a public facilities report to the appropriate local government as required by s. 189.415.

4.a.  Local governments adopting a public educational facilities element pursuant to s. 163.31776 must execute an interlocal agreement with the district school board, the county, and nonexempt municipalities, as defined by s. 163.31776(1), which includes the items listed in s. 163.31777(2). The local government shall amend the intergovernmental coordination element to provide that coordination between the local government and school board is pursuant to the agreement and shall state the obligations of the local government under the agreement.

b.  Plan amendments that comply with this subparagraph are exempt from the provisions of s. 163.3187(1).

5.  The state land planning agency shall establish a schedule for phased completion and transmittal of plan amendments to implement subparagraphs 1., 2., and 3. from all jurisdictions so as to accomplish their adoption by December 31, 1999. A local government may complete and transmit its plan amendments to carry out these provisions prior to the scheduled date established by the state land planning agency. The plan amendments are exempt from the provisions of s. 163.3187(1).

6.  By January 1, 2004, any county having a population greater than 100,000, and the municipalities and special districts within that county, shall submit a report to the Department of Community Affairs which:

a.  Identifies all existing or proposed interlocal service-delivery agreements regarding the following: education; sanitary sewer; public safety; solid waste; drainage; potable water; parks and recreation; and transportation facilities.

b.  Identifies any deficits or duplication in the provision of services within its jurisdiction, whether capital or operational. Upon request, the Department of Community Affairs shall provide technical assistance to the local governments in identifying deficits or duplication.

7.  Within 6 months after submission of the report, the Department of Community Affairs shall, through the appropriate regional planning council, coordinate a meeting of all local governments within the regional planning area to discuss the reports and potential strategies to remedy any identified deficiencies or duplications.

8.  Each local government shall update its intergovernmental coordination element based upon the findings in the report submitted pursuant to subparagraph 6. The report may be used as supporting data and analysis for the intergovernmental coordination element.

9.  By February 1, 2003, representatives of municipalities, counties, and special districts shall provide to the Legislature recommended statutory changes for annexation, including any changes that address the delivery of local government services in areas planned for annexation.

(i)  The optional elements of the comprehensive plan in paragraphs (7)(a) and (b) are required elements for those municipalities having populations greater than 50,000, and those counties having populations greater than 75,000, as determined under s. 186.901.

(j)  For each unit of local government within an urbanized area designated for purposes of s. 339.175, a transportation element, which shall be prepared and adopted in lieu of the requirements of paragraph (b) and paragraphs (7)(a), (b), (c), and (d) and which shall address the following issues:

1.  Traffic circulation, including major thoroughfares and other routes, including bicycle and pedestrian ways.

2.  All alternative modes of travel, such as public transportation, pedestrian, and bicycle travel.

3.  Parking facilities.

4.  Aviation, rail, seaport facilities, access to those facilities, and intermodal terminals.

5.  The availability of facilities and services to serve existing land uses and the compatibility between future land use and transportation elements.

6.  The capability to evacuate the coastal population prior to an impending natural disaster.

7.  Airports, projected airport and aviation development, and land use compatibility around airports.

8.  An identification of land use densities, building intensities, and transportation management programs to promote public transportation systems in designated public transportation corridors so as to encourage population densities sufficient to support such systems.

9.  May include transportation corridors, as defined in s. 334.03, intended for future transportation facilities designated pursuant to s. 337.273. If transportation corridors are designated, the local government may adopt a transportation corridor management ordinance.

(k)  An airport master plan, and any subsequent amendments to the airport master plan, prepared by a licensed publicly owned and operated airport under s. 333.06 may be incorporated into the local government comprehensive plan by the local government having jurisdiction under this act for the area in which the airport or projected airport development is located by the adoption of a comprehensive plan amendment. In the amendment to the local comprehensive plan that integrates the airport master plan, the comprehensive plan amendment shall address land use compatibility consistent with chapter 333 regarding airport zoning; the provision of regional transportation facilities for the efficient use and operation of the transportation system and airport; consistency with the local government transportation circulation element and applicable metropolitan planning organization long-range transportation plans; and the execution of any necessary interlocal agreements for the purposes of the provision of public facilities and services to maintain the adopted level of service standards for facilities subject to concurrency; and may address airport-related or aviation-related development. Development or expansion of an airport consistent with the adopted airport master plan that has been incorporated into the local comprehensive plan in compliance with this part, and airport-related or aviation-related development that has been addressed in the comprehensive plan amendment that incorporates the airport master plan, shall not be a development of regional impact. Notwithstanding any other general law, an airport that has received a development-of-regional-impact development order pursuant to s. 380.06, but which is no longer required to undergo development-of-regional-impact review pursuant to this subsection, may abandon its development-of-regional-impact order upon written notification to the applicable local government. Upon receipt by the local government, the development-of-regional-impact development order is void.

(7)  The comprehensive plan may include the following additional elements, or portions or phases thereof:

(a)  As a part of the circulation element of paragraph (6)(b) or as a separate element, a mass-transit element showing proposed methods for the moving of people, rights-of-way, terminals, related facilities, and fiscal considerations for the accomplishment of the element.

(b)  As a part of the circulation element of paragraph (6)(b) or as a separate element, plans for port, aviation, and related facilities coordinated with the general circulation and transportation element.

(c)  As a part of the circulation element of paragraph (6)(b) and in coordination with paragraph (6)(e), where applicable, a plan element for the circulation of recreational traffic, including bicycle facilities, exercise trails, riding facilities, and such other matters as may be related to the improvement and safety of movement of all types of recreational traffic.

(d)  As a part of the circulation element of paragraph (6)(b) or as a separate element, a plan element for the development of offstreet parking facilities for motor vehicles and the fiscal considerations for the accomplishment of the element.

(e)  A public buildings and related facilities element showing locations and arrangements of civic and community centers, public schools, hospitals, libraries, police and fire stations, and other public buildings. This plan element should show particularly how it is proposed to effect coordination with governmental units, such as school boards or hospital authorities, having public development and service responsibilities, capabilities, and potential but not having land development regulatory authority. This element may include plans for architecture and landscape treatment of their grounds.

(f)  A recommended community design element which may consist of design recommendations for land subdivision, neighborhood development and redevelopment, design of open space locations, and similar matters to the end that such recommendations may be available as aids and guides to developers in the future planning and development of land in the area.

(g)  A general area redevelopment element consisting of plans and programs for the redevelopment of slums and blighted locations in the area and for community redevelopment, including housing sites, business and industrial sites, public buildings sites, recreational facilities, and other purposes authorized by law.

(h)  A safety element for the protection of residents and property of the area from fire, hurricane, or manmade or natural catastrophe, including such necessary features for protection as evacuation routes and their control in an emergency, water supply requirements, minimum road widths, clearances around and elevations of structures, and similar matters.

(i)  An historical and scenic preservation element setting out plans and programs for those structures or lands in the area having historical, archaeological, architectural, scenic, or similar significance.

(j)  An economic element setting forth principles and guidelines for the commercial and industrial development, if any, and the employment and personnel utilization within the area. The element may detail the type of commercial and industrial development sought, correlated to the present and projected employment needs of the area and to other elements of the plans, and may set forth methods by which a balanced and stable economic base will be pursued.

(k)  Such other elements as may be peculiar to, and necessary for, the area concerned and as are added to the comprehensive plan by the governing body upon the recommendation of the local planning agency.

(l)  Local governments that are not required to prepare coastal management elements under s. 163.3178 are encouraged to adopt hazard mitigation/postdisaster redevelopment plans. These plans should, at a minimum, establish long-term policies regarding redevelopment, infrastructure, densities, nonconforming uses, and future land use patterns. Grants to assist local governments in the preparation of these hazard mitigation/postdisaster redevelopment plans shall be available through the Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance Account in the Grants and Donations Trust Fund administered by the department, if such account is created by law. The plans must be in compliance with the requirements of this act and chapter 252.

(8)  All elements of the comprehensive plan, whether mandatory or optional, shall be based upon data appropriate to the element involved. Surveys and studies utilized in the preparation of the comprehensive plan shall not be deemed a part of the comprehensive plan unless adopted as a part of it. Copies of such studies, surveys, and supporting documents shall be made available to public inspection, and copies of such plans shall be made available to the public upon payment of reasonable charges for reproduction.

(9)  The state land planning agency shall, by February 15, 1986, adopt by rule minimum criteria for the review and determination of compliance of the local government comprehensive plan elements required by this act. Such rules shall not be subject to rule challenges under s. 120.56(2) or to drawout proceedings under s. 120.54(3)(c)2. Such rules shall become effective only after they have been submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for review by the Legislature no later than 30 days prior to the next regular session of the Legislature. In its review the Legislature may reject, modify, or take no action relative to the rules. The agency shall conform the rules to the changes made by the Legislature, or, if no action was taken, the agency rules shall become effective. The rule shall include criteria for determining whether:

(a)  Proposed elements are in compliance with the requirements of part II, as amended by this act.

(b)  Other elements of the comprehensive plan are related to and consistent with each other.

(c)  The local government comprehensive plan elements are consistent with the state comprehensive plan and the appropriate regional policy plan pursuant to s. 186.508.

(d)  Certain bays, estuaries, and harbors that fall under the jurisdiction of more than one local government are managed in a consistent and coordinated manner in the case of local governments required to include a coastal management element in their comprehensive plans pursuant to paragraph (6)(g).

(e)  Proposed elements identify the mechanisms and procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and appraising implementation of the plan. Specific measurable objectives are included to provide a basis for evaluating effectiveness as required by s. 163.3191.

(f)  Proposed elements contain policies to guide future decisions in a consistent manner.

(g)  Proposed elements contain programs and activities to ensure that comprehensive plans are implemented.

(h)  Proposed elements identify the need for and the processes and procedures to ensure coordination of all development activities and services with other units of local government, regional planning agencies, water management districts, and state and federal agencies as appropriate.

The state land planning agency may adopt procedural rules that are consistent with this section and chapter 120 for the review of local government comprehensive plan elements required under this section. The state land planning agency shall provide model plans and ordinances and, upon request, other assistance to local governments in the adoption and implementation of their revised local government comprehensive plans. The review and comment provisions applicable prior to October 1, 1985, shall continue in effect until the criteria for review and determination are adopted pursuant to this subsection and the comprehensive plans required by s. 163.3167(2) are due.

(10)  The Legislature recognizes the importance and significance of chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, the Minimum Criteria for Review of Local Government Comprehensive Plans and Determination of Compliance of the Department of Community Affairs that will be used to determine compliance of local comprehensive plans. The Legislature reserved unto itself the right to review chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, and to reject, modify, or take no action relative to this rule. Therefore, pursuant to subsection (9), the Legislature hereby has reviewed chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, and expresses the following legislative intent:

(a)  The Legislature finds that in order for the department to review local comprehensive plans, it is necessary to define the term "consistency." Therefore, for the purpose of determining whether local comprehensive plans are consistent with the state comprehensive plan and the appropriate regional policy plan, a local plan shall be consistent with such plans if the local plan is "compatible with" and "furthers" such plans. The term "compatible with" means that the local plan is not in conflict with the state comprehensive plan or appropriate regional policy plan. The term "furthers" means to take action in the direction of realizing goals or policies of the state or regional plan. For the purposes of determining consistency of the local plan with the state comprehensive plan or the appropriate regional policy plan, the state or regional plan shall be construed as a whole and no specific goal and policy shall be construed or applied in isolation from the other goals and policies in the plans.

(b)  Each local government shall review all the state comprehensive plan goals and policies and shall address in its comprehensive plan the goals and policies which are relevant to the circumstances or conditions in its jurisdiction. The decision regarding which particular state comprehensive plan goals and policies will be furthered by the expenditure of a local government's financial resources in any given year is a decision which rests solely within the discretion of the local government. Intergovernmental coordination, as set forth in paragraph (6)(h), shall be utilized to the extent required to carry out the provisions of chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code.

(c)  The Legislature declares that if any portion of chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, is found to be in conflict with this part, the appropriate statutory provision shall prevail.

(d)  Chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, does not mandate the creation, limitation, or elimination of regulatory authority, nor does it authorize the adoption or require the repeal of any rules, criteria, or standards of any local, regional, or state agency.

(e)  It is the Legislature's intent that support data or summaries thereof shall not be subject to the compliance review process, but the Legislature intends that goals and policies be clearly based on appropriate data. The department may utilize support data or summaries thereof to aid in its determination of compliance and consistency. The Legislature intends that the department may evaluate the application of a methodology utilized in data collection or whether a particular methodology is professionally accepted. However, the department shall not evaluate whether one accepted methodology is better than another. Chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, shall not be construed to require original data collection by local governments; however, local governments are not to be discouraged from utilizing original data so long as methodologies are professionally accepted.

(f)  The Legislature recognizes that under this section, local governments are charged with setting levels of service for public facilities in their comprehensive plans in accordance with which development orders and permits will be issued pursuant to s. 163.3202(2)(g). Nothing herein shall supersede the authority of state, regional, or local agencies as otherwise provided by law.

(g)  Definitions contained in chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, are not intended to modify or amend the definitions utilized for purposes of other programs or rules or to establish or limit regulatory authority. Local governments may establish alternative definitions in local comprehensive plans, as long as such definitions accomplish the intent of this chapter, and chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code.

(h)  It is the intent of the Legislature that public facilities and services needed to support development shall be available concurrent with the impacts of such development in accordance with s. 163.3180. In meeting this intent, public facility and service availability shall be deemed sufficient if the public facilities and services for a development are phased, or the development is phased, so that the public facilities and those related services which are deemed necessary by the local government to operate the facilities necessitated by that development are available concurrent with the impacts of the development. The public facilities and services, unless already available, are to be consistent with the capital improvements element of the local comprehensive plan as required by paragraph (3)(a) or guaranteed in an enforceable development agreement. This shall include development agreements pursuant to this chapter or in an agreement or a development order issued pursuant to chapter 380. Nothing herein shall be construed to require a local government to address services in its capital improvements plan or to limit a local government's ability to address any service in its capital improvements plan that it deems necessary.

(i)  The department shall take into account the factors delineated in rule 9J-5.002(2), Florida Administrative Code, as it provides assistance to local governments and applies the rule in specific situations with regard to the detail of the data and analysis required.

(j)  Chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, has become effective pursuant to subsection (9). The Legislature hereby directs the department to adopt amendments as necessary which conform chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, with the requirements of this legislative intent by October 1, 1986.

(k)  So that local governments are able to prepare and adopt comprehensive plans with knowledge of the rules that will be applied to determine consistency of the plans with provisions of this part, it is the intent of the Legislature that there should be no doubt as to the legal standing of chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, at the close of the 1986 legislative session. Therefore, the Legislature declares that changes made to chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, prior to October 1, 1986, shall not be subject to rule challenges under s. 120.56(2), or to drawout proceedings under s. 120.54(3)(c)2. The entire chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, as amended, shall be subject to rule challenges under s. 120.56(3), as nothing herein shall be construed to indicate approval or disapproval of any portion of chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, not specifically addressed herein. No challenge pursuant to s. 120.56(3) may be filed from July 1, 1987, through April 1, 1993. Any amendments to chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, exclusive of the amendments adopted prior to October 1, 1986, pursuant to this act, shall be subject to the full chapter 120 process. All amendments shall have effective dates as provided in chapter 120 and submission to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives shall not be required.

(l)  The state land planning agency shall consider land use compatibility issues in the vicinity of all airports in coordination with the Department of Transportation.

(11)(a)  The Legislature recognizes the need for innovative planning and development strategies which will address the anticipated demands of continued urbanization of Florida's coastal and other environmentally sensitive areas, and which will accommodate the development of less populated regions of the state which seek economic development and which have suitable land and water resources to accommodate growth in an environmentally acceptable manner. The Legislature further recognizes the substantial advantages of innovative approaches to development which may better serve to protect environmentally sensitive areas, maintain the economic viability of agricultural and other predominantly rural land uses, and provide for the cost-efficient delivery of public facilities and services.

(b)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the local government comprehensive plans and plan amendments adopted pursuant to the provisions of this part provide for a planning process which allows for land use efficiencies within existing urban areas and which also allows for the conversion of rural lands to other uses, where appropriate and consistent with the other provisions of this part and the affected local comprehensive plans, through the application of innovative and flexible planning and development strategies and creative land use planning techniques, which may include, but not be limited to, urban villages, new towns, satellite communities, area-based allocations, clustering and open space provisions, mixed-use development, and sector planning.

(c)  It is the further intent of the Legislature that local government comprehensive plans and implementing land development regulations shall provide strategies which maximize the use of existing facilities and services through redevelopment, urban infill development, and other strategies for urban revitalization.

(d)1.  The department, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, shall provide assistance to local governments in the implementation of this paragraph and rule 9J-5.006(5)(l), Florida Administrative Code. Implementation of those provisions shall include a process by which the department may authorize up to five local governments to designate all or portions of lands classified in the future land use element as predominantly agricultural, rural, open, open-rural, or a substantively equivalent land use, as a rural land stewardship area within which planning and economic incentives are applied to encourage the implementation of innovative and flexible planning and development strategies and creative land use planning techniques, including those contained in rule 9J-5.006(5)(l), Florida Administrative Code.

2.  The department shall encourage participation by local governments of different sizes and rural characteristics. It is the intent of the Legislature that rural land stewardship areas be used to further the following broad principles of rural sustainability: restoration and maintenance of the economic value of rural land; control of urban sprawl; identification and protection of ecosystems, habitats, and natural resources; promotion of rural economic activity; maintenance of the viability of Florida's agricultural economy; and protection of the character of rural areas of Florida.

3.  A local government may apply to the department in writing requesting consideration for authorization to designate a rural land stewardship area and shall describe its reasons for applying for the authorization with supporting documentation regarding its compliance with criteria set forth in this section.

4.  In selecting a local government, the department shall, by written agreement:

a.  Ensure that the local government has expressed its intent to designate a rural land stewardship area pursuant to the provisions of this subsection and clarify that the rural land stewardship area is intended.

b.  Ensure that the local government has the financial and administrative capabilities to implement a rural land stewardship area.

5.  The written agreement shall include the basis for the authorization and provide criteria for evaluating the success of the authorization including the extent the rural land stewardship area enhances rural land values; control urban sprawl; provides necessary open space for agriculture and protection of the natural environment; promotes rural economic activity; and maintains rural character and the economic viability of agriculture. The department may terminate the agreement at any time if it determines that the local government is not meeting the terms of the agreement.

6.  A rural land stewardship area shall be not less than 50,000 acres and shall not exceed 250,000 acres in size, shall be located outside of municipalities and established urban growth boundaries, and shall be designated by plan amendment. The plan amendment designating a rural land stewardship area shall be subject to review by the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to s. 163.3184 and shall provide for the following:

a.  Criteria for the designation of receiving areas within rural land stewardship areas in which innovative planning and development strategies may be applied. Criteria shall at a minimum provide for the following: adequacy of suitable land to accommodate development so as to avoid conflict with environmentally sensitive areas, resources, and habitats; compatibility between and transition from higher density uses to lower intensity rural uses; the establishment of receiving area service boundaries which provide for a separation between receiving areas and other land uses within the rural land stewardship area through limitations on the extension of services; and connection of receiving areas with the rest of the rural land stewardship area using rural design and rural road corridors.

b.  Goals, objectives, and policies setting forth the innovative planning and development strategies to be applied within rural land stewardship areas pursuant to the provisions of this section.

c.  A process for the implementation of innovative planning and development strategies within the rural land stewardship area, including those described in this subsection and rule 9J-5.006(5)(l), Florida Administrative Code, which provide for a functional mix of land uses and which are applied through the adoption by the local government of zoning and land development regulations applicable to the rural land stewardship area.

d.  A process which encourages visioning pursuant to s. 163.3167(11) to ensure that innovative planning and development strategies comply with the provisions of this section.

e.  The control of sprawl through the use of innovative strategies and creative land use techniques consistent with the provisions of this subsection and rule 9J-5.006(5)(l), Florida Administrative Code.

7.  A receiving area shall be designated by the adoption of a land development regulation. Prior to the designation of a receiving area, the local government shall provide the Department of Community Affairs a period of 30 days in which to review a proposed receiving area for consistency with the rural land stewardship area plan amendment and to provide comments to the local government.

8.  Upon the adoption of a plan amendment creating a rural land stewardship area, the local government shall, by ordinance, assign to the area a certain number of credits, to be known as "transferable rural land use credits," which shall not constitute a right to develop land, nor increase density of land, except as provided by this section. The total amount of transferable rural land use credits assigned to the rural land stewardship area must correspond to the 25-year or greater projected population of the rural land stewardship area. Transferable rural land use credits are subject to the following limitations:

a.  Transferable rural land use credits may only exist within a rural land stewardship area.

b.  Transferable rural land use credits may only be used on lands designated as receiving areas and then solely for the purpose of implementing innovative planning and development strategies and creative land use planning techniques adopted by the local government pursuant to this section.

c.  Transferable rural land use credits assigned to a parcel of land within a rural land stewardship area shall cease to exist if the parcel of land is removed from the rural land stewardship area by plan amendment.

d.  Neither the creation of the rural land stewardship area by plan amendment nor the assignment of transferable rural land use credits by the local government shall operate to displace the underlying density of land uses assigned to a parcel of land within the rural land stewardship area; however, if transferable rural land use credits are transferred from a parcel for use within a designated receiving area, the underlying density assigned to the parcel of land shall cease to exist.

e.  The underlying density on each parcel of land located within a rural land stewardship area shall not be increased or decreased by the local government, except as a result of the conveyance or use of transferable rural land use credits, as long as the parcel remains within the rural land stewardship area.

f.  Transferable rural land use credits shall cease to exist on a parcel of land where the underlying density assigned to the parcel of land is utilized.

g.  An increase in the density of use on a parcel of land located within a designated receiving area may occur only through the assignment or use of transferable rural land use credits and shall not require a plan amendment.

h.  A change in the density of land use on parcels located within receiving areas shall be specified in a development order which reflects the total number of transferable rural land use credits assigned to the parcel of land and the infrastructure and support services necessary to provide for a functional mix of land uses corresponding to the plan of development.

i.  Land within a rural land stewardship area may be removed from the rural land stewardship area through a plan amendment.

j.  Transferable rural land use credits may be assigned at different ratios of credits per acre according to the land use remaining following the transfer of credits, with the highest number of credits per acre assigned to preserve environmentally valuable land and a lesser number of credits to be assigned to open space and agricultural land.

k.  The use or conveyance of transferable rural land use credits must be recorded in the public records of the county in which the property is located as a covenant or restrictive easement running with the land in favor of the county and either the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a water management district, or a recognized statewide land trust.

9.  Owners of land within rural land stewardship areas should be provided incentives to enter into rural land stewardship agreements, pursuant to existing law and rules adopted thereto, with state agencies, water management districts, and local governments to achieve mutually agreed upon conservation objectives. Such incentives may include, but not be limited to, the following:

a.  Opportunity to accumulate transferable mitigation credits.

b.  Extended permit agreements.

c.  Opportunities for recreational leases and ecotourism.

d.  Payment for specified land management services on publicly owned land, or property under covenant or restricted easement in favor of a public entity.

e.  Option agreements for sale to government, in either fee or easement, upon achievement of conservation objectives.

10.  The department shall report to the Legislature on an annual basis on the results of implementation of rural land stewardship areas authorized by the department, including successes and failures in achieving the intent of the Legislature as expressed in this paragraph. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the success of authorized rural land stewardship areas be substantiated before implementation occurs on a statewide basis.

(e)  The implementation of this subsection shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter, chapters 186 and 187, and applicable agency rules.

(f)  The department may adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this subsection.

(12)  A public school facilities element adopted to implement a school concurrency program shall meet the requirements of this subsection.

(a)  A public school facilities element shall be based upon data and analyses that address, among other items, how level-of-service standards will be achieved and maintained. Such data and analyses must include, at a minimum, such items as: the 5-year school district facilities work program adopted pursuant to s. 1013.35; the educational plant survey and an existing educational and ancillary plant map or map series; information on existing development and development anticipated for the next 5 years and the long-term planning period; an analysis of problems and opportunities for existing schools and schools anticipated in the future; an analysis of opportunities to collocate future schools with other public facilities such as parks, libraries, and community centers; an analysis of the need for supporting public facilities for existing and future schools; an analysis of opportunities to locate schools to serve as community focal points; projected future population and associated demographics, including development patterns year by year for the upcoming 5-year and long-term planning periods; and anticipated educational and ancillary plants with land area requirements.

(b)  The element shall contain one or more goals which establish the long-term end toward which public school programs and activities are ultimately directed.

(c)  The element shall contain one or more objectives for each goal, setting specific, measurable, intermediate ends that are achievable and mark progress toward the goal.

(d)  The element shall contain one or more policies for each objective which establish the way in which programs and activities will be conducted to achieve an identified goal.

(e)  The objectives and policies shall address items such as: the procedure for an annual update process; the procedure for school site selection; the procedure for school permitting; provision of supporting infrastructure; location of future school sites so they serve as community focal points; measures to ensure compatibility of school sites and surrounding land uses; coordination with adjacent local governments and the school district on emergency preparedness issues; and coordination with the future land use element.

(f)  The element shall include one or more future conditions maps which depict the anticipated location of educational and ancillary plants. The maps will of necessity be general for the long-term planning period and more specific for the 5-year period.

History.--s. 7, ch. 75-257; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 1, ch. 80-154; s. 6, ch. 83-308; s. 1, ch. 85-42; s. 6, ch. 85-55; s. 1, ch. 85-309; s. 7, ch. 86-191; s. 5, ch. 92-129; s. 6, ch. 93-206; s. 898, ch. 95-147; s. 3, ch. 95-257; s. 4, ch. 95-322; s. 10, ch. 95-341; s. 10, ch. 96-320; s. 24, ch. 96-410; s. 2, ch. 96-416; s. 2, ch. 98-146; s. 4, ch. 98-176; s. 4, ch. 98-258; s. 90, ch. 99-251; s. 3, ch. 99-378; s. 40, ch. 2001-201; s. 64, ch. 2001-279; s. 24, ch. 2002-1; s. 58, ch. 2002-20; s. 70, ch. 2002-295; s. 2, ch. 2002-296; s. 904, ch. 2002-387; s. 61, ch. 2003-286.

163.31776  Public educational facilities element.--

(1)  A county, in conjunction with the municipalities within the county, may adopt an optional public educational facilities element in cooperation with the applicable school district. In order to enact an optional public educational facilities element, the county and each municipality, unless the municipality is exempt as defined in this subsection, must adopt a consistent public educational facilities element and enter the interlocal agreement pursuant to ss. 163.3177(6)(h)4. and 163.31777(2). A municipality is exempt if it has no established need for a new school facility and it meets the following criteria:

(a)  The municipality has no public schools located within its boundaries; and

(b)  The district school board's 5-year facilities work program and the long-term 10-year work program, as provided in s. 1013.35, demonstrate that no new school facility is needed in the municipality. In addition, the district school board must verify in writing that no new school facility will be needed in the municipality within the 5-year and 10-year timeframes.

(2)  The public educational facilities element must be based on data and analysis, including the interlocal agreement defined by ss. 163.3177(6)(h)4. and 163.31777(2), and on the educational facilities plan required by s. 1013.35. Each local government public educational facilities element within a county must be consistent with the other elements and must address:

(a)  The need for, strategies for, and commitments to addressing improvements to infrastructure, safety, and community conditions in areas proximate to existing public schools.

(b)  The need for and strategies for providing adequate infrastructure necessary to support proposed schools, including potable water, wastewater, drainage, solid waste, transportation, and means by which to assure safe access to schools, including sidewalks, bicycle paths, turn lanes, and signalization.

(c)  Colocation of other public facilities, such as parks, libraries, and community centers, in proximity to public schools.

(d)  Location of schools proximate to residential areas and to complement patterns of development, including using elementary schools as focal points for neighborhoods.

(e)  Use of public schools to serve as emergency shelters.

(f)  Consideration of the existing and planned capacity of public schools when reviewing comprehensive plan amendments and rezonings that are likely to increase residential development and that are reasonably expected to have an impact on the demand for public school facilities, with the review to be based on uniform, level-of-service standards, availability standards for public schools, and the financially feasible 5-year district facilities work program adopted by the school board pursuant to s. 1013.35.

(g)  A uniform methodology for determining school capacity consistent with the interlocal agreement entered pursuant to ss. 163.3177(6)(h)4. and 163.31777(2).

(3)  The future land-use map series must incorporate maps that are the result of a collaborative process for identifying school sites in the educational facilities plan adopted by the school board pursuant to s. 1013.35 and must show the locations of existing public schools and the general locations of improvements to existing schools or new schools anticipated over the 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year time periods, or such maps must constitute data and analysis in support of the future land-use map series. Maps indicating general locations of future schools or school improvements should not prescribe a land use on a particular parcel of land.

(4)  The process for adopting a public educational facilities element is as provided in s. 163.3184. The state land planning agency shall submit a copy of the proposed public school facilities element pursuant to the procedures outlined in s. 163.3184(4) to the Office of Educational Facilities and SMART Schools Clearinghouse of the Commissioner of Education for review and comment.

(5)  Plan amendments to adopt a public educational facilities element are exempt from the provisions of s. 163.3187(1).

History.--s. 4, ch. 2002-296; s. 14, ch. 2003-1.

163.31777  Public schools interlocal agreement.--

(1)(a)  The county and municipalities located within the geographic area of a school district shall enter into an interlocal agreement with the district school board which jointly establishes the specific ways in which the plans and processes of the district school board and the local governments are to be coordinated. The interlocal agreements shall be submitted to the state land planning agency and the Office of Educational Facilities and the SMART Schools Clearinghouse in accordance with a schedule published by the state land planning agency.

(b)  The schedule must establish staggered due dates for submission of interlocal agreements that are executed by both the local government and the district school board, commencing on March 1, 2003, and concluding by December 1, 2004, and must set the same date for all governmental entities within a school district. However, if the county where the school district is located contains more than 20 municipalities, the state land planning agency may establish staggered due dates for the submission of interlocal agreements by these municipalities. The schedule must begin with those areas where both the number of districtwide capital-outlay full-time-equivalent students equals 80 percent or more of the current year's school capacity and the projected 5-year student growth is 1,000 or greater, or where the projected 5-year student growth rate is 10 percent or greater.

(c)  If the student population has declined over the 5-year period preceding the due date for submittal of an interlocal agreement by the local government and the district school board, the local government and the district school board may petition the state land planning agency for a waiver of one or more requirements of subsection (2). The waiver must be granted if the procedures called for in subsection (2) are unnecessary because of the school district's declining school age population, considering the district's 5-year facilities work program prepared pursuant to s. 1013.35. The state land planning agency may modify or revoke the waiver upon a finding that the conditions upon which the waiver was granted no longer exist. The district school board and local governments must submit an interlocal agreement within 1 year after notification by the state land planning agency that the conditions for a waiver no longer exist.

(d)  Interlocal agreements between local governments and district school boards adopted pursuant to s. 163.3177 before the effective date of this section must be updated and executed pursuant to the requirements of this section, if necessary. Amendments to interlocal agreements adopted pursuant to this section must be submitted to the state land planning agency within 30 days after execution by the parties for review consistent with this section. Local governments and the district school board in each school district are encouraged to adopt a single interlocal agreement to which all join as parties. The state land planning agency shall assemble and make available model interlocal agreements meeting the requirements of this section and notify local governments and, jointly with the Department of Education, the district school boards of the requirements of this section, the dates for compliance, and the sanctions for noncompliance. The state land planning agency shall be available to informally review proposed interlocal agreements. If the state land planning agency has not received a proposed interlocal agreement for informal review, the state land planning agency shall, at least 60 days before the deadline for submission of the executed agreement, renotify the local government and the district school board of the upcoming deadline and the potential for sanctions.

(2)  At a minimum, the interlocal agreement must address the following issues:

(a)  A process by which each local government and the district school board agree and base their plans on consistent projections of the amount, type, and distribution of population growth and student enrollment. The geographic distribution of jurisdiction-wide growth forecasts is a major objective of the process.

(b)  A process to coordinate and share information relating to existing and planned public school facilities, including school renovations and closures, and local government plans for development and redevelopment.

(c)  Participation by affected local governments with the district school board in the process of evaluating potential school closures, significant renovations to existing schools, and new school site selection before land acquisition. Local governments shall advise the district school board as to the consistency of the proposed closure, renovation, or new site with the local comprehensive plan, including appropriate circumstances and criteria under which a district school board may request an amendment to the comprehensive plan for school siting.

(d)  A process for determining the need for and timing of onsite and offsite improvements to support new, proposed expansion, or redevelopment of existing schools. The process must address identification of the party or parties responsible for the improvements.

(e)  A process for the school board to inform the local government regarding school capacity. The capacity reporting must be consistent with laws and rules relating to measurement of school facility capacity and must also identify how the district school board will meet the public school demand based on the facilities work program adopted pursuant to s. 1013.35.

(f)  Participation of the local governments in the preparation of the annual update to the district school board's 5-year district facilities work program and educational plant survey prepared pursuant to s. 1013.35.

(g)  A process for determining where and how joint use of either school board or local government facilities can be shared for mutual benefit and efficiency.

(h)  A procedure for the resolution of disputes between the district school board and local governments, which may include the dispute resolution processes contained in chapters 164 and 186.

(i)  An oversight process, including an opportunity for public participation, for the implementation of the interlocal agreement.

A signatory to the interlocal agreement may elect not to include a provision meeting the requirements of paragraph (e); however, such a decision may be made only after a public hearing on such election, which may include the public hearing in which a district school board or a local government adopts the interlocal agreement. An interlocal agreement entered into pursuant to this section must be consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan and land development regulations of any local government that is a signatory.

(3)(a)  The Office of Educational Facilities and SMART Schools Clearinghouse shall submit any comments or concerns regarding the executed interlocal agreement to the state land planning agency within 30 days after receipt of the executed interlocal agreement. The state land planning agency shall review the executed interlocal agreement to determine whether it is consistent with the requirements of subsection (2), the adopted local government comprehensive plan, and other requirements of law. Within 60 days after receipt of an executed interlocal agreement, the state land planning agency shall publish a notice of intent in the Florida Administrative Weekly and shall post a copy of the notice on the agency's Internet site. The notice of intent must state whether the interlocal agreement is consistent or inconsistent with the requirements of subsection (2) and this subsection, as appropriate.

(b)  The state land planning agency's notice is subject to challenge under chapter 120; however, an affected person, as defined in s. 163.3184(1)(a), has standing to initiate the administrative proceeding, and this proceeding is the sole means available to challenge the consistency of an interlocal agreement required by this section with the criteria contained in subsection (2) and this subsection. In order to have standing, each person must have submitted oral or written comments, recommendations, or objections to the local government or the school board before the adoption of the interlocal agreement by the school board and local government. The district school board and local governments are parties to any such proceeding. In this proceeding, when the state land planning agency finds the interlocal agreement to be consistent with the criteria in subsection (2) and this subsection, the interlocal agreement shall be determined to be consistent with subsection (2) and this subsection if the local government's and school board's determination of consistency is fairly debatable. When the state planning agency finds the interlocal agreement to be inconsistent with the requirements of subsection (2) and this subsection, the local government's and school board's determination of consistency shall be sustained unless it is shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the interlocal agreement is inconsistent.

(c)  If the state land planning agency enters a final order that finds that the interlocal agreement is inconsistent with the requirements of subsection (2) or this subsection, it shall forward it to the Administration Commission, which may impose sanctions against the local government pursuant to s. 163.3184(11) and may impose sanctions against the district school board by directing the Department of Education to withhold from the district school board an equivalent amount of funds for school construction available pursuant to ss. 1013.65, 1013.68, 1013.70, and 1013.72.

(4)  If an executed interlocal agreement is not timely submitted to the state land planning agency for review, the state land planning agency shall, within 15 working days after the deadline for submittal, issue to the local government and the district school board a Notice to Show Cause why sanctions should not be imposed for failure to submit an executed interlocal agreement by the deadline established by the agency. The agency shall forward the notice and the responses to the Administration Commission, which may enter a final order citing the failure to comply and imposing sanctions against the local government and district school board by directing the appropriate agencies to withhold at least 5 percent of state funds pursuant to s. 163.3184(11) and by directing the Department of Education to withhold from the district school board at least 5 percent of funds for school construction available pursuant to ss. 1013.65, 1013.68, 1013.70, and 1013.72.

(5)  Any local government transmitting a public school element to implement school concurrency pursuant to the requirements of s. 163.3180 before the effective date of this section is not required to amend the element or any interlocal agreement to conform with the provisions of this section if the element is adopted prior to or within 1 year after the effective date of this section and remains in effect.

(6)  Except as provided in subsection (7), municipalities having no established need for a new school facility and meeting the following criteria are exempt from the requirements of subsections (1), (2), and (3):

(a)  The municipality has no public schools located within its boundaries.

(b)  The district school board's 5-year facilities work program and the long-term 10-year and 20-year work programs, as provided in s. 1013.35, demonstrate that no new school facility is needed in the municipality. In addition, the district school board must verify in writing that no new school facility will be needed in the municipality within the 5-year and 10-year timeframes.

(7)  At the time of the evaluation and appraisal report, each exempt municipality shall assess the extent to which it continues to meet the criteria for exemption under subsection (6). If the municipality continues to meet these criteria and the district school board verifies in writing that no new school facilities will be needed within the 5-year and 10-year timeframes, the municipality shall continue to be exempt from the interlocal-agreement requirement. Each municipality exempt under subsection (6) must comply with the provisions of this section within 1 year after the district school board proposes, in its 5-year district facilities work program, a new school within the municipality's jurisdiction.

History.--s. 5, ch. 2002-296; s. 15, ch. 2003-1.

163.3178  Coastal management.--

(1)  The Legislature recognizes there is significant interest in the resources of the coastal zone of the state. Further, the Legislature recognizes that, in the event of a natural disaster, the state may provide financial assistance to local governments for the reconstruction of roads, sewer systems, and other public facilities. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature that local government comprehensive plans restrict development activities where such activities would damage or destroy coastal resources, and that such plans protect human life and limit public expenditures in areas that are subject to destruction by natural disaster.

(2)  Each coastal management element required by s. 163.3177(6)(g) shall be based on studies, surveys, and data; be consistent with coastal resource plans prepared and adopted pursuant to general or special law; and contain:

(a)  A land use and inventory map of existing coastal uses, wildlife habitat, wetland and other vegetative communities, undeveloped areas, areas subject to coastal flooding, public access routes to beach and shore resources, historic preservation areas, and other areas of special concern to local government.

(b)  An analysis of the environmental, socioeconomic, and fiscal impact of development and redevelopment proposed in the future land use plan, with required infrastructure to support this development or redevelopment, on the natural and historical resources of the coast and the plans and principles to be used to control development and redevelopment to eliminate or mitigate the adverse impacts on coastal wetlands; living marine resources; barrier islands, including beach and dune systems; unique wildlife habitat; historical and archaeological sites; and other fragile coastal resources.

(c)  An analysis of the effects of existing drainage systems and the impact of point source and nonpoint source pollution on estuarine water quality and the plans and principles, including existing state and regional regulatory programs, which shall be used to maintain or upgrade water quality while maintaining sufficient quantities of water flow.

(d)  A component which outlines principles for hazard mitigation and protection of human life against the effects of natural disaster, including population evacuation, which take into consideration the capability to safely evacuate the density of coastal population proposed in the future land use plan element in the event of an impending natural disaster.

(e)  A component which outlines principles for protecting existing beach and dune systems from human-induced erosion and for restoring altered beach and dune systems.

(f)  A redevelopment component which outlines the principles which shall be used to eliminate inappropriate and unsafe development in the coastal areas when opportunities arise.

(g)  A shoreline use component which identifies public access to beach and shoreline areas and addresses the need for water-dependent and water-related facilities, including marinas, along shoreline areas.

(h)  Designation of high-hazard coastal areas, which for uniformity and planning purposes herein, are defined as category 1 evacuation zones. However, application of mitigation and redevelopment policies, pursuant to s. 380.27(2), and any rules adopted thereunder, shall be at the discretion of local government.

(i)  A component which outlines principles for providing that financial assurances are made that required public facilities will be in place to meet the demand imposed by the completed development or redevelopment. Such public facilities will be scheduled for phased completion to coincide with demands generated by the development or redevelopment.

(j)  An identification of regulatory and management techniques that the local government plans to adopt or has adopted in order to mitigate the threat to human life and to control proposed development and redevelopment in order to protect the coastal environment and give consideration to cumulative impacts.

(k)  A component which includes the comprehensive master plan prepared by each deepwater port listed in s. 311.09(1), which addresses existing port facilities and any proposed expansions, and which adequately addresses the applicable requirements of paragraphs (a)-(k) for areas within the port and proposed expansion areas. Such component shall be submitted to the appropriate local government at least 6 months prior to the due date of the local plan and shall be integrated with, and shall meet all criteria specified in, the coastal management element. "The appropriate local government" means the municipality having the responsibility for the area in which the deepwater port lies, except that where no municipality has responsibility, where a municipality and a county each have responsibility, or where two or more municipalities each have responsibility for the area in which the deepwater port lies, "the appropriate local government" means the county which has responsibility for the area in which the deepwater port lies. Failure by a deepwater port which is not part of a local government to submit its component to the appropriate local government shall not result in a local government being subject to sanctions pursuant to ss. 163.3167 and 163.3184. However, a deepwater port which is not part of a local government shall be subject to sanctions pursuant to s. 163.3184.

(3)  Expansions to port harbors, spoil disposal sites, navigation channels, turning basins, harbor berths, and other related inwater harbor facilities of ports listed in s. 403.021(9); port transportation facilities and projects listed in s. 311.07(3)(b); and intermodal transportation facilities identified pursuant to s. 311.09(3) shall not be developments of regional impact where such expansions, projects, or facilities are consistent with comprehensive master plans that are in compliance with this section.

(4)  Improvements and maintenance of federal and state highways that have been approved as part of a plan approved pursuant to s. 380.045 or s. 380.05 shall be exempt from the provisions of s. 380.27(2).

(5)  The appropriate dispute resolution process provided under s. 186.509 must be used to reconcile inconsistencies between port master plans and local comprehensive plans. In recognition of the state's commitment to deepwater ports, the state comprehensive plan must include goals, objectives, and policies that establish a statewide strategy for enhancement of existing deepwater ports, ensuring that priority is given to water-dependent land uses. As an incentive for promoting plan consistency, port facilities as defined in s. 315.02(6) on lands owned or controlled by a deepwater port as defined in s. 311.09(1), as of the effective date of this act shall not be subject to development-of-regional-impact review provided the port either successfully completes an alternative comprehensive development agreement with a local government pursuant to ss. 163.3220-163.3243 or successfully enters into a development agreement with the state land planning agency and applicable local government pursuant to s. 380.032 or, where the port is a department of a local government, successfully enters into a development agreement with the state land planning agency pursuant to s. 380.032. Port facilities as defined in s. 315.02(6) on lands not owned or controlled by a deepwater port as defined in s. 311.09(1) as of the effective date of this act shall not be subject to development-of-regional-impact review provided the port successfully enters into a development agreement with the state land planning agency and applicable local government pursuant to s. 380.032 or, where the port is a department of a local government, successfully enters into a development agreement with the state land planning agency pursuant to s. 380.032.

(6)  Local governments are encouraged to adopt countywide marina siting plans to designate sites for existing and future marinas. The Coastal Resources Interagency Management Committee, at the direction of the Legislature, shall identify incentives to encourage local governments to adopt such siting plans and uniform criteria and standards to be used by local governments to implement state goals, objectives, and policies relating to marina siting. These criteria must ensure that priority is given to water-dependent land uses. The Coastal Resources Interagency Management Committee shall submit its recommendations regarding local government incentives to the Legislature by December 1, 1993. Countywide marina siting plans must be consistent with state and regional environmental planning policies and standards. Each local government in the coastal area which participates in adoption of a countywide marina siting plan shall incorporate the plan into the coastal management element of its local comprehensive plan.

(7)  Each port listed in s. 311.09(1) and each local government in the coastal area which has spoil disposal responsibilities shall provide for or identify disposal sites for dredged materials in the future land use and port elements of the local comprehensive plan as needed to assure proper long-term management of material dredged from navigation channels, sufficient long-range disposal capacity, environmental sensitivity and compatibility, and reasonable cost and transportation. The disposal site selection criteria shall be developed in consultation with navigation and inlet districts and other appropriate state and federal agencies and the public. For areas owned or controlled by ports listed in s. 311.09(1) and proposed port expansion areas, compliance with the provisions of this subsection shall be achieved through comprehensive master plans prepared by each port and integrated with the appropriate local plan pursuant to paragraph (2)(k).

(8)  Each county shall establish a county-based process for identifying and prioritizing coastal properties so they may be acquired as part of the state's land acquisition programs. This process must include the establishment of criteria for prioritizing coastal acquisitions which, in addition to recognizing pristine coastal properties and coastal properties of significant or important environmental sensitivity, recognize hazard mitigation, beach access, beach management, urban recreation, and other policies necessary for effective coastal management.

History.--s. 7, ch. 85-55; s. 8, ch. 86-191; s. 24, ch. 87-224; s. 7, ch. 93-206; s. 899, ch. 95-147; s. 11, ch. 96-320; s. 65, ch. 99-251.

163.3179  Family homestead.--A local government may include in its comprehensive plan a provision allowing the use of a parcel of property solely as a homestead by an individual who is the grandparent, parent, stepparent, adopted parent, sibling, child, stepchild, adopted child, or grandchild of the person who conveyed the parcel to said individual, notwithstanding the density or intensity of use assigned to the parcel in the plan. Such a provision shall apply only once to any individual.

History.--s. 6, ch. 92-129.

163.3180  Concurrency.--

(1)(a)  Sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, potable water, parks and recreation, and transportation facilities, including mass transit, where applicable, are the only public facilities and services subject to the concurrency requirement on a statewide basis. Additional public facilities and services may not be made subject to concurrency on a statewide basis without appropriate study and approval by the Legislature; however, any local government may extend the concurrency requirement so that it applies to additional public facilities within its jurisdiction.

(b)  Local governments shall use professionally accepted techniques for measuring level of service for automobiles, bicycles, pedestrians, transit, and trucks. These techniques may be used to evaluate increased accessibility by multiple modes and reductions in vehicle miles of travel in an area or zone. The Department of Transportation shall develop methodologies to assist local governments in implementing this multimodal level-of-service analysis. The Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Transportation shall provide technical assistance to local governments in applying these methodologies.

(2)(a)  Consistent with public health and safety, sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, and potable water facilities shall be in place and available to serve new development no later than the issuance by the local government of a certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent.

(b)  Consistent with the public welfare, and except as otherwise provided in this section, parks and recreation facilities to serve new development shall be in place or under actual construction no later than 1 year after issuance by the local government of a certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent. However, the acreage for such facilities shall be dedicated or be acquired by the local government prior to issuance by the local government of a certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent, or funds in the amount of the developer's fair share shall be committed prior to issuance by the local government of a certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent.

(c)  Consistent with the public welfare, and except as otherwise provided in this section, transportation facilities designated as part of the Florida Intrastate Highway System needed to serve new development shall be in place or under actual construction not more than 5 years after issuance by the local government of a certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent. Other transportation facilities needed to serve new development shall be in place or under actual construction no more than 3 years after issuance by the local government of a certificate of occupancy or its functional equivalent.

(3)  Governmental entities that are not responsible for providing, financing, operating, or regulating public facilities needed to serve development may not establish binding level-of-service standards on governmental entities that do bear those responsibilities. This subsection does not limit the authority of any agency to recommend or make objections, recommendations, comments, or determinations during reviews conducted under s. 163.3184.

(4)(a)  The concurrency requirement as implemented in local comprehensive plans applies to state and other public facilities and development to the same extent that it applies to all other facilities and development, as provided by law.

(b)  The concurrency requirement as implemented in local comprehensive plans does not apply to public transit facilities. For the purposes of this paragraph, public transit facilities include transit stations and terminals, transit station parking, park-and-ride lots, intermodal public transit connection or transfer facilities, and fixed bus, guideway, and rail stations. As used in this paragraph, the terms "terminals" and "transit facilities" do not include airports or seaports or commercial or residential development constructed in conjunction with a public transit facility.

(c)  The concurrency requirement, except as it relates to transportation facilities, as implemented in local government comprehensive plans, may be waived by a local government for urban infill and redevelopment areas designated pursuant to s. 163.2517 if such a waiver does not endanger public health or safety as defined by the local government in its local government comprehensive plan. The waiver shall be adopted as a plan amendment pursuant to the process set forth in s. 163.3187(3)(a). A local government may grant a concurrency exception pursuant to subsection (5) for transportation facilities located within these urban infill and redevelopment areas.

(5)(a)  The Legislature finds that under limited circumstances dealing with transportation facilities, countervailing planning and public policy goals may come into conflict with the requirement that adequate public facilities and services be available concurrent with the impacts of such development. The Legislature further finds that often the unintended result of the concurrency requirement for transportation facilities is the discouragement of urban infill development and redevelopment. Such unintended results directly conflict with the goals and policies of the state comprehensive plan and the intent of this part. Therefore, exceptions from the concurrency requirement for transportation facilities may be granted as provided by this subsection.

(b)  A local government may grant an exception from the concurrency requirement for transportation facilities if the proposed development is otherwise consistent with the adopted local government comprehensive plan and is a project that promotes public transportation or is located within an area designated in the comprehensive plan for:

1.  Urban infill development,

2.  Urban redevelopment,

3.  Downtown revitalization, or

4.  Urban infill and redevelopment under s. 163.2517.

(c)  The Legislature also finds that developments located within urban infill, urban redevelopment, existing urban service, or downtown revitalization areas or areas designated as urban infill and redevelopment areas under s. 163.2517 which pose only special part-time demands on the transportation system should be excepted from the concurrency requirement for transportation facilities. A special part-time demand is one that does not have more than 200 scheduled events during any calendar year and does not affect the 100 highest traffic volume hours.

(d)  A local government shall establish guidelines for granting the exceptions authorized in paragraphs (b) and (c) in the comprehensive plan. These guidelines must include consideration of the impacts on the Florida Intrastate Highway System, as defined in s. 338.001. The exceptions may be available only within the specific geographic area of the jurisdiction designated in the plan. Pursuant to s. 163.3184, any affected person may challenge a plan amendment establishing these guidelines and the areas within which an exception could be granted.

(6)  The Legislature finds that a de minimis impact is consistent with this part. A de minimis impact is an impact that would not affect more than 1 percent of the maximum volume at the adopted level of service of the affected transportation facility as determined by the local government. No impact will be de minimis if the sum of existing roadway volumes and the projected volumes from approved projects on a transportation facility would exceed 110 percent of the maximum volume at the adopted level of service of the affected transportation facility; provided however, that an impact of a single family home on an existing lot will constitute a de minimis impact on all roadways regardless of the level of the deficiency of the roadway. Local governments are encouraged to adopt methodologies to encourage de minimis impacts on transportation facilities within an existing urban service area. Further, no impact will be de minimis if it would exceed the adopted level-of-service standard of any affected designated hurricane evacuation routes.

(7)  In order to promote infill development and redevelopment, one or more transportation concurrency management areas may be designated in a local government comprehensive plan. A transportation concurrency management area must be a compact geographic area with an existing network of roads where multiple, viable alternative travel paths or modes are available for common trips. A local government may establish an areawide level-of-service standard for such a transportation concurrency management area based upon an analysis that provides for a justification for the areawide level of service, how urban infill development or redevelopment will be promoted, and how mobility will be accomplished within the transportation concurrency management area. The state land planning agency shall amend chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, to be consistent with this subsection.

(8)  When assessing the transportation impacts of proposed urban redevelopment within an established existing urban service area, 110 percent of the actual transportation impact caused by the previously existing development must be reserved for the redevelopment, even if the previously existing development has a lesser or nonexisting impact pursuant to the calculations of the local government. Redevelopment requiring less than 110 percent of the previously existing capacity shall not be prohibited due to the reduction of transportation levels of service below the adopted standards. This does not preclude the appropriate assessment of fees or accounting for the impacts within the concurrency management system and capital improvements program of the affected local government. This paragraph does not affect local government requirements for appropriate development permits.

(9)(a)  Each local government may adopt as a part of its plan a long-term transportation concurrency management system with a planning period of up to 10 years for specially designated districts where significant backlogs exist. The plan may include interim level-of-service standards on certain facilities and may rely on the local government's schedule of capital improvements for up to 10 years as a basis for issuing development permits in these districts. It must be designed to correct existing deficiencies and set priorities for addressing backlogged facilities. It must be financially feasible and consistent with other portions of the adopted local plan, including the future land use map.

(b)  If a local government has a transportation backlog for existing development which cannot be adequately addressed in a 10-year plan, the state land planning agency may allow it to develop a plan of up to 15 years for good and sufficient cause, based on a general comparison between that local government and all other similarly situated local jurisdictions, using the following factors:

1.  The extent of the backlog.

2.  Whether the backlog is on local or state roads.

3.  The cost of eliminating the backlog.

4.  The local government's tax and other revenue-raising efforts.

(10)  With regard to facilities on the Florida Intrastate Highway System as defined in s. 338.001, with concurrence from the Department of Transportation, the level-of-service standard for general lanes in urbanized areas, as defined in s. 334.03(36), may be established by the local government in the comprehensive plan. For all other facilities on the Florida Intrastate Highway System, local governments shall adopt the level-of-service standard established by the Department of Transportation by rule. For all other roads on the State Highway System, local governments shall establish an adequate level-of-service standard that need not be consistent with any level-of-service standard established by the Department of Transportation.

(11)  In order to limit the liability of local governments, a local government may allow a landowner to proceed with development of a specific parcel of land notwithstanding a failure of the development to satisfy transportation concurrency, when all the following factors are shown to exist:

(a)  The local government with jurisdiction over the property has adopted a local comprehensive plan that is in compliance.

(b)  The proposed development would be consistent with the future land use designation for the specific property and with pertinent portions of the adopted local plan, as determined by the local government.

(c)  The local plan includes a financially feasible capital improvements element that provides for transportation facilities adequate to serve the proposed development, and the local government has not implemented that element.

(d)  The local government has provided a means by which the landowner will be assessed a fair share of the cost of providing the transportation facilities necessary to serve the proposed development.

(e)  The landowner has made a binding commitment to the local government to pay the fair share of the cost of providing the transportation facilities to serve the proposed development.

(12)  When authorized by a local comprehensive plan, a multiuse development of regional impact may satisfy the transportation concurrency requirements of the local comprehensive plan, the local government's concurrency management system, and s. 380.06 by payment of a proportionate-share contribution for local and regionally significant traffic impacts, if:

(a)  The development of regional impact meets or exceeds the guidelines and standards of s. 380.0651(3)(i) and rule 28-24.032(2), Florida Administrative Code, and includes a residential component that contains at least 100 residential dwelling units or 15 percent of the applicable residential guideline and standard, whichever is greater;

(b)  The development of regional impact contains an integrated mix of land uses and is designed to encourage pedestrian or other nonautomotive modes of transportation;

(c)  The proportionate-share contribution for local and regionally significant traffic impacts is sufficient to pay for one or more required improvements that will benefit a regionally significant transportation facility;

(d)  The owner and developer of the development of regional impact pays or assures payment of the proportionate-share contribution; and

(e)  If the regionally significant transportation facility to be constructed or improved is under the maintenance authority of a governmental entity, as defined by s. 334.03(12), other than the local government with jurisdiction over the development of regional impact, the developer is required to enter into a binding and legally enforceable commitment to transfer funds to the governmental entity having maintenance authority or to otherwise assure construction or improvement of the facility.

The proportionate-share contribution may be applied to any transportation facility to satisfy the provisions of this subsection and the local comprehensive plan, but, for the purposes of this subsection, the amount of the proportionate-share contribution shall be calculated based upon the cumulative number of trips from the proposed development expected to reach roadways during the peak hour from the complete buildout of a stage or phase being approved, divided by the change in the peak hour maximum service volume of roadways resulting from construction of an improvement necessary to maintain the adopted level of service, multiplied by the construction cost, at the time of developer payment, of the improvement necessary to maintain the adopted level of service. For purposes of this subsection, "construction cost" includes all associated costs of the improvement.

(13)  School concurrency, if imposed by local option, shall be established on a districtwide basis and shall include all public schools in the district and all portions of the district, whether located in a municipality or an unincorporated area. The application of school concurrency to development shall be based upon the adopted comprehensive plan, as amended. All local governments within a county, except as provided in paragraph (f), shall adopt and transmit to the state land planning agency the necessary plan amendments, along with the interlocal agreement, for a compliance review pursuant to s. 163.3184(7) and (8). School concurrency shall not become effective in a county until all local governments, except as provided in paragraph (f), have adopted the necessary plan amendments, which together with the interlocal agreement, are determined to be in compliance with the requirements of this part. The minimum requirements for school concurrency are the following:

(a)  Public school facilities element.--A local government shall adopt and transmit to the state land planning agency a plan or plan amendment which includes a public school facilities element which is consistent with the requirements of s. 163.3177(12) and which is determined to be in compliance as defined in s. 163.3184(1)(b). All local government public school facilities plan elements within a county must be consistent with each other as well as the requirements of this part.

(b)  Level-of-service standards.--The Legislature recognizes that an essential requirement for a concurrency management system is the level of service at which a public facility is expected to operate.

1.  Local governments and school boards imposing school concurrency shall exercise authority in conjunction with each other to establish jointly adequate level-of-service standards, as defined in chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, necessary to implement the adopted local government comprehensive plan, based on data and analysis.

2.  Public school level-of-service standards shall be included and adopted into the capital improvements element of the local comprehensive plan and shall apply districtwide to all schools of the same type. Types of schools may include elementary, middle, and high schools as well as special purpose facilities such as magnet schools.

3.  Local governments and school boards shall have the option to utilize tiered level-of-service standards to allow time to achieve an adequate and desirable level of service as circumstances warrant.

(c)  Service areas.--The Legislature recognizes that an essential requirement for a concurrency system is a designation of the area within which the level of service will be measured when an application for a residential development permit is reviewed for school concurrency purposes. This delineation is also important for purposes of determining whether the local government has a financially feasible public school capital facilities program that will provide schools which will achieve and maintain the adopted level-of-service standards.

1.  In order to balance competing interests, preserve the constitutional concept of uniformity, and avoid disruption of existing educational and growth management processes, local governments are encouraged to apply school concurrency to development on a districtwide basis so that a concurrency determination for a specific development will be based upon the availability of school capacity districtwide.

2.  For local governments applying school concurrency on a less than districtwide basis, such as utilizing school attendance zones or larger school concurrency service areas, local governments and school boards shall have the burden to demonstrate that the utilization of school capacity is maximized to the greatest extent possible in the comprehensive plan and amendment, taking into account transportation costs and court-approved desegregation plans, as well as other factors. In addition, in order to achieve concurrency within the service area boundaries selected by local governments and school boards, the service area boundaries, together with the standards for establishing those boundaries, shall be identified, included, and adopted as part of the comprehensive plan. Any subsequent change to the service area boundaries for purposes of a school concurrency system shall be by plan amendment and shall be exempt from the limitation on the frequency of plan amendments in s. 163.3187(1).

3.  Where school capacity is available on a districtwide basis but school concurrency is applied on a less than districtwide basis in the form of concurrency service areas, if the adopted level-of-service standard cannot be met in a particular service area as applied to an application for a development permit and if the needed capacity for the particular service area is available in one or more contiguous service areas, as adopted by the local government, then the development order shall be issued and mitigation measures shall not be exacted.

(d)  Financial feasibility.--The Legislature recognizes that financial feasibility is an important issue because the premise of concurrency is that the public facilities will be provided in order to achieve and maintain the adopted level-of-service standard. This part and chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, contain specific standards to determine the financial feasibility of capital programs. These standards were adopted to make concurrency more predictable and local governments more accountable.

1.  A comprehensive plan amendment seeking to impose school concurrency shall contain appropriate amendments to the capital improvements element of the comprehensive plan, consistent with the requirements of s. 163.3177(3) and rule 9J-5.016, Florida Administrative Code. The capital improvements element shall set forth a financially feasible public school capital facilities program, established in conjunction with the school board, that demonstrates that the adopted level-of-service standards will be achieved and maintained.

2.  Such amendments shall demonstrate that the public school capital facilities program meets all of the financial feasibility standards of this part and chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, that apply to capital programs which provide the basis for mandatory concurrency on other public facilities and services.

3.  When the financial feasibility of a public school capital facilities program is evaluated by the state land planning agency for purposes of a compliance determination, the evaluation shall be based upon the service areas selected by the local governments and school board.

(e)  Availability standard.--Consistent with the public welfare, a local government may not deny a development permit authorizing residential development for failure to achieve and maintain the level-of-service standard for public school capacity in a local option school concurrency system where adequate school facilities will be in place or under actual construction within 3 years after permit issuance.

(f)  Intergovernmental coordination.--

1.  When establishing concurrency requirements for public schools, a local government shall satisfy the requirements for intergovernmental coordination set forth in s. 163.3177(6)(h)1. and 2., except that a municipality is not required to be a signatory to the interlocal agreement required by s. 163.3177(6)(h)2. as a prerequisite for imposition of school concurrency, and as a nonsignatory, shall not participate in the adopted local school concurrency system, if the municipality meets all of the following criteria for having no significant impact on school attendance:

a.  The municipality has issued development orders for fewer than 50 residential dwelling units during the preceding 5 years, or the municipality has generated fewer than 25 additional public school students during the preceding 5 years.

b.  The municipality has not annexed new land during the preceding 5 years in land use categories which permit residential uses that will affect school attendance rates.

c.  The municipality has no public schools located within its boundaries.

d.  At least 80 percent of the developable land within the boundaries of the municipality has been built upon.

2.  A municipality which qualifies as having no significant impact on school attendance pursuant to the criteria of subparagraph 1. must review and determine at the time of its evaluation and appraisal report pursuant to s. 163.3191 whether it continues to meet the criteria. If the municipality determines that it no longer meets the criteria, it must adopt appropriate school concurrency goals, objectives, and policies in its plan amendments based on the evaluation and appraisal report, and enter into the existing interlocal agreement required by s. 163.3177(6)(h)2., in order to fully participate in the school concurrency system. If such a municipality fails to do so, it will be subject to the enforcement provisions of s. 163.3191.

(g)  Interlocal agreement for school concurrency.--When establishing concurrency requirements for public schools, a local government must enter into an interlocal agreement which satisfies the requirements in s. 163.3177(6)(h)1. and 2. and the requirements of this subsection. The interlocal agreement shall acknowledge both the school board's constitutional and statutory obligations to provide a uniform system of free public schools on a countywide basis, and the land use authority of local governments, including their authority to approve or deny comprehensive plan amendments and development orders. The interlocal agreement shall be submitted to the state land planning agency by the local government as a part of the compliance review, along with the other necessary amendments to the comprehensive plan required by this part. In addition to the requirements of s. 163.3177(6)(h), the interlocal agreement shall meet the following requirements:

1.  Establish the mechanisms for coordinating the development, adoption, and amendment of each local government's public school facilities element with each other and the plans of the school board to ensure a uniform districtwide school concurrency system.

2.  Establish a process by which each local government and the school board shall agree and base their plans on consistent projections of the amount, type, and distribution of population growth and coordinate and share information relating to existing and planned public school facilities projections and proposals for development and redevelopment, and infrastructure required to support public school facilities.

3.  Establish a process for the development of siting criteria which encourages the location of public schools proximate to urban residential areas to the extent possible and seeks to collocate schools with other public facilities such as parks, libraries, and community centers to the extent possible.

4.  Specify uniform, districtwide level-of-service standards for public schools of the same type and the process for modifying the adopted levels-of-service standards.

5.  Establish a process for the preparation, amendment, and joint approval by each local government and the school board of a public school capital facilities program which is financially feasible, and a process and schedule for incorporation of the public school capital facilities program into the local government comprehensive plans on an annual basis.

6.  Define the geographic application of school concurrency. If school concurrency is to be applied on a less than districtwide basis in the form of concurrency service areas, the agreement shall establish criteria and standards for the establishment and modification of school concurrency service areas. The agreement shall also establish a process and schedule for the mandatory incorporation of the school concurrency service areas and the criteria and standards for establishment of the service areas into the local government comprehensive plans. The agreement shall ensure maximum utilization of school capacity, taking into account transportation costs and court-approved desegregation plans, as well as other factors. The agreement shall also ensure the achievement and maintenance of the adopted level-of-service standards for the geographic area of application throughout the 5 years covered by the public school capital facilities plan and thereafter by adding a new fifth year during the annual update.

7.  Establish a uniform districtwide procedure for implementing school concurrency which provides for:

a.  The evaluation of development applications for compliance with school concurrency requirements;

b.  An opportunity for the school board to review and comment on the effect of comprehensive plan amendments and rezonings on the public school facilities plan; and

c.  The monitoring and evaluation of the school concurrency system.

8.  Include provisions relating to termination, suspension, and amendment of the agreement. The agreement shall provide that if the agreement is terminated or suspended, the application of school concurrency shall be terminated or suspended.

(14)  The state land planning agency shall, by October 1, 1998, adopt by rule minimum criteria for the review and determination of compliance of a public school facilities element adopted by a local government for purposes of imposition of school concurrency.

(15)(a)  Multimodal transportation districts may be established under a local government comprehensive plan in areas delineated on the future land use map for which the local comprehensive plan assigns secondary priority to vehicle mobility and primary priority to assuring a safe, comfortable, and attractive pedestrian environment, with convenient interconnection to transit. Such districts must incorporate community design features that will reduce the number of automobile trips or vehicle miles of travel and will support an integrated, multimodal transportation system.

(b)  Community design elements of such a district include: a complementary mix and range of land uses, including educational, recreational, and cultural uses; interconnected networks of streets designed to encourage walking and bicycling, with traffic-calming where desirable; appropriate densities and intensities of use within walking distance of transit stops; daily activities within walking distance of residences, allowing independence to persons who do not drive; public uses, streets, and squares that are safe, comfortable, and attractive for the pedestrian, with adjoining buildings open to the street and with parking not interfering with pedestrian, transit, automobile, and truck travel modes.

(c)  Local governments may establish multimodal level-of-service standards that rely primarily on nonvehicular modes of transportation within the district, when justified by an analysis demonstrating that the existing and planned community design will provide an adequate level of mobility within the district based upon professionally accepted multimodal level-of-service methodologies. The analysis must take into consideration the impact on the Florida Intrastate Highway System. The analysis must also demonstrate that the capital improvements required to promote community design are financially feasible over the development or redevelopment timeframe for the district and that community design features within the district provide convenient interconnection for a multimodal transportation system. Local governments may issue development permits in reliance upon all planned community design capital improvements that are financially feasible over the development or redevelopment timeframe for the district, without regard to the period of time between development or redevelopment and the scheduled construction of the capital improvements. A determination of financial feasibility shall be based upon currently available funding or funding sources that could reasonably be expected to become available over the planning period.

(d)  Local governments may reduce impact fees or local access fees for development within multimodal transportation districts based on the reduction of vehicle trips per household or vehicle miles of travel expected from the development pattern planned for the district.

History.--s. 8, ch. 93-206; s. 12, ch. 95-341; s. 3, ch. 96-416; s. 1, ch. 97-253; s. 5, ch. 98-176; s. 4, ch. 99-378; s. 2, ch. 2002-13; s. 6, ch. 2002-296.

163.3181  Public participation in the comprehensive planning process; intent; alternative dispute resolution.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the public participate in the comprehensive planning process to the fullest extent possible. Towards this end, local planning agencies and local governmental units are directed to adopt procedures designed to provide effective public participation in the comprehensive planning process and to provide real property owners with notice of all official actions which will regulate the use of their property. The provisions and procedures required in this act are set out as the minimum requirements towards this end.

(2)  During consideration of the proposed plan or amendments thereto by the local planning agency or by the local governing body, the procedures shall provide for broad dissemination of the proposals and alternatives, opportunity for written comments, public hearings as provided herein, provisions for open discussion, communications programs, information services, and consideration of and response to public comments.

(3)  A local government considering undertaking a publicly financed capital improvement project may elect to use the procedures set forth in this subsection for the purpose of allowing public participation in the decision and resolution of disputes. For purposes of this subsection, a publicly financed capital improvement project is a physical structure or structures, the funding for construction, operation, and maintenance of which is financed entirely from public funds.

(a)  Prior to the date of a public hearing on the decision on whether to proceed with the proposed project, the local government shall publish public notice of its intent to decide the issue according to the notice procedures described by s. 125.66(4)(b)2. for a county or s. 166.041(3)(c)2.b. for a municipality.

(b)  If the local government chooses to use this process, an affected person may not institute or intervene in an administrative hearing objecting to the project as not consistent with the local comprehensive plan unless, and then only to the extent to which, the affected person raised, through written or oral comments, the same issues between the date of publication of the public notice and the conclusion of the public hearing. However, this limitation shall not apply to issues arising either from significant changes to the location, type, or use of the project, or to significant new information about the project site which becomes known after the public hearing as a result of subsequent site study and analysis, if required.

(c)  If an affected person requests an administrative hearing pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57, that person shall file the petition no later than 30 days after the public hearing or no later than 30 days after the change or new information is made available to the public, whichever is later. Affected local governments, the state land planning agency, or other affected persons may intervene. Following the initiation of an administrative hearing, the administrative law judge shall, by order issued within 15 days after receipt of the petition, establish a schedule for the proceedings, including discovery, which provides for a final hearing within 60 days of the issuance of the order. Proposed recommended orders must be submitted to the administrative law judge, if at all, within 10 days of the filing of the hearing transcript. Recommended orders shall be submitted to the state land planning agency within 30 days of the last day for the filing of the proposed recommended order. The state land planning agency shall issue its final order within 45 days of receipt of the recommended order.

(d)  The doctrine of res judicata shall apply to all matters raised and disposed of in the final order issued pursuant to this subsection.

(4)  If a local government denies an owner's request for an amendment to the comprehensive plan which is applicable to the property of the owner, the local government must afford an opportunity to the owner for informal mediation or other alternative dispute resolution. The costs of the mediation or other alternative dispute resolution shall be borne equally by the local government and the owner. If the owner requests mediation, the time for bringing a judicial action is tolled until the completion of the mediation or 120 days, whichever is earlier.

History.--s. 8, ch. 75-257; s. 3, ch. 76-155; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 3, ch. 77-331; s. 9, ch. 93-206; s. 12, ch. 93-286; s. 4, ch. 95-181; s. 10, ch. 95-310; s. 25, ch. 96-410.

163.3184  Process for adoption of comprehensive plan or plan amendment.--

(1)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Affected person" includes the affected local government; persons owning property, residing, or owning or operating a business within the boundaries of the local government whose plan is the subject of the review; owners of real property abutting real property that is the subject of a proposed change to a future land use map; and adjoining local governments that can demonstrate that the plan or plan amendment will produce substantial impacts on the increased need for publicly funded infrastructure or substantial impacts on areas designated for protection or special treatment within their jurisdiction. Each person, other than an adjoining local government, in order to qualify under this definition, shall also have submitted oral or written comments, recommendations, or objections to the local government during the period of time beginning with the transmittal hearing for the plan or plan amendment and ending with the adoption of the plan or plan amendment.

(b)  "In compliance" means consistent with the requirements of ss. 163.3177, 163.31776, when a local government adopts an educational facilities element, 163.3178, 163.3180, 163.3191, and 163.3245, with the state comprehensive plan, with the appropriate strategic regional policy plan, and with chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, where such rule is not inconsistent with this part and with the principles for guiding development in designated areas of critical state concern.

(2)  COORDINATION.--Each comprehensive plan or plan amendment proposed to be adopted pursuant to this part shall be transmitted, adopted, and reviewed in the manner prescribed in this section. The state land planning agency shall have responsibility for plan review, coordination, and the preparation and transmission of comments, pursuant to this section, to the local governing body responsible for the comprehensive plan. The state land planning agency shall maintain a single file concerning any proposed or adopted plan amendment submitted by a local government for any review under this section. Copies of all correspondence, papers, notes, memoranda, and other documents received or generated by the state land planning agency must be placed in the appropriate file. Paper copies of all electronic mail correspondence must be placed in the file. The file and its contents must be available for public inspection and copying as provided in chapter 119.

(3)  LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRANSMITTAL OF PROPOSED PLAN OR AMENDMENT.--

(a)  Each local governing body shall transmit the complete proposed comprehensive plan or plan amendment to the state land planning agency, the appropriate regional planning council and water management district, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of State, and the Department of Transportation, and, in the case of municipal plans, to the appropriate county, and, in the case of county plans, to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, immediately following a public hearing pursuant to subsection (15) as specified in the state land planning agency's procedural rules. The local governing body shall also transmit a copy of the complete proposed comprehensive plan or plan amendment to any other unit of local government or government agency in the state that has filed a written request with the governing body for the plan or plan amendment. The local government may request a review by the state land planning agency pursuant to subsection (6) at the time of the transmittal of an amendment.

(b)  A local governing body shall not transmit portions of a plan or plan amendment unless it has previously provided to all state agencies designated by the state land planning agency a complete copy of its adopted comprehensive plan pursuant to subsection (7) and as specified in the agency's procedural rules. In the case of comprehensive plan amendments, the local governing body shall transmit to the state land planning agency, the appropriate regional planning council and water management district, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of State, and the Department of Transportation, and, in the case of municipal plans, to the appropriate county and, in the case of county plans, to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services the materials specified in the state land planning agency's procedural rules and, in cases in which the plan amendment is a result of an evaluation and appraisal report adopted pursuant to s. 163.3191, a copy of the evaluation and appraisal report. Local governing bodies shall consolidate all proposed plan amendments into a single submission for each of the two plan amendment adoption dates during the calendar year pursuant to s. 163.3187.

(c)  A local government may adopt a proposed plan amendment previously transmitted pursuant to this subsection, unless review is requested or otherwise initiated pursuant to subsection (6).

(d)  In cases in which a local government transmits multiple individual amendments that can be clearly and legally separated and distinguished for the purpose of determining whether to review the proposed amendment, and the state land planning agency elects to review several or a portion of the amendments and the local government chooses to immediately adopt the remaining amendments not reviewed, the amendments immediately adopted and any reviewed amendments that the local government subsequently adopts together constitute one amendment cycle in accordance with s. 163.3187(1).

(4)  INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW.--The governmental agencies specified in paragraph (3)(a) shall provide comments to the state land planning agency within 30 days after receipt by the state land planning agency of the complete proposed plan amendment. If the plan or plan amendment includes or relates to the public school facilities element pursuant to s. 163.31776, the state land planning agency shall submit a copy to the Office of Educational Facilities of the Commissioner of Education for review and comment. The appropriate regional planning council shall also provide its written comments to the state land planning agency within 30 days after receipt by the state land planning agency of the complete proposed plan amendment and shall specify any objections, recommendations for modifications, and comments of any other regional agencies to which the regional planning council may have referred the proposed plan amendment. Written comments submitted by the public within 30 days after notice of transmittal by the local government of the proposed plan amendment will be considered as if submitted by governmental agencies. All written agency and public comments must be made part of the file maintained under subsection (2).

(5)  REGIONAL, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL REVIEW.--The review of the regional planning council pursuant to subsection (4) shall be limited to effects on regional resources or facilities identified in the strategic regional policy plan and extrajurisdictional impacts which would be inconsistent with the comprehensive plan of the affected local government. However, any inconsistency between a local plan or plan amendment and a strategic regional policy plan must not be the sole basis for a notice of intent to find a local plan or plan amendment not in compliance with this act. A regional planning council shall not review and comment on a proposed comprehensive plan it prepared itself unless the plan has been changed by the local government subsequent to the preparation of the plan by the regional planning agency. The review of the county land planning agency pursuant to subsection (4) shall be primarily in the context of the relationship and effect of the proposed plan amendment on any county comprehensive plan element. Any review by municipalities will be primarily in the context of the relationship and effect on the municipal plan.

(6)  STATE LAND PLANNING AGENCY REVIEW.--

(a)  The state land planning agency shall review a proposed plan amendment upon request of a regional planning council, affected person, or local government transmitting the plan amendment. The request from the regional planning council or affected person must be received within 30 days after transmittal of the proposed plan amendment pursuant to subsection (3). A regional planning council or affected person requesting a review shall do so by submitting a written request to the agency with a notice of the request to the local government and any other person who has requested notice.

(b)  The state land planning agency may review any proposed plan amendment regardless of whether a request for review has been made, if the agency gives notice to the local government, and any other person who has requested notice, of its intention to conduct such a review within 35 days after receipt of the complete proposed plan amendment.

(c)  The state land planning agency shall establish by rule a schedule for receipt of comments from the various government agencies, as well as written public comments, pursuant to subsection (4). If the state land planning agency elects to review the amendment or the agency is required to review the amendment as specified in paragraph (a), the agency shall issue a report giving its objections, recommendations, and comments regarding the proposed amendment within 60 days after receipt of the complete proposed amendment by the state land planning agency. When a federal, state, or regional agency has implemented a permitting program, the state land planning agency shall not require a local government to duplicate or exceed that permitting program in its comprehensive plan or to implement such a permitting program in its land development regulations. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the state land planning agency in conducting its review of local plans or plan amendments from making objections, recommendations, and comments or making compliance determinations regarding densities and intensities consistent with the provisions of this part. In preparing its comments, the state land planning agency shall only base its considerations on written, and not oral, comments, from any source.

(d)  The state land planning agency review shall identify all written communications with the agency regarding the proposed plan amendment. If the state land planning agency does not issue such a review, it shall identify in writing to the local government all written communications received 30 days after transmittal. The written identification must include a list of all documents received or generated by the agency, which list must be of sufficient specificity to enable the documents to be identified and copies requested, if desired, and the name of the person to be contacted to request copies of any identified document. The list of documents must be made a part of the public records of the state land planning agency.

(7)  LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW OF COMMENTS; ADOPTION OF PLAN OR AMENDMENTS AND TRANSMITTAL.--

(a)  The local government shall review the written comments submitted to it by the state land planning agency, and any other person, agency, or government. Any comments, recommendations, or objections and any reply to them shall be public documents, a part of the permanent record in the matter, and admissible in any proceeding in which the comprehensive plan or plan amendment may be at issue. The local government, upon receipt of written comments from the state land planning agency, shall have 120 days to adopt or adopt with changes the proposed comprehensive plan or s. 163.3191 plan amendments. In the case of comprehensive plan amendments other than those proposed pursuant to s. 163.3191, the local government shall have 60 days to adopt the amendment, adopt the amendment with changes, or determine that it will not adopt the amendment. The adoption of the proposed plan or plan amendment or the determination not to adopt a plan amendment, other than a plan amendment proposed pursuant to s. 163.3191, shall be made in the course of a public hearing pursuant to subsection (15). The local government shall transmit the complete adopted comprehensive plan or plan amendment, including the names and addresses of persons compiled pursuant to paragraph (15)(c), to the state land planning agency as specified in the agency's procedural rules within 10 working days after adoption. The local governing body shall also transmit a copy of the adopted comprehensive plan or plan amendment to the regional planning agency and to any other unit of local government or governmental agency in the state that has filed a written request with the governing body for a copy of the plan or plan amendment.

(b)  If the adopted plan amendment is unchanged from the proposed plan amendment transmitted pursuant to subsection (3) and an affected person as defined in paragraph (1)(a) did not raise any objection, the state land planning agency did not review the proposed plan amendment, and the state land planning agency did not raise any objections during its review pursuant to subsection (6), the local government may state in the transmittal letter that the plan amendment is unchanged and was not the subject of objections.

(8)  NOTICE OF INTENT.--

(a)  If the transmittal letter correctly states that the plan amendment is unchanged and was not the subject of review or objections pursuant to paragraph (7)(b), the state land planning agency has 20 days after receipt of the transmittal letter within which to issue a notice of intent that the plan amendment is in compliance.

(b)  Except as provided in paragraph (a) or in s. 163.3187(3), the state land planning agency, upon receipt of a local government's complete adopted comprehensive plan or plan amendment, shall have 45 days for review and to determine if the plan or plan amendment is in compliance with this act, unless the amendment is the result of a compliance agreement entered into under subsection (16), in which case the time period for review and determination shall be 30 days. If review was not conducted under subsection (6), the agency's determination must be based upon the plan amendment as adopted. If review was conducted under subsection (6), the agency's determination of compliance must be based only upon one or both of the following:

1.  The state land planning agency's written comments to the local government pursuant to subsection (6); or

2.  Any changes made by the local government to the comprehensive plan or plan amendment as adopted.

(c)1.  During the time period provided for in this subsection, the state land planning agency shall issue, through a senior administrator or the secretary, as specified in the agency's procedural rules, a notice of intent to find that the plan or plan amendment is in compliance or not in compliance. A notice of intent shall be issued by publication in the manner provided by this paragraph and by mailing a copy to the local government. The advertisement shall be placed in that portion of the newspaper where legal notices appear. The advertisement shall be published in a newspaper that meets the size and circulation requirements set forth in paragraph (15)(e) and that has been designated in writing by the affected local government at the time of transmittal of the amendment. Publication by the state land planning agency of a notice of intent in the newspaper designated by the local government shall be prima facie evidence of compliance with the publication requirements of this section. The state land planning agency shall post a copy of the notice of intent on the agency's Internet site. The agency shall, no later than the date the notice of intent is transmitted to the newspaper, send by regular mail a courtesy informational statement to persons who provide their names and addresses to the local government at the transmittal hearing or at the adoption hearing where the local government has provided the names and addresses of such persons to the department at the time of transmittal of the adopted amendment. The informational statements shall include the name of the newspaper in which the notice of intent will appear, the approximate date of publication, the ordinance number of the plan or plan amendment, and a statement that affected persons have 21 days after the actual date of publication of the notice to file a petition.

2.  A local government that has an Internet site shall post a copy of the state land planning agency's notice of intent on the site within 5 days after receipt of the mailed copy of the agency's notice of intent.

(9)  PROCESS IF LOCAL PLAN OR AMENDMENT IS IN COMPLIANCE.--

(a)  If the state land planning agency issues a notice of intent to find that the comprehensive plan or plan amendment transmitted pursuant to s. 163.3167, s. 163.3187, s. 163.3189, or s. 163.3191 is in compliance with this act, any affected person may file a petition with the agency pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 within 21 days after the publication of notice. In this proceeding, the local plan or plan amendment shall be determined to be in compliance if the local government's determination of compliance is fairly debatable.

(b)  The hearing shall be conducted by an administrative law judge of the Division of Administrative Hearings of the Department of Management Services, who shall hold the hearing in the county of and convenient to the affected local jurisdiction and submit a recommended order to the state land planning agency. The state land planning agency shall allow for the filing of exceptions to the recommended order and shall issue a final order after receipt of the recommended order if the state land planning agency determines that the plan or plan amendment is in compliance. If the state land planning agency determines that the plan or plan amendment is not in compliance, the agency shall submit the recommended order to the Administration Commission for final agency action.

(10)  PROCESS IF LOCAL PLAN OR AMENDMENT IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE.--

(a)  If the state land planning agency issues a notice of intent to find the comprehensive plan or plan amendment not in compliance with this act, the notice of intent shall be forwarded to the Division of Administrative Hearings of the Department of Management Services, which shall conduct a proceeding under ss. 120.569 and 120.57 in the county of and convenient to the affected local jurisdiction. The parties to the proceeding shall be the state land planning agency, the affected local government, and any affected person who intervenes. No new issue may be alleged as a reason to find a plan or plan amendment not in compliance in an administrative pleading filed more than 21 days after publication of notice unless the party seeking that issue establishes good cause for not alleging the issue within that time period. Good cause shall not include excusable neglect. In the proceeding, the local government's determination that the comprehensive plan or plan amendment is in compliance is presumed to be correct. The local government's determination shall be sustained unless it is shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the comprehensive plan or plan amendment is not in compliance. The local government's determination that elements of its plans are related to and consistent with each other shall be sustained if the determination is fairly debatable.

(b)  The administrative law judge assigned by the division shall submit a recommended order to the Administration Commission for final agency action.

(c)  Prior to the hearing, the state land planning agency shall afford an opportunity to mediate or otherwise resolve the dispute. If a party to the proceeding requests mediation or other alternative dispute resolution, the hearing may not be held until the state land planning agency advises the administrative law judge in writing of the results of the mediation or other alternative dispute resolution. However, the hearing may not be delayed for longer than 90 days for mediation or other alternative dispute resolution unless a longer delay is agreed to by the parties to the proceeding. The costs of the mediation or other alternative dispute resolution shall be borne equally by all of the parties to the proceeding.

(11)  ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION.--

(a)  If the Administration Commission, upon a hearing pursuant to subsection (9) or subsection (10), finds that the comprehensive plan or plan amendment is not in compliance with this act, the commission shall specify remedial actions which would bring the comprehensive plan or plan amendment into compliance. The commission may direct state agencies not to provide funds to increase the capacity of roads, bridges, or water and sewer systems within the boundaries of those local governmental entities which have comprehensive plans or plan elements that are determined not to be in compliance. The commission order may also specify that the local government shall not be eligible for grants administered under the following programs:

1.  The Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, as authorized by ss. 290.0401-290.049.

2.  The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, as authorized by chapter 375.

3.  Revenue sharing pursuant to ss. 206.60, 210.20, and 218.61 and chapter 212, to the extent not pledged to pay back bonds.

(b)  If the local government is one which is required to include a coastal management element in its comprehensive plan pursuant to s. 163.3177(6)(g), the commission order may also specify that the local government is not eligible for funding pursuant to s. 161.091. The commission order may also specify that the fact that the coastal management element has been determined to be not in compliance shall be a consideration when the department considers permits under s. 161.053 and when the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund considers whether to sell, convey any interest in, or lease any sovereignty lands or submerged lands until the element is brought into compliance.

(c)  The sanctions provided by paragraphs (a) and (b) shall not apply to a local government regarding any plan amendment, except for plan amendments that amend plans that have not been finally determined to be in compliance with this part, and except as provided in s. 163.3189(2) or s. 163.3191(11).

(12)  GOOD FAITH FILING.--The signature of an attorney or party constitutes a certificate that he or she has read the pleading, motion, or other paper and that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay, or for economic advantage, competitive reasons, or frivolous purposes or needless increase in the cost of litigation. If a pleading, motion, or other paper is signed in violation of these requirements, the administrative law judge, upon motion or his or her own initiative, shall impose upon the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the pleading, motion, or other paper, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

(13)  EXCLUSIVE PROCEEDINGS.--The proceedings under this section shall be the sole proceeding or action for a determination of whether a local government's plan, element, or amendment is in compliance with this act.

(14)  AREAS OF CRITICAL STATE CONCERN.--No proposed local government comprehensive plan or plan amendment which is applicable to a designated area of critical state concern shall be effective until a final order is issued finding the plan or amendment to be in compliance as defined in this section.

(15)  PUBLIC HEARINGS.--

(a)  The procedure for transmittal of a complete proposed comprehensive plan or plan amendment pursuant to subsection (3) and for adoption of a comprehensive plan or plan amendment pursuant to subsection (7) shall be by affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the members of the governing body present at the hearing. The adoption of a comprehensive plan or plan amendment shall be by ordinance. For the purposes of transmitting or adopting a comprehensive plan or plan amendment, the notice requirements in chapters 125 and 166 are superseded by this subsection, except as provided in this part.

(b)  The local governing body shall hold at least two advertised public hearings on the proposed comprehensive plan or plan amendment as follows:

1.  The first public hearing shall be held at the transmittal stage pursuant to subsection (3). It shall be held on a weekday at least 7 days after the day that the first advertisement is published.

2.  The second public hearing shall be held at the adoption stage pursuant to subsection (7). It shall be held on a weekday at least 5 days after the day that the second advertisement is published.

(c)  The local government shall provide a sign-in form at the transmittal hearing and at the adoption hearing for persons to provide their names and mailing addresses. The sign-in form must advise that any person providing the requested information will receive a courtesy informational statement concerning publications of the state land planning agency's notice of intent. The local government shall add to the sign-in form the name and address of any person who submits written comments concerning the proposed plan or plan amendment during the time period between the commencement of the transmittal hearing and the end of the adoption hearing. It is the responsibility of the person completing the form or providing written comments to accurately, completely, and legibly provide all information needed in order to receive the courtesy informational statement.

(d)  The agency shall provide a model sign-in form for providing the list to the agency which may be used by the local government to satisfy the requirements of this subsection.

(e)  If the proposed comprehensive plan or plan amendment changes the actual list of permitted, conditional, or prohibited uses within a future land use category or changes the actual future land use map designation of a parcel or parcels of land, the required advertisements shall be in the format prescribed by s. 125.66(4)(b)2. for a county or by s. 166.041(3)(c)2.b. for a municipality.

(16)  COMPLIANCE AGREEMENTS.--

(a)  At any time following the issuance of a notice of intent to find a comprehensive plan or plan amendment not in compliance with this part or after the initiation of a hearing pursuant to subsection (9), the state land planning agency and the local government may voluntarily enter into a compliance agreement to resolve one or more of the issues raised in the proceedings. Affected persons who have initiated a formal proceeding or have intervened in a formal proceeding may also enter into the compliance agreement. All parties granted intervenor status shall be provided reasonable notice of the commencement of a compliance agreement negotiation process and a reasonable opportunity to participate in such negotiation process. Negotiation meetings with local governments or intervenors shall be open to the public. The state land planning agency shall provide each party granted intervenor status with a copy of the compliance agreement within 10 days after the agreement is executed. The compliance agreement shall list each portion of the plan or plan amendment which is not in compliance, and shall specify remedial actions which the local government must complete within a specified time in order to bring the plan or plan amendment into compliance, including adoption of all necessary plan amendments. The compliance agreement may also establish monitoring requirements and incentives to ensure that the conditions of the compliance agreement are met.

(b)  Upon filing by the state land planning agency of a compliance agreement executed by the agency and the local government with the Division of Administrative Hearings, any administrative proceeding under ss. 120.569 and 120.57 regarding the plan or plan amendment covered by the compliance agreement shall be stayed.

(c)  Prior to its execution of a compliance agreement, the local government must approve the compliance agreement at a public hearing advertised at least 10 days before the public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in accordance with the advertisement requirements of subsection (15).

(d)  A local government may adopt a plan amendment pursuant to a compliance agreement in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (15)(a). The plan amendment shall be exempt from the requirements of subsections (2)-(7). The local government shall hold a single adoption public hearing pursuant to the requirements of subparagraph (15)(b)2. and paragraph (15)(e). Within 10 working days after adoption of a plan amendment, the local government shall transmit the amendment to the state land planning agency as specified in the agency's procedural rules, and shall submit one copy to the regional planning agency and to any other unit of local government or government agency in the state that has filed a written request with the governing body for a copy of the plan amendment, and one copy to any party to the proceeding under ss. 120.569 and 120.57 granted intervenor status.

(e)  The state land planning agency, upon receipt of a plan amendment adopted pursuant to a compliance agreement, shall issue a cumulative notice of intent addressing both the compliance agreement amendment and the plan or plan amendment that was the subject of the agreement, in accordance with subsection (8).

(f)1.  If the local government adopts a comprehensive plan amendment pursuant to a compliance agreement and a notice of intent to find the plan amendment in compliance is issued, the state land planning agency shall forward the notice of intent to the Division of Administrative Hearings and the administrative law judge shall realign the parties in the pending proceeding under ss. 120.569 and 120.57, which shall thereafter be governed by the process contained in paragraphs (9)(a) and (b), including provisions relating to challenges by an affected person, burden of proof, and issues of a recommended order and a final order, except as provided in subparagraph 2. Parties to the original proceeding at the time of realignment may continue as parties without being required to file additional pleadings to initiate a proceeding, but may timely amend their pleadings to raise any challenge to the amendment which is the subject of the cumulative notice of intent, and must otherwise conform to the rules of procedure of the Division of Administrative Hearings. Any affected person not a party to the realigned proceeding may challenge the plan amendment which is the subject of the cumulative notice of intent by filing a petition with the agency as provided in subsection (9). The agency shall forward the petition filed by the affected person not a party to the realigned proceeding to the Division of Administrative Hearings for consolidation with the realigned proceeding.

2.  If any of the issues raised by the state land planning agency in the original subsection (10) proceeding are not resolved by the compliance agreement amendments, any intervenor in the original subsection (10) proceeding may require those issues to be addressed in the pending consolidated realigned proceeding under ss. 120.569 and 120.57. As to those unresolved issues, the burden of proof shall be governed by subsection (10).

3.  If the local government adopts a comprehensive plan amendment pursuant to a compliance agreement and a notice of intent to find the plan amendment not in compliance is issued, the state land planning agency shall forward the notice of intent to the Division of Administrative Hearings, which shall consolidate the proceeding with the pending proceeding and immediately set a date for hearing in the pending proceeding under ss. 120.569 and 120.57. Affected persons who are not a party to the underlying proceeding under ss. 120.569 and 120.57 may challenge the plan amendment adopted pursuant to the compliance agreement by filing a petition pursuant to subsection (10).

(g)  If the local government fails to adopt a comprehensive plan amendment pursuant to a compliance agreement, the state land planning agency shall notify the Division of Administrative Hearings, which shall set the hearing in the pending proceeding under ss. 120.569 and 120.57 at the earliest convenient time.

(h)  This subsection does not prohibit a local government from amending portions of its comprehensive plan other than those which are the subject of the compliance agreement. However, such amendments to the plan may not be inconsistent with the compliance agreement.

(i)  Nothing in this subsection is intended to limit the parties from entering into a compliance agreement at any time before the final order in the proceeding is issued, provided that the provisions of paragraph (c) shall apply regardless of when the compliance agreement is reached.

(j)  Nothing in this subsection is intended to force any party into settlement against its will or to preclude the use of other informal dispute resolution methods, such as the services offered by the Florida Growth Management Dispute Resolution Consortium, in the course of or in addition to the method described in this subsection.

History.--s. 9, ch. 75-257; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 4, ch. 77-331; s. 7, ch. 83-308; s. 8, ch. 84-254; s. 8, ch. 85-55; s. 9, ch. 86-191; s. 7, ch. 92-129; s. 77, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 10, ch. 93-206; s. 34, ch. 94-356; s. 1445, ch. 95-147; s. 5, ch. 95-181; s. 11, ch. 95-310; s. 2, ch. 95-322; s. 26, ch. 96-410; s. 16, ch. 97-99; s. 2, ch. 97-253; s. 3, ch. 98-146; s. 12, ch. 98-176; s. 15, ch. 2000-158; s. 34, ch. 2001-254; s. 7, ch. 2002-296.

163.3187  Amendment of adopted comprehensive plan.--

(1)  Amendments to comprehensive plans adopted pursuant to this part may be made not more than two times during any calendar year, except:

(a)  In the case of an emergency, comprehensive plan amendments may be made more often than twice during the calendar year if the additional plan amendment receives the approval of all of the members of the governing body. "Emergency" means any occurrence or threat thereof whether accidental or natural, caused by humankind, in war or peace, which results or may result in substantial injury or harm to the population or substantial damage to or loss of property or public funds.

(b)  Any local government comprehensive plan amendments directly related to a proposed development of regional impact, including changes which have been determined to be substantial deviations and including Florida Quality Developments pursuant to s. 380.061, may be initiated by a local planning agency and considered by the local governing body at the same time as the application for development approval using the procedures provided for local plan amendment in this section and applicable local ordinances, without regard to statutory or local ordinance limits on the frequency of consideration of amendments to the local comprehensive plan. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to require favorable consideration of a plan amendment solely because it is related to a development of regional impact.

(c)  Any local government comprehensive plan amendments directly related to proposed small scale development activities may be approved without regard to statutory limits on the frequency of consideration of amendments to the local comprehensive plan. A small scale development amendment may be adopted only under the following conditions:

1.  The proposed amendment involves a use of 10 acres or fewer and:

a.  The cumulative annual effect of the acreage for all small scale development amendments adopted by the local government shall not exceed:

(I)  A maximum of 120 acres in a local government that contains areas specifically designated in the local comprehensive plan for urban infill, urban redevelopment, or downtown revitalization as defined in s. 163.3164, urban infill and redevelopment areas designated under s. 163.2517, transportation concurrency exception areas approved pursuant to s. 163.3180(5), or regional activity centers and urban central business districts approved pursuant to s. 380.06(2)(e); however, amendments under this paragraph may be applied to no more than 60 acres annually of property outside the designated areas listed in this sub-sub-subparagraph. Amendments adopted pursuant to paragraph (k) shall not be counted toward the acreage limitations for small scale amendments under this paragraph.

(II)  A maximum of 80 acres in a local government that does not contain any of the designated areas set forth in sub-sub-subparagraph (I).

(III)  A maximum of 120 acres in a county established pursuant to s. 9, Art. VIII of the State Constitution.

b.  The proposed amendment does not involve the same property granted a change within the prior 12 months.

c.  The proposed amendment does not involve the same owner's property within 200 feet of property granted a change within the prior 12 months.

d.  The proposed amendment does not involve a text change to the goals, policies, and objectives of the local government's comprehensive plan, but only proposes a land use change to the future land use map for a site-specific small scale development activity.

e.  The property that is the subject of the proposed amendment is not located within an area of critical state concern, unless the project subject to the proposed amendment involves the construction of affordable housing units meeting the criteria of s. 420.0004(3), and is located within an area of critical state concern designated by s. 380.0552 or by the Administration Commission pursuant to s. 380.05(1). Such amendment is not subject to the density limitations of sub-subparagraph f., and shall be reviewed by the state land planning agency for consistency with the principles for guiding development applicable to the area of critical state concern where the amendment is located and shall not become effective until a final order is issued under s. 380.05(6).

f.  If the proposed amendment involves a residential land use, the residential land use has a density of 10 units or less per acre, except that this limitation does not apply to small scale amendments described in sub-sub-subparagraph a.(I) that are designated in the local comprehensive plan for urban infill, urban redevelopment, or downtown revitalization as defined in s. 163.3164, urban infill and redevelopment areas designated under s. 163.2517, transportation concurrency exception areas approved pursuant to s. 163.3180(5), or regional activity centers and urban central business districts approved pursuant to s. 380.06(2)(e).

2.a.  A local government that proposes to consider a plan amendment pursuant to this paragraph is not required to comply with the procedures and public notice requirements of s. 163.3184(15)(c) for such plan amendments if the local government complies with the provisions in s. 125.66(4)(a) for a county or in s. 166.041(3)(c) for a municipality. If a request for a plan amendment under this paragraph is initiated by other than the local government, public notice is required.

b.  The local government shall send copies of the notice and amendment to the state land planning agency, the regional planning council, and any other person or entity requesting a copy. This information shall also include a statement identifying any property subject to the amendment that is located within a coastal high hazard area as identified in the local comprehensive plan.

3.  Small scale development amendments adopted pursuant to this paragraph require only one public hearing before the governing board, which shall be an adoption hearing as described in s. 163.3184(7), and are not subject to the requirements of s. 163.3184(3)-(6) unless the local government elects to have them subject to those requirements.

(d)  Any comprehensive plan amendment required by a compliance agreement pursuant to s. 163.3184(16) may be approved without regard to statutory limits on the frequency of adoption of amendments to the comprehensive plan.

(e)  A comprehensive plan amendment for location of a state correctional facility. Such an amendment may be made at any time and does not count toward the limitation on the frequency of plan amendments.

(f)  Any comprehensive plan amendment that changes the schedule in the capital improvements element, and any amendments directly related to the schedule, may be made once in a calendar year on a date different from the two times provided in this subsection when necessary to coincide with the adoption of the local government's budget and capital improvements program.

(g)  Any local government comprehensive plan amendments directly related to proposed redevelopment of brownfield areas designated under s. 376.80 may be approved without regard to statutory limits on the frequency of consideration of amendments to the local comprehensive plan.

(h)  Any comprehensive plan amendments for port transportation facilities and projects that are eligible for funding by the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council pursuant to s. 311.07.

(i)  A comprehensive plan amendment for the purpose of designating an urban infill and redevelopment area under s. 163.2517 may be approved without regard to the statutory limits on the frequency of amendments to the comprehensive plan.

(j)  Any comprehensive plan amendment to establish public school concurrency pursuant to s. 163.3180(13), including, but not limited to, adoption of a public school facilities element and adoption of amendments to the capital improvements element and intergovernmental coordination element. In order to ensure the consistency of local government public school facilities elements within a county, such elements shall be prepared and adopted on a similar time schedule.

(k)  A local comprehensive plan amendment directly related to providing transportation improvements to enhance life safety on Controlled Access Major Arterial Highways identified in the Florida Intrastate Highway System, in counties as defined in s. 125.011, where such roadways have a high incidence of traffic accidents resulting in serious injury or death. Any such amendment shall not include any amendment modifying the designation on a comprehensive development plan land use map nor any amendment modifying the allowable densities or intensities of any land.

(l)  A comprehensive plan amendment to adopt a public educational facilities element pursuant to s. 163.31776 and future land-use-map amendments for school siting may be approved notwithstanding statutory limits on the frequency of adopting plan amendments.

(2)  Comprehensive plans may only be amended in such a way as to preserve the internal consistency of the plan pursuant to s. 163.3177(2). Corrections, updates, or modifications of current costs which were set out as part of the comprehensive plan shall not, for the purposes of this act, be deemed to be amendments.

(3)(a)  The state land planning agency shall not review or issue a notice of intent for small scale development amendments which satisfy the requirements of paragraph (1)(c). Any affected person may file a petition with the Division of Administrative Hearings pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 to request a hearing to challenge the compliance of a small scale development amendment with this act within 30 days following the local government's adoption of the amendment, shall serve a copy of the petition on the local government, and shall furnish a copy to the state land planning agency. An administrative law judge shall hold a hearing in the affected jurisdiction not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days following the filing of a petition and the assignment of an administrative law judge. The parties to a hearing held pursuant to this subsection shall be the petitioner, the local government, and any intervenor. In the proceeding, the local government's determination that the small scale development amendment is in compliance is presumed to be correct. The local government's determination shall be sustained unless it is shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the amendment is not in compliance with the requirements of this act. In any proceeding initiated pursuant to this subsection, the state land planning agency may intervene.

(b)1.  If the administrative law judge recommends that the small scale development amendment be found not in compliance, the administrative law judge shall submit the recommended order to the Administration Commission for final agency action. If the administrative law judge recommends that the small scale development amendment be found in compliance, the administrative law judge shall submit the recommended order to the state land planning agency.

2.  If the state land planning agency determines that the plan amendment is not in compliance, the agency shall submit, within 30 days following its receipt, the recommended order to the Administration Commission for final agency action. If the state land planning agency determines that the plan amendment is in compliance, the agency shall enter a final order within 30 days following its receipt of the recommended order.

(c)  Small scale development amendments shall not become effective until 31 days after adoption. If challenged within 30 days after adoption, small scale development amendments shall not become effective until the state land planning agency or the Administration Commission, respectively, issues a final order determining the adopted small scale development amendment is in compliance.

(4)  Each governing body shall transmit to the state land planning agency a current copy of its comprehensive plan not later than December 1, 1985. Each governing body shall also transmit copies of any amendments it adopts to its comprehensive plan so as to continually update the plans on file with the state land planning agency.

(5)  Nothing in this part is intended to prohibit or limit the authority of local governments to require that a person requesting an amendment pay some or all of the cost of public notice.

(6)(a)  No local government may amend its comprehensive plan after the date established by the state land planning agency for adoption of its evaluation and appraisal report unless it has submitted its report or addendum to the state land planning agency as prescribed by s. 163.3191, except for plan amendments described in paragraph (1)(b) or paragraph (1)(h).

(b)  A local government may amend its comprehensive plan after it has submitted its adopted evaluation and appraisal report and for a period of 1 year after the initial determination of sufficiency regardless of whether the report has been determined to be insufficient.

(c)  A local government may not amend its comprehensive plan, except for plan amendments described in paragraph (1)(b), if the 1-year period after the initial sufficiency determination of the report has expired and the report has not been determined to be sufficient.

(d)  When the state land planning agency has determined that the report has sufficiently addressed all pertinent provisions of s. 163.3191, the local government may amend its comprehensive plan without the limitations imposed by paragraph (a) or paragraph (c).

(e)  Any plan amendment which a local government attempts to adopt in violation of paragraph (a) or paragraph (c) is invalid, but such invalidity may be overcome if the local government readopts the amendment and transmits the amendment to the state land planning agency pursuant to s. 163.3184(7) after the report is determined to be sufficient.

History.--s. 10, ch. 75-257; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 5, ch. 77-331; s. 9, ch. 85-55; s. 10, ch. 86-191; s. 8, ch. 92-129; s. 11, ch. 93-206; s. 4, ch. 94-273; s. 1446, ch. 95-147; s. 12, ch. 95-310; s. 3, ch. 95-322; s. 5, ch. 95-396; s. 1, ch. 96-205; s. 27, ch. 96-410; s. 4, ch. 96-416; s. 3, ch. 97-253; s. 14, ch. 98-75; s. 13, ch. 98-176; s. 66, ch. 99-251; s. 5, ch. 99-378; s. 26, ch. 2000-151; s. 16, ch. 2000-158; s. 1, ch. 2000-284; s. 8, ch. 2002-296.

163.3189  Process for amendment of adopted comprehensive plan.--

(1)  The procedure for amendment of an adopted comprehensive plan or plan element which has been found to be in compliance shall be solely as prescribed by this section.

(2)  A local government which has a comprehensive plan that has been found to be in compliance may amend its comprehensive plan as set forth in s. 163.3184, with the following exceptions:

(a)  Plan amendments shall not become effective until the state land planning agency issues a final order determining the adopted amendment to be in compliance in accordance with s. 163.3184(9), or until the Administration Commission issues a final order determining the adopted amendment to be in compliance in accordance with s. 163.3184(10).

(b)  If the Administration Commission, upon a hearing pursuant to s. 163.3184, finds that the adopted plan amendment is not in compliance, the commission shall specify actions that would bring the plan amendment into compliance, and may specify the sanctions provided in s. 163.3184(11) to which the local government will be subject if it elects to make the amendment effective notwithstanding the determination of noncompliance. However, after the final order of the commission, the local government, except in designated areas of critical state concern, may elect to make the amendment effective by resolution at a public meeting after public notice and be subject to sanctions pursuant to s. 163.3184(11). If the local government enacts the remedial actions specified in the commission's final order, the local government shall no longer be subject to sanctions.

(3)(a)  At any time after the department has issued its notice of intent and the matter has been forwarded to the Division of Administrative Hearings, the local government proposing the amendment may demand formal mediation or the local government proposing the amendment or an affected person who is a party to the proceeding may demand informal mediation or expeditious resolution of the amendment proceedings by serving written notice on the state land planning agency, all other parties to the proceeding, and the administrative law judge.

(b)  Upon receipt of a notice pursuant to paragraph (a), the administrative law judge shall set the matter for final hearing no more than 30 days after receipt of the notice. Once a final hearing pursuant to this paragraph has been set, no continuance in the hearing, and no additional time for post-hearing submittals, may be granted without the written agreement of the parties absent a finding by the administrative law judge of extraordinary circumstances. Extraordinary circumstances do not include matters relating to workload or need for additional time for preparation or negotiation.

(c)  Absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances, the Administration Commission shall issue a final order, in a case proceeding under this subsection, within 45 days after the issuance of the recommended order, unless the parties agree in writing to a longer time.

History.--s. 9, ch. 92-129; s. 12, ch. 93-206; s. 28, ch. 96-410; s. 4, ch. 97-253.

¹163.3191  Evaluation and appraisal of comprehensive plan.--

(1)  The planning program shall be a continuous and ongoing process. Each local government shall adopt an evaluation and appraisal report once every 7 years assessing the progress in implementing the local government's comprehensive plan. Furthermore, it is the intent of this section that:

(a)  Adopted comprehensive plans be reviewed through such evaluation process to respond to changes in state, regional, and local policies on planning and growth management and changing conditions and trends, to ensure effective intergovernmental coordination, and to identify major issues regarding the community's achievement of its goals.

(b)  After completion of the initial evaluation and appraisal report and any supporting plan amendments, each subsequent evaluation and appraisal report must evaluate the comprehensive plan in effect at the time of the initiation of the evaluation and appraisal report process.

(c)  Local governments identify the major issues, if applicable, with input from state agencies, regional agencies, adjacent local governments, and the public in the evaluation and appraisal report process. It is also the intent of this section to establish minimum requirements for information to ensure predictability, certainty, and integrity in the growth management process. The report is intended to serve as a summary audit of the actions that a local government has undertaken and identify changes that it may need to make. The report should be based on the local government's analysis of major issues to further the community's goals consistent with statewide minimum standards. The report is not intended to require a comprehensive rewrite of the elements within the local plan, unless a local government chooses to do so.

(2)  The report shall present an evaluation and assessment of the comprehensive plan and shall contain appropriate statements to update the comprehensive plan, including, but not limited to, words, maps, illustrations, or other media, related to:

(a)  Population growth and changes in land area, including annexation, since the adoption of the original plan or the most recent update amendments.

(b)  The extent of vacant and developable land.

(c)  The financial feasibility of implementing the comprehensive plan and of providing needed infrastructure to achieve and maintain adopted level-of-service standards and sustain concurrency management systems through the capital improvements element, as well as the ability to address infrastructure backlogs and meet the demands of growth on public services and facilities.

(d)  The location of existing development in relation to the location of development as anticipated in the original plan, or in the plan as amended by the most recent evaluation and appraisal report update amendments, such as within areas designated for urban growth.

(e)  An identification of the major issues for the jurisdiction and, where pertinent, the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts.

(f)  Relevant changes to the state comprehensive plan, the requirements of this part, the minimum criteria contained in chapter 9J-5, Florida Administrative Code, and the appropriate strategic regional policy plan since the adoption of the original plan or the most recent evaluation and appraisal report update amendments.

(g)  An assessment of whether the plan objectives within each element, as they relate to major issues, have been achieved. The report shall include, as appropriate, an identification as to whether unforeseen or unanticipated changes in circumstances have resulted in problems or opportunities with respect to major issues identified in each element and the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the issue.

(h)  A brief assessment of successes and shortcomings related to each element of the plan.

(i)  The identification of any actions or corrective measures, including whether plan amendments are anticipated to address the major issues identified and analyzed in the report. Such identification shall include, as appropriate, new population projections, new revised planning timeframes, a revised future conditions map or map series, an updated capital improvements element, and any new and revised goals, objectives, and policies for major issues identified within each element. This paragraph shall not require the submittal of the plan amendments with the evaluation and appraisal report.

(j)  A summary of the public participation program and activities undertaken by the local government in preparing the report.

(k)  The coordination of the comprehensive plan with existing public schools and those identified in the applicable educational facilities plan adopted pursuant to s. 1013.35. The assessment shall address, where relevant, the success or failure of the coordination of the future land use map and associated planned residential development with public schools and their capacities, as well as the joint decisionmaking processes engaged in by the local government and the school board in regard to establishing appropriate population projections and the planning and siting of public school facilities. If the issues are not relevant, the local government shall demonstrate that they are not relevant.

(l)  The evaluation must consider the appropriate water management district's regional water supply plan approved pursuant to s. 373.0361. The potable water element must be revised to include a work plan, covering at least a 10-year planning period, for building any water supply facilities that are identified in the element as necessary to serve existing and new development and for which the local government is responsible.

(m)  If any of the jurisdiction of the local government is located within the coastal high-hazard area, an evaluation of whether any past reduction in land use density impairs the property rights of current residents when redevelopment occurs, including, but not limited to, redevelopment following a natural disaster. The property rights of current residents shall be balanced with public safety considerations. The local government must identify strategies to address redevelopment feasibility and the property rights of affected residents. These strategies may include the authorization of redevelopment up to the actual built density in existence on the property prior to the natural disaster or redevelopment.

(3)  Voluntary scoping meetings may be conducted by each local government or several local governments within the same county that agree to meet together. Joint meetings among all local governments in a county are encouraged. All scoping meetings shall be completed at least 1 year prior to the established adoption date of the report. The purpose of the meetings shall be to distribute data and resources available to assist in the preparation of the report, to provide input on major issues in each community that should be addressed in the report, and to advise on the extent of the effort for the components of subsection (2). If scoping meetings are held, the local government shall invite each state and regional reviewing agency, as well as adjacent and other affected local governments. A preliminary list of new data and major issues that have emerged since the adoption of the original plan, or the most recent evaluation and appraisal report-based update amendments, should be developed by state and regional entities and involved local governments for distribution at the scoping meeting. For purposes of this subsection, a "scoping meeting" is a meeting conducted to determine the scope of review of the evaluation and appraisal report by parties to which the report relates.

(4)  The local planning agency shall prepare the evaluation and appraisal report and shall make recommendations to the governing body regarding adoption of the proposed report. The local planning agency shall prepare the report in conformity with its public participation procedures adopted as required by s. 163.3181. During the preparation of the proposed report and prior to making any recommendation to the governing body, the local planning agency shall hold at least one public hearing, with public notice, on the proposed report. At a minimum, the format and content of the proposed report shall include a table of contents; numbered pages; element headings; section headings within elements; a list of included tables, maps, and figures; a title and sources for all included tables; a preparation date; and the name of the preparer. Where applicable, maps shall include major natural and artificial geographic features; city, county, and state lines; and a legend indicating a north arrow, map scale, and the date.

(5)  Ninety days prior to the scheduled adoption date, the local government may provide a proposed evaluation and appraisal report to the state land planning agency and distribute copies to state and regional commenting agencies as prescribed by rule, adjacent jurisdictions, and interested citizens for review. All review comments, including comments by the state land planning agency, shall be transmitted to the local government and state land planning agency within 30 days after receipt of the proposed report.

²(6)  The governing body, after considering the review comments and recommended changes, if any, shall adopt the evaluation and appraisal report by resolution or ordinance at a public hearing with public notice. The governing body shall adopt the report in conformity with its public participation procedures adopted as required by s. 163.3181. The local government shall submit to the state land planning agency three copies of the report, a transmittal letter indicating the dates of public hearings, and a copy of the adoption resolution or ordinance. The local government shall provide a copy of the report to the reviewing agencies which provided comments for the proposed report, or to all the reviewing agencies if a proposed report was not provided pursuant to subsection (5), including the adjacent local governments. Within 60 days after receipt, the state land planning agency shall review the adopted report and make a preliminary sufficiency determination that shall be forwarded by the agency to the local government for its consideration. The state land planning agency shall issue a final sufficiency determination within 90 days after receipt of the adopted evaluation and appraisal report.

(7)  The intent of the evaluation and appraisal process is the preparation of a plan update that clearly and concisely achieves the purpose of this section. Toward this end, the sufficiency review of the state land planning agency shall concentrate on whether the evaluation and appraisal report sufficiently fulfills the components of subsection (2). If the state land planning agency determines that the report is insufficient, the governing body shall adopt a revision of the report and submit the revised report for review pursuant to subsection (6).

³(8)  The state land planning agency may delegate the review of evaluation and appraisal reports, including all state land planning agency duties under subsections (4)-(7), to the appropriate regional planning council. When the review has been delegated to a regional planning council, any local government in the region may elect to have its report reviewed by the regional planning council rather than the state land planning agency. The state land planning agency shall by agreement provide for uniform and adequate review of reports and shall retain oversight for any delegation of review to a regional planning council.

(9)  The state land planning agency may establish a phased schedule for adoption of reports. The schedule shall provide each local government at least 7 years from plan adoption or last established adoption date for a report and shall allot approximately one-seventh of the reports to any 1 year. In order to allow the municipalities to use data and analyses gathered by the counties, the state land planning agency shall schedule municipal report adoption dates between 1 year and 18 months later than the report adoption date for the county in which those municipalities are located. A local government may adopt its report no earlier than 90 days prior to the established adoption date. Small municipalities which were scheduled by chapter 9J-33, Florida Administrative Code, to adopt their evaluation and appraisal report after February 2, 1999, shall be rescheduled to adopt their report together with the other municipalities in their county as provided in this subsection.

(10)  The governing body shall amend its comprehensive plan based on the recommendations in the report and shall update the comprehensive plan based on the components of subsection (2), pursuant to the provisions of ss. 163.3184, 163.3187, and 163.3189. Amendments to update a comprehensive plan based on the evaluation and appraisal report shall be adopted within 18 months after the report is determined to be sufficient by the state land planning agency, except the state land planning agency may grant an extension for adoption of a portion of such amendments. The state land planning agency may grant a 6-month extension for the adoption of such amendments if the request is justified by good and sufficient cause as determined by the agency. An additional extension may also be granted if the request will result in greater coordination between transportation and land use, for the purposes of improving Florida's transportation system, as determined by the agency in coordination with the Metropolitan Planning Organization program. The comprehensive plan as amended shall be in compliance as defined in s. 163.3184(1)(b).

(11)  The Administration Commission may impose the sanctions provided by s. 163.3184(11) against any local government that fails to adopt and submit a report, or that fails to implement its report through timely and sufficient amendments to its local plan, except for reasons of excusable delay or valid planning reasons agreed to by the state land planning agency or found present by the Administration Commission. Sanctions for untimely or insufficient plan amendments shall be prospective only and shall begin after a final order has been issued by the Administration Commission and a reasonable period of time has been allowed for the local government to comply with an adverse determination by the Administration Commission through adoption of plan amendments that are in compliance. The state land planning agency may initiate, and an affected person may intervene in, such a proceeding by filing a petition with the Division of Administrative Hearings, which shall appoint an administrative law judge and conduct a hearing pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57(1) and shall submit a recommended order to the Administration Commission. The affected local government shall be a party to any such proceeding. The commission may implement this subsection by rule.

(12)  The state land planning agency shall not adopt rules to implement this section, other than procedural rules.

(13)  The state land planning agency shall regularly review the evaluation and appraisal report process and submit a report to the Governor, the Administration Commission, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the respective community affairs committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The first report shall be submitted by December 31, 2004, and subsequent reports shall be submitted every 5 years thereafter. At least 9 months before the due date of each report, the Secretary of Community Affairs shall appoint a technical committee of at least 15 members to assist in the preparation of the report. The membership of the technical committee shall consist of representatives of local governments, regional planning councils, the private sector, and environmental organizations. The report shall assess the effectiveness of the evaluation and appraisal report process.

History.--s. 11, ch. 75-257; s. 10, ch. 85-55; s. 11, ch. 86-191; s. 10, ch. 92-129; s. 13, ch. 93-206; s. 6, ch. 95-322; s. 29, ch. 96-410; s. 5, ch. 96-416; s. 4, ch. 98-146; ss. 6, 14, ch. 98-176; s. 5, ch. 98-258; s. 17, ch. 2000-158; s. 9, ch. 2002-296; s. 905, ch. 2002-387.

¹Note.--As amended and substantially reworded by s. 14, ch. 98-176. Former paragraph (12)(a) was also amended by s. 5, ch. 98-258, without reference to the substantial rewording of the section by s. 14, ch. 98-176. As amended by s. 5, ch. 98-258, only, paragraph (12)(a) reads:

(12)(a)  The state land planning agency may enter into a written agreement with a municipality of fewer than 5,000 residents or a county with fewer than 75,000 residents so that such a jurisdiction may focus planning resources on selected issues or elements when updating its plan, if the local government includes such a request in its report and the agency approves the request. Approval of the request does not authorize the local government to repeal or render ineffective any existing portion or element of its local plan.

²Note.--As amended and substantially reworded by s. 14, ch. 98-176. Former subsection (9) was also amended by s. 4, ch. 98-146, without reference to the substantial rewording of the section by s. 14, ch. 98-176; material similar to that found in former subsection (9) is now located in subsection (6), as amended by s. 14, ch. 98-176. As amended by s. 4, ch. 98-146, only, subsection (9), redesignated as subsection (6) to conform to the placement of material by s. 14, ch. 98-176, reads:

(6)  The state land planning agency shall conduct a sufficiency review of each report to determine whether it has been submitted in a timely fashion and contains the prescribed components. The agency shall complete the sufficiency determination within 60 days of receipt of the report. The agency shall not conduct a compliance review. However, a local government may request that the department provide substantive comments regarding the report or addendum during the department's sufficiency review to assist the local government in the adoption of its plan amendments based on the evaluation and appraisal report. Comments provided during the sufficiency review are not binding on the local government or the department and will not supplant or limit the department's consistency review of the amendments based on the adopted evaluation and appraisal report. A request for comments must be made in writing by the local government and must be submitted at the same time the adopted report is submitted for sufficiency review.

³Note.--As amended and substantially reworded by s. 14, ch. 98-176. Former subsection (10) was also amended by s. 4, ch. 98-146, without reference to the substantial rewording of the section by s. 14, ch. 98-176; material similar to that found in former subsection (10) is now located in subsection (8), as amended by s. 14, ch. 98-176. As amended by s. 4, ch. 98-146, only, subsection (10), redesignated as subsection (8) to conform to the placement of material by s. 14, ch. 98-176, reads:

(8)  The state land planning agency may delegate the review of reports to the appropriate regional planning council. When the review has been delegated to a regional planning council, any local government in the region, except for areas of critical state concern, may elect to have its report reviewed by the council rather than the agency. The agency shall adopt rules for accepting requests for delegation and for uniform and adequate review of reports. The agency shall retain oversight for any delegation of review to a regional planning council. Any plan amendment recommended by the report shall be reviewed by the agency pursuant to s. 163.3184 and be adopted by the local government pursuant to s. 163.3189.

163.3194  Legal status of comprehensive plan.--

(1)(a)  After a comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, has been adopted in conformity with this act, all development undertaken by, and all actions taken in regard to development orders by, governmental agencies in regard to land covered by such plan or element shall be consistent with such plan or element as adopted.

(b)  All land development regulations enacted or amended shall be consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, and any land development regulations existing at the time of adoption which are not consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, shall be amended so as to be consistent. If a local government allows an existing land development regulation which is inconsistent with the most recently adopted comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, to remain in effect, the local government shall adopt a schedule for bringing the land development regulation into conformity with the provisions of the most recently adopted comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof. During the interim period when the provisions of the most recently adopted comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, and the land development regulations are inconsistent, the provisions of the most recently adopted comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, shall govern any action taken in regard to an application for a development order.

(2)  After a comprehensive plan for the area, or element or portion thereof, is adopted by the governing body, no land development regulation, land development code, or amendment thereto shall be adopted by the governing body until such regulation, code, or amendment has been referred either to the local planning agency or to a separate land development regulation commission created pursuant to local ordinance, or to both, for review and recommendation as to the relationship of such proposal to the adopted comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof. Said recommendation shall be made within a reasonable time, but no later than within 2 months after the time of reference. If a recommendation is not made within the time provided, then the governing body may act on the adoption.

(3)(a)  A development order or land development regulation shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan if the land uses, densities or intensities, and other aspects of development permitted by such order or regulation are compatible with and further the objectives, policies, land uses, and densities or intensities in the comprehensive plan and if it meets all other criteria enumerated by the local government.

(b)  A development approved or undertaken by a local government shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan if the land uses, densities or intensities, capacity or size, timing, and other aspects of the development are compatible with and further the objectives, policies, land uses, and densities or intensities in the comprehensive plan and if it meets all other criteria enumerated by the local government.

(4)(a)  A court, in reviewing local governmental action or development regulations under this act, may consider, among other things, the reasonableness of the comprehensive plan, or element or elements thereof, relating to the issue justiciably raised or the appropriateness and completeness of the comprehensive plan, or element or elements thereof, in relation to the governmental action or development regulation under consideration. The court may consider the relationship of the comprehensive plan, or element or elements thereof, to the governmental action taken or the development regulation involved in litigation, but private property shall not be taken without due process of law and the payment of just compensation.

(b)  It is the intent of this act that the comprehensive plan set general guidelines and principles concerning its purposes and contents and that this act shall be construed broadly to accomplish its stated purposes and objectives.

(5)  The tax-exempt status of lands classified as agricultural under s. 193.461 shall not be affected by any comprehensive plan adopted under this act as long as the land meets the criteria set forth in s. 193.461.

(6)  If a proposed solid waste management facility is permitted by the Department of Environmental Protection to receive materials from the construction or demolition of a road or other transportation facility, a local government may not deny an application for a development approval for a requested land use that would accommodate such a facility, provided the local government previously approved a land use classification change to a local comprehensive plan or approved a rezoning to a category allowing such land use on the parcel, and the requested land use was disclosed during the previous comprehensive plan or rezoning hearing as being an express purpose of the land use changes.

History.--s. 12, ch. 75-257; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 2, ch. 77-223; s. 12, ch. 80-358; s. 69, ch. 81-259; s. 11, ch. 85-55; s. 33, ch. 2002-296.

163.3197  Legal status of prior comprehensive plan.--Where, prior to the adoption of a revised plan pursuant to s. 163.3167(2), a local government had adopted a comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, such adopted plan, or element or portion thereof, shall have such force and effect as it had at the date of adoption until a new comprehensive plan, or element or portion thereof, is adopted by or for such local government pursuant to the provisions of this act. The prior adopted plan, or element or portion thereof, may be the basis for meeting the requirement of comprehensive plan adoption set out in this act, provided all requirements of this act are met.

History.--s. 13, ch. 75-257; s. 12, ch. 85-55.

163.3201  Relationship of comprehensive plan to exercise of land development regulatory authority.--It is the intent of this act that adopted comprehensive plans or elements thereof shall be implemented, in part, by the adoption and enforcement of appropriate local regulations on the development of lands and waters within an area. It is the intent of this act that the adoption and enforcement by a governing body of regulations for the development of land or the adoption and enforcement by a governing body of a land development code for an area shall be based on, be related to, and be a means of implementation for an adopted comprehensive plan as required by this act.

History.--s. 14, ch. 75-257; s. 13, ch. 85-55.

163.3202  Land development regulations.--

(1)  Within 1 year after submission of its revised comprehensive plan for review pursuant to s. 163.3167(2), each county and each municipality shall adopt or amend and enforce land development regulations that are consistent with and implement their adopted comprehensive plan.

(2)  Local land development regulations shall contain specific and detailed provisions necessary or desirable to implement the adopted comprehensive plan and shall as a minimum:

(a)  Regulate the subdivision of land;

(b)  Regulate the use of land and water for those land use categories included in the land use element and ensure the compatibility of adjacent uses and provide for open space;

(c)  Provide for protection of potable water wellfields;

(d)  Regulate areas subject to seasonal and periodic flooding and provide for drainage and stormwater management;

(e)  Ensure the protection of environmentally sensitive lands designated in the comprehensive plan;

(f)  Regulate signage;

(g)  Provide that public facilities and services meet or exceed the standards established in the capital improvements element required by s. 163.3177 and are available when needed for the development, or that development orders and permits are conditioned on the availability of these public facilities and services necessary to serve the proposed development. Not later than 1 year after its due date established by the state land planning agency's rule for submission of local comprehensive plans pursuant to s. 163.3167(2), a local government shall not issue a development order or permit which results in a reduction in the level of services for the affected public facilities below the level of services provided in the comprehensive plan of the local government.

(h)  Ensure safe and convenient onsite traffic flow, considering needed vehicle parking.

(3)  This section shall be construed to encourage the use of innovative land development regulations which include provisions such as transfer of development rights, incentive and inclusionary zoning, planned-unit development, impact fees, and performance zoning. These and all other such regulations shall be combined and compiled into a single land development code for the jurisdiction. A general zoning code shall not be required if a local government's adopted land development regulations meet the requirements of this section.

(4)  The state land planning agency may require a local government to submit one or more land development regulations if it has reasonable grounds to believe that a local government has totally failed to adopt any one or more of the land development regulations required by this section. Once the state land planning agency determines after review and consultation with local government whether the local government has adopted regulations required by this section, the state land planning agency shall notify the local government in writing within 30 calendar days after receipt of the regulations from the local government. If the state land planning agency determines that the local government has failed to adopt regulations required by this section, it may institute an action in circuit court to require adoption of these regulations. This action shall not review compliance of adopted regulations with this section or consistency with locally adopted plans.

(5)  The state land planning agency shall adopt rules for review and schedules for adoption of land development regulations.

History.--s. 14, ch. 85-55; s. 12, ch. 86-191; s. 14, ch. 93-206; s. 7, ch. 95-322; s. 6, ch. 96-416; s. 5, ch. 98-146.

163.3204  Cooperation by state and regional agencies.--The Department of Community Affairs and any ad hoc working groups appointed by the department and all state and regional agencies involved in the administration and implementation of this act shall cooperate and work with units of local government in the preparation and adoption of comprehensive plans, or elements or portions thereof, and of local land development regulations.

History.--s. 15, ch. 75-257; s. 3, ch. 79-65; s. 11, ch. 83-216; s. 16, ch. 85-55.

163.3211  Conflict with other statutes.--Where this act may be in conflict with any other provision or provisions of law relating to local governments having authority to regulate the development of land, the provisions of this act shall govern unless the provisions of this act are met or exceeded by such other provision or provisions of law relating to local government, including land development regulations adopted pursuant to chapter 125 or chapter 166. Nothing in this act is intended to withdraw or diminish any legal powers or responsibilities of state agencies or change any requirement of existing law that local regulations comply with state standards or rules.

History.--s. 17, ch. 75-257; s. 17, ch. 85-55; s. 25, ch. 87-224.

163.3213  Administrative review of land development regulations.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that substantially affected persons have the right to maintain administrative actions which assure that land development regulations implement and are consistent with the local comprehensive plan.

(2)  As used in this section:

(a)  "Substantially affected person" means a substantially affected person as provided pursuant to chapter 120.

(b)  "Land development regulation" means an ordinance enacted by a local governing body for the regulation of any aspect of development, including a subdivision, building construction, landscaping, tree protection, or sign regulation or any other regulation concerning the development of land. This term shall include a general zoning code, but shall not include a zoning map, an action which results in zoning or rezoning of land, or any building construction standard adopted pursuant to and in compliance with the provisions of chapter 553.

(3)  After the deadline specified in s. 163.3202 for each local government to adopt land development regulations, a substantially affected person, within 12 months after final adoption of the land development regulation, may challenge a land development regulation on the basis that it is inconsistent with the local comprehensive plan. As a condition precedent to the institution of a proceeding pursuant to subsection (4), such affected person shall file a petition with the local government whose land development regulation is the subject of the petition outlining the facts on which the petition is based and the reasons that the substantially affected person considers the land development regulation to be inconsistent with the local comprehensive plan. The local government receiving the petition shall have 30 days after the receipt of the petition to respond. Thereafter, the substantially affected person may petition the state land planning agency not later than 30 days after the local government has responded or at the expiration of the 30-day period which the local government has to respond. The local government and the petitioning, substantially affected person may by agreement extend the 30-day time period within which the local government has to respond. The petition to the state land planning agency shall contain the facts and reasons outlined in the prior petition to the local government.

(4)  The state land planning agency shall notify the local government of its receipt of a petition and shall give the local government and the petitioning, substantially affected person an opportunity to present written or oral testimony on the issue and shall conduct any investigations of the matter that it deems necessary. These proceedings shall be informal and shall not include any hearings pursuant to s. 120.57(1). Not later than 60 days nor earlier than 30 days after receiving the petition, the state land planning agency shall issue its written decision on the issue of whether the land development regulation is consistent with the local comprehensive plan, giving the grounds for its decision. The state land planning agency shall send a copy of its decision to the local government and the petitioning, substantially affected person.

(5)(a)  If the state land planning agency determines that the regulation is consistent with the local comprehensive plan, the substantially affected person who filed the original petition with the local government may, within 21 days, request a hearing from the Division of Administrative Hearings, and an administrative law judge shall hold a hearing in the affected jurisdiction no earlier than 30 days after the state land planning agency renders its decision pursuant to subsection (4). The parties to a hearing held pursuant to this paragraph shall be the petitioning, substantially affected person, any intervenor, the state land planning agency, and the local government. The adoption of a land development regulation by a local government is legislative in nature and shall not be found to be inconsistent with the local plan if it is fairly debatable that it is consistent with the plan. The hearing shall be held pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57(1), except that the order of the administrative law judge shall be a final order and shall be appealable pursuant to s. 120.68.

(b)  If the state land planning agency determines that the regulation is inconsistent with the local comprehensive plan, the state land planning agency shall, within 21 days, request a hearing from the Division of Administrative Hearings, and an administrative law judge shall hold a hearing in the affected jurisdiction not earlier than 30 days after the state land planning agency renders its decision pursuant to subsection (4). The parties to a hearing held pursuant to this paragraph shall be the petitioning, substantially affected person, the local government, any intervenor, and the state land planning agency. The adoption of a land development regulation by a local government is legislative in nature and shall not be found to be inconsistent with the local plan if it is fairly debatable that it is consistent with the plan. The hearing shall be held pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57(1), except that the order of the administrative law judge shall be the final order and shall be appealable pursuant to s. 120.68.

(6)  If the administrative law judge in his or her order finds the land development regulation to be inconsistent with the local comprehensive plan, the order will be submitted to the Administration Commission. An appeal pursuant to s. 120.68 may not be taken until the Administration Commission acts pursuant to this subsection. The Administration Commission shall hold a hearing no earlier than 30 days or later than 60 days after the administrative law judge renders his or her final order. The sole issue before the Administration Commission shall be the extent to which any of the sanctions described in s. 163.3184(11)(a) or (b) shall be applicable to the local government whose land development regulation has been found to be inconsistent with its comprehensive plan. If a land development regulation is not challenged within 12 months, it shall be deemed to be consistent with the adopted local plan.

(7)  An administrative proceeding under this section shall be the sole proceeding available to challenge the consistency of a land development regulation with a comprehensive plan adopted under this part.

(8)  The signature of an attorney or party constitutes a certificate that he or she has read the petition, motion, or other paper and that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, it is not interposed for any improper purposes, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or for economic advantage, competitive reasons, or frivolous purposes or needless increase in the cost of litigation. If a petition, motion, or other paper is signed in violation of these requirements, the administrative law judge, upon motion or his or her own initiative, shall impose upon the person who signed it or upon a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the petition, motion, or other paper, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

(9)  Initiation of administrative review of determination of inconsistency of a land development regulation pursuant to this section shall not affect the validity of the regulation or a development order issued pursuant to the regulation.

History.--s. 15, ch. 85-55; s. 26, ch. 87-224; s. 900, ch. 95-147; s. 23, ch. 95-280; s. 30, ch. 96-410.

163.3215  Standing to enforce local comprehensive plans through development orders.--

(1)  Subsections (3) and (4) provide the exclusive methods for an aggrieved or adversely affected party to appeal and challenge the consistency of a development order with a comprehensive plan adopted under this part. The local government that issues the development order is to be named as a respondent in all proceedings under this section. Subsection (3) shall not apply to development orders for which a local government has established a process consistent with the requirements of subsection (4). A local government may decide which types of development orders will proceed under subsection (4). Subsection (3) shall apply to all other development orders that are not subject to subsection (4).

(2)  As used in this section, the term "aggrieved or adversely affected party" means any person or local government that will suffer an adverse effect to an interest protected or furthered by the local government comprehensive plan, including interests related to health and safety, police and fire protection service systems, densities or intensities of development, transportation facilities, health care facilities, equipment or services, and environmental or natural resources. The alleged adverse interest may be shared in common with other members of the community at large but must exceed in degree the general interest in community good shared by all persons. The term includes the owner, developer, or applicant for a development order.

(3)  Any aggrieved or adversely affected party may maintain a de novo action for declaratory, injunctive, or other relief against any local government to challenge any decision of such local government granting or denying an application for, or to prevent such local government from taking any action on, a development order, as defined in s. 163.3164, which materially alters the use or density or intensity of use on a particular piece of property which is not consistent with the comprehensive plan adopted under this part. The de novo action must be filed no later than 30 days following rendition of a development order or other written decision, or when all local administrative appeals, if any, are exhausted, whichever occurs later.

(4)  If a local government elects to adopt or has adopted an ordinance establishing, at a minimum, the requirements listed in this subsection, the sole method by which an aggrieved and adversely affected party may challenge any decision of local government granting or denying an application for a development order, as defined in s. 163.3164, which materially alters the use or density or intensity of use on a particular piece of property, on the basis that it is not consistent with the comprehensive plan adopted under this part, is by an appeal filed by a petition for writ of certiorari filed in circuit court no later than 30 days following rendition of a development order or other written decision of the local government, or when all local administrative appeals, if any, are exhausted, whichever occurs later. An action for injunctive or other relief may be joined with the petition for certiorari. Principles of judicial or administrative res judicata and collateral estoppel apply to these proceedings. Minimum components of the local process are as follows:

(a)  The local process must make provision for notice of an application for a development order that materially alters the use or density or intensity of use on a particular piece of property, including notice by publication or mailed notice consistent with the provisions of ss. 125.66(4)(b)2. and 3. and 166.041(3)(c)2.b. and c., and must require prominent posting at the job site. The notice must be given within 10 days after the filing of an application for a development order; however, notice under this subsection is not required for an application for a building permit or any other official action of local government which does not materially alter the use or density or intensity of use on a particular piece of property. The notice must clearly delineate that an aggrieved or adversely affected person has the right to request a quasi-judicial hearing before the local government for which the application is made, must explain the conditions precedent to the appeal of any development order ultimately rendered upon the application, and must specify the location where written procedures can be obtained that describe the process, including how to initiate the quasi-judicial process, the timeframes for initiating the process, and the location of the hearing. The process may include an opportunity for an alternative dispute resolution.

(b)  The local process must provide a clear point of entry consisting of a written preliminary decision, at a time and in a manner to be established in the local ordinance, with the time to request a quasi-judicial hearing running from the issuance of the written preliminary decision; the local government, however, is not bound by the preliminary decision. A party may request a hearing to challenge or support a preliminary decision.

(c)  The local process must provide an opportunity for participation in the process by an aggrieved or adversely affected party, allowing a reasonable time for the party to prepare and present a case for the quasi-judicial hearing.

(d)  The local process must provide, at a minimum, an opportunity for the disclosure of witnesses and exhibits prior to hearing and an opportunity for the depositions of witnesses to be taken.

(e)  The local process may not require that a party be represented by an attorney in order to participate in a hearing.

(f)  The local process must provide for a quasi-judicial hearing before an impartial special master who is an attorney who has at least 5 years' experience and who shall, at the conclusion of the hearing, recommend written findings of fact and conclusions of law. The special master shall have the power to swear witnesses and take their testimony under oath, to issue subpoenas and other orders regarding the conduct of the proceedings, and to compel entry upon the land. The standard of review applied by the special master in determining whether a proposed development order is consistent with the comprehensive plan shall be strict scrutiny in accordance with Florida law.

(g)  At the quasi-judicial hearing, all parties must have the opportunity to respond, to present evidence and argument on all issues involved which are related to the development order, and to conduct cross-examination and submit rebuttal evidence. Public testimony must be allowed.

(h)  The local process must provide for a duly noticed public hearing before the local government at which public testimony is allowed. At the quasi-judicial hearing, the local government is bound by the special master's findings of fact unless the findings of fact are not supported by competent substantial evidence. The governing body may modify the conclusions of law if it finds that the special master's application or interpretation of law is erroneous. The governing body may make reasonable legal interpretations of its comprehensive plan and land development regulations without regard to whether the special master's interpretation is labeled as a finding of fact or a conclusion of law. The local government's final decision must be reduced to writing, including the findings of fact and conclusions of law, and is not considered rendered or final until officially date-stamped by the city or county clerk.

(i)  An ex parte communication relating to the merits of the matter under review may not be made to the special master. An ex parte communication relating to the merits of the matter under review may not be made to the governing body after a time to be established by the local ordinance, which time must be no later than receipt of the special master's recommended order by the governing body.

(j)  At the option of the local government, the process may require actions to challenge the consistency of a development order with land development regulations to be brought in the same proceeding.

(5)  Venue in any cases brought under this section shall lie in the county or counties where the actions or inactions giving rise to the cause of action are alleged to have occurred.

(6)  The signature of an attorney or party constitutes a certificate that he or she has read the pleading, motion, or other paper and that, to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or for economic advantage, competitive reasons or frivolous purposes or needless increase in the cost of litigation. If a pleading, motion, or other paper is signed in violation of these requirements, the court, upon motion or its own initiative, shall impose upon the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the pleading, motion, or other paper, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

(7)  In any proceeding under subsection (3) or subsection (4), no settlement shall be entered into by the local government unless the terms of the settlement have been the subject of a public hearing after notice as required by this part.

(8)  In any proceeding under subsection (3) or subsection (4), the Department of Legal Affairs may intervene to represent the interests of the state.

(9)  Neither subsection (3) nor subsection (4) relieves the local government of its obligations to hold public hearings as required by law.

History.--s. 18, ch. 85-55; s. 901, ch. 95-147; s. 10, ch. 2002-296.

163.3217  Municipal overlay for municipal incorporation.--

(1)  PURPOSE.--In order to assist in the planning for future municipal incorporation of a specific geographic area, a county may adopt a municipal overlay as an amendment to its comprehensive plan. A municipal overlay will allow a county, in cooperation with the public, to address the future possible municipal incorporation of a specific geographic area and the impact of municipal incorporation on the provision of public services to serve the area.

(2)  PREPARATION, ADOPTION, AND AMENDMENT OF THE MUNICIPAL OVERLAY.--

(a)1.  This section applies only in those jurisdictions in which the county has authorized, by resolution or local ordinance, the development of a municipal overlay pursuant to the provisions of this section. A county governing body, or a citizens' organization that represents property owners in the area affected, may sponsor the preparation of the municipal overlay.

2.  It shall be the responsibility of the county to prepare the municipal overlay for an area under its jurisdiction; however, if the sponsor of the municipal overlay is other than the county, the county may by written agreement authorize the sponsor to prepare some or all of a proposed municipal overlay.

(b)1.  A municipal overlay shall be adopted as an amendment to the local government comprehensive plan as prescribed by s. 163.3184.

2.  A county may consider the adoption of a municipal overlay without regard to the provisions of s. 163.3187(1) regarding the frequency of adoption of amendments to the local comprehensive plan.

(3)  CONTENTS OF A MUNICIPAL OVERLAY.--A municipal overlay must contain:

(a)  Boundary options for the creation of the new municipality.

(b)  A feasibility study as outlined in chapter 165.

(c)  A map of existing and proposed land uses in the area by type and density.

(d)  Population projections for the area.

(e)  Data and analysis relating to the provision of public facilities for the area.

(4)  FUNDING OF THE MUNICIPAL OVERLAY.--The development of the municipal overlay shall be funded by the county unless there is written agreement between the county and another entity to fund it.

History.--s. 7, ch. 96-416.

163.3220  Short title; legislative intent.--

(1)  Sections 163.3220-163.3243 may be cited as the "Florida Local Government Development Agreement Act."

(2)  The Legislature finds and declares that:

(a)  The lack of certainty in the approval of development can result in a waste of economic and land resources, discourage sound capital improvement planning and financing, escalate the cost of housing and development, and discourage commitment to comprehensive planning.

(b)  Assurance to a developer that upon receipt of his or her development permit or brownfield designation he or she may proceed in accordance with existing laws and policies, subject to the conditions of a development agreement, strengthens the public planning process, encourages sound capital improvement planning and financing, assists in assuring there are adequate capital facilities for the development, encourages private participation in comprehensive planning, and reduces the economic costs of development.

(3)  In conformity with, in furtherance of, and to implement the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act and the Florida State Comprehensive Planning Act of 1972, it is the intent of the Legislature to encourage a stronger commitment to comprehensive and capital facilities planning, ensure the provision of adequate public facilities for development, encourage the efficient use of resources, and reduce the economic cost of development.

(4)  This intent is effected by authorizing local governments to enter into development agreements with developers, subject to the procedures and requirements of ss. 163.3220-163.3243.

(5)  Sections 163.3220-163.3243 shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to the powers conferred upon local governments by other laws and shall not be regarded as in derogation of any powers now existing.

History.--s. 19, ch. 86-191; s. 902, ch. 95-147; s. 8, ch. 99-378.

163.3221  Florida Local Government Development Agreement Act; definitions.--As used in ss. 163.3220-163.3243:

(1)  "Brownfield designation" means a resolution adopted by a local government pursuant to the Brownfields Redevelopment Act, ss. 376.77-376.85.

(2)  "Comprehensive plan" means a plan adopted pursuant to the "Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act."

(3)  "Developer" means any person, including a governmental agency, undertaking any development.

(4)  "Development" means the carrying out of any building activity or mining operation, the making of any material change in the use or appearance of any structure or land, or the dividing of land into three or more parcels.

(a)  The following activities or uses shall be taken for the purposes of this act to involve "development":

1.  A reconstruction, alteration of the size, or material change in the external appearance of a structure on land.

2.  A change in the intensity of use of land, such as an increase in the number of dwelling units in a structure or on land or a material increase in the number of businesses, manufacturing establishments, offices, or dwelling units in a structure or on land.

3.  Alteration of a shore or bank of a seacoast, river, stream, lake, pond, or canal, including any "coastal construction" as defined in s. 161.021.

4.  Commencement of drilling, except to obtain soil samples, mining, or excavation on a parcel of land.

5.  Demolition of a structure.

6.  Clearing of land as an adjunct of construction.

7.  Deposit of refuse, solid or liquid waste, or fill on a parcel of land.

(b)  The following operations or uses shall not be taken for the purpose of this act to involve "development":

1.  Work by a highway or road agency or railroad company for the maintenance or improvement of a road or railroad track, if the work is carried out on land within the boundaries of the right-of-way.

2.  Work by any utility and other persons engaged in the distribution or transmission of gas or water, for the purpose of inspecting, repairing, renewing, or constructing on established rights-of-way any sewers, mains, pipes, cables, utility tunnels, power lines, towers, poles, tracks, or the like.

3.  Work for the maintenance, renewal, improvement, or alteration of any structure, if the work affects only the interior or the color of the structure or the decoration of the exterior of the structure.

4.  The use of any structure or land devoted to dwelling uses for any purpose customarily incidental to enjoyment of the dwelling.

5.  The use of any land for the purpose of growing plants, crops, trees, and other agricultural or forestry products; raising livestock; or for other agricultural purposes.

6.  A change in use of land or structure from a use within a class specified in an ordinance or rule to another use in the same class.

7.  A change in the ownership or form of ownership of any parcel or structure.

8.  The creation or termination of rights of access, riparian rights, easements, covenants concerning development of land, or other rights in land.

(c)  "Development," as designated in an ordinance, rule, or development permit includes all other development customarily associated with it unless otherwise specified. When appropriate to the context, "development" refers to the act of developing or to the result of development. Reference to any specific operation is not intended to mean that the operation or activity, when part of other operations or activities, is not development. Reference to particular operations is not intended to limit the generality of this subsection.

(5)  "Development permit" includes any building permit, zoning permit, subdivision approval, rezoning, certification, special exception, variance, or any other official action of local government having the effect of permitting the development of land.

(6)  "Governing body" means the board of county commissioners of a county, the commission or council of an incorporated municipality, or any other chief governing body of a unit of local government, however designated.

(7)  "Land" means the earth, water, and air, above, below, or on the surface, and includes any improvements or structures customarily regarded as land.

(8)  "Land development regulations" means ordinances enacted by governing bodies for the regulation of any aspect of development and includes any local government zoning, rezoning, subdivision, building construction, or sign regulations or any other regulations controlling the development of land.

(9)  "Laws" means all ordinances, resolutions, regulations, comprehensive plans, land development regulations, and rules adopted by a local government affecting the development of land.

(10)  "Local government" means any county or municipality or any special district or local governmental entity established pursuant to law which exercises regulatory authority over, and grants development permits for, land development.

(11)  "Local planning agency" means the agency designated to prepare a comprehensive plan or plan amendment pursuant to the "Florida Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act."

(12)  "Person" means any individual, corporation, business or land trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, state agency, or any legal entity.

(13)  "Public facilities" means major capital improvements, including, but not limited to, transportation, sanitary sewer, solid waste, drainage, potable water, educational, parks and recreational, and health systems and facilities.

(14)  "State land planning agency" means the Department of Community Affairs.

History.--s. 20, ch. 86-191; s. 4, ch. 92-129; s. 9, ch. 99-378.

163.3223  Applicability.--Any local government may, by ordinance, establish procedures and requirements, as provided in ss. 163.3220-163.3243, to consider and enter into a development agreement with any person having a legal or equitable interest in real property located within its jurisdiction.

History.--s. 21, ch. 86-191.

163.3225  Public hearings.--

(1)  Before entering into, amending, or revoking a development agreement, a local government shall conduct at least two public hearings. At the option of the governing body, one of the public hearings may be held by the local planning agency.

(2)(a)  Notice of intent to consider a development agreement shall be advertised approximately 7 days before each public hearing in a newspaper of general circulation and readership in the county where the local government is located. Notice of intent to consider a development agreement shall also be mailed to all affected property owners before the first public hearing. The day, time, and place at which the second public hearing will be held shall be announced at the first public hearing.

(b)  The notice shall specify the location of the land subject to the development agreement, the development uses proposed on the property, the proposed population densities, and the proposed building intensities and height and shall specify a place where a copy of the proposed agreement can be obtained.

History.--s. 22, ch. 86-191.

163.3227  Requirements of a development agreement.--

(1)  A development agreement shall include the following:

(a)  A legal description of the land subject to the agreement, and the names of its legal and equitable owners;

(b)  The duration of the agreement;

(c)  The development uses permitted on the land, including population densities, and building intensities and height;

(d)  A description of public facilities that will service the development, including who shall provide such facilities; the date any new facilities, if needed, will be constructed; and a schedule to assure public facilities are available concurrent with the impacts of the development;

(e)  A description of any reservation or dedication of land for public purposes;

(f)  A description of all local development permits approved or needed to be approved for the development of the land;

(g)  A finding that the development permitted or proposed is consistent with the local government's comprehensive plan and land development regulations;

(h)  A description of any conditions, terms, restrictions, or other requirements determined to be necessary by the local government for the public health, safety, or welfare of its citizens; and

(i)  A statement indicating that the failure of the agreement to address a particular permit, condition, term, or restriction shall not relieve the developer of the necessity of complying with the law governing said permitting requirements, conditions, term, or restriction.

(2)  A development agreement may provide that the entire development or any phase thereof be commenced or completed within a specific period of time.

History.--s. 23, ch. 86-191; s. 31, ch. 91-45.

163.3229  Duration of a development agreement and relationship to local comprehensive plan.--The duration of a development agreement shall not exceed 10 years. It may be extended by mutual consent of the governing body and the developer, subject to a public hearing in accordance with s. 163.3225. No development agreement shall be effective or be implemented by a local government unless the local government's comprehensive plan and plan amendments implementing or related to the agreement are found in compliance by the state land planning agency in accordance with s. 163.3184, s. 163.3187, or s. 163.3189.

History.--s. 24, ch. 86-191; s. 32, ch. 91-45; s. 11, ch. 92-129.

163.3231  Consistency with the comprehensive plan and land development regulations.--A development agreement and authorized development shall be consistent with the local government's comprehensive plan and land development regulations.

History.--s. 25, ch. 86-191.

163.3233  Local laws and policies governing a development agreement.--

(1)  The local government's laws and policies governing the development of the land at the time of the execution of the development agreement shall govern the development of the land for the duration of the development agreement.

(2)  A local government may apply subsequently adopted laws and policies to a development that is subject to a development agreement only if the local government has held a public hearing and determined:

(a)  They are not in conflict with the laws and policies governing the development agreement and do not prevent development of the land uses, intensities, or densities in the development agreement;

(b)  They are essential to the public health, safety, or welfare, and expressly state that they shall apply to a development that is subject to a development agreement;

(c)  They are specifically anticipated and provided for in the development agreement;

(d)  The local government demonstrates that substantial changes have occurred in pertinent conditions existing at the time of approval of the development agreement; or

(e)  The development agreement is based on substantially inaccurate information supplied by the developer.

(3)  This section does not abrogate any rights that may vest pursuant to common law.

History.--s. 26, ch. 86-191.

163.3235  Periodic review of a development agreement.--A local government shall review land subject to a development agreement at least once every 12 months to determine if there has been demonstrated good faith compliance with the terms of the development agreement. For each annual review conducted during years 6 through 10 of a development agreement, the review shall be incorporated into a written report which shall be submitted to the parties to the agreement and the state land planning agency. The state land planning agency shall adopt rules regarding the contents of the report, provided that the report shall be limited to the information sufficient to determine the extent to which the parties are proceeding in good faith to comply with the terms of the development agreement. If the local government finds, on the basis of substantial competent evidence, that there has been a failure to comply with the terms of the development agreement, the agreement may be revoked or modified by the local government.

History.--s. 27, ch. 86-191; s. 12, ch. 92-129.

163.3237  Amendment or cancellation of a development agreement.--A development agreement may be amended or canceled by mutual consent of the parties to the agreement or by their successors in interest.

History.--s. 28, ch. 86-191.

163.3239  Recording and effectiveness of a development agreement.--Within 14 days after a local government enters into a development agreement, the local government shall record the agreement with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the local government is located. A copy of the recorded development agreement shall be submitted to the state land planning agency within 14 days after the agreement is recorded. A development agreement shall not be effective until it is properly recorded in the public records of the county and until 30 days after having been received by the state land planning agency pursuant to this section. The burdens of the development agreement shall be binding upon, and the benefits of the agreement shall inure to, all successors in interest to the parties to the agreement.

History.--s. 29, ch. 86-191; s. 13, ch. 92-129.

163.3241  Modification or revocation of a development agreement to comply with subsequently enacted state and federal law.--If state or federal laws are enacted after the execution of a development agreement which are applicable to and preclude the parties' compliance with the terms of a development agreement, such agreement shall be modified or revoked as is necessary to comply with the relevant state or federal laws.

History.--s. 30, ch. 86-191.

163.3243  Enforcement.--Any party, any aggrieved or adversely affected person as defined in s. 163.3215(2), or the state land planning agency may file an action for injunctive relief in the circuit court where the local government is located to enforce the terms of a development agreement or to challenge compliance of the agreement with the provisions of ss. 163.3220-163.3243.

History.--s. 31, ch. 86-191.

163.3245  Optional sector plans.--

(1)  In recognition of the benefits of conceptual long-range planning for the buildout of an area, and detailed planning for specific areas, as a demonstration project, the requirements of s. 380.06 may be addressed as identified by this section for up to five local governments or combinations of local governments which adopt into the comprehensive plan an optional sector plan in accordance with this section. This section is intended to further the intent of s. 163.3177(11), which supports innovative and flexible planning and development strategies, and the purposes of this part, and part I of chapter 380, and to avoid duplication of effort in terms of the level of data and analysis required for a development of regional impact, while ensuring the adequate mitigation of impacts to applicable regional resources and facilities, including those within the jurisdiction of other local governments, as would otherwise be provided. Optional sector plans are intended for substantial geographic areas including at least 5,000 acres of one or more local governmental jurisdictions and are to emphasize urban form and protection of regionally significant resources and facilities. The state land planning agency may approve optional sector plans of less than 5,000 acres based on local circumstances if it is determined that the plan would further the purposes of this part and part I of chapter 380. Preparation of an optional sector plan is authorized by agreement between the state land planning agency and the applicable local governments under s. 163.3171(4). An optional sector plan may be adopted through one or more comprehensive plan amendments under s. 163.3184. However, an optional sector plan may not be authorized in an area of critical state concern.

(2)  The state land planning agency may enter into an agreement to authorize preparation of an optional sector plan upon the request of one or more local governments based on consideration of problems and opportunities presented by existing development trends; the effectiveness of current comprehensive plan provisions; the potential to further the state comprehensive plan, applicable strategic regional policy plans, this part, and part I of chapter 380; and those factors identified by s. 163.3177(10)(i). The applicable regional planning council shall conduct a scoping meeting with affected local governments and those agencies identified in s. 163.3184(4) before execution of the agreement authorized by this section. The purpose of this meeting is to assist the state land planning agency and the local government in the identification of the relevant planning issues to be addressed and the data and resources available to assist in the preparation of subsequent plan amendments. The regional planning council shall make written recommendations to the state land planning agency and affected local governments, including whether a sustainable sector plan would be appropriate. The agreement must define the geographic area to be subject to the sector plan, the planning issues that will be emphasized, requirements for intergovernmental coordination to address extrajurisdictional impacts, supporting application materials including data and analysis, and procedures for public participation. An agreement may address previously adopted sector plans that are consistent with the standards in this section. Before executing an agreement under this subsection, the local government shall hold a duly noticed public workshop to review and explain to the public the optional sector planning process and the terms and conditions of the proposed agreement. The local government shall hold a duly noticed public hearing to execute the agreement. All meetings between the department and the local government must be open to the public.

(3)  Optional sector planning encompasses two levels: adoption under s. 163.3184 of a conceptual long-term buildout overlay to the comprehensive plan, having no immediate effect on the issuance of development orders or the applicability of s. 380.06, and adoption under s. 163.3184 of detailed specific area plans that implement the conceptual long-term buildout overlay and authorize issuance of development orders, and within which s. 380.06 is waived. Until such time as a detailed specific area plan is adopted, the underlying future land use designations apply.

(a)  In addition to the other requirements of this chapter, a conceptual long-term buildout overlay must include:

1.  A long-range conceptual framework map that at a minimum identifies anticipated areas of urban, agricultural, rural, and conservation land use.

2.  Identification of regionally significant public facilities consistent with chapter 9J-2, Florida Administrative Code, irrespective of local governmental jurisdiction necessary to support buildout of the anticipated future land uses.

3.  Identification of regionally significant natural resources consistent with chapter 9J-2, Florida Administrative Code.

4.  Principles and guidelines that address the urban form and interrelationships of anticipated future land uses and a discussion, at the applicant's option, of the extent, if any, to which the plan will address restoring key ecosystems, achieving a more clean, healthy environment, limiting urban sprawl, protecting wildlife and natural areas, advancing the efficient use of land and other resources, and creating quality communities and jobs.

5.  Identification of general procedures to ensure intergovernmental coordination to address extrajurisdictional impacts from the long-range conceptual framework map.

(b)  In addition to the other requirements of this chapter, including those in paragraph (a), the detailed specific area plans must include:

1.  An area of adequate size to accommodate a level of development which achieves a functional relationship between a full range of land uses within the area and to encompass at least 1,000 acres. The state land planning agency may approve detailed specific area plans of less than 1,000 acres based on local circumstances if it is determined that the plan furthers the purposes of this part and part I of chapter 380.

2.  Detailed identification and analysis of the distribution, extent, and location of future land uses.

3.  Detailed identification of regionally significant public facilities, including public facilities outside the jurisdiction of the host local government, anticipated impacts of future land uses on those facilities, and required improvements consistent with chapter 9J-2, Florida Administrative Code.

4.  Public facilities necessary for the short term, including developer contributions in a financially feasible 5-year capital improvement schedule of the affected local government.

5.  Detailed analysis and identification of specific measures to assure the protection of regionally significant natural resources and other important resources both within and outside the host jurisdiction, including those regionally significant resources identified in chapter 9J-2, Florida Administrative Code.

6.  Principles and guidelines that address the urban form and interrelationships of anticipated future land uses and a discussion, at the applicant's option, of the extent, if any, to which the plan will address restoring key ecosystems, achieving a more clean, healthy environment, limiting urban sprawl, protecting wildlife and natural areas, advancing the efficient use of land and other resources, and creating quality communities and jobs.

7.  Identification of specific procedures to ensure intergovernmental coordination to address extrajurisdictional impacts of the detailed specific area plan.

(c)  This subsection may not be construed to prevent preparation and approval of the optional sector plan and detailed specific area plan concurrently or in the same submission.

(4)  The host local government shall submit a monitoring report to the state land planning agency and applicable regional planning council on an annual basis after adoption of a detailed specific area plan. The annual monitoring report must provide summarized information on development orders issued, development that has occurred, public facility improvements made, and public facility improvements anticipated over the upcoming 5 years.

(5)  When a plan amendment adopting a detailed specific area plan has become effective under ss. 163.3184 and 163.3189(2), the provisions of s. 380.06 do not apply to development within the geographic area of the detailed specific area plan. However, any development-of-regional-impact development order that is vested from the detailed specific area plan may be enforced under s. 380.11.

(a)  The local government adopting the detailed specific area plan is primarily responsible for monitoring and enforcing the detailed specific area plan. Local governments shall not issue any permits or approvals or provide any extensions of services to development that are not consistent with the detailed sector area plan.

(b)  If the state land planning agency has reason to believe that a violation of any detailed specific area plan, or of any agreement entered into under this section, has occurred or is about to occur, it may institute an administrative or judicial proceeding to prevent, abate, or control the conditions or activity creating the violation, using the procedures in s. 380.11.

(c)  In instituting an administrative or judicial proceeding involving an optional sector plan or detailed specific area plan, including a proceeding pursuant to paragraph (b), the complaining party shall comply with the requirements of ¹s. 163.3215(4), (5), (6), and (7).

(6)  Beginning December 1, 1999, and each year thereafter, the department shall provide a status report to the Legislative Committee on Intergovernmental Relations regarding each optional sector plan authorized under this section.

(7)  This section may not be construed to abrogate the rights of any person under this chapter.

History.--s. 15, ch. 98-176.

¹Note.--Former s. 163.3215(4) was deleted by s. 10, ch. 2002-296, and replaced by a new subsection (4).

163.3246  Local government comprehensive planning certification program.--

(1)  There is created the Local Government Comprehensive Planning Certification Program to be administered by the Department of Community Affairs. The purpose of the program is to create a certification process for local governments who identify a geographic area for certification within which they commit to directing growth and who, because of a demonstrated record of effectively adopting, implementing, and enforcing its comprehensive plan, the level of technical planning experience exhibited by the local government, and a commitment to implement exemplary planning practices, require less state and regional oversight of the comprehensive plan amendment process. The purpose of the certification area is to designate areas that are contiguous, compact, and appropriate for urban growth and development within a 10-year planning timeframe. Municipalities and counties are encouraged to jointly establish the certification area, and subsequently enter into joint certification agreement with the department.

(2)  In order to be eligible for certification under the program, the local government must:

(a)  Demonstrate a record of effectively adopting, implementing, and enforcing its comprehensive plan;

(b)  Demonstrate technical, financial, and administrative expertise to implement the provisions of this part without state oversight;

(c)  Obtain comments from the state and regional review agencies regarding the appropriateness of the proposed certification;

(d)  Hold at least one public hearing soliciting public input concerning the local government's proposal for certification; and

(e)  Demonstrate that it has adopted programs in its local comprehensive plan and land development regulations which:

1.  Promote infill development and redevelopment, including prioritized and timely permitting processes in which applications for local development permits within the certification area are acted upon expeditiously for proposed development that is consistent with the local comprehensive plan.

2.  Promote the development of housing for low-income and very-low-income households or specialized housing to assist elderly and disabled persons to remain at home or in independent living arrangements.

3.  Achieve effective intergovernmental coordination and address the extrajurisdictional effects of development within the certified area.

4.  Promote economic diversity and growth while encouraging the retention of rural character, where rural areas exist, and the protection and restoration of the environment.

5.  Provide and maintain public urban and rural open space and recreational opportunities.

6.  Manage transportation and land uses to support public transit and promote opportunities for pedestrian and nonmotorized transportation.

7.  Use design principles to foster individual community identity, create a sense of place, and promote pedestrian-oriented safe neighborhoods and town centers.

8.  Redevelop blighted areas.

9.  Adopt a local mitigation strategy and have programs to improve disaster preparedness and the ability to protect lives and property, especially in coastal high-hazard areas.

10.  Encourage clustered, mixed-use development that incorporates greenspace and residential development within walking distance of commercial development.

11.  Encourage urban infill at appropriate densities and intensities and separate urban and rural uses and discourage urban sprawl while preserving public open space and planning for buffer-type land uses and rural development consistent with their respective character along and outside the certification area.

12.  Assure protection of key natural areas and agricultural lands that are identified using state and local inventories of natural areas. Key natural areas include, but are not limited to:

a.  Wildlife corridors.

b.  Lands with high native biological diversity, important areas for threatened and endangered species, species of special concern, migratory bird habitat, and intact natural communities.

c.  Significant surface waters and springs, aquatic preserves, wetlands, and outstanding Florida waters.

d.  Water resources suitable for preservation of natural systems and for water resource development.

e.  Representative and rare native Florida natural systems.

13.  Ensure the cost-efficient provision of public infrastructure and services.

(3)  Portions of local governments located within areas of critical state concern cannot be included in a certification area.

(4)  A local government or group of local governments seeking certification of all or part of a jurisdiction or jurisdictions must submit an application to the department which demonstrates that the area sought to be certified meets the criteria of subsections (2) and (5). The application shall include copies of the applicable local government comprehensive plan, land development regulations, interlocal agreements, and other relevant information supporting the eligibility criteria for designation. Upon receipt of a complete application, the department must provide the local government with an initial response to the application within 90 days after receipt of the application.

(5)  If the local government meets the eligibility criteria of subsection (2), the department shall certify all or part of a local government by written agreement, which shall be considered final agency action subject to challenge under s. 120.569. The agreement must include the following components:

(a)  The basis for certification.

(b)  The boundary of the certification area, which encompasses areas that are contiguous, compact, appropriate for urban growth and development, and in which public infrastructure is existing or planned within a 10-year planning timeframe. The certification area is required to include sufficient land to accommodate projected population growth, housing demand, including choice in housing types and affordability, job growth and employment, appropriate densities and intensities of use to be achieved in new development and redevelopment, existing or planned infrastructure, including transportation and central water and sewer facilities. The certification area must be adopted as part of the local government's comprehensive plan.

(c)  A demonstration that the capital improvements plan governing the certified area is updated annually.

(d)  A visioning plan or a schedule for the development of a visioning plan.

(e)  A description of baseline conditions related to the evaluation criteria in paragraph (g) in the certified area.

(f)  A work program setting forth specific planning strategies and projects that will be undertaken to achieve improvement in the baseline conditions as measured by the criteria identified in paragraph (g).

(g)  Criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of the certification process in achieving the community-development goals for the certification area including:

1.  Measuring the compactness of growth, expressed as the ratio between population growth and land consumed;

2.  Increasing residential density and intensities of use;

3.  Measuring and reducing vehicle miles traveled and increasing the interconnectedness of the street system, pedestrian access, and mass transit;

4.  Measuring the balance between the location of jobs and housing;

5.  Improving the housing mix within the certification area, including the provision of mixed-use neighborhoods, affordable housing, and the creation of an affordable housing program if such a program is not already in place;

6.  Promoting mixed-use developments as an alternative to single-purpose centers;

7.  Promoting clustered development having dedicated open space;

8.  Linking commercial, educational, and recreational uses directly to residential growth;

9.  Reducing per capita water and energy consumption;

10.  Prioritizing environmental features to be protected and adopting measures or programs to protect identified features;

11.  Reducing hurricane shelter deficits and evacuation times and implementing the adopted mitigation strategies; and

12.  Improving coordination between the local government and school board.

(h)  A commitment to change any land development regulations that restrict compact development and adopt alternative design codes that encourage desirable densities and intensities of use and patterns of compact development identified in the agreement.

(i)  A plan for increasing public participation in comprehensive planning and land use decisionmaking which includes outreach to neighborhood and civic associations through community planning initiatives.

(j)  A demonstration that the intergovernmental coordination element of the local government's comprehensive plan includes joint processes for coordination between the school board and local government pursuant to s. 163.3177(6)(h)2. and other requirements of law.

(k)  A method of addressing the extrajurisdictional effects of development within the certified area which is integrated by amendment into the intergovernmental coordination element of the local government comprehensive plan.

(l)  A requirement for the annual reporting to the department of plan amendments adopted during the year, and the progress of the local government in meeting the terms and conditions of the certification agreement. Prior to the deadline for the annual report, the local government must hold a public hearing soliciting public input on the progress of the local government in satisfying the terms of the certification agreement.

(m)  An expiration date that is no later than 10 years after execution of the agreement.

(6)  The department may enter up to eight new certification agreements each fiscal year. The department shall adopt procedural rules governing the application and review of local government requests for certification. Such procedural rules may establish a phased schedule for review of local government requests for certification.

(7)  The department shall revoke the local government's certification if it determines that the local government is not substantially complying with the terms of the agreement.

(8)  An affected person, as defined by s. 163.3184(1)(a), may petition for administrative hearing alleging that a local government is not substantially complying with the terms of the agreement, using the procedures and timeframes for notice and conditions precedent described in s. 163.3213. Such a petition must be filed within 30 days after the annual public hearing required by paragraph (5)(l).

(9)(a)  Upon certification all comprehensive plan amendments associated with the area certified must be adopted and reviewed in the manner described in ss. 163.3184(1), (2), (7), (14), (15), and (16) and 163.3187, such that state and regional agency review is eliminated. The department may not issue any objections, recommendations, and comments report on proposed plan amendments or a notice of intent on adopted plan amendments; however, affected persons, as defined by s. 163.3184(1)(a), may file a petition for administrative review pursuant to the requirements of s. 163.3187(3)(a) to challenge the compliance of an adopted plan amendment.

(b)  Plan amendments that change the boundaries of the certification area; propose a rural land stewardship area pursuant to s. 163.3177(11)(d); propose an optional sector plan pursuant to s. 163.3245; propose a school facilities element; update a comprehensive plan based on an evaluation and appraisal report; impact lands outside the certification boundary; implement new statutory requirements that require specific comprehensive plan amendments; or increase hurricane evacuation times or the need for shelter capacity on lands within the coastal high hazard area shall be reviewed pursuant to ss. 163.3184 and 163.3187.

(10)  A local government's certification shall be reviewed by the local government and the department as part of the evaluation and appraisal process pursuant to s. 163.3191. Within 1 year after the deadline for the local government to update its comprehensive plan based on the evaluation and appraisal report, the department shall renew or revoke the certification. The local government's failure to adopt a timely evaluation and appraisal report, failure to adopt an evaluation and appraisal report found to be sufficient, or failure to timely adopt amendments based on an evaluation and appraisal report found to be in compliance by the department shall be cause for revoking the certification agreement. The department's decision to renew or revoke shall be considered agency action subject to challenge under s. 120.569.

(11)  The department shall, by July 1 of each odd-numbered year, submit to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report listing certified local governments, evaluating the effectiveness of the certification, and including any recommendations for legislative actions.

(12)  The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability shall prepare a report evaluating the certification program, which shall be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 1, 2007.

History.--s. 11, ch. 2002-296.

163.330  Short title.

163.335  Findings and declarations of necessity.

163.336  Coastal resort area redevelopment pilot project.

163.340  Definitions.

163.345  Encouragement of private enterprise.

163.346  Notice to taxing authorities.

163.350  Workable program.

163.353  Power of taxing authority to tax or appropriate funds to a redevelopment trust fund in order to preserve and enhance the tax base of the authority.

163.355  Finding of necessity by county or municipality.

163.356  Creation of community redevelopment agency.

163.357  Governing body as the community redevelopment agency.

163.358  Exercise of powers in carrying out community redevelopment and related activities.

163.360  Community redevelopment plans.

163.361  Modification of community redevelopment plans.

163.362  Contents of community redevelopment plan.

163.365  Neighborhood and communitywide plans.

163.367  Public officials, commissioners, and employees subject to code of ethics.

163.370  Powers; counties and municipalities; community redevelopment agencies.

163.375  Eminent domain.

163.380  Disposal of property in community redevelopment area.

163.385  Issuance of revenue bonds.

163.387  Redevelopment trust fund.

163.390  Bonds as legal investments.

163.395  Property exempt from taxes and from levy and sale by virtue of an execution.

163.400  Cooperation by public bodies.

163.405  Title of purchaser.

163.410  Exercise of powers in counties with home rule charters.

163.415  Exercise of powers in counties without home rule charters.

163.430  Powers supplemental to existing community redevelopment powers.

163.445  Assistance to community redevelopment by state agencies.

163.450  Municipal and county participation in neighborhood development programs under Pub. L. No. 90-448.

163.455  Community-Based Development Organization Assistance Act; short title.

163.456  Legislative findings and intent.

163.457  Eligibility for assistance.

163.458  Three-tiered plan.

163.459  Eligible activities.

163.460  Application requirements.

163.461  Reporting and evaluation requirements.

163.462  Rulemaking authority.

163.463  Applicability of ch. 2002-294.

163.330  Short title.--This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Community Redevelopment Act of 1969."

History.--s. 1, ch. 69-305.

163.335  Findings and declarations of necessity.--

(1)  It is hereby found and declared that there exist in counties and municipalities of the state slum and blighted areas which constitute a serious and growing menace, injurious to the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the residents of the state; that the existence of such areas contributes substantially and increasingly to the spread of disease and crime, constitutes an economic and social liability imposing onerous burdens which decrease the tax base and reduce tax revenues, substantially impairs or arrests sound growth, retards the provision of housing accommodations, aggravates traffic problems, and substantially hampers the elimination of traffic hazards and the improvement of traffic facilities; and that the prevention and elimination of slums and blight is a matter of state policy and state concern in order that the state and its counties and municipalities shall not continue to be endangered by areas which are focal centers of disease, promote juvenile delinquency, and consume an excessive proportion of its revenues because of the extra services required for police, fire, accident, hospitalization, and other forms of public protection, services, and facilities.

(2)  It is further found and declared that certain slum or blighted areas, or portions thereof, may require acquisition, clearance, and disposition subject to use restrictions, as provided in this part, since the prevailing condition of decay may make impracticable the reclamation of the area by conservation or rehabilitation; that other areas or portions thereof may, through the means provided in this part, be susceptible of conservation or rehabilitation in such a manner that the conditions and evils enumerated may be eliminated, remedied, or prevented; and that salvageable slum and blighted areas can be conserved and rehabilitated through appropriate public action as herein authorized and the cooperation and voluntary action of the owners and tenants of property in such areas.

(3)  It is further found and declared that the powers conferred by this part are for public uses and purposes for which public money may be expended and the power of eminent domain and police power exercised, and the necessity in the public interest for the provisions herein enacted is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination.

(4)  It is further found that coastal resort and tourist areas or portions thereof which are deteriorating and economically distressed due to building density patterns, inadequate transportation and parking facilities, faulty lot layout, or inadequate street layout, could, through the means provided in this part, be revitalized and redeveloped in a manner that will vastly improve the economic and social conditions of the community.

(5)  It is further found and declared that the preservation or enhancement of the tax base from which a taxing authority realizes tax revenues is essential to its existence and financial health; that the preservation and enhancement of such tax base is implicit in the purposes for which a taxing authority is established; that tax increment financing is an effective method of achieving such preservation and enhancement in areas in which such tax base is declining; that community redevelopment in such areas, when complete, will enhance such tax base and provide increased tax revenues to all affected taxing authorities, increasing their ability to accomplish their other respective purposes; and that the preservation and enhancement of the tax base in such areas through tax increment financing and the levying of taxes by such taxing authorities therefor and the appropriation of funds to a redevelopment trust fund bears a substantial relation to the purposes of such taxing authorities and is for their respective purposes and concerns. This subsection does not apply in any jurisdiction where the community redevelopment agency validated bonds as of April 30, 1984.

(6)  It is further found and declared that there exists in counties and municipalities of the state a severe shortage of housing affordable to residents of low or moderate income, including the elderly; that the existence of such condition affects the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of such counties and municipalities and retards their growth and economic and social development; and that the elimination or improvement of such condition is a proper matter of state policy and state concern and is for a valid and desirable public purpose.

History.--s. 2, ch. 69-305; ss. 1, 22, ch. 84-356; s. 1, ch. 98-201.

163.336  Coastal resort area redevelopment pilot project.--

(1)  LEGISLATIVE INTENT.--

(a)  The Legislature recognizes that some coastal resort and tourist areas are deteriorating and declining as recreation and tourist centers. It is appropriate to undertake a pilot project to determine the feasibility of encouraging redevelopment of economically distressed coastal properties to allow full utilization of existing urban infrastructure such as roads and utility lines. Such activities can have a beneficial impact on local and state economies and provide job opportunities and revitalization of urban areas.

(b)  The Department of Environmental Protection shall administer a pilot project for redevelopment of economically distressed coastal resort and tourist areas. Such a pilot project shall be administered in the coastal areas of Florida's Atlantic Coast between the St. Johns River entrance and Ponce de Leon Inlet.

(2)  PILOT PROJECT ADMINISTRATION.--

(a)  To be eligible to participate in this pilot project, all or a portion of the area must be within:

1.  The coastal building zone as defined in s. 161.54; and

2.  A community redevelopment area, enterprise zone, brownfield area, empowerment zone, or other such economically deprived areas as designated by the county or municipality with jurisdiction over the area.

(b)  Local governments are encouraged to use the full range of economic and tax incentives available to facilitate and promote redevelopment and revitalization within the pilot project areas.

(c)  The Office of the Governor, Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Community Affairs are directed to provide technical assistance to expedite permitting for redevelopment projects and construction activities within the pilot project areas consistent with the principles, processes, and timeframes provided in s. 403.973.

(d)  The Department of Environmental Protection shall exempt construction activities within the pilot project area in locations seaward of a coastal construction control line and landward of existing armoring from certain siting and design criteria pursuant to s. 161.053. However, such exemption shall not be deemed to exempt property within the pilot project area from applicable local land development regulations, including but not limited to, setback, side lot line, and lot coverage requirements. Such exemption shall apply to construction and redevelopment of structures involving the coverage, excavation, and impervious surface criteria of s. 161.053, and related adopted rules, as follows:

1.  This review by the department of applications for permits for coastal construction within the pilot project area must apply to construction and redevelopment of structures subject to the coverage, excavation, and impervious surface criteria of s. 161.053, and related adopted rules. It is the intent of these provisions that the pilot project area be enabled to redevelop in a manner which meets the economic needs of the area while preserving public safety and existing resources, including natural resources.

2.  The criteria for review under s. 161.053 are applicable within the pilot project area, except that the structures within the pilot project area shall not be subject to specific shore parallel coverage requirements and are allowed to exceed the 50 percent impervious surface requirement. In no case shall stormwater discharge be allowed onto, or seaward of, the frontal dune. Structures are also not bound by the restrictions on excavation unless the construction will adversely affect the integrity of the existing seawall or rigid coastal armoring structure or stability of the existing beach and dune system. It is specifically contemplated that underground structures, including garages, will be permitted. All beach-compatible material excavated under this subparagraph must be maintained on site seaward of the coastal construction control line.

3.  The review criteria in subparagraph 2. will apply to all construction within the pilot project area lying seaward of the coastal construction control line and landward of an existing viable seawall or rigid coastal armoring structure, if such construction is fronted by a seawall or rigid coastal armoring structure extending at least 1,000 feet without any interruptions other than beach access points. For purposes of this section, a viable seawall or rigid coastal armoring structure is a structure that has not deteriorated, dilapidated, or been damaged to such a degree that it no longer provides adequate protection to the upland property when considering the following criteria, including, but not limited to:

a.  The top must be at or above the still water level, including setup, for the design storm of 30-year return storm plus the breaking wave calculated at its highest achievable level based on the maximum eroded beach profile and highest surge level combination, and must be high enough to preclude runup overtopping;

b.  The armoring must be stable under the design storm of 30-year return storm including maximum localized scour, with adequate penetration; and

c.  The armoring must have sufficient continuity or return walls to prevent flooding under the design storm of 30-year return storm from impacting the proposed construction.

4.  Where there exists a continuous line of rigid coastal armoring structure on either side of unarmored property and the adjacent line of rigid coastal armoring structures are having an adverse effect on or threaten the unarmored property, and the gap does not exceed 100 feet, the department may grant the necessary permits under s. 161.085 to close the gap.

5.  Structures approved pursuant to this section shall not cause flooding of or result in adverse impacts to existing upland structures or properties and shall comply with all other requirements of s. 161.053 and its implementing rules.

6.  Where there exists a continuous line of viable rigid coastal armoring structure on either side of a nonviable rigid coastal armoring structure, the department shall grant the necessary permits under s. 161.085 to replace such nonviable rigid coastal armoring structure with a viable rigid coastal armoring structure as defined in this section. This shall not apply to rigid coastal armoring structures constructed after May 1, 1998, unless such structures have been permitted pursuant to s. 161.085(2).

(3)  PILOT PROJECT EXPIRATION.--The authorization for the pilot project and the provisions of this section expire December 31, 2006. The Legislature shall review these requirements before their scheduled expiration.

History.--s. 4, ch. 98-201; s. 1, ch. 2002-294.

163.340  Definitions.--The following terms, wherever used or referred to in this part, have the following meanings:

(1)  "Agency" or "community redevelopment agency" means a public agency created by, or designated pursuant to, s. 163.356 or s. 163.357.

(2)  "Public body" or "taxing authority" means the state or any county, municipality, authority, special district as defined in s. 165.031(5), or other public body of the state, except a school district.

(3)  "Governing body" means the council, commission, or other legislative body charged with governing the county or municipality.

(4)  "Mayor" means the mayor of a municipality or, for a county, the chair of the board of county commissioners or such other officer as may be constituted by law to act as the executive head of such municipality or county.

(5)  "Clerk" means the clerk or other official of the county or municipality who is the custodian of the official records of such county or municipality.

(6)  "Federal Government" includes the United States or any agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States.

(7)  "Slum area" means an area having physical or economic conditions conducive to disease, infant mortality, juvenile delinquency, poverty, or crime because there is a predominance of buildings or improvements, whether residential or nonresidential, which are impaired by reason of dilapidation, deterioration, age, or obsolescence, and exhibiting one or more of the following factors:

(a)  Inadequate provision for ventilation, light, air, sanitation, or open spaces;

(b)  High density of population, compared to the population density of adjacent areas within the county or municipality; and overcrowding, as indicated by government-maintained statistics or other studies and the requirements of the Florida Building Code; or

(c)  The existence of conditions that endanger life or property by fire or other causes.

(8)  "Blighted area" means an area in which there are a substantial number of deteriorated, or deteriorating structures, in which conditions, as indicated by government-maintained statistics or other studies, are leading to economic distress or endanger life or property, and in which two or more of the following factors are present:

(a)  Predominance of defective or inadequate street layout, parking facilities, roadways, bridges, or public transportation facilities;

(b)  Aggregate assessed values of real property in the area for ad valorem tax purposes have failed to show any appreciable increase over the 5 years prior to the finding of such conditions;

(c)  Faulty lot layout in relation to size, adequacy, accessibility, or usefulness;

(d)  Unsanitary or unsafe conditions;

(e)  Deterioration of site or other improvements;

(f)  Inadequate and outdated building density patterns;

(g)  Falling lease rates per square foot of office, commercial, or industrial space compared to the remainder of the county or municipality;

(h)  Tax or special assessment delinquency exceeding the fair value of the land;

(i)  Residential and commercial vacancy rates higher in the area than in the remainder of the county or municipality;

(j)  Incidence of crime in the area higher than in the remainder of the county or municipality;

(k)  Fire and emergency medical service calls to the area proportionately higher than in the remainder of the county or municipality;

(l)  A greater number of violations of the Florida Building Code in the area than the number of violations recorded in the remainder of the county or municipality;

(m)  Diversity of ownership or defective or unusual conditions of title which prevent the free alienability of land within the deteriorated or hazardous area; or

(n)  Governmentally owned property with adverse environmental conditions caused by a public or private entity.

However, the term "blighted area" also means any area in which at least one of the factors identified in paragraphs (a) through (n) are present and all taxing authorities subject to s. 163.387(2)(a) agree, either by interlocal agreement or agreements with the agency or by resolution, that the area is blighted. Such agreement or resolution shall only determine that the area is blighted. For purposes of qualifying for the tax credits authorized in chapter 220, "blighted area" means an area as defined in this subsection.

(9)  "Community redevelopment" or "redevelopment" means undertakings, activities, or projects of a county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency in a community redevelopment area for the elimination and prevention of the development or spread of slums and blight, or for the reduction or prevention of crime, or for the provision of affordable housing, whether for rent or for sale, to residents of low or moderate income, including the elderly, and may include slum clearance and redevelopment in a community redevelopment area or rehabilitation and revitalization of coastal resort and tourist areas that are deteriorating and economically distressed, or rehabilitation or conservation in a community redevelopment area, or any combination or part thereof, in accordance with a community redevelopment plan and may include the preparation of such a plan.

(10)  "Community redevelopment area" means a slum area, a blighted area, or an area in which there is a shortage of housing that is affordable to residents of low or moderate income, including the elderly, or a coastal and tourist area that is deteriorating and economically distressed due to outdated building density patterns, inadequate transportation and parking facilities, faulty lot layout or inadequate street layout, or a combination thereof which the governing body designates as appropriate for community redevelopment.

(11)  "Community redevelopment plan" means a plan, as it exists from time to time, for a community redevelopment area.

(12)  "Related activities" means:

(a)  Planning work for the preparation of a general neighborhood redevelopment plan or for the preparation or completion of a communitywide plan or program pursuant to s. 163.365.

(b)  The functions related to the acquisition and disposal of real property pursuant to s. 163.370(3).

(c)  The development of affordable housing for residents of the area.

(d)  The development of community policing innovations.

(13)  "Real property" means all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant thereto or used in connection therewith and every estate, interest, right, and use, legal or equitable, therein, including but not limited to terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage, or otherwise.

(14)  "Bonds" means any bonds (including refunding bonds), notes, interim certificates, certificates of indebtedness, debentures, or other obligations.

(15)  "Obligee" means and includes any bondholder, agents or trustees for any bondholders, or lessor demising to the county or municipality property used in connection with community redevelopment, or any assignee or assignees of such lessor's interest or any part thereof, and the Federal Government when it is a party to any contract with the county or municipality.

(16)  "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association, or body politic and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, or other person acting in a similar representative capacity.

(17)  "Area of operation" means, for a county, the area within the boundaries of the county, and for a municipality, the area within the corporate limits of the municipality.

(18)  "Housing authority" means a housing authority created by and established pursuant to chapter 421.

(19)  "Board" or "commission" means a board, commission, department, division, office, body or other unit of the county or municipality.

(20)  "Public officer" means any officer who is in charge of any department or branch of the government of the county or municipality relating to health, fire, building regulations, or other activities concerning dwellings in the county or municipality.

(21)  "Debt service millage" means any millage levied pursuant to s. 12, Art. VII of the State Constitution.

(22)  "Increment revenue" means the amount calculated pursuant to s. 163.387(1).

(23)  "Community policing innovation" means a policing technique or strategy designed to reduce crime by reducing opportunities for, and increasing the perceived risks of engaging in, criminal activity through visible presence of police in the community, including, but not limited to, community mobilization, neighborhood block watch, citizen patrol, citizen contact patrol, foot patrol, neighborhood storefront police stations, field interrogation, or intensified motorized patrol.

History.--s. 3, ch. 69-305; s. 1, ch. 77-391; s. 1, ch. 81-44; s. 3, ch. 83-231; ss. 2, 22, ch. 84-356; s. 83, ch. 85-180; s. 72, ch. 87-243; s. 33, ch. 91-45; s. 1, ch. 93-286; s. 1, ch. 94-236; s. 1447, ch. 95-147; s. 2, ch. 98-201; s. 1, ch. 98-314; s. 2, ch. 2002-294.

163.345  Encouragement of private enterprise.--

(1)  Any county or municipality, to the greatest extent it determines to be feasible in carrying out the provisions of this part, shall afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of the county or municipality as a whole, to the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the community redevelopment area by private enterprise. Any county or municipality shall give consideration to this objective in exercising its powers under this part, including the formulation of a workable program; the approval of community redevelopment plans, communitywide plans or programs for community redevelopment, and general neighborhood redevelopment plans (consistent with the general plan of the county or municipality); the development and implementation of community policing innovations; the exercise of its zoning powers; the enforcement of other laws, codes, and regulations relating to the use of land and the use and occupancy of buildings and improvements; the development of affordable housing; the disposition of any property acquired; and the provision of necessary public improvements.

(2)  In giving consideration to the objectives outlined in subsection (1), the county or municipality shall consider making available the incentives provided under the Florida Enterprise Zone Act of 1994 and chapter 420.

History.--s. 4, ch. 69-305; s. 4, ch. 83-231; s. 2, ch. 94-236; s. 2, ch. 98-314; s. 26, ch. 2001-60.

163.346  Notice to taxing authorities.--Before the governing body adopts any resolution or enacts any ordinance required under s. 163.355, s. 163.356, s. 163.357, or s. 163.387; creates a community redevelopment agency; approves, adopts, or amends a community redevelopment plan; or issues redevelopment revenue bonds under s. 163.385, the governing body must provide public notice of such proposed action pursuant to s. 125.66(2) or s. 166.041(3)(a) and, at least 15 days before such proposed action, mail by registered mail a notice to each taxing authority which levies ad valorem taxes on taxable real property contained within the geographic boundaries of the redevelopment area.

History.--s. 8, ch. 84-356; s. 2, ch. 93-286; s. 13, ch. 95-310.

163.350  Workable program.--Any county or municipality for the purposes of this part may formulate for the county or municipality a workable program for utilizing appropriate private and public resources to eliminate and prevent the development or spread of slums and urban blight, to encourage needed community rehabilitation, to provide for the redevelopment of slum and blighted areas, to provide housing affordable to residents of low or moderate income, including the elderly, or to undertake such of the aforesaid activities or other feasible county or municipal activities as may be suitably employed to achieve the objectives of such workable program. Such workable program may include provision for the prevention of the spread of blight into areas of the county or municipality which are free from blight through diligent enforcement of housing, zoning, and occupancy controls and standards; the rehabilitation or conservation of slum and blighted areas or portions thereof by replanning, removing congestion, providing parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements, encouraging voluntary rehabilitation, and compelling the repair and rehabilitation of deteriorated or deteriorating structures; the development of affordable housing; the implementation of community policing innovations; and the clearance and redevelopment of slum and blighted areas or portions thereof.

History.--s. 5, ch. 69-305; s. 3, ch. 84-356; s. 3, ch. 94-236; s. 3, ch. 98-314.

163.353  Power of taxing authority to tax or appropriate funds to a redevelopment trust fund in order to preserve and enhance the tax base of the authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of general or special law, the purposes for which a taxing authority may levy taxes or appropriate funds to a redevelopment trust fund include the preservation and enhancement of the tax base of such taxing authority and the furthering of the purposes of such taxing authority as provided by law.

History.--s. 21, ch. 84-356.

163.355  Finding of necessity by county or municipality.--No county or municipality shall exercise the community redevelopment authority conferred by this part until after the governing body has adopted a resolution, supported by data and analysis, which makes a legislative finding that the conditions in the area meet the criteria described in s. 163.340(7) or (8). The resolution must state that:

(1)  One or more slum or blighted areas, or one or more areas in which there is a shortage of housing affordable to residents of low or moderate income, including the elderly, exist in such county or municipality; and

(2)  The rehabilitation, conservation, or redevelopment, or a combination thereof, of such area or areas, including, if appropriate, the development of housing which residents of low or moderate income, including the elderly, can afford, is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, or welfare of the residents of such county or municipality.

History.--s. 6, ch. 69-305; s. 4, ch. 84-356; s. 4, ch. 94-236; s. 3, ch. 2002-294.

163.356  Creation of community redevelopment agency.--

(1)  Upon a finding of necessity as set forth in s. 163.355, and upon a further finding that there is a need for a community redevelopment agency to function in the county or municipality to carry out the community redevelopment purposes of this part, any county or municipality may create a public body corporate and politic to be known as a "community redevelopment agency." A charter county having a population less than or equal to 1.6 million may create, by a vote of at least a majority plus one of the entire governing body of the charter county, more than one community redevelopment agency. Each such agency shall be constituted as a public instrumentality, and the exercise by a community redevelopment agency of the powers conferred by this part shall be deemed and held to be the performance of an essential public function. Community redevelopment agencies of a county have the power to function within the corporate limits of a municipality only as, if, and when the governing body of the municipality has by resolution concurred in the community redevelopment plan or plans proposed by the governing body of the county.

(2)  When the governing body adopts a resolution declaring the need for a community redevelopment agency, that body shall, by ordinance, appoint a board of commissioners of the community redevelopment agency, which shall consist of not fewer than five or more than nine commissioners. The terms of office of the commissioners shall be for 4 years, except that three of the members first appointed shall be designated to serve terms of 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively, from the date of their appointments, and all other members shall be designated to serve for terms of 4 years from the date of their appointments. A vacancy occurring during a term shall be filled for the unexpired term.

(3)(a)  A commissioner shall receive no compensation for services, but is entitled to the necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of duties. Each commissioner shall hold office until his or her successor has been appointed and has qualified. A certificate of the appointment or reappointment of any commissioner shall be filed with the clerk of the county or municipality, and such certificate is conclusive evidence of the due and proper appointment of such commissioner.

(b)  The powers of a community redevelopment agency shall be exercised by the commissioners thereof. A majority of the commissioners constitutes a quorum for the purpose of conducting business and exercising the powers of the agency and for all other purposes. Action may be taken by the agency upon a vote of a majority of the commissioners present, unless in any case the bylaws require a larger number. Any person may be appointed as commissioner if he or she resides or is engaged in business, which means owning a business, practicing a profession, or performing a service for compensation, or serving as an officer or director of a corporation or other business entity so engaged, within the area of operation of the agency, which shall be coterminous with the area of operation of the county or municipality, and is otherwise eligible for such appointment under this part.

(c)  The governing body of the county or municipality shall designate a chair and vice chair from among the commissioners. An agency may employ an executive director, technical experts, and such other agents and employees, permanent and temporary, as it requires, and determine their qualifications, duties, and compensation. For such legal service as it requires, an agency may employ or retain its own counsel and legal staff. An agency authorized to transact business and exercise powers under this part shall file with the governing body, on or before March 31 of each year, a report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year, which report shall include a complete financial statement setting forth its assets, liabilities, income, and operating expenses as of the end of such fiscal year. At the time of filing the report, the agency shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the community a notice to the effect that such report has been filed with the county or municipality and that the report is available for inspection during business hours in the office of the clerk of the city or county commission and in the office of the agency.

(d)  At any time after the creation of a community redevelopment agency, the governing body of the county or municipality may appropriate to the agency such amounts as the governing body deems necessary for the administrative expenses and overhead of the agency, including the development and implementation of community policing innovations.

(4)  The governing body may remove a commissioner for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or misconduct in office only after a hearing and only if he or she has been given a copy of the charges at least 10 days prior to such hearing and has had an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel.

History.--s. 2, ch. 77-391; s. 1, ch. 83-231; s. 6, ch. 84-356; s. 903, ch. 95-147; s. 4, ch. 98-314; s. 41, ch. 2001-266; s. 4, ch. 2002-294.

163.357  Governing body as the community redevelopment agency.--

(1)(a)  As an alternative to the appointment of not fewer than five or more than seven members of the agency, the governing body may, at the time of the adoption of a resolution under s. 163.355, or at any time thereafter by adoption of a resolution, declare itself to be an agency, in which case all the rights, powers, duties, privileges, and immunities vested by this part in an agency will be vested in the governing body of the county or municipality, subject to all responsibilities and liabilities imposed or incurred.

(b)  The members of the governing body shall be the members of the agency, but such members constitute the head of a legal entity, separate, distinct, and independent from the governing body of the county or municipality. If the governing body declares itself to be an agency which already exists, the new agency is subject to all of the responsibilities and liabilities imposed or incurred by the existing agency.

(c)  A governing body which consists of five members may appoint two additional persons to act as members of the community redevelopment agency. The terms of office of the additional members shall be for 4 years, except that the first person appointed shall initially serve a term of 2 years. Persons appointed under this section are subject to all provisions of this part relating to appointed members of a community redevelopment agency.

(2)  Nothing in this part prevents the governing body from conferring the rights, powers, privileges, duties, and immunities of a community redevelopment agency upon any entity in existence on July 1, 1977, which has been authorized by law to function as a downtown development board or authority or as any other body the purpose of which is to prevent and eliminate slums and blight through community redevelopment plans. Any entity in existence on July 1, 1977, which has been vested with the rights, powers, privileges, duties, and immunities of a community redevelopment agency is subject to all provisions and responsibilities imposed by this part, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any law or amendment thereto which established the entity. Nothing in this act shall be construed to impair or diminish any powers of any redevelopment agency or other entity as referred to herein in existence on the effective date of this act or to repeal, modify, or amend any law establishing such entity, except as specifically set forth herein.

History.--s. 2, ch. 77-391; s. 75, ch. 79-400; s. 2, ch. 83-231; s. 5, ch. 84-356.

163.358  Exercise of powers in carrying out community redevelopment and related activities.--The community redevelopment powers assigned to a community redevelopment agency created under s. 163.356 include all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this part, except the following, which continue to vest in the governing body of the county or municipality:

(1)  The power to determine an area to be a slum or blighted area, or combination thereof; to designate such area as appropriate for community redevelopment; and to hold any public hearings required with respect thereto.

(2)  The power to grant final approval to community redevelopment plans and modifications thereof.

(3)  The power to authorize the issuance of revenue bonds as set forth in s. 163.385.

(4)  The power to approve the acquisition, demolition, removal, or disposal of property as provided in s. 163.370(3) and the power to assume the responsibility to bear loss as provided in s. 163.370(3).

(5)  The power to approve the development of community policing innovations.

History.--s. 2, ch. 77-391; s. 70, ch. 81-259; s. 7, ch. 84-356; s. 34, ch. 91-45; s. 5, ch. 98-314.

163.360  Community redevelopment plans.--

(1)  Community redevelopment in a community redevelopment area shall not be planned or initiated unless the governing body has, by resolution, determined such area to be a slum area, a blighted area, or an area in which there is a shortage of housing affordable to residents of low or moderate income, including the elderly, or a combination thereof, and designated such area as appropriate for community redevelopment.

(2)  The community redevelopment plan shall:

(a)  Conform to the comprehensive plan for the county or municipality as prepared by the local planning agency under the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act.

(b)  Be sufficiently complete to indicate such land acquisition, demolition and removal of structures, redevelopment, improvements, and rehabilitation as may be proposed to be carried out in the community redevelopment area; zoning and planning changes, if any; land uses; maximum densities; and building requirements.

(c)  Provide for the development of affordable housing in the area, or state the reasons for not addressing in the plan the development of affordable housing in the area. The county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency shall coordinate with each housing authority or other affordable housing entities functioning within the geographic boundaries of the redevelopment area, concerning the development of affordable housing in the area.

(3)  The community redevelopment plan may provide for the development and implementation of community policing innovations.

(4)  The county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may itself prepare or cause to be prepared a community redevelopment plan, or any person or agency, public or private, may submit such a plan to a community redevelopment agency. Prior to its consideration of a community redevelopment plan, the community redevelopment agency shall submit such plan to the local planning agency of the county or municipality for review and recommendations as to its conformity with the comprehensive plan for the development of the county or municipality as a whole. The local planning agency shall submit its written recommendations with respect to the conformity of the proposed community redevelopment plan to the community redevelopment agency within 60 days after receipt of the plan for review. Upon receipt of the recommendations of the local planning agency, or, if no recommendations are received within such 60 days, then without such recommendations, the community redevelopment agency may proceed with its consideration of the proposed community redevelopment plan.

(5)  The community redevelopment agency shall submit any community redevelopment plan it recommends for approval, together with its written recommendations, to the governing body and to each taxing authority that levies ad valorem taxes on taxable real property contained within the geographic boundaries of the redevelopment area. The governing body shall then proceed with the hearing on the proposed community redevelopment plan as prescribed by subsection (6).

(6)  The governing body shall hold a public hearing on a community redevelopment plan after public notice thereof by publication in a newspaper having a general circulation in the area of operation of the county or municipality. The notice shall describe the time, date, place, and purpose of the hearing, identify generally the community redevelopment area covered by the plan, and outline the general scope of the community redevelopment plan under consideration.

(7)  Following such hearing, the governing body may approve the community redevelopment and the plan therefor if it finds that:

(a)  A feasible method exists for the location of families who will be displaced from the community redevelopment area in decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling accommodations within their means and without undue hardship to such families;

(b)  The community redevelopment plan conforms to the general plan of the county or municipality as a whole;

(c)  The community redevelopment plan gives due consideration to the utilization of community policing innovations, and to the provision of adequate park and recreational areas and facilities that may be desirable for neighborhood improvement, with special consideration for the health, safety, and welfare of children residing in the general vicinity of the site covered by the plans;

(d)  The community redevelopment plan will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of the county or municipality as a whole, for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the community redevelopment area by private enterprise; and

(e)  The community redevelopment plan and resulting revitalization and redevelopment for a coastal tourist area that is deteriorating and economically distressed will reduce or maintain evacuation time, as appropriate, and ensure protection for property against exposure to natural disasters.

(8)  If the community redevelopment area consists of an area of open land to be acquired by the county or the municipality, such area may not be so acquired unless:

(a)  In the event the area is to be developed in whole or in part for residential uses, the governing body determines:

1.  That a shortage of housing of sound standards and design which is decent, safe, affordable to residents of low or moderate income, including the elderly, and sanitary exists in the county or municipality;

2.  That the need for housing accommodations has increased in the area;

3.  That the conditions of blight in the area or the shortage of decent, safe, affordable, and sanitary housing cause or contribute to an increase in and spread of disease and crime or constitute a menace to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare; and

4.  That the acquisition of the area for residential uses is an integral part of and is essential to the program of the county or municipality.

(b)  In the event the area is to be developed in whole or in part for nonresidential uses, the governing body determines that:

1.  Such nonresidential uses are necessary and appropriate to facilitate the proper growth and development of the community in accordance with sound planning standards and local community objectives.

2.  Acquisition may require the exercise of governmental action, as provided in this part, because of:

a.  Defective, or unusual conditions of, title or diversity of ownership which prevents the free alienability of such land;

b.  Tax delinquency;

c.  Improper subdivisions;

d.  Outmoded street patterns;

e.  Deterioration of site;

f.  Economic disuse;

g.  Unsuitable topography or faulty lot layouts;

h.  Lack of correlation of the area with other areas of a county or municipality by streets and modern traffic requirements; or

i.  Any combination of such factors or other conditions which retard development of the area.

3.  Conditions of blight in the area contribute to an increase in and spread of disease and crime or constitute a menace to public health, safety, morals, or welfare.

(9)  Upon the approval by the governing body of a community redevelopment plan or of any modification thereof, such plan or modification shall be deemed to be in full force and effect for the respective community redevelopment area, and the county or municipality may then cause the community redevelopment agency to carry out such plan or modification in accordance with its terms.

(10)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this part, when the governing body certifies that an area is in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation as a result of an emergency under s. 252.34(3), with respect to which the Governor has certified the need for emergency assistance under federal law, that area may be certified as a "blighted area," and the governing body may approve a community redevelopment plan and community redevelopment with respect to such area without regard to the provisions of this section requiring a general plan for the county or municipality and a public hearing on the community redevelopment.

History.--s. 7, ch. 69-305; s. 3, ch. 77-391; s. 5, ch. 83-231; s. 6, ch. 83-334; s. 9, ch. 84-356; s. 26, ch. 85-55; s. 3, ch. 93-286; s. 5, ch. 94-236; s. 3, ch. 98-201; s. 6, ch. 98-314; s. 63, ch. 99-2.

163.361  Modification of community redevelopment plans.--

(1)  If at any time after the approval of a community redevelopment plan by the governing body it becomes necessary or desirable to amend or modify such plan, the governing body may amend such plan upon the recommendation of the agency. The agency recommendation to amend or modify a redevelopment plan may include a change in the boundaries of the redevelopment area to add land to or exclude land from the redevelopment area, or may include the development and implementation of community policing innovations.

(2)  The governing body shall hold a public hearing on a proposed modification of any community redevelopment plan after public notice thereof by publication in a newspaper having a general circulation in the area of operation of the agency.

(3)  In addition to the requirements of s. 163.346, and prior to the adoption of any modification to a community redevelopment plan that expands the boundaries of the community redevelopment area or extends the time certain set forth in the redevelopment plan as required by s. 163.362(10), the agency shall report such proposed modification to each taxing authority in writing or by an oral presentation, or both, regarding such proposed modification.

(4)  A modification to a community redevelopment plan that includes a change in the boundaries of the redevelopment area to add land must be supported by a resolution as provided in s. 163.355.

(5)  If a community redevelopment plan is modified by the county or municipality after the lease or sale of real property in the community redevelopment area, such modification may be conditioned upon such approval of the owner, lessee, or successor in interest as the county or municipality may deem advisable and, in any event, shall be subject to such rights at law or in equity as a lessee or purchaser, or his or her successor or successors in interest, may be entitled to assert.

History.--s. 4, ch. 77-391; s. 6, ch. 83-231; s. 904, ch. 95-147; s. 7, ch. 98-314; s. 5, ch. 2002-294.

163.362  Contents of community redevelopment plan.--Every community redevelopment plan shall:

(1)  Contain a legal description of the boundaries of the community redevelopment area and the reasons for establishing such boundaries shown in the plan.

(2)  Show by diagram and in general terms:

(a)  The approximate amount of open space to be provided and the street layout.

(b)  Limitations on the type, size, height, number, and proposed use of buildings.

(c)  The approximate number of dwelling units.

(d)  Such property as is intended for use as public parks, recreation areas, streets, public utilities, and public improvements of any nature.

(3)  If the redevelopment area contains low or moderate income housing, contain a neighborhood impact element which describes in detail the impact of the redevelopment upon the residents of the redevelopment area and the surrounding areas in terms of relocation, traffic circulation, environmental quality, availability of community facilities and services, effect on school population, and other matters affecting the physical and social quality of the neighborhood.

(4)  Identify specifically any publicly funded capital projects to be undertaken within the community redevelopment area.

(5)  Contain adequate safeguards that the work of redevelopment will be carried out pursuant to the plan.

(6)  Provide for the retention of controls and the establishment of any restrictions or covenants running with land sold or leased for private use for such periods of time and under such conditions as the governing body deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part.

(7)  Provide assurances that there will be replacement housing for the relocation of persons temporarily or permanently displaced from housing facilities within the community redevelopment area.

(8)  Provide an element of residential use in the redevelopment area if such use exists in the area prior to the adoption of the plan or if the plan is intended to remedy a shortage of housing affordable to residents of low or moderate income, including the elderly, or if the plan is not intended to remedy such shortage, the reasons therefor.

(9)  Contain a detailed statement of the projected costs of the redevelopment, including the amount to be expended on publicly funded capital projects in the community redevelopment area and any indebtedness of the community redevelopment agency, the county, or the municipality proposed to be incurred for such redevelopment if such indebtedness is to be repaid with increment revenues.

(10)  Provide a time certain for completing all redevelopment financed by increment revenues. Such time certain shall occur no later than 30 years after the fiscal year in which the plan is approved, adopted, or amended pursuant to s. 163.361(1). However, for any agency created after July 1, 2002, the time certain for completing all redevelopment financed by increment revenues must occur within 40 years after the fiscal year in which the plan is approved or adopted.

(11)  Subsections (1), (3), (4), and (8), as amended by s. 10, chapter 84-356, Laws of Florida, and subsections (9) and (10) do not apply to any governing body of a county or municipality or to a community redevelopment agency if such governing body has approved and adopted a community redevelopment plan pursuant to s. 163.360 before chapter 84-356 became a law; nor do they apply to any governing body of a county or municipality or to a community redevelopment agency if such governing body or agency has adopted an ordinance or resolution authorizing the issuance of any bonds, notes, or other forms of indebtedness to which is pledged increment revenues pursuant only to a community redevelopment plan as approved and adopted before chapter 84-356 became a law.

History.--s. 5, ch. 77-391; s. 7, ch. 83-231; ss. 10, 22, ch. 84-356; s. 5, ch. 93-286; s. 6, ch. 94-236; s. 6, ch. 2002-294.

163.365  Neighborhood and communitywide plans.--

(1)  Any municipality or county or any public body authorized to perform planning work may prepare a general neighborhood redevelopment plan for a community redevelopment area or areas, together with any adjoining areas having specially related problems, which may be of such scope that redevelopment activities may have to be carried out in stages. Such plans may include, but not be limited to, a preliminary plan which:

(a)  Outlines the community redevelopment activities proposed for the area involved;

(b)  Provides a framework for the preparation of community redevelopment plans; and

(c)  Indicates generally the land uses, population density, building coverage, prospective requirements for rehabilitation and improvement of property and portions of the area contemplated for clearance and redevelopment.

A general neighborhood redevelopment plan shall, in the determination of the governing body, conform to the general plan of the locality as a whole and the workable program of the county or municipality.

(2)  Any county or municipality or any public body authorized to perform planning work may prepare or complete a communitywide plan or program for community redevelopment which shall conform to the general plan for the development of the county or municipality as a whole and may include, but not be limited to, identification of slum or blighted areas, measurement of blight, determination of resources needed and available to renew such areas, identification of potential project areas and types of action contemplated, including the development of affordable housing if needed and appropriate for the area, and scheduling of community redevelopment activities.

(3)  Authority is hereby vested in every county and municipality to prepare, adopt, and revise from time to time a general plan for the physical development of the county or municipality as a whole (giving due regard to the environs and metropolitan surroundings), to establish and maintain a planning commission for such purpose and related county or municipal planning activities, and to make available and to appropriate necessary funds therefor.

History.--s. 8, ch. 69-305; s. 7, ch. 94-236.

163.367  Public officials, commissioners, and employees subject to code of ethics.--

(1)  The officers, commissioners, and employees of a community redevelopment agency created by, or designated pursuant to, s. 163.356 or s. 163.357 shall be subject to the provisions and requirements of part III of chapter 112.

(2)  If any such official, commissioner, or employee presently owns or controls, or owned or controlled within the preceding 2 years, any interest, direct or indirect, in any property which he or she knows is included or planned to be included in a community redevelopment area, he or she shall immediately disclose this fact in the manner provided in part III of chapter 112. Any disclosure required to be made by this section shall be made prior to taking any official action pursuant to this section.

(3)  No commissioner or other officer of any community redevelopment agency, board, or commission exercising powers pursuant to this part shall hold any other public office under the county or municipality other than his or her commissionership or office with respect to such community redevelopment agency, board, or commission.

History.--s. 6, ch. 77-391; s. 76, ch. 79-400; s. 8, ch. 83-231; s. 905, ch. 95-147.

163.370  Powers; counties and municipalities; community redevelopment agencies.--

(1)  Every county and municipality shall have all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate the purposes and provisions of this part, including the following powers in addition to others herein granted:

(a)  To make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers under this part;

(b)  To disseminate slum clearance and community redevelopment information;

(c)  To undertake and carry out community redevelopment and related activities within the community redevelopment area, which redevelopment may include:

1.  Acquisition of a slum area or a blighted area or portion thereof.

2.  Demolition and removal of buildings and improvements.

3.  Installation, construction, or reconstruction of streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, public areas of major hotels that are constructed in support of convention centers, including meeting rooms, banquet facilities, parking garages, lobbies, and passageways, and other improvements necessary for carrying out in the community redevelopment area the community redevelopment objectives of this part in accordance with the community redevelopment plan.

4.  Disposition of any property acquired in the community redevelopment area at its fair value for uses in accordance with the community redevelopment plan.

5.  Carrying out plans for a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings or other improvements in accordance with the community redevelopment plan.

6.  Acquisition of real property in the community redevelopment area which, under the community redevelopment plan, is to be repaired or rehabilitated for dwelling use or related facilities, repair or rehabilitation of the structures for guidance purposes, and resale of the property.

7.  Acquisition of any other real property in the community redevelopment area when necessary to eliminate unhealthful, unsanitary, or unsafe conditions; lessen density; eliminate obsolete or other uses detrimental to the public welfare; or otherwise to remove or prevent the spread of blight or deterioration or to provide land for needed public facilities.

8.  Acquisition, without regard to any requirement that the area be a slum or blighted area, of air rights in an area consisting principally of land in highways, railway or subway tracks, bridge or tunnel entrances, or other similar facilities which have a blighting influence on the surrounding area and over which air rights sites are to be developed for the elimination of such blighting influences and for the provision of housing (and related facilities and uses) designed specifically for, and limited to, families and individuals of low or moderate income.

9.  Construction of foundations and platforms necessary for the provision of air rights sites of housing (and related facilities and uses) designed specifically for, and limited to, families and individuals of low or moderate income.

(d)  To provide, or to arrange or contract for, the furnishing or repair by any person or agency, public or private, of services, privileges, works, streets, roads, public utilities, or other facilities for or in connection with a community redevelopment; to install, construct, and reconstruct streets, utilities, parks, playgrounds, and other public improvements; and to agree to any conditions that it deems reasonable and appropriate which are attached to federal financial assistance and imposed pursuant to federal law relating to the determination of prevailing salaries or wages or compliance with labor standards, in the undertaking or carrying out of a community redevelopment and related activities, and to include in any contract let in connection with such redevelopment and related activities provisions to fulfill such of the conditions as it deems reasonable and appropriate.

(e)  Within the community redevelopment area:

1.  To enter into any building or property in any community redevelopment area in order to make inspections, surveys, appraisals, soundings, or test borings and to obtain an order for this purpose from a court of competent jurisdiction in the event entry is denied or resisted.

2.  To acquire by purchase, lease, option, gift, grant, bequest, devise, eminent domain, or otherwise any real property (or personal property for its administrative purposes), together with any improvements thereon; except that a community redevelopment agency may not exercise any power of eminent domain unless the exercise has been specifically approved by the governing body of the county or municipality which established the agency.

3.  To hold, improve, clear, or prepare for redevelopment any such property.

4.  To mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise encumber or dispose of any real property.

5.  To insure or provide for the insurance of any real or personal property or operations of the county or municipality against any risks or hazards, including the power to pay premiums on any such insurance.

6.  To enter into any contracts necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part.

7.  To solicit requests for proposals for redevelopment of parcels of real property contemplated by a community redevelopment plan to be acquired for redevelopment purposes by a community redevelopment agency and, as a result of such requests for proposals, to advertise for the disposition of such real property to private persons pursuant to s. 163.380 prior to acquisition of such real property by the community redevelopment agency.

(f)  To invest any community redevelopment funds held in reserves or sinking funds or any such funds not required for immediate disbursement in property or securities in which savings banks may legally invest funds subject to their control and to redeem such bonds as have been issued pursuant to s. 163.385 at the redemption price established therein or to purchase such bonds at less than redemption price, all such bonds so redeemed or purchased to be canceled.

(g)  To borrow money and to apply for and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, and any other form of financial assistance from the Federal Government or the state, county, or other public body or from any sources, public or private, for the purposes of this part and to give such security as may be required and to enter into and carry out contracts or agreements in connection therewith; and to include in any contract for financial assistance with the Federal Government for or with respect to community redevelopment and related activities such conditions imposed pursuant to federal laws as the county or municipality deems reasonable and appropriate which are not inconsistent with the purposes of this part.

(h)  Within its area of operation, to make or have made all surveys and plans necessary to the carrying out of the purposes of this part; to contract with any person, public or private, in making and carrying out such plans; and to adopt or approve, modify, and amend such plans, which plans may include, but are not limited to:

1.  Plans for carrying out a program of voluntary or compulsory repair and rehabilitation of buildings and improvements.

2.  Plans for the enforcement of state and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to the use of land and the use and occupancy of buildings and improvements and to the compulsory repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal of buildings and improvements.

3.  Appraisals, title searches, surveys, studies, and other plans and work necessary to prepare for the undertaking of community redevelopment and related activities.

(i)  To develop, test, and report methods and techniques, and carry out demonstrations and other activities, for the prevention and the elimination of slums and urban blight and developing and demonstrating new or improved means of providing housing for families and persons of low income.

(j)  To apply for, accept, and utilize grants of funds from the Federal Government for such purposes.

(k)  To prepare plans for and assist in the relocation of persons (including individuals, families, business concerns, nonprofit organizations, and others) displaced from a community redevelopment area and to make relocation payments to or with respect to such persons for moving expenses and losses of property for which reimbursement or compensation is not otherwise made, including the making of such payments financed by the Federal Government.

(l)  To appropriate such funds and make such expenditures as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this part; to zone or rezone any part of the county or municipality or make exceptions from building regulations; and to enter into agreements with a housing authority, which agreements may extend over any period, notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary, respecting action to be taken by such county or municipality pursuant to any of the powers granted by this part.

(m)  To close, vacate, plan, or replan streets, roads, sidewalks, ways, or other places and to plan or replan any part of the county or municipality.

(n)  Within its area of operation, to organize, coordinate, and direct the administration of the provisions of this part, as they may apply to such county or municipality, in order that the objective of remedying slum and blighted areas and preventing the causes thereof within such county or municipality may be most effectively promoted and achieved and to establish such new office or offices of the county or municipality or to reorganize existing offices in order to carry out such purpose most effectively.

(o)  To exercise all or any part or combination of powers herein granted or to elect to have such powers exercised by a community redevelopment agency.

(p)  To develop and implement community policing innovations.

(2)  The following projects may not be paid for or financed by increment revenues:

(a)  Construction or expansion of administrative buildings for public bodies or police and fire buildings, unless each taxing authority agrees to such method of financing for the construction or expansion, or unless the construction or expansion is contemplated as part of a community policing innovation.

(b)  Installation, construction, reconstruction, repair, or alteration of any publicly owned capital improvements or projects which are not an integral part of or necessary for carrying out the community redevelopment plan if such projects or improvements are normally financed by the governing body with user fees or if such projects or improvements would be installed, constructed, reconstructed, repaired, or altered within 3 years of the approval of the community redevelopment plan by the governing body pursuant to a previously approved public capital improvement or project schedule or plan of the governing body which approved the community redevelopment plan.

(c)  General government operating expenses unrelated to the planning and carrying out of a community redevelopment plan.

(3)  With the approval of the governing body, a community redevelopment agency may:

(a)  Prior to approval of a community redevelopment plan or approval of any modifications of the plan, acquire real property in a community redevelopment area, demolish and remove any structures on the property, and pay all costs related to the acquisition, demolition, or removal, including any administrative or relocation expenses.

(b)  Assume the responsibility to bear any loss that may arise as the result of the exercise of authority under this subsection, in the event that the real property is not made part of the community redevelopment area.

History.--s. 9, ch. 69-305; s. 7, ch. 77-391; s. 11, ch. 84-356; s. 7, ch. 93-286; s. 8, ch. 94-236; s. 8, ch. 98-314.

163.375  Eminent domain.--

(1)  Any county or municipality, or any community redevelopment agency pursuant to specific approval of the governing body of the county or municipality which established the agency, as provided by any county or municipal ordinance has the right to acquire by condemnation any interest in real property, including a fee simple title thereto, which it deems necessary for, or in connection with, community redevelopment and related activities under this part. Any county or municipality, or any community redevelopment agency pursuant to specific approval by the governing body of the county or municipality which established the agency, as provided by any county or municipal ordinance may exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided in chapters 73 and 74 and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto, or it may exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner now or which may be hereafter provided by any other statutory provision for the exercise of the power of eminent domain. Property in unincorporated enclaves surrounded by the boundaries of a community redevelopment area may be acquired when it is determined necessary by the agency to accomplish the community redevelopment plan. Property already devoted to a public use may be acquired in like manner. However, no real property belonging to the United States, the state, or any political subdivision of the state may be acquired without its consent.

(2)  In any proceeding to fix or assess compensation for damages for the taking of property, or any interest therein, through the exercise of the power of eminent domain or condemnation, evidence or testimony bearing upon the following matters shall be admissible and shall be considered in fixing such compensation or damages in addition to evidence or testimony otherwise admissible:

(a)  Any use, condition, occupancy, or operation of such property, which is unlawful or violative of, or subject to elimination, abatement, prohibition, or correction under, any law, ordinance, or regulatory measure of the state, county, municipality, or other political subdivision, or any agency thereof, in which such property is located, as being unsafe, substandard, unsanitary, or otherwise contrary to the public health, safety, morals, or welfare.

(b)  The effect on the value of such property of any such use, condition, occupancy, or operation or of the elimination, abatement, prohibition, or correction of any such use, condition, occupancy, or operation.

(3)  The foregoing testimony and evidence shall be admissible notwithstanding that no action has been taken by any public body or public officer toward the abatement, prohibition, elimination, or correction of any such use, condition, occupancy, or operation. Testimony or evidence that any public body or public officer charged with the duty or authority so to do has rendered, made, or issued any judgment, decree, determination, or order for the abatement, prohibition, elimination, or correction of any such use, condition, occupancy, or operation shall be admissible and shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and character of such use, condition, or operation.

History.--s. 10, ch. 69-305; s. 8, ch. 77-391; s. 12, ch. 84-356; s. 10, ch. 99-378.

163.380  Disposal of property in community redevelopment area.--

(1)  Any county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may sell, lease, dispose of, or otherwise transfer real property or any interest therein acquired by it for community redevelopment in a community redevelopment area to any private person, or may retain such property for public use, and may enter into contracts with respect thereto for residential, recreational, commercial, industrial, educational, or other uses, in accordance with the community redevelopment plan, subject to such covenants, conditions, and restrictions, including covenants running with the land, as it deems necessary or desirable to assist in preventing the development or spread of future slums or blighted areas or to otherwise carry out the purposes of this part. However, such sale, lease, other transfer, or retention, and any agreement relating thereto, may be made only after the approval of the community redevelopment plan by the governing body. The purchasers or lessees and their successors and assigns shall be obligated to devote such real property only to the uses specified in the community redevelopment plan and may be obligated to comply with such other requirements as the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may determine to be in the public interest, including the obligation to begin any improvements on such real property required by the community redevelopment plan within a reasonable time.

(2)  Such real property or interest shall be sold, leased, otherwise transferred, or retained at a value determined to be in the public interest for uses in accordance with the community redevelopment plan and in accordance with such reasonable disposal procedures as any county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may prescribe. In determining the value of real property as being in the public interest for uses in accordance with the community redevelopment plan, the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency shall take into account and give consideration to the long-term benefits to be achieved by the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency resulting from incurring short-term losses or costs in the disposal of such real property; the uses provided in such plan; the restrictions upon, and the covenants, conditions, and obligations assumed by, the purchaser or lessee or by the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency retaining the property; and the objectives of such plan for the prevention of the recurrence of slum or blighted areas. In the event the value of such real property being disposed of is for less than the fair value, such disposition shall require the approval of the governing body, which approval may only be given following a duly noticed public hearing. The county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may provide in any instrument of conveyance to a private purchaser or lessee that such purchaser or lessee is without power to sell, lease, or otherwise transfer the real property without the prior written consent of the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency until the purchaser or lessee has completed the construction of any or all improvements which he or she has obligated himself or herself to construct thereon. Real property acquired by the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency which, in accordance with the provisions of the community redevelopment plan, is to be transferred shall be transferred as rapidly as feasible in the public interest, consistent with the carrying out of the provisions of the community redevelopment plan. Any contract for such transfer and the community redevelopment plan, or such part or parts of such contract or plan as the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may determine, may be recorded in the land records of the clerk of the circuit court in such manner as to afford actual or constructive notice thereof.

(3)(a)  Prior to disposition of any real property or interest therein in a community redevelopment area, any county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency shall give public notice of such disposition by publication in a newspaper having a general circulation in the community, at least 30 days prior to the execution of any contract to sell, lease, or otherwise transfer real property and, prior to the delivery of any instrument of conveyance with respect thereto under the provisions of this section, invite proposals from, and make all pertinent information available to, private redevelopers or any persons interested in undertaking to redevelop or rehabilitate a community redevelopment area or any part thereof. Such notice shall identify the area or portion thereof and shall state that proposals must be made by those interested within 30 days after the date of publication of the notice and that such further information as is available may be obtained at such office as is designated in the notice. The county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency shall consider all such redevelopment or rehabilitation proposals and the financial and legal ability of the persons making such proposals to carry them out; and the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may negotiate with any persons for proposals for the purchase, lease, or other transfer of any real property acquired by it in the community redevelopment area. The county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may accept such proposal as it deems to be in the public interest and in furtherance of the purposes of this part. Except in the case of a governing body acting as the agency, as provided in s. 163.357, a notification of intention to accept such proposal must be filed with the governing body not less than 30 days prior to any such acceptance. Thereafter, the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may execute such contract in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) and deliver deeds, leases, and other instruments and take all steps necessary to effectuate such contract.

(b)  Any county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency that, pursuant to the provisions of this section, has disposed of a real property project with a land area in excess of 20 acres may acquire an expanded area that is immediately adjacent to the original project and less than 35 percent of the land area of the original project, by purchase or eminent domain as provided in this chapter, and negotiate a disposition of such expanded area directly with the person who acquired the original project without complying with the disposition procedures established in paragraph (a), provided the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency adopts a resolution making the following findings:

1.  It is in the public interest to expand such real property project to an immediately adjacent area.

2.  The expanded area is less than 35 percent of the land area of the original project.

3.  The expanded area is entirely within the boundary of the community redevelopment area.

(4)  Any county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may temporarily operate and maintain real property acquired by it in a community redevelopment area for or in connection with a community redevelopment plan pending the disposition of the property as authorized in this part, without regard to the provisions of subsection (1), for such uses and purposes as may be deemed desirable, even though not in conformity with the community redevelopment plan.

(5)  If any conflict exists between the provisions of this section and s. 159.61, the provisions of this section govern and supersede those of s. 159.61.

(6)  Notwithstanding any provision of this section, if a community redevelopment area is established by the governing body for the redevelopment of property located on a closed military base within the governing body's boundaries, the procedures for disposition of real property within that community redevelopment area shall be prescribed by the governing body, and compliance with the other provisions of this section shall not be required prior to the disposal of real property.

History.--s. 11, ch. 69-305; s. 9, ch. 77-391; s. 13, ch. 84-356; s. 1, ch. 92-162; s. 906, ch. 95-147; s. 1, ch. 96-254; s. 9, ch. 98-314.

163.385  Issuance of revenue bonds.--

(1)(a)  When authorized or approved by resolution or ordinance of the governing body, a county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency has power in its corporate capacity, in its discretion, to issue redevelopment revenue bonds from time to time to finance the undertaking of any community redevelopment under this part, including, without limiting the generality thereof, the payment of principal and interest upon any advances for surveys and plans or preliminary loans, and has power to issue refunding bonds for the payment or retirement of bonds or other obligations previously issued. For any agency created before July 1, 2002, any redevelopment revenue bonds or other obligations issued to finance the undertaking of any community redevelopment under this part shall mature within 60 years after the end of the fiscal year in which the initial community redevelopment plan was approved or adopted. For any agency created on or after July 1, 2002, any redevelopment revenue bonds or other obligations issued to finance the undertaking of any community redevelopment under this part shall mature within 40 years after the end of the fiscal year in which the initial community redevelopment plan is approved or adopted. However, in no event shall any redevelopment revenue bonds or other obligations issued to finance the undertaking of any community redevelopment under this part mature later than the expiration of the plan in effect at the time such bonds or obligations were issued. The security for such bonds may be based upon the anticipated assessed valuation of the completed community redevelopment and such other revenues as are legally available. Any bond, note, or other form of indebtedness pledging increment revenues to the repayment thereof shall mature no later than the end of the 30th fiscal year after the fiscal year in which increment revenues are first deposited into the redevelopment trust fund or the fiscal year in which the plan is subsequently amended. However, for any agency created on or after July 1, 2002, any form of indebtedness pledging increment revenues to the repayment thereof shall mature by the 40th year after the fiscal year in which the initial community redevelopment plan is approved or adopted. However, any refunding bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph may not mature later than the final maturity date of any bonds or other obligations issued pursuant to this paragraph being paid or retired with the proceeds of such refunding bonds.

(b)  In anticipation of the sale of revenue bonds pursuant to paragraph (a), the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency may issue bond anticipation notes and may renew such notes from time to time, but the maximum maturity of any such note, including renewals thereof, may not exceed 5 years from the date of issue of the original note. Such notes shall be paid from any revenues of the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency available therefor and not otherwise pledged or from the proceeds of sale of the revenue bonds in anticipation of which they were issued.

(2)  Bonds issued under this section do not constitute an indebtedness within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory debt limitation or restriction, and are not subject to the provisions of any other law or charter relating to the authorization, issuance, or sale of bonds. Bonds issued under the provisions of this part are declared to be issued for an essential public and governmental purpose and, together with interest thereon and income therefrom, are exempted from all taxes, except those taxes imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations.

(3)  Bonds issued under this section shall be authorized by resolution or ordinance of the governing body; may be issued in one or more series; and shall bear such date or dates, be payable upon demand or mature at such time or times, bear interest at such rate or rates, be in such denomination or denominations, be in such form either with or without coupon or registered, carry such conversion or registration privileges, have such rank or priority, be executed in such manner, be payable in such medium of payment at such place or places, be subject to such terms of redemption (with or without premium), be secured in such manner, and have such other characteristics as may be provided by such resolution or ordinance or by a trust indenture or mortgage issued pursuant thereto. Bonds issued under this section may be sold in such manner, either at public or private sale, and for such price as the governing body may determine will effectuate the purpose of this part.

(4)  In case any of the public officials of the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency whose signatures appear on any bonds or coupons issued under this part cease to be such officials before the delivery of such bonds, such signatures are, nevertheless, valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if such officials had remained in office until such delivery.

(5)  In any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforceability of any bond issued under this part, or the security therefor, any such bond reciting in substance that it has been issued by the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency in connection with community redevelopment, as herein defined, shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued for such purpose, and such project shall be conclusively deemed to have been planned, located, and carried out in accordance with the provisions of this part.

(6)  Subsections (1), (4), and (5), as amended by s. 14, chapter 84-356, Laws of Florida, do not apply to any governing body of a county or municipality or to a community redevelopment agency if such governing body or agency has adopted an ordinance or resolution authorizing the issuance of any bonds, notes, or other forms of indebtedness to which is pledged increment revenues pursuant only to a community redevelopment plan as approved and adopted before chapter 84-356 became a law.

History.--s. 12, ch. 69-305; s. 12, ch. 73-302; s. 2, ch. 76-147; s. 10, ch. 77-391; s. 77, ch. 79-400; ss. 14, 22, ch. 84-356; s. 6, ch. 93-286; s. 9, ch. 94-236; s. 15, ch. 95-310; s. 7, ch. 2002-294.

163.387  Redevelopment trust fund.--

(1)  After approval of a community redevelopment plan, there shall be established for each community redevelopment agency created under s. 163.356 a redevelopment trust fund. Funds allocated to and deposited into this fund shall be used by the agency to finance or refinance any community redevelopment it undertakes pursuant to the approved community redevelopment plan. No community redevelopment agency may receive or spend any increment revenues pursuant to this section unless and until the governing body has, by ordinance, provided for the funding of the redevelopment trust fund for the duration of a community redevelopment plan. Such ordinance may be adopted only after the governing body has approved a community redevelopment plan. The annual funding of the redevelopment trust fund shall be in an amount not less than that increment in the income, proceeds, revenues, and funds of each taxing authority derived from or held in connection with the undertaking and carrying out of community redevelopment under this part. Such increment shall be determined annually and shall be that amount equal to 95 percent of the difference between:

(a)  The amount of ad valorem taxes levied each year by each taxing authority, exclusive of any amount from any debt service millage, on taxable real property contained within the geographic boundaries of a community redevelopment area; and

(b)  The amount of ad valorem taxes which would have been produced by the rate upon which the tax is levied each year by or for each taxing authority, exclusive of any debt service millage, upon the total of the assessed value of the taxable real property in the community redevelopment area as shown upon the most recent assessment roll used in connection with the taxation of such property by each taxing authority prior to the effective date of the ordinance providing for the funding of the trust fund.

However, the governing body of any county as defined in s. 125.011(1) may, in the ordinance providing for the funding of a trust fund established with respect to any community redevelopment area created on or after July 1, 1994, determine that the amount to be funded by each taxing authority annually shall be less than 95 percent of the difference between paragraphs (a) and (b), but in no event shall such amount be less than 50 percent of such difference.

(2)(a)  Except for the purpose of funding the trust fund pursuant to subsection (3), upon the adoption of an ordinance providing for funding of the redevelopment trust fund as provided in this section, each taxing authority shall, by January 1 of each year, appropriate to the trust fund for so long as any indebtedness pledging increment revenues to the payment thereof is outstanding (but not to exceed 30 years) a sum that is no less than the increment as defined and determined in subsection (1) accruing to such taxing authority. If the community redevelopment plan is amended or modified pursuant to s. 163.361(1), each such taxing authority shall make the annual appropriation for a period not to exceed 30 years after the date the governing body amends the plan. However, for any agency created on or after July 1, 2002, each taxing authority shall make the annual appropriation for a period not to exceed 40 years after the fiscal year in which the initial community redevelopment plan is approved or adopted.

(b)  Any taxing authority that does not pay the increment to the trust fund by January 1 shall pay to the trust fund an amount equal to 5 percent of the amount of the increment and shall pay interest on the amount of the increment equal to 1 percent for each month the increment is outstanding.

(c)  The following public bodies or taxing authorities are exempt from paragraph (a):

1.  A special district that levies ad valorem taxes on taxable real property in more than one county.

2.  A special district for which the sole available source of revenue the district has the authority to levy is ad valorem taxes at the time an ordinance is adopted under this section. However, revenues or aid that may be dispensed or appropriated to a district as defined in s. 388.011 at the discretion of an entity other than such district shall not be deemed available.

3.  A library district, except a library district in a jurisdiction where the community redevelopment agency had validated bonds as of April 30, 1984.

4.  A neighborhood improvement district created under the Safe Neighborhoods Act.

5.  A metropolitan transportation authority.

6.  A water management district created under s. 373.069.

(d)1.  A local governing body that creates a community redevelopment agency under s. 163.356 may exempt from paragraph (a) a special district that levies ad valorem taxes within that community redevelopment area. The local governing body may grant the exemption either in its sole discretion or in response to the request of the special district. The local governing body must establish procedures by which a special district may submit a written request to be exempted from paragraph (a).

2.  In deciding whether to deny or grant a special district's request for exemption from paragraph (a), the local governing body must consider:

a.  Any additional revenue sources of the community redevelopment agency which could be used in lieu of the special district's tax increment.

b.  The fiscal and operational impact on the community redevelopment agency.

c.  The fiscal and operational impact on the special district.

d.  The benefit to the specific purpose for which the special district was created. The benefit to the special district must be based on specific projects contained in the approved community redevelopment plan for the designated community redevelopment area.

e.  The impact of the exemption on incurred debt and whether such exemption will impair any outstanding bonds that have pledged tax increment revenues to the repayment of the bonds.

f.  The benefit of the activities of the special district to the approved community redevelopment plan.

g.  The benefit of the activities of the special district to the area of operation of the local governing body that created the community redevelopment agency.

3.  The local governing body must hold a public hearing on a special district's request for exemption after public notice of the hearing is published in a newspaper having a general circulation in the county or municipality that created the community redevelopment area. The notice must describe the time, date, place, and purpose of the hearing and must identify generally the community redevelopment area covered by the plan and the impact of the plan on the special district that requested the exemption.

4.  If a local governing body grants an exemption to a special district under this paragraph, the local governing body and the special district must enter into an interlocal agreement that establishes the conditions of the exemption, including, but not limited to, the period of time for which the exemption is granted.

5.  If a local governing body denies a request for exemption by a special district, the local governing body shall provide the special district with a written analysis specifying the rationale for such denial. This written analysis must include, but is not limited to, the following information:

a.  A separate, detailed examination of each consideration listed in subparagraph 2.

b.  Specific examples of how the approved community redevelopment plan will benefit, and has already benefited, the purpose for which the special district was created.

6.  The decision to either deny or grant an exemption must be made by the local governing body within 120 days after the date the written request was submitted to the local governing body pursuant to the procedures established by such local governing body.

(3)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), the obligation of the governing body which established the community redevelopment agency to fund the redevelopment trust fund annually shall continue until all loans, advances, and indebtedness, if any, and interest thereon, of a community redevelopment agency incurred as a result of redevelopment in a community redevelopment area have been paid.

(4)  The revenue bonds and notes of every issue under this part are payable solely out of revenues pledged to and received by a community redevelopment agency and deposited to its redevelopment trust fund. The lien created by such bonds or notes shall not attach until the revenues referred to herein are deposited in the redevelopment trust fund at the times, and to the extent that, such revenues accrue. The holders of such bonds or notes have no right to require the imposition of any tax or the establishment of any rate of taxation in order to obtain the amounts necessary to pay and retire such bonds or notes.

(5)  Revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this part shall not be deemed to constitute a debt, liability, or obligation of the local governing body or the state or any political subdivision thereof, or a pledge of the faith and credit of the local governing body or the state or any political subdivision thereof, but shall be payable solely from the revenues provided therefor. All such revenue bonds shall contain on the face thereof a statement to the effect that the agency shall not be obligated to pay the same or the interest thereon except from the revenues of the community redevelopment agency held for that purpose and that neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the local governing body or of the state or of any political subdivision thereof is pledged to the payment of the principal of, or the interest on, such bonds.

(6)  Moneys in the redevelopment trust fund may be expended from time to time for undertakings of a community redevelopment agency which are directly related to financing or refinancing of redevelopment in a community redevelopment area pursuant to an approved community redevelopment plan for the following purposes, including, but not limited to:

(a)  Administrative and overhead expenses necessary or incidental to the implementation of a community redevelopment plan adopted by the agency.

(b)  Expenses of redevelopment planning, surveys, and financial analysis, including the reimbursement of the governing body or the community redevelopment agency for such expenses incurred before the redevelopment plan was approved and adopted.

(c)  The acquisition of real property in the redevelopment area.

(d)  The clearance and preparation of any redevelopment area for redevelopment and relocation of site occupants as provided in s. 163.370.

(e)  The repayment of principal and interest or any redemption premium for loans, advances, bonds, bond anticipation notes, and any other form of indebtedness.

(f)  All expenses incidental to or connected with the issuance, sale, redemption, retirement, or purchase of agency bonds, bond anticipation notes, or other form of indebtedness, including funding of any reserve, redemption, or other fund or account provided for in the ordinance or resolution authorizing such bonds, notes, or other form of indebtedness.

(g)  The development of affordable housing within the area.

(h)  The development of community policing innovations.

(7)  On the last day of the fiscal year of the community redevelopment agency, any money which remains in the trust fund after the payment of expenses pursuant to subsection (6) for such year shall be:

(a)  Returned to each taxing authority which paid the increment in the proportion that the amount of the payment of such taxing authority bears to the total amount paid into the trust fund by all taxing authorities within the redevelopment area for that year;

(b)  Used to reduce the amount of any indebtedness to which increment revenues are pledged;

(c)  Deposited into an escrow account for the purpose of later reducing any indebtedness to which increment revenues are pledged; or

(d)  Appropriated to a specific redevelopment project pursuant to an approved community redevelopment plan which project will be completed within 3 years from the date of such appropriation.

(8)  Each community redevelopment agency shall provide for an independent financial audit of the trust fund each fiscal year and a report of such audit. Such report shall describe the amount and source of deposits into, and the amount and purpose of withdrawals from, the trust fund during such fiscal year and the amount of principal and interest paid during such year on any indebtedness to which is pledged increment revenues and the remaining amount of such indebtedness. The agency shall provide a copy of the report to each taxing authority.

History.--s. 11, ch. 77-391; s. 78, ch. 79-400; s. 9, ch. 83-231; s. 15, ch. 84-356; s. 27, ch. 87-224; s. 35, ch. 91-45; s. 4, ch. 93-286; s. 10, ch. 94-236; s. 1, ch. 94-344; s. 10, ch. 98-314; s. 8, ch. 2002-18; s. 8, ch. 2002-294.

163.390  Bonds as legal investments.--All banks, trust companies, bankers, savings banks and institutions, building and loan associations, savings and loan associations, investment companies, and other persons carrying on a banking or investment business; all insurance companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on an insurance business; and all executors, administrators, curators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may legally invest any sinking funds, moneys, or other funds belonging to them or within their control in any bonds or other obligations issued by a county or municipality pursuant to this part or by any community redevelopment agency vested with community redevelopment powers. Such bonds and other obligations shall be authorized security for all public deposits. It is the purpose of this section to authorize all persons, political subdivisions, and officers, public or private, to use any funds owned or controlled by them for the purchase of any such bonds or other obligations. Nothing contained in this section with regard to legal investments shall be construed as relieving any person of any duty of exercising reasonable care in selecting securities.

History.--s. 13, ch. 69-305; s. 12, ch. 77-391; s. 16, ch. 84-356.

163.395  Property exempt from taxes and from levy and sale by virtue of an execution.--

(1)  All property of any county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency, including funds, owned or held by it for the purposes of this part are exempt from levy and sale by virtue of an execution; and no execution or other judicial process may issue against the same, nor shall judgment against the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency be a charge or lien upon such property. However, the provisions of this section do not apply to or limit the right of obligees to pursue any remedies for the enforcement of any pledge or lien given pursuant to this part by the county or municipality on its rents, fees, grants, or revenues from community redevelopment.

(2)  The property of the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency acquired or held for the purposes of this part is declared to be public property used for essential public and governmental purposes, and such property is exempt from all taxes of the municipality, the county, or the state or any political subdivision thereof. However, such tax exemption will terminate when the county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency sells, leases, or otherwise disposes of such property in a community redevelopment area to a purchaser or lessee which is not a public body entitled to tax exemption with respect to such property.

History.--s. 14, ch. 69-305; s. 13, ch. 77-391; s. 17, ch. 84-356.

163.400  Cooperation by public bodies.--

(1)  For the purpose of aiding in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of community redevelopment and related activities authorized by this part, any public body may, upon such terms, with or without consideration, as it may determine:

(a)  Dedicate, sell, convey, or lease any of its interest in any property or grant easements, licenses, or other rights or privileges therein to a county or municipality.

(b)  Incur the entire expense of any public improvements made by such public body in exercising the powers granted in this section.

(c)  Do any and all things necessary to aid or cooperate in the planning or carrying out of a community redevelopment plan and related activities.

(d)  Lend, grant, or contribute funds to a county or municipality; borrow money; and apply for and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, or any other form of financial assistance from the Federal Government, the state, the county, another public body, or any other source.

(e)  Enter into agreements, which may extend over any period, notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary, with the Federal Government, a county, a municipality, or another public body respecting action to be taken pursuant to any of the powers granted by this part, including the furnishing of funds or other assistance in connection with community redevelopment and related activities.

(f)  Cause public buildings and public facilities, including parks, playgrounds, recreational, community, educational, water, sewer, or drainage facilities, or any other works which it is otherwise empowered to undertake to be furnished; furnish, dedicate, close, vacate, pave, install, grade, regrade, plan, or replan streets, roads, sidewalks, ways, or other places; plan or replan or zone or rezone any part of the public body or make exceptions from building regulations; and cause administrative and other services to be furnished to the county or municipality.

If at any time title to or possession of any property in a community redevelopment area is held by any public body or governmental agency, other than the county or municipality, but including any agency or instrumentality of the United States, which is authorized by law to engage in the undertaking, carrying out, or administration of community redevelopment and related activities, the provisions of the agreements referred to in this section shall inure to the benefit of and may be enforced by such public body or governmental agency. As used in this subsection, the term "county or municipality" also includes a community redevelopment agency.

(2)  Any sale, conveyance, lease, or agreement provided for in this section may be made by a public body without appraisal, public notice, advertisement, or public bidding.

(3)  For the purpose of aiding in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of any community redevelopment and related activities of a community redevelopment agency or a housing authority hereunder, any county or municipality may, in addition to its other powers and upon such terms, with or without consideration, as it determines, do and perform any or all of the actions or things which, by the provisions of subsection (1), a public body is authorized to do or perform, including the furnishing of financial and other assistance.

(4)  For the purposes of this section, or for the purpose of aiding in the planning, undertaking, or carrying out of community redevelopment and related activities of a county or municipality, such county or municipality may, in addition to any authority to issue bonds pursuant to s. 163.385, issue and sell its general obligation bonds. Any bonds issued by the county or municipality pursuant to this section shall be issued in the manner and within the limitations prescribed by the applicable laws of this state for the issuance and authorization of general obligation bonds by such county or municipality. Nothing in this section shall limit or otherwise adversely affect any other section of this part.

History.--s. 15, ch. 69-305; s. 14, ch. 77-391; s. 79, ch. 79-400; s. 18, ch. 84-356.

163.405  Title of purchaser.--Any instrument executed by any county, municipality, or community redevelopment agency and purporting to convey any right, title, or interest in any property under this part shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed in compliance with the provisions of this part insofar as title or other interest of any bona fide purchasers, lessees, or transferees of such property is concerned.

History.--s. 16, ch. 69-305; s. 15, ch. 77-391.

163.410  Exercise of powers in counties with home rule charters.--In any county which has adopted a home rule charter, the powers conferred by this part shall be exercised exclusively by the governing body of such county. However, the governing body of any such county which has adopted a home rule charter may, in its discretion, by resolution delegate the exercise of the powers conferred upon the county by this part within the boundaries of a municipality to the governing body of such a municipality. Such a delegation to a municipality shall confer only such powers upon a municipality as shall be specifically enumerated in the delegating resolution. Any power not specifically delegated shall be reserved exclusively to the governing body of the county. This section does not affect any community redevelopment agency created by a municipality prior to the adoption of a county home rule charter. Unless otherwise provided by an existing ordinance, resolution, or interlocal agreement between any such county and a municipality, the governing body of the county that has adopted a home rule charter shall act on any request from a municipality for a delegation of powers or a change in an existing delegation of powers within 120 days after the receipt of all required documentation or such request shall be immediately sent to the governing body for consideration.

History.--s. 17, ch. 69-305; s. 1, ch. 83-29; s. 9, ch. 2002-294.

163.415  Exercise of powers in counties without home rule charters.--The powers conferred by this part upon counties not having adopted a home rule charter shall not be exercised within the boundaries of a municipality within said county unless the governing body of the municipality expresses its consent by resolution. Such a resolution consenting to the exercise of the powers conferred upon counties by this part shall specifically enumerate the powers to be exercised by the county within the boundaries of the municipality. Any power not specifically enumerated in such a resolution of consent shall be exercised exclusively by the municipality within its boundaries.

History.--s. 18, ch. 69-305.

163.430  Powers supplemental to existing community redevelopment powers.--The powers conferred upon counties or municipalities by this part shall be supplemental to any community redevelopment powers now being exercised by any county or municipality in accordance with the provisions of any population act, special act, or under the provisions of the home rule charter for Dade County, or under the provision of the charter of the consolidated City of Jacksonville.

History.--s. 21, ch. 69-305.

163.445  Assistance to community redevelopment by state agencies.--State agencies may provide technical and advisory assistance, upon request, to municipalities, counties, and community redevelopment agencies for community redevelopment as defined in this part. Such assistance may include, but need not be limited to, preparation of workable programs, relocation planning, special statistical and other studies and compilations, technical evaluations and information, training activities, professional services, surveys, reports, documents, and any other similar service functions. If sufficient funds and personnel are available, these services shall be provided without charge.

History.--s. 25, ch. 69-305; s. 16, ch. 77-391; s. 19, ch. 84-356.

163.450  Municipal and county participation in neighborhood development programs under Pub. L. No. 90-448.--Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent a county or municipality which is engaging in community redevelopment activities hereunder from participating in the neighborhood development program under the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (Pub. L. No. 90-448) or in any amendments subsequent thereto.

History.--s. 26, ch. 69-305; s. 19, ch. 85-80.

163.455  Community-Based Development Organization Assistance Act; short title.--Chapter 2000-351, Laws of Florida, may be cited as the "Community-Based Development Organization Assistance Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 2000-351.

163.456  Legislative findings and intent.--

(1)  The Legislature finds that:

(a)  Significant declines and consistently depressed appraised values make it impossible for business enterprises, including community-based development organizations, to generate sufficient revenues from business or real estate ventures in low-income neighborhoods to fund the redevelopment costs and other administrative expenses needed to foster new developments in these hard-to-develop areas.

(b)  This deterioration contributes to the decline of neighborhoods in both rural and urban areas, causes a reduction of the value of property comprising the tax base of local communities, and eventually requires the expenditure of disproportionate amounts of public funds for health, social services, and police protection to prevent the development of slums and the social and economic disruption found in slum communities.

(c)  The available means of eliminating or reducing these deteriorating economic conditions and encouraging local resident participation and support is to provide support assistance and resource investment to community-based development organizations. The Legislature also finds that community-based development organizations can contribute to the creation of jobs in response to federal welfare reform and state WAGES Program legislation, and economic development activities related to urban and rural economic initiatives.

(2)  The intent of this legislation is to provide community-based development organizations with the necessary administrative and operating funds to retain project staff to plan, implement, and manage job-generating and community revitalization developments in distressed neighborhoods. This assistance will strengthen the community-based development organizations, assist local governments to enhance and expand revitalization efforts, and contribute to expanding the base of commerce, business, and affordable housing that will serve persons with very low incomes or low incomes, or WAGES recipients, using a bottom-up approach.

History.--s. 2, ch. 2000-351.

163.457  Eligibility for assistance.--Community-based development organizations that meet the following requirements shall be eligible for assistance.

(1)  The community-based development organization must be a nonprofit corporation under state law and s. 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.

(2)  A majority of the board members of the community-based development organization must be elected by those members of the corporation who are stakeholders, comprising a mix of service area residents, area business property owners, area employees, and low-income residents. The board of a community-based development organization shall include low-income residents.

(3)  The community-based development organization must maintain a service area in which economic and housing development projects are located and must further meet one or more of the following criteria:

(a)  The area has been designated pursuant to s. 163.355 as a slum area or a blighted area, as defined in s. 163.340, or is located completely within the boundaries of a slum area or a blighted area.

(b)  The area is a community development block grant program area in which community development block grant funds are currently being spent or have been spent during the last 3 years as certified by the local government in which the service area is located.

(c)  The area is a neighborhood housing service district.

(d)  The area is contained within a state enterprise zone designated on or after July 1, 1995, in accordance with s. 290.0065.

(e)  The area is contained in federal empowerment zones and enterprise communities.

History.--s. 3, ch. 2000-351.

163.458  Three-tiered plan.--The Department of Community Affairs is authorized to award core administrative and operating grants. Administrative and operating grants shall be used for staff salaries and administrative expenses for eligible community-based development organizations selected through a competitive three-tiered process for the purpose of housing and economic development projects. The department shall adopt by rule a set of criteria for three-tiered funding that shall ensure equitable geographic distribution of the funding throughout the state. This three-tiered plan shall include emerging, intermediate, and mature community-based development organizations recognizing the varying needs of the three tiers. Funding shall be provided for core administrative and operating grants for all levels of community-based development organizations. Priority shall be given to those organizations that demonstrate community-based productivity and high performance as evidenced by past projects developed with stakeholder input that have responded to neighborhood needs, and have current projects located in high-poverty neighborhoods, and to emerging community-based development corporations that demonstrate a positive need identified by stakeholders. Persons, equipment, supplies, and other resources funded in whole or in part by grant funds shall be utilized to further the purposes of this act, and may be utilized to further the goals and objectives of the Front Porch Florida Initiative. Each community-based development organization shall be eligible to apply for a grant of up to $50,000 per year for a period of 5 years.

History.--s. 4, ch. 2000-351; s. 27, ch. 2001-60.

163.459  Eligible activities.--Activities eligible for assistance pursuant to this act include, but are not limited to:

(1)  Preparing grant and loan applications, proposals, fundraising letters, and other documents essential to securing additional administrative or project funds to further the purposes of this act.

(2)  Monitoring and administering grants and loans, providing technical assistance to businesses, and any other administrative tasks essential to maintaining funding eligibility or meeting contractual obligations.

(3)  Developing local programs and home ownership housing projects to encourage the participation of financial institutions, insurance companies, attorneys, architects, engineers, planners, law enforcement officers, developers, and other professional firms and individuals providing services beneficial to redevelopment efforts.

(4)  Providing technical, accounting, and financial assistance and information to businesses and entrepreneurs interested in locating, expanding, or operating in the service area.

(5)  Coordinating with state, federal, and local governments and other nonprofit organizations to ensure that activities meet local plans and ordinances and to avoid duplication of tasks.

(6)  Assisting service area residents in identifying and determining eligibility for state, federal, and local housing programs, including rehabilitation, weatherization, home ownership, rental assistance, or public housing programs.

(7)  Developing, selling, owning, and managing subsidized affordable housing designed for persons with very low incomes or low incomes, or for WAGES recipients, or developing, selling, owning, and managing subsidized affordable industrial parks providing jobs to such persons.

(8)  Obtaining technical assistance to build capacity to support community-based development organization projects.

History.--s. 5, ch. 2000-351.

163.460  Application requirements.--A community-based development organization applying for a core administrative and operating grant pursuant to this act must submit a proposal to the Department of Community Affairs that includes:

(1)  A map and narrative description of the service areas for the community-based development organization.

(2)  A copy of the documents creating the community-based development organization.

(3)  A listing of the membership of the board of the community-based development organization, including individual members' terms of office and the number of low-income residents on the board.

(4)  The organization's annual revitalization plan that describes the expenditure of the funds, including goals, objectives, and expected results, and has a clear relationship to the local municipality's comprehensive plan.

(5)  Other supporting information that may be required by the Department of Community Affairs to determine the organization's capacity and productivity.

(6)  A description of the location, financing plan, and potential impact of the business enterprises on residential, commercial, or industrial development, that shows a clear relationship to the organization's annual revitalization plan and demonstrates how the proposed expenditures are directly related to the scope of work for the proposed projects in the annual revitalization plan.

History.--s. 6, ch. 2000-351.

163.461  Reporting and evaluation requirements.--Community-based development organizations that receive funds under this act shall provide the following information to the Department of Community Affairs annually:

(1)  A listing of business firms and individuals assisted by the community-based development organization during the reporting period.

(2)  A listing of the type, source, purpose, and amount of each individual grant, loan, or donation received by the community-based development organization during the reporting period.

(3)  The number of paid and voluntary positions within the community-based development organization.

(4)  A listing of the salaries and administrative and operating expenses of the community-based development organization.

(5)  An identification and explanation of changes in the boundaries of the target area.

(6)  The amount of earned income from projects, programs, and development activities.

(7)  The number and description of projects in predevelopment phase, projects under construction, ongoing service programs, construction projects completed, and projects at sell-out or lease-up and property management phase, and a written explanation of the reasons that caused any projects not to be completed for the projected development phase.

(8)  The impact of the projects, as a result of receiving funding under this act, on residents in the target area, and the relationship of this impact to expected outcomes listed in the organization's annual revitalization plan.

(9)  The number of housing units rehabilitated or constructed at various stages of development, predevelopment phase, construction phase, completion and sell-out or lease-up phase, and condominium or property management phase by the community-based development organization within the service area during the reporting period.

(10)  The number of housing units, number of projects, and number of persons served by prior projects developed by the organization, the amounts of project financing leverage with state funds for each prior and current project, and the incremental amounts of local and state real estate tax and sales tax revenue generated directly by the projects and programs annually.

(11)  The number of jobs, both permanent and temporary, received by individuals who were directly assisted by the community-based development organization through assistance to the business such as a loan or other credit assistance.

(12)  An identification and explanation of changes in the boundaries of the service area.

(13)  The impact of completed projects on residents in the target area and the relationship of this impact to expected outcomes listed in the organization's annual revitalization plan.

(14)  Such other information as the Department of Community Affairs requires.

History.--s. 7, ch. 2000-351.

163.462  Rulemaking authority.--The Department of Community Affairs shall adopt rules for the administration of this act.

History.--s. 8, ch. 2000-351.

163.463  Applicability of ch. 2002-294.--

(1)  Amendments to this part, as provided by this act, do not apply to any ordinance or resolution authorizing the issuance of any bond, note, or other form of indebtedness to which are pledged increment revenues pursuant to a community development plan, or amendment or modification thereto, as approved or adopted before July 1, 2002.

(2)  Amendments to this part, as provided by this act, shall not apply to any ordinance, resolution, interlocal agreement, or written agreement effective before July 1, 2002, that provides for the delegation of community redevelopment powers.

(3)  The amendments to ss. 163.340, 163.355, 163.361, and 163.362 by this act do not apply to or affect, directly or indirectly, any community development agency created before July 1, 2002, unless the community redevelopment area is expanded on or after July 1, 2002, in which case only the amendments to ss. 163.340 and 163.355 by this act shall apply only to such expanded area.

(4)  The amendments to ss. 163.340, 163.355, 163.361, and 163.362 by this act do not apply to or affect, directly or indirectly, any municipality that has authorized a finding of necessity study by May 1, 2002, or has adopted its finding of necessity on or before August 1, 2002, and has adopted its community redevelopment plan on or before December 31, 2002.

(5)  The amendments to ss. 163.340, 163.355, 163.361, and 163.362 by this act do not apply to or affect, directly or indirectly, any municipality that has submitted before August 1, 2002, its finding of necessity, or application for approval of a community redevelopment plan, or an application to amend an existing community redevelopment plan to a county that has adopted a home rule charter.

(6)  The amendments to ss. 163.355, 163.362, 163.385, and 163.387 by this act do not apply to or affect, directly or indirectly, any county as defined in s. 125.011(1) or any municipality located therein.

History.--s. 10, ch. 2002-294.

163.501  Short title.

163.502  Safe neighborhoods; legislative findings and purpose.

163.503  Safe neighborhoods; definitions.

163.5035  Safe neighborhood improvement districts; compliance with special district provisions.

163.504  Safe neighborhood improvement districts; planning funds.

163.5055  Registration of district establishment; notice of dissolution.

163.506  Local government neighborhood improvement districts; creation; advisory council; dissolution.

163.508  Property owners' association neighborhood improvement districts; creation; powers and duties; duration.

163.511  Special neighborhood improvement districts; creation; referendum; board of directors; duration; extension.

163.512  Community redevelopment neighborhood improvement districts; creation; advisory council; dissolution.

163.513  Crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space functions of neighborhood improvement districts.

163.514  Powers of neighborhood improvement districts.

163.5151  Fiscal management; budget preparation.

163.516  Safe neighborhood improvement plans.

163.517  Safe Neighborhoods Program.

163.519  Duties of Department of Legal Affairs.

163.521  Neighborhood improvement district inside enterprise zone; funding.

163.5215  Effect.

163.522  State redevelopment programs.

163.523  Safe neighborhood districts; cooperation and involvement of community organizations.

163.524  Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Program; participation; creation of Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Districts; creation of Neighborhood Councils and Neighborhood Enhancement Plans.

163.526  Neighborhood Councils and local government designated agency; powers and duties.

163.501  Short title.--This part may be cited as the "Safe Neighborhoods Act."

History.--s. 55, ch. 87-243; s. 1, ch. 91-86.

163.502  Safe neighborhoods; legislative findings and purpose.--

(1)  The Legislature hereby finds and declares that among the many causes of deterioration in the business and residential neighborhoods of the state are the following: proliferation of crime, automobile traffic flow strangled by outmoded street patterns, unsuitable topography, faulty lot layouts, fragmentation of land uses and parking areas necessitating frequent automobile movement, lack of separation of pedestrian areas from automobile traffic, lack of separation of vehicle traffic lanes and railroad traffic, and excessive noise levels from automobile traffic.

(2)  The Legislature further finds and declares that safe neighborhoods are the product of planning and implementation of appropriate environmental design concepts, comprehensive crime prevention programs, land use recommendations, and beautification techniques.

(3)  The Legislature further finds and declares that the provisions of this part and the powers granted to local governments, property owners' associations, special dependent districts, and community redevelopment neighborhood improvement districts are desirable to guide and accomplish the coordinated, balanced, and harmonious development of safe neighborhoods; to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of these areas and their inhabitants, visitors, property owners, and workers; to establish, maintain, and preserve property values and preserve and foster the development of attractive neighborhood and business environments; to prevent overcrowding and congestion; to improve or redirect automobile traffic and provide pedestrian safety; to reduce crime rates and the opportunities for the commission of crime; and to provide improvements in neighborhoods so they are defensible against crime.

(4)  It is the intent of the Legislature to assist local governments in implementing plans that employ crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space techniques to establish safe neighborhoods. The Legislature, therefore, declares that the development, redevelopment, preservation, and revitalization of neighborhoods in this state, and all the purposes of this part, are public purposes for which public money may be borrowed, expended, loaned, and granted.

History.--s. 56, ch. 87-243; s. 2, ch. 91-86; s. 11, ch. 98-314.

163.503  Safe neighborhoods; definitions.--

(1)  "Safe neighborhood improvement district," "district," or "neighborhood improvement district" means a district located in an area in which more than 75 percent of the land is used for residential purposes, or in an area in which more than 75 percent of the land is used for commercial, office, business, or industrial purposes, excluding the land area used for public facilities, and where there is a plan to reduce crime through the implementation of crime prevention through environmental design, environmental security, or defensible space techniques, or through community policing innovations. Nothing in this section shall preclude the inclusion of public land in a neighborhood improvement district although the amount of land used for public facilities is excluded from the land use acreage calculations.

(2)  "Association" means a property owners' association which is incorporated for the purpose of creating and operating a neighborhood improvement district.

(3)  "Department" means the Department of Legal Affairs.

(4)  "Board" means the board of directors of a neighborhood improvement district, which may be the governing body of a municipality or county or the officers of a property owners' association or the board of directors of a special neighborhood improvement district or community redevelopment neighborhood improvement district.

(5)  "Environmental security" means an urban planning and design process which integrates crime prevention with neighborhood design and community development.

(6)  "Crime prevention through environmental design" means the planned use of environmental design concepts such as natural access control, natural surveillance, and territorial reinforcement in a neighborhood or community setting which is designed to reduce criminal opportunity and foster positive social interaction among the legitimate users of that setting.

(7)  "Defensible space" means an architectural perspective on crime prevention through physical design of the environment to create the ability to monitor and control the environment along individual perceived zones of territorial influence that result in a proprietary interest and a felt responsibility.

(8)  "Enterprise zone" means an area designated pursuant to s. 290.0065.

(9)  "Community policing innovation" means techniques or strategies as defined by s. 163.340.

History.--s. 57, ch. 87-243; s. 24, ch. 88-381; s. 3, ch. 91-86; s. 61, ch. 94-136; s. 12, ch. 98-314.

163.5035  Safe neighborhood improvement districts; compliance with special district provisions.--Any special district created pursuant to this part shall comply with all applicable provisions contained in chapter 189. In cases where a provision contained in this part conflicts with a provision in chapter 189, the provision in chapter 189 shall prevail.

History.--s. 4, ch. 91-86.

163.504  Safe neighborhood improvement districts; planning funds.--

(1)  The governing body of any municipality or county may authorize the formation of safe neighborhood improvement districts through the adoption of a planning ordinance which specifies that such districts may be created by one or more of the methods established in ss. 163.506, 163.508, 163.511, and 163.512. No district may overlap the jurisdictional boundaries of a municipality and the unincorporated area of a county, except by interlocal agreement.

(2)  If the governing body of a municipality or county elects to create a safe neighborhood improvement district, it shall be eligible to request a grant from the Safe Neighborhoods Program, created pursuant to s. 163.517 and administered by the Department of Legal Affairs, to prepare a safe neighborhood improvement plan for the district.

(3)  Municipalities and counties may implement the provisions of this section without planning funds from the Department of Legal Affairs. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to exempt any district from the requirements of providing a safe neighborhood improvement plan pursuant to s. 163.516.

History.--s. 58, ch. 87-243; s. 25, ch. 88-381; s. 5, ch. 91-86; s. 10, ch. 93-120.

163.5055  Registration of district establishment; notice of dissolution.--

(1)(a)  Each neighborhood improvement district authorized and established under this part shall within 30 days thereof register with both the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Legal Affairs by providing these departments with the district's name, location, size, and type, and such other information as the departments may require.

(b)  Each local governing body which authorizes the dissolution of a district shall notify both the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Legal Affairs within 30 days after the dissolution of the district.

(2)  This section shall apply to all neighborhood improvement districts established on or after July 1, 1987.

History.--s. 6, ch. 91-86.

163.506  Local government neighborhood improvement districts; creation; advisory council; dissolution.--

(1)  After a local planning ordinance has been adopted authorizing the creation of local government neighborhood improvement districts, the local governing body of a municipality or county may create local government neighborhood improvement districts by the enactment of a separate ordinance for each district, which ordinance:

(a)  Specifies the boundaries, size, and name of the district.

(b)  Authorizes the district to receive a planning grant from the department.

(c)  Authorizes the local government neighborhood improvement district to levy an ad valorem tax on real and personal property of up to 2 mills annually.

(d)  Authorizes the use of special assessments to support planning and implementation of district improvements pursuant to the provisions of s. 163.514(16), including community policing innovations.

(e)  Designates the local governing body as the board of directors of the district.

(f)  Establishes an advisory council to the board of directors comprised of property owners or residents of the district.

(g)  May prohibit the use of any district power authorized by s. 163.514.

(h)  Requires the district to notify the Department of Legal Affairs and the Department of Community Affairs in writing of its establishment within 30 days thereof pursuant to s. 163.5055.

(2)  The advisory council shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the governing body and shall submit within the time period specified by the governing body, acting as the board of directors, a report on the district's activities and a proposed budget to accomplish its objectives. In formulating a plan for services or improvements the advisory board shall consult in public session with the appropriate staff or consultants of the local governing body responsible for the district's plan.

(3)  As an alternative to designating the local governing body as the board of directors, a majority of the local governing body of a city or county may appoint a board of three to seven directors for the district who shall be residents of the proposed area and who are subject to ad valorem taxation in the residential neighborhood improvement district or who are property owners in a commercial neighborhood improvement district. The directors shall be appointed for staggered terms of 3 years. The initial appointments shall be as follows: one director for a 1-year term; one director for a 2-year term; and one director for a 3-year term. If more than three directors are to be appointed, the additional members shall initially be appointed for 3-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired portion of a term in the same manner as the initial appointments were made. Each director shall hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified unless the director ceases to be qualified or is removed from office. Upon appointment and qualification and in January of each year, the directors shall organize by electing from their number a chair and a secretary.

(4)  A district may be dissolved by the governing body by rescinding the ordinance creating the district. The governing body shall consider rescinding the ordinance if presented with a petition containing the signatures of 60 percent of the residents of a district.

History.--s. 59, ch. 87-243; s. 26, ch. 88-381; s. 7, ch. 91-86; s. 907, ch. 95-147; s. 13, ch. 98-314.

163.508  Property owners' association neighborhood improvement districts; creation; powers and duties; duration.--

(1)  After a local planning ordinance has been adopted authorizing the creation of property owners' association neighborhood improvement districts, the local governing body of a municipality or county may create property owners' association neighborhood improvement districts by the enactment of a separate ordinance for each district, which ordinance:

(a)  Establishes that an incorporated property owners' association representing 75 percent of all owners of property within a proposed district meeting the requirements of this section has petitioned the governing body of the municipality or county for creation of a district for the area encompassed by the property owned by members of the association.

(b)  Specifies the boundaries, size, and name of the district.

(c)  Authorizes the governing body through mutual agreement with the property owners' association to:

1.  Request a matching grant from the state's Safe Neighborhoods Program to prepare the first year's safe neighborhood improvement plan. The provider of the local match for the state grant shall be mutually agreed upon between the governing body and the property owners' association. The governing body may agree to provide the match as a no-interest-bearing loan to be paid back from assessments imposed by the association on its members or shareholders.

2.  Provide staff and other technical assistance to the property owners' association on a mutually agreed-upon basis, contractual or otherwise.

3.  Prepare the first year's safe neighborhood improvement plan, which shall comply with and be consistent with the governing body's adopted comprehensive plan.

(d)  Provides for an audit of the property owners' association.

(e)  Designates the officers of the incorporated property owners' association as the board of directors of the district.

(f)  May prohibit the use of any district power authorized by s. 163.514.

(g)  Requires the district to notify the Department of Legal Affairs and the Department of Community Affairs in writing of its establishment within 30 days thereof pursuant to s. 163.5055.

(2)  In order to qualify for the creation of a neighborhood improvement district, the property owners shall form an association in compliance with this section, or use an existing property owners' association in compliance with this section, which shall be a corporation, for profit or not for profit, and of which not less than 75 percent of all property owners within the proposed area have consented in writing to become members or shareholders. Upon such consent by 75 percent of the property owners in the proposed district, all consenting property owners and their successors shall become members of the association and shall be bound by the provisions of the articles of incorporation, the bylaws of the association, the covenants, the deed restrictions, the indentures, and any other properly promulgated restrictions. The association shall have no member or shareholder who is not a bona fide owner of property within the proposed district. Upon receipt of its certificate of incorporation, the property owners' association shall notify the clerk of the city or county court, whichever is appropriate, in writing, of such incorporation and shall list the names and addresses of the officers of the association.

(3)  Any incorporated property owners' association operating pursuant to this part shall have the power:

(a)  To negotiate with the governing body of a municipality or county for closing, privatizing, or modifying the rights-of-way, and appurtenances thereto, within the district.

(b)  To utilize various legal instruments such as covenants, deed restrictions, and indentures to preserve and maintain the integrity of property, land, and rights-of-way owned and conveyed to it within the district.

(c)  To make and collect assessments against all property within the boundaries of the district pursuant to the provisions of s. 163.514(16) and to lease, maintain, repair, and reconstruct any privatized street, land, or common area within the district upon dedication thereof to the association.

(d)  Without the joinder of any property owner, to modify, move, or create any easement for ingress and egress or for the purpose of utilities, if such easement constitutes part of or crosses district property. However, this shall not authorize the association to modify or move any easement which is created in whole or in part for the use or benefit of anyone other than association members, or which crosses the property of anyone other than association members, without the consent or approval of such person as required by law or by the instrument creating the easement. Nothing in this paragraph shall affect the rights of ingress or egress of any member of the association.

(4)  A property owners' association neighborhood improvement district shall continue in perpetuity as long as the property owners' association created pursuant to this section exists under the applicable laws of the state.

History.--s. 60, ch. 87-243; s. 27, ch. 88-381; s. 8, ch. 91-86; s. 11, ch. 93-120.

163.511  Special neighborhood improvement districts; creation; referendum; board of directors; duration; extension.--

(1)  After a local planning ordinance has been adopted authorizing the creation of special neighborhood improvement districts, the governing body of a municipality or county may declare the need for and create special residential or business neighborhood improvement districts by the enactment of a separate ordinance for each district, which ordinance:

(a)  Conditions the implementation of the ordinance on the approval of a referendum as provided in subsection (2).

(b)  Authorizes the special neighborhood improvement district to levy an ad valorem tax on real and personal property of up to 2 mills annually.

(c)  Authorizes the use of special assessments to support planning and implementation of district improvements pursuant to the provisions of s. 163.514(16), including community policing innovations.

(d)  Specifies the boundaries, size, and name of the district.

(e)  Authorizes the district to receive a planning grant from the department.

(f)  Provides for the appointment of a 3-member board of directors for the district.

(g)  May authorize a special neighborhood improvement district to exercise the power of eminent domain pursuant to chapters 73 and 74. Any property identified for eminent domain by the district shall be subject to the approval of the local governing body before eminent domain procedures are exercised.

(h)  May prohibit the use of any district power authorized by s. 163.514.

(i)  Requires the district to notify the Department of Legal Affairs and the Department of Community Affairs in writing of its establishment within 30 days thereof pursuant to s. 163.5055.

(j)  May authorize a special neighborhood improvement district to develop and implement community policing innovations in consultation with the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction within the district boundaries.

(2)  A referendum to implement a special residential or business neighborhood improvement district shall be held within 120 days after the occurrence of one of the following:

(a)  The governing body of the municipality or county declares, by the enactment of a separate ordinance pursuant to subsection (1), that there is a need for a special residential or business neighborhood improvement district to function within a proposed area; or

(b)  A petition containing the signatures of 40 percent of the electors of a proposed special residential neighborhood improvement district area or 20 percent of the property owners of a proposed special business neighborhood improvement district area is presented to the county commission of a county, if the proposed area is located in the unincorporated area of the county, or to the governing body of a municipality, if the proposed area is located within the incorporated limits of the municipality. The petition shall define the proposed area and shall state that it is for the purpose of calling a referendum to determine whether a special residential or business neighborhood improvement district should be created in such proposed area.

(3)(a)  The referendum to implement a special residential neighborhood improvement district ordinance shall be held as prescribed in this subsection.

(b)  Within 45 days from the date the governing body of the municipality or county, whichever is appropriate, enacts an ordinance pursuant to subsection (1), or is presented with a petition pursuant to paragraph (2)(b), so that the boundaries of the proposed improvement district are defined, the city clerk or the supervisor of elections, whichever is appropriate, shall certify such ordinance or petition and compile a list of the names and last known addresses of the electors in the proposed special residential neighborhood improvement district from the list of registered voters of the county as of the last day of the month preceding that in which the ordinance was enacted or the petition was presented, and the same shall constitute the registration list for the purposes of the referendum required under this subsection, except as otherwise provided in this subsection.

(c)  Within 45 days from compilation of the voter registration list pursuant to paragraph (b), the city clerk or the supervisor of elections shall notify each such elector of the general provisions of this section, including the taxing authority and the date of the upcoming referendum. Notification shall be by United States mail and, in addition thereto, by publication one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality in which the district is located.

(d)  Any resident of the district whose name does not appear on the list compiled pursuant to paragraph (b) may register to vote as provided by law. The registration list shall remain open for 75 days after enactment of the ordinance defining the special neighborhood improvement district or after presentation of the petition calling for creation of the district.

(e)1.  Within 15 days after the closing of registration, the city clerk or the supervisor of elections shall send a ballot to each elector at his or her last known mailing address by first-class United States mail. The ballot shall include:

a.  A description of the general provisions of this section applicable to special residential neighborhood improvement districts; and

b.  Immediately following said information, the following:

"Do you favor the creation of the _______________ Special Residential Neighborhood Improvement District and approve the levy of up to 2 mills of ad valorem taxes by such proposed district?

_____Yes, for the Special Residential Neighborhood Improvement District.

_____No, against the Special Residential Neighborhood Improvement District."

2.  Ballots shall be returned by United States mail, or by personal delivery.

(f)  All ballots received within 120 days after enactment of the ordinance or presentation of the petition defining the district shall be tabulated by the city clerk or the supervisor of elections, who shall certify the results thereof to the city council or county commission no later than 5 days after said 120-day period.

(g)  The electors shall be deemed to have approved of the provisions of this section at such time as the city clerk or the supervisor of elections certifies to the governing body of the municipality or county that approval has been given by a majority of the electors voting in the referendum.

(4)(a)  The referendum to implement a special business neighborhood improvement district ordinance shall be held as prescribed in this subsection.

(b)  Within 45 days from the date the governing body of the municipality or county, whichever is appropriate, enacts an ordinance pursuant to subsection (1), or is presented with a petition pursuant to paragraph (2)(b), so that the boundaries of the proposed improvement district are defined, the city clerk or the supervisor of elections, whichever is appropriate, shall certify such ordinance or petition and compile a list of the names and last known addresses of the freeholders in the proposed special business neighborhood improvement district from the tax assessment roll of the county applicable as of the thirty-first day of December in the year preceding the year in which the ordinance was enacted or the petition was presented, and the same shall constitute the registration list for the purposes of the freeholders' referendum required under this subsection, except as otherwise provided in this subsection.

(c)  Within 45 days from compilation of the freeholders' registration list pursuant to paragraph (b), the city clerk or the supervisor of elections shall notify each such freeholder of the general provisions of this section, including the taxing authority and the date of the upcoming referendum, and the method provided for submitting corrections to the registration list should the status of the freeholder have changed since the compilation of the tax rolls. Notification shall be by United States mail and, in addition thereto, by publication one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality in which the district is located.

(d)  Any freeholder whose name does not appear on the tax rolls compiled pursuant to paragraph (b) may register to vote with the city clerk or the supervisor of elections. The registration list shall remain open for 75 days after enactment of the ordinance defining the special business neighborhood improvement district or after presentation of the petition calling for creation of the district.

(e)1.  Within 15 days after the closing of the registration list, the city clerk or the supervisor of elections shall send a ballot to each registered freeholder at his or her last known mailing address by first-class United States mail. The ballot shall include:

a.  A description of the general provisions of this section applicable to special business neighborhood improvement districts;

b.  The assessed value of the freeholder's property;

c.  The percent of the freeholder's interest in such property; and

d.  Immediately following said information, the following:

"Do you favor the creation of the _______________ Special Business Neighborhood Improvement District and approve the levy of up to 2 mills of ad valorem taxes by such proposed district?

_____Yes, for the Special Business Neighborhood Improvement District.

_____No, against the Special Business Neighborhood Improvement District."

2.  Ballots shall be returned by United States mail or by personal delivery.

(f)  All ballots received within 120 days after enactment of the ordinance or presentation of the petition defining the district shall be tabulated by the city clerk or the supervisor of elections, who shall certify the results thereof to the city council or county commission no later than 5 days after said 120-day period.

(g)  The freeholders shall be deemed to have approved of the provisions of this section at such time as the city clerk or the supervisor of elections certifies to the governing body of the municipality or county that approval has been given by freeholders representing in excess of 50 percent of the assessed value of the property within the special business neighborhood improvement district.

(5)(a)  The city clerk or the supervisor of elections, whichever is appropriate, shall enclose with each ballot sent pursuant to this section two envelopes: a secrecy envelope, into which the elector or freeholder shall enclose the marked ballot; and a mailing envelope, into which the elector or freeholder shall then place the secrecy envelope, which shall be addressed to the city clerk or the supervisor of elections. The back side of the mailing envelope shall bear a certificate in substantially the following form:

I, _____, am a duly qualified and registered  (voter or freeholder, whichever is appropriate)  of the proposed  (name)   (Special Residential or Business, whichever is appropriate)  Neighborhood Improvement District; and I am entitled to vote this ballot. I do solemnly swear or affirm that I have not and will not vote more than one ballot in this election. I understand that failure to sign this certificate and have my signature witnessed will invalidate my ballot.

 (Voter's Signature) 

I swear or affirm that the elector signed this Voter's Certificate in my presence.

 (City/State) 

(b)  The certificate shall be arranged on the back of the mailing envelope so that the lines for the signatures of the elector or freeholder and the attesting witness are across the seal of the envelope; however, no statement shall appear on the envelope which indicates that a signature of the elector, freeholder, or witness must cross the seal of the envelope. The elector or freeholder and the attesting witness shall execute the certificate on the envelope.

(6)  The city clerk or the supervisor of elections shall enclose with each ballot sent to an elector or freeholder pursuant to this section separate printed instructions in substantially the following form:

1.  VERY IMPORTANT. In order to ensure that your ballot will be counted, it should be completed and returned as soon as possible so that it can reach the city clerk or the supervisor of elections no later than 7 p.m. on the (final day of the 120-day period given here).

2.  Mark your ballot in secret as instructed on the ballot.

3.  Place your marked ballot in the enclosed secrecy envelope.

4.  Insert the secrecy envelope into the enclosed mailing envelope, which is addressed to the city clerk or the supervisor of elections.

5.  Seal the mailing envelope and completely fill out the Voter's Certificate on the back of the mailing envelope.

6.  VERY IMPORTANT. Sign your name on the line provided for "(Voter's Signature)."

7.  VERY IMPORTANT. In order for your ballot to be counted, it must include the signature and address of a witness 18 years of age or older affixed to the Voter's Certificate.

8.  Mail, deliver, or have delivered the completed mailing envelope. Be sure there is sufficient postage if mailed.

(7)  The business and affairs of a special neighborhood improvement district shall be conducted and administered by a board of three directors who shall be residents of the proposed area and who are subject to ad valorem taxation in the district. Upon their appointment and qualification and in January of each year, the directors shall organize by electing from their number a chair and a secretary, and may also employ staff and legal representatives as deemed appropriate, who shall serve at the pleasure of the board and may receive such compensation as shall be fixed by the board. The secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the district and shall be custodian of all books and records of the district. The directors shall not receive any compensation for their services, nor may they be employed by the district.

(8)  Within 30 days of the approval of the creation of a special neighborhood improvement district, if the district is in a municipality, a majority of the governing body of the municipality, or if the district is in the unincorporated area of the county, a majority of the county commission, shall appoint the three directors provided for herein for staggered terms of 3 years. The initial appointments shall be as follows: one for a 1-year term, one for a 2-year term, and one for a 3-year term. Each director shall hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified unless the director ceases to be qualified to act as a director or is removed from office. Vacancies on the board shall be filled for the unexpired portion of a term in the same manner as the initial appointments were made.

(9)  Reappointment of the directors shall be accomplished in the same manner as the original appointments by the governing body of the municipality or county 2 months prior to the reappointment date.

(10)  The governing body of a municipality or county may remove a director for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or misconduct in office only after a hearing and only if he or she has been given a copy of the charges at least 10 days prior to such hearing and has had an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel. A vacancy so created shall be filled as provided herein.

(11)  The district may employ a manager, who shall be a person of recognized ability and experience, to serve at the pleasure of the district. The manager may employ such employees as may be necessary for the proper administration of the duties and functions of the district. However, the district shall approve such positions and fix compensation for such employees. The district may contract for the services of attorneys, engineers, consultants, and agents for any lawful purpose of the district.

(12)  The directors shall be subject to the code of ethics for public officers and employees as set forth in part III of chapter 112 and to the requirements of the public records law and public meetings law in chapters 119 and 286, respectively.

(13)  Any special neighborhood improvement district created pursuant to this part shall cease to exist at the end of the tenth fiscal year of operation. Such a district may continue in operation for subsequent 10-year periods if the continuation of the district is approved at a referendum conducted pursuant to this part. Said referendum shall be held upon one of the occurrences specified in subsection (2). Should the district cease to exist, all property owned by the district shall become property of the municipality or county in which the district is located.

(14)  In the event the district is dissolved, the property owners in the district shall make alternate arrangements acceptable to the debtholders and local governments pertaining to payment of debts.

History.--s. 61, ch. 87-243; s. 28, ch. 88-381; s. 9, ch. 91-86; s. 908, ch. 95-147; s. 10, ch. 96-57; s. 14, ch. 98-314; s. 29, ch. 2003-415.

163.512  Community redevelopment neighborhood improvement districts; creation; advisory council; dissolution.--

(1)  Upon the recommendation of the community redevelopment agency and after a local planning ordinance has been adopted authorizing the creation of community redevelopment neighborhood improvement districts, the local governing body of a municipality or county may create community redevelopment neighborhood improvement districts by the enactment of a separate ordinance for each district, which ordinance:

(a)  Specifies the boundaries, size, and name of the district.

(b)  Authorizes the district to receive a planning grant from the department.

(c)  Authorizes the use of the community redevelopment trust fund created pursuant to s. 163.387 for the purposes of implementing the safe neighborhood improvement plan and furthering crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space techniques, if expenditures from the community redevelopment trust fund are consistent with the community redevelopment plan created pursuant to s. 163.360.

(d)  Designates the community redevelopment board of commissioners established pursuant to s. 163.356 or s. 163.357 as the board of directors for the district.

(e)  Establishes an advisory council to the board of directors comprised of property owners or residents of the district.

(f)  May prohibit the use of any district power authorized by s. 163.514.

(g)  Requires that the safe neighborhood improvement plan be consistent with the community redevelopment plan created pursuant to s. 163.360, and permits the safe neighborhood improvement plan to be included in the community redevelopment plan as an optional element.

(h)  Requires that the boundaries of the community redevelopment district be contained in whole within the community redevelopment area established pursuant to ss. 163.355 and 163.356.

(i)  Requires the district to notify the Department of Legal Affairs and the Department of Community Affairs in writing of its establishment within 30 days thereof pursuant to s. 163.5055.

(2)  The advisory council shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the community redevelopment board established pursuant to s. 163.356 and shall submit within the time period specified by the board of directors a report on the district's activities and a proposed budget to accomplish its objectives. In formulating a plan for services or improvements, the advisory council shall consult in public session with the appropriate staff or consultants of the community redevelopment board responsible for the district's plan.

(3)  A district may be dissolved by the local governing body by rescinding the ordinance creating the district. The governing body shall consider rescinding the ordinance if presented with a petition containing the signatures of 60 percent of the residents of a district.

History.--s. 10, ch. 91-86; s. 15, ch. 98-314.

163.513  Crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space functions of neighborhood improvement districts.--All boards of local governments, property owners' associations, special neighborhood improvement districts, and community redevelopment neighborhood improvement districts created pursuant to this part shall:

(1)  Collect data on the types, frequency, severity, and location of criminal activity occurring in the district, including determination, from surveys and other research techniques, of the level of crime as perceived by neighborhood residents and comparison of the types of crime in the district on a per capita, citywide, and countywide basis.

(2)  Provide an analysis of crimes related to land use and environmental and physical conditions of the district, giving particular attention to factors which support or create opportunities for crime, which impede natural surveillance, which encourage free circulation through the district, or which hinder the defense of social territories perceived by residents as under control. Any factor used to define or describe the conditions of the physical environment can serve as the basis of a crime-to-environment relationship. These factors include streets, alleys, sidewalks, residential blocks, position of dwellings on a block, single vs. multifamily dwellings, abandoned houses, parking areas and parking lots, informal pathways, functional areas of the environment, traffic flow patterns, and the existence of barriers such as fences, walls, gullies, and thick vegetation.

(3)  Determine, from surveys and other data collection techniques, areas within the district where modification or closing of, or restriction of access to, certain streets in a manner consistent with crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space principles would assist crime prevention and enhance neighborhood security for property owners and residents.

(4)  Formulate and maintain on a current basis for each district short-range and long-range projects and plans which the crime-to-environment analysis, including surveys and citizen participation, has determined are applicable and utilize crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space strategies and tactics which will improve the attractiveness and security of the district by reducing criminal activity, will stabilize neighborhoods and enhance property values within the district, will promote proper use and informal control of residential streets within the district, will improve public facilities and amenities and provide for territorial control of streets and areas within the district by legitimate users, and will increase the probability that persons who commit crimes in the district will be apprehended.

(5)  Prepare and initiate actions deemed most suitable for implementing safe neighborhood improvement plans, including modifications to existing street patterns and removal, razing, renovation, reconstruction, remodeling, relocation, and improvement of existing structures and facilities, and addition of new structures and facilities, and coordination with other agencies providing relevant informational, educational, and crime prevention services. The preparation of actions for implementation shall utilize crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space strategies and tactics.

(6)  Participate in the implementation and execution of safe neighborhood improvement plans, including any establishment, acquisition, construction, ownership, financing, leasing, licensing, operation, and management of publicly owned or leased facilities deemed beneficial in effecting such implementation for the public purposes stipulated in s. 163.502. However, this subsection shall not give the board, association, or district any power or control over any city or county property unless and until assigned to it by the city or county governing body. This subsection shall not be construed to give neighborhood improvement districts the power to restrict access to or prohibit the use of public facilities for lawful purposes.

(7)  Ensure that all capital improvements within the district are consistent with the capital improvement elements of the applicable local government comprehensive plans.

History.--s. 62, ch. 87-243; s. 11, ch. 91-86; s. 16, ch. 98-314.

163.514  Powers of neighborhood improvement districts.--Unless prohibited by ordinance, the board of any district shall be empowered to:

(1)  Enter into contracts and agreements and sue and be sued as a body corporate.

(2)  Have and use a corporate seal.

(3)  Acquire, own, convey, or otherwise dispose of, lease as lessor or lessee, construct, maintain, improve, enlarge, raze, relocate, operate, and manage property and facilities of whatever type to which it holds title and grant and acquire licenses, easements, and options with respect thereto.

(4)  Accept grants and donations of any type of property, labor, or other thing of value from any public or private source.

(5)  Have exclusive control of funds legally available to it, subject to limitations imposed by law or by any agreement validly entered into by it.

(6)  Cooperate and contract with other governmental agencies or other public bodies.

(7)  Contract for services of planning consultants, experts on crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, or defensible space, or other experts in areas pertaining to the operations of the board of directors or the district.

(8)  Contract with the county or municipal government for planning assistance, and for increased levels of law enforcement protection and security, including additional personnel.

(9)  Promote and advertise the commercial advantages of the district so as to attract new businesses and encourage the expansion of existing businesses.

(10)  Promote and advertise the district to the public and engage in cooperative advertising programs with businesses located in the district.

(11)  Improve street lighting, parks, streets, drainage, utilities, swales, and open areas, and provide safe access to mass transportation facilities in the district.

(12)  Undertake innovative approaches to securing neighborhoods from crime, such as crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space.

(13)  Privatize, close, vacate, plan, or replan streets, roads, sidewalks, and alleys, subject to the concurrence of the local governing body and, if required, the state Department of Transportation.

(14)  Prepare, adopt, implement, and modify a safe neighborhood improvement plan for the district.

(15)  Identify areas with blighted influences, including, but not limited to, areas where unlawful urban dumping or graffiti are prevalent, and develop programs for eradication thereof.

(16)(a)  Subject to referendum approval, make and collect special assessments pursuant to ss. 197.3632 and 197.3635 to pay for improvements to the district and for reasonable expenses of operating the district, including the payment of expenses included in the district's budget, subject to an affirmative vote by a majority of the registered voters residing in the district. Such assessments shall not exceed $500 for each individual parcel of land per year. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 101.6102, the referendum to approve the special assessment shall be by mail ballot.

(b)  In order to implement this subsection, the city clerk or the supervisor of elections, whichever is appropriate, shall compile a list of the names and last known addresses of the electors in the neighborhood improvement district from the list of registered voters of the county as of the last day of the preceding month. The same shall constitute the registration list for the purposes of a referendum. Within 45 days after compilation of the voter registration list, the city clerk or the supervisor of elections shall notify each elector of the general provisions of this section, including the taxing authority and the date of the upcoming referendum. Notification shall be by United States mail and, in addition thereto, by publication one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality in which the district is located.

(c)  Any resident of the district whose name does not appear on the list compiled pursuant to paragraph (b) may register to vote as provided by law. The registration list shall remain open for 75 days after the notification required in paragraph (b).

(d)  Within 15 days after the closing of registration, the city clerk or the supervisor of elections shall send a ballot to each elector at his or her last known mailing address by first-class United States mail. The ballot shall include:

1.  A description of the general provisions of this section applicable to the neighborhood improvement district; and

2.  Immediately following said information, the following:

"Do you favor the imposition of a special assessment of not greater than $500 for each individual parcel of land per year to pay for the expenses of operating the neighborhood improvement district?

_____Yes, for the special assessment.

_____No, against the special assessment."

(e)  Ballots shall be returned by United States mail or by personal delivery.

(f)  All ballots received within 60 days after the closing of registration shall be tabulated by the city clerk or the supervisor of elections, who shall certify the results thereof to the city governing body or county commission no later than 5 days after said 60-day period.

(17)  Exercise all lawful powers incidental to the effective and expedient exercise of the foregoing powers.

History.--s. 63, ch. 87-243; s. 29, ch. 88-381; s. 12, ch. 91-86; s. 909, ch. 95-147; s. 17, ch. 98-314.

163.5151  Fiscal management; budget preparation.--

(1)  Subject to agreement with the local governing body, all funds of the districts created pursuant to this part shall be received, held, and secured in the same manner as other public funds by the appropriate fiscal officers of the municipality in which the district is located, or the county if the district is located in the unincorporated portion of the county. The funds of the district shall be maintained under a separate account, shall be used for purposes authorized by this part, and shall be disbursed only by direction of or with approval of the district pursuant to requisitions signed by the manager or other designated chief fiscal officer of the district and countersigned by at least one other member of the board.

(2)  The district bylaws shall provide for maintenance of minutes and other official records of its proceedings and actions; for preparation and adoption of an annual budget for each ensuing fiscal year; for internal supervision and control of its accounts, which function the appropriate city or county fiscal officers may perform for the district at its request; and for an external audit at least annually by an independent certified public accountant who has no personal interest, direct or indirect, in the fiscal affairs of the district. A copy of the external audit shall be filed with the city clerk or the clerk of the court, whichever is appropriate, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year. The bylaws shall specify the means by which each of these functions is to be performed and, as to those functions assigned to district personnel, the manner and schedule of performance.

(3)  Each special neighborhood improvement district shall establish its budget pursuant to the provisions of chapter 200. Prior to adoption of the final budget and setting of the millage rate to be levied by the board, the board shall submit a tentative budget and proposed millage rate of the district to the governing body of the municipality in which the district is located, or to the county if the district is located in the unincorporated portion of the county, for approval or disapproval. Such governing body shall have the power to modify the budget or millage submitted by the board. Subsequent to approval, the board shall adopt its final budget and millage rate in accordance with the requirements of chapter 200.

(4)  At the option of the county property appraiser for the county within which the neighborhood improvement district is located, the assessments levied by the district shall be collected in the same manner as all ad valorem taxes if so requested by the local governing body pursuant to s. 197.363.

History.--s. 64, ch. 87-243; s. 30, ch. 88-381; s. 13, ch. 91-86.

163.516  Safe neighborhood improvement plans.--

(1)  A safe neighborhood improvement plan is mandated for all neighborhood improvement districts. The plan shall contain at least the following elements:

(a)  Demographics of the district.

(b)  Crime activity data and analysis.

(c)  Land use, zoning, housing, and traffic analysis.

(d)  Determination of the problems of the crime-to-environment relationship and the stability of the neighborhood improvement district.

(e)  Statement of the district's goal and objectives.

(f)  Assessment of crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space strategies and tactics that will be applied to the crime-to-environment relationship problems.

(g)  Cost estimates and the methods of financing.

(h)  Outline of program participants and their functions and responsibilities.

(i)  Schedule for executing program activities.

(j)  Evaluation guidelines.

(2)  Every safe neighborhood improvement plan shall show, by diagram and by general explanation:

(a)  Such property as is intended for use as public parks, recreation areas, streets, public utilities, and public improvements of any nature.

(b)  Specific identification of any publicly funded capital improvement projects to be undertaken within the district.

(c)  Adequate assurances that the improvements will be carried out pursuant to the plan.

(d)  Provision for the retention of controls and the establishment of any restrictions or covenants running with land sold or leased for private use for such periods of time and under such conditions as the governing body of the municipality in which the district is located, or the county if the district is located in the unincorporated portion of the county, deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of this part.

(e)  Projected costs of improvements, including the amount to be expended on publicly funded capital improvement projects in the district and any indebtedness of the district, the county, or the municipality proposed to be incurred if such indebtedness is to be repaid with district revenues.

(f)  Promotion of advertising programs to be undertaken by the district or in conjunction with businesses in the district.

(g)  Suggested physical improvements necessary for the safety of residents in or visitors to the district.

(h)  Law enforcement and security plans for the district.

(3)  The safe neighborhood improvement plan shall:

(a)  Be consistent with the adopted comprehensive plan for the county or municipality pursuant to the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act. No district plan shall be implemented unless the local governing body has determined said plan is consistent.

(b)  Be sufficiently complete to indicate such land acquisition, demolition and removal of structures, street modifications, redevelopment, and rehabilitation as may be proposed to be carried out in the district.

(c)  Provide some method for and measurement of the reduction of crime within the district.

(4)  The county, municipality, or district may prepare or cause to be prepared a safe neighborhood improvement plan, or any person or agency, public or private, may submit such a plan to a district. Prior to its consideration of a safe neighborhood improvement plan, the district shall submit such plan to the local governing body for review and written approval as to its consistency with the local government comprehensive plan. The district must be notified of approval or disapproval within 60 days after receipt of the plan for review, and a revised version of the plan may be submitted to satisfy any inconsistencies. The district may not proceed with the safe neighborhood improvement plan until final approval is given by the local governing body.

(5)  Prior to adoption of the safe neighborhood improvement plan, the board shall hold a public hearing on the plan after public notice thereof by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality in which the district is located. The notice shall describe the time, date, place, and purpose of the hearing; identify the boundaries of the district; and outline the general scope of the plan.

(6)  The board, after the public hearing, may approve the safe neighborhood improvement plan if it finds:

(a)  The plan has been approved as consistent with the local comprehensive plan by the local governing body; and

(b)  The plan will improve the promotion, appearance, safety, security, and public amenities of the neighborhood improvement district as stipulated in s. 163.502.

(7)  If, at any time after approval of the safe neighborhood improvement plan, it becomes desirable to amend or modify the plan, the board may do so. Prior to any such amendment or modification, the board shall obtain written approval of the local governing body concerning conformity to the local government comprehensive plan and hold a public hearing on the proposed amendment or modification after public notice thereof by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality in which the district is located. The notice shall describe the time, place, and purpose of the hearing and generally describe the proposed amendment or modification.

(8)  Pursuant to ss. 163.3184, 163.3187, and 163.3189, the governing body of a municipality or county shall hold two public hearings to consider the board-adopted safe neighborhood improvement plan as an amendment or modification to the municipality's or county's adopted local comprehensive plan.

(9)  A safe neighborhood improvement plan for each district shall be prepared and adopted by the municipality or county prior to the levy and expenditure of any of the proceeds of any tax assessment or fee authorized to such districts other than for the preparation of the safe community or business improvement plan.

History.--s. 65, ch. 87-243; s. 14, ch. 91-86; s. 14, ch. 92-129; s. 18, ch. 98-314.

163.517  Safe Neighborhoods Program.--

(1)  The Safe Neighborhoods Program is hereby created. The purpose of the program shall be to provide planning grants and technical assistance on a 100-percent matching basis to the neighborhood improvement districts authorized by this part. Planning grants shall be awarded to eligible applicants, pursuant to the process described in subsections (2) and (3), as follows:

(a)  Property owners' association neighborhood improvement districts may receive up to $20,000.

(b)  Local government neighborhood improvement districts may receive up to $100,000.

(c)  Special neighborhood improvement districts may receive up to $50,000.

(d)  Community redevelopment neighborhood improvement districts may receive up to $50,000.

(2)  Applications for planning grants from the Safe Neighborhoods Program shall be considered when the following criteria are met:

(a)  Verification that the local governing body has passed an ordinance creating neighborhood improvement districts.

(b)  Verification of commitment to provide matching funds for purposes of planning for neighborhood improvement districts. A local match may include in-kind services such as office space and supplies. The fair market value of such in-kind services must be documented.

(3)  All applications determined to be eligible for consideration shall be reviewed, evaluated, and rank ordered based on the following criteria:

(a)  Evidence of commitment from neighborhood organizations, homeowners, property owners, business or merchant's associations, or concerned individuals to participate in the activities of their neighborhood improvement districts.

(b)  Need of the community for neighborhood improvement districts for purposes of reducing crime, including the degree to which crime data indicates an escalation of criminal activities which impact area physical and economic conditions, identification of environmental factors which support criminal activities, previous crime prevention plans and efforts which impact the physical environment, excessive traffic counts for residential roads, and crime rates in enterprise zones and in business and commercial areas.

(c)  Need of the community for state planning funds to successfully implement neighborhood improvement districts, including consideration of the community's existing planning, law enforcement, and other appropriate local services and resources.

(4)  Population distribution of Florida's cities and counties shall be considered in order to give communities of all sizes an opportunity to benefit from the matching funds provided by the Safe Neighborhoods Program for the establishment of neighborhood improvement districts. No more than one neighborhood improvement district within the boundaries of a local government shall be awarded a planning grant in any given funding cycle.

(5)  Each neighborhood improvement district which receives funds under this section shall submit an audit to the department. Such audits shall be submitted no less than one time per year. Neighborhood improvement districts must submit an audit to the department at least 30 days prior to making application for additional planning grants. A local government audit performed in accordance with the provisions of chapter 218, covering the period of the grant, may be submitted to satisfy this requirement.

(6)  The department shall promulgate rules to carry out this section.

History.--s. 66, ch. 87-243; s. 36, ch. 91-45; s. 15, ch. 91-86; s. 9, ch. 93-120.

163.519  Duties of Department of Legal Affairs.--The Department of Legal Affairs shall:

(1)  Develop program design and criteria for funding neighborhood improvement districts.

(2)  Carry out the development, promulgation, and revision of rules required for the operation of the Safe Neighborhoods Program, the capital improvements provisions contained in s. 163.521, and any other duties assigned to the department by this part.

(3)  Develop application and review procedures.

(4)  Provide advice and technical assistance to local government units, property owners' associations, and boards of directors for special neighborhood improvement districts and community redevelopment neighborhood improvement districts in their efforts to promote the goals of the Safe Neighborhoods Act and to apply for planning grants.

(5)  Review and evaluate applications for planning and technical assistance.

(6)  Provide for contract management, including the review of contract closeout reports for accountability and conformance with state law and the required administrative procedures.

(7)  Evaluate program performance in light of state objectives and future trends and opportunities and prepare recommendations for the Legislature.

(8)  Act as the repository of crime prevention through community policing innovations; environmental design strategies, principles, and tactics; environmental security plans and procedures; defensible space techniques; and safe neighborhood improvement plans.

(9)  Utilize staff to provide crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space training.

(10)  Provide for consultant contracts for statewide training on safe neighborhood development for planners, engineers, local officials, property owners' associations, and boards of directors of special neighborhood improvement districts.

(11)  Review and approve or disapprove safe neighborhood improvement plans prior to the adoption by the local governing body of any safe neighborhood improvement plan created pursuant to s. 163.516. Plans shall be submitted to the department for review and approval or disapproval. All such reviews shall:

(a)  Ensure that appropriate plan elements are based on crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, or defensible space.

(b)  Ensure that appropriate plan elements are consistent with crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space functions of neighborhood improvement districts as listed in s. 163.513.

(c)  Be completed within 60 days after receipt by the department with a detailed explanation of any deficiencies. The district shall submit the required modifications within 60 days after notification of the deficiencies, unless there is compelling evidence that an extension should be granted. After that time the department may withhold any payments to the neighborhood improvement district until compliance is made and may withhold submission to the Legislature of any capital improvement requests made pursuant to s. 163.521.

(12)  Submit an annual report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the minority leaders and appropriate committee chairpersons of each house prior to March 1 of each year which contains:

(a)  A listing of neighborhood improvement districts created within the state, and their location.

(b)  A listing of districts which received funds from the Safe Neighborhoods Program.

(c)  A status report noting each district's progress in completing and implementing safe neighborhood improvement plans.

History.--s. 68, ch. 87-243; s. 17, ch. 91-86; s. 12, ch. 93-120; s. 19, ch. 98-314.

163.521  Neighborhood improvement district inside enterprise zone; funding.--The local governing body of any municipality or county in which the boundaries of an enterprise zone include a neighborhood improvement district in whole or in part, prior to October 1 of each year, may request the Department of Legal Affairs to submit within its budget request to the Legislature provisions to fund capital improvements. A request may be made for 100 percent of the capital improvement costs for 25 percent of the area of the enterprise zone which overlaps the district. The local governing body may also request a 100-percent matching grant for capital improvement costs for the remaining 75 percent of the area of the enterprise zone which overlaps the district. Local governments must demonstrate the capacity to implement the project within 2 years after the date of the appropriation. Funds appropriated under this provision may not be expended until after completion and approval of the safe neighborhood improvement plan pursuant to ss. 163.516 and 163.519(11). Capital improvements contained within the request submitted by the local governing body must be specifically related to crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space and must be reviewed by the department for compliance with the principles of crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space. The department shall rank order all requests received for capital improvements funding based on the necessity of the improvements to the overall implementation of the safe neighborhood plan; the degree to which the improvements help the plan achieve crime prevention through community policing innovations, environmental design, environmental security, and defensible space objectives; the effect of the improvements on residents of low or moderate income; and the fiscal inability of local government to perform the improvements without state assistance.

History.--s. 69, ch. 87-243; s. 31, ch. 88-381; s. 18, ch. 91-86; s. 20, ch. 98-314.

163.5215  Effect.--The provisions of this part shall not be construed to modify, limit, expand, or supersede any existing laws relating to the closing or abandonment of public roads, the denial of access to areas for public ingress or egress, or the use of public facilities.

History.--s. 19, ch. 91-86.

163.522  State redevelopment programs.--

(1)  Any county or municipality which has nominated an area as an enterprise zone pursuant to s. 290.0055 which has been so designated pursuant to s. 290.0065 is directed to give consideration to the creation of a neighborhood improvement district within said area.

(2)  Any county or municipality which has authorized the creation of a community redevelopment area pursuant to part III of this chapter is directed to give consideration to the creation of a neighborhood improvement district within said area.

History.--s. 70, ch. 87-243; s. 20, ch. 91-86; s. 62, ch. 94-136.

163.523  Safe neighborhood districts; cooperation and involvement of community organizations.--To the extent possible, local governments may cooperate and seek the involvement of community organizations such as churches, chambers of commerce, community development corporations, civic associations, neighborhood housing services, urban leagues, and other not-for-profit organizations in the creation of safe neighborhood improvement districts under this part. Any neighborhood improvement district may enter into agreements with any of such community organizations to undertake any of the activities authorized under this part, except the preparation of safe neighborhood improvement plans. To this end, the district may compensate any such organization for the value of its service. However, such compensation shall not exceed 1 percent of the total annual budget of the district. The community organization may also contract with the district to provide maintenance services for projects implemented in the district. The fee for such services shall not exceed 2 percent of the total budget for the district's project for which services are to be rendered. All service agreements made with community organizations shall have a renewable term of no longer than 3 years. A district may receive funds from such organizations in connection with the performance of any of the functions authorized in this part.

History.--s. 32, ch. 88-381.

163.524  Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Program; participation; creation of Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Districts; creation of Neighborhood Councils and Neighborhood Enhancement Plans.--

(1)  The governing body of any municipality or county may authorize its participation in the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Program through the adoption of a local ordinance. After a local ordinance has been adopted authorizing the participation of the local government in the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Program, the local government shall notify the residents within the boundaries of the local government about the program. The local government shall designate or create an agency that shall be responsible for the enforcement of Neighborhood Enhancement Plans. This agency may be the local code enforcement board, county sheriff, municipal police department, or any other agency the local government feels will provide adequate enforcement of the adopted Neighborhood Enhancement Plans.

(2)  Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Districts shall be created as follows:

(a)  Residents of a particular neighborhood may initiate the creation of a district in their area by notifying the local government planning agency. The planning agency shall assist those residents to define the boundaries and size of the district; or

(b)  The municipality or county may initiate the creation of a district by identifying those areas which are in need of enhancement and approaching the residents of the identified neighborhood to encourage the formation of a Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement District. The identified neighborhood and the municipality or county shall define the district's boundaries and size.

(3)  After the boundaries and size of the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement District have been defined, the local government shall pass an ordinance authorizing the creation of the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement District. The ordinance shall contain a finding that the boundaries of the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement District meet the provisions of ¹s. 163.340(7) or (8)(a) or do not contain properties that are protected by deed restrictions. Such ordinance may be amended or repealed in the same manner as other local ordinances.

(4)  The residents within the Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement District shall create a Neighborhood Council. The Neighborhood Council shall consist of five members who reside in the district chosen by residents of the district in an election at a noticed public meeting, subject to approval by the local governing body. The five members shall choose among themselves a president, vice president, secretary, and other officers as needed.

(5)  The Neighborhood Council and local government planning agency shall be eligible to receive grants from the Safe Neighborhoods Program as provided in s. 163.517.

(6)  The Neighborhood Council and the local government planning agency shall prepare a Neighborhood Enhancement Plan. The Neighborhood Enhancement Plan shall consist of at least the following elements:

(a)  Boundaries and size of the district.

(b)  Total population and number of households in the district.

(c)  Land use zoning and housing in the district.

(d)  Statement of goals and objectives of the district.

(e)  Strategies and policies to enhance the district.

(f)  Minimum standards for property maintenance, building codes, and community aesthetics.

(g)  Strategies to implement and evaluate the plan.

(7)  The Neighborhood Enhancement Plan shall be consistent with the intent of the adopted comprehensive plan for the county or municipality.

(8)  The Neighborhood Enhancement Plan shall not regulate any activity that is subject to regulation under chapter 378, and it shall not contain any requirements that are inconsistent with, or more stringent than, requirements established by any state agency or water management district.

(9)  The Neighborhood Enhancement Plan shall be adopted by ordinance by the local governing body. The standards and requirements of the Neighborhood Enhancement Plan shall be reasonable considering the existing character of the community and local economic conditions.

(10)  Prior to the adoption of the Neighborhood Enhancement Plan, the local government planning agency and Neighborhood Council shall hold a joint public hearing on the plan after public notice by the local government by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality in which the district is located. The notice shall describe the time, date, place, and purpose of the hearing; identify the boundaries of the district; and outline the general scope of the plan as required by law.

(11)  If at any time after approval of the Neighborhood Enhancement Plan, it becomes desirable to amend or modify the plan, the local governing body may do so. Prior to any such amendment or modification, the local government planning agency and the Neighborhood Council shall hold a joint public hearing on the proposed amendment or modification after public notice by the local government by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county or municipality in which the district is located. The notice shall describe the time, place, and purpose of the hearing and shall generally describe the proposed amendment or modification.

(12)  Nothing in this section shall supersede or conflict with s. 823.14.

History.--s. 1, ch. 95-289.

¹Note.--Former s. 163.340(8)(a) was substantially reworded and redesignated as s. 163.340(8)(a)-(n) by s. 2, ch. 2002-294.

163.526  Neighborhood Councils and local government designated agency; powers and duties.--

(1)  The Neighborhood Councils shall have all of the following powers and duties:

(a)  All those specified in ss. 163.514 and 163.5151.

(b)  To record all complaints of alleged violations of the standards and codes specified within the Neighborhood Enhancement Plan brought by any resident of the district.

(c)  To identify plan violations and problem areas.

(d)  If the alleged complaint or problem is found to be valid, to notify that property owner of noncompliance with the plan.

(e)  If the property owner does not adequately respond to the notification of the plan violation within a reasonable amount of time, to negotiate informally with the property owner to reach an agreement to bring the property owner into compliance with the plan.

(f)  If the negotiation process fails to remedy the alleged violation of the plan, to report the alleged violation to the designated agency of the local government.

(g)  If after 30 days the council is dissatisfied with the response of the designated agency of the local government, to request written notification from the designated agency of the steps taken to remedy the alleged violation.

(h)  If the council is still dissatisfied 30 days after receipt of written notification, to request an audience before the local governing body to resolve its differences with the designated agency.

(i)  To hold public meetings at least once quarterly to: solicit and listen to suggestions and complaints regarding alleged violations of the Neighborhood Enhancement Plan; discuss alleged violations and issues of concern in the neighborhood; and listen and respond to complaints regarding the activity or inactivity of the Neighborhood Council. At least three members must be present at the public meeting to constitute a quorum. No resident or property owner in the district shall be prohibited from addressing the council.

(2)  The designated agency of the local government shall have all of the following powers and duties:

(a)  Upon receipt of an alleged plan violation from the Neighborhood Council, the designated agency of the local government shall provide the Neighborhood Council with written acknowledgment of receipt of the alleged violation.

(b)  The designated agency of the local government shall notify the property owner that the owner may be in violation of the requirements and standards of the Neighborhood Enhancement Plan. The designated agency is entitled to exercise all the powers under chapter 162 to enforce any alleged plan violation.

(c)  The designated agency shall, at the request of the Neighborhood Council, provide written notification of the steps taken to remedy the alleged violation.

(3)  If requested, the local governing body shall, pursuant to this section, grant the Neighborhood Council an audience to resolve the council's differences or dissatisfaction with the designated agency.

History.--s. 2, ch. 95-289.

163.565  Short title.

163.566  Definitions.

163.567  Regional transportation authorities.

163.568  Purposes and powers.

163.569  Exemption from regulation.

163.570  Special region taxation.

163.571  Issuance of bonds.

163.572  Expansion of area.

163.565  Short title.--This part shall be known and may be cited as the "Regional Transportation Authority Law."

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-373; s. 1, ch. 73-278.

163.566  Definitions.--As used in this part, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1)  "Authority" means a body politic and corporate created pursuant to this part.

(2)  "Member" means the municipality, county, or political subdivision which, in combination with another member or members, comprises the authority.

(3)  "Board of directors," hereinafter referred to as the board, means the governing body of the authority.

(4)  "Director" means a person appointed to the board by a member. No person who serves without salary as a director or in any other appointed position of the authority shall be in violation of s. 99.012 by reason of holding such office.

(5)  "Regional transportation area" means that area the boundaries of which are identical to the boundaries of the political subdivisions or other legal entities which constitute the authority.

(6)  "Municipality" means any city with a population of over 50,000 within the regional transportation area.

(7)  "County" means any county within the regional transportation area.

(8)  "Public transportation" means transportation of passengers by means, without limitation, of a street railway, elevated railway or guideway, subway, motor vehicle, motor bus, or any bus or other means of conveyance operating as a common carrier within the regional transportation area, including charter service therein.

(9)  "Public transportation system" means, without limitation, a combination of real and personal property, structures, improvements, buildings, equipment, plants, vehicle parking or other facilities, and rights-of-way, or any combination thereof, used or useful for the purposes of public transportation.

(10)  "Operator" means any person engaged in, or intending to engage in, the business of providing public transportation, but does not include a person engaged primarily in the transportation of children to or from school or a person or entity furnishing transportation solely for his or her or its employees or customers.

(11)  "Transportation facility" or "transportation facilities" means the property or property rights, both real and personal, of a type used for the establishment of public transportation systems which have heretofore been, or may hereafter be, established by public bodies for the transportation of people and property from place to place.

(12)  "Population" means the population as determined under the provisions of s. 186.901.

History.--s. 2, ch. 71-373; s. 1, ch. 73-278; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 28, ch. 87-224; s. 33, ch. 91-107; s. 910, ch. 95-147.

163.567  Regional transportation authorities.--

(1)  Any two or more contiguous counties, municipalities, other political subdivisions, or combinations thereof in this state are authorized and empowered to convene a charter committee for the purpose of developing a charter under which a regional transportation authority, hereinafter referred to as "authority," may be constituted, composed, and operated as delineated in this part. However, no county, municipality, or other political subdivision may be a member in more than one authority created under this part.

(2)  Upon the decision by such governing bodies to convene the committee, each shall appoint one representative for the first 100,000 population or fraction thereof over 50,000, plus one additional representative for each additional 100,000 population to the charter committee, except that the population of any participating municipality shall be subtracted from the county's population in determining county representation. The committee shall meet for the purpose of preparing the authority's charter. The charter, in addition to the purposes and powers provided in s. 163.568, shall contain:

(a)  The formula for representation and voting of the members based on population, but in no event shall the Governor's appointees have less than one vote each.

(b)  Any limitations on the authority's powers of eminent domain beyond those limitations contained in s. 163.568 and deemed necessary for the authority's purposes.

(c)  The duration of the authority and the method by which it may be terminated or withdrawn from by any participating member prior to the stated date of termination, if any.

(d)  The manner in which the authority members will provide from their treasuries the financial support for the authority.

(e)  A method or formula for equitably providing for and allocating and financing the capital and operating costs, including payments to reserve funds authorized by law and payments of principal and interest on obligations.

(f)  The manner in which strict budgeting and accountability of all funds shall be provided for and the manner in which reports, including an annual independent audit, of all receipts and disbursements shall be prepared and presented to each participating member.

(g)  Any other necessary and proper matters agreed upon by the charter committee.

(3)  The charter and all subsequent amendments thereto shall be duly executed by the governing bodies of all members and shall be filed with the Department of State, at which time the authority shall be activated and legally constituted.

(4)  When the charter is filed with the Department of State, the Governor shall be notified that such action has been taken, and the Governor shall within 20 days appoint two members to the authority. Within 25 days from the filing of the charter, each member shall appoint its director or directors, and the first meeting of the authority shall be held.

(5)  In addition to other funding as prescribed in this part, any member joining the authority shall agree to provide the authority with funds to be used only for planning and administration for a period not to exceed 5 years from such time as the authority was formally constituted. These total funds shall not exceed $300,000 per annum, and the cost shall be duly apportioned among the members by a ratio based on population. Any member may, of its own accord, pay more than its apportioned share of the funds.

(6)  After the authority has been in existence for a period of not less than 12 months, municipalities having less than 50,000 population may be admitted as fully participating members if agreed upon by at least a three-fourths vote of all the members of the board of directors.

(7)  Subsequent to the activation of the authority, contiguous counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions not participating initially may become members of the authority with the same benefits as the initial members, upon approval by a majority vote of the board.

(8)  The board of directors of the authority shall consist of at least one director representing each member, and two directors appointed by the Governor. In no event shall the board be composed of less than five directors, including the two appointed by the Governor. Each member shall initially appoint one director for a 3-year term. Of those members appointing more than one director, the remaining directors shall be appointed initially for a term of 2 years. Thereafter, all directors shall be appointed for 3-year terms.

(9)  Each director shall hold office until his or her successor has been appointed and qualified. A vacancy occurring during a term shall be filled only for the balance of the unexpired term. The first directors shall be selected as provided above. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be made within 20 days after the occurrence of the vacancy or before expiration of the term, whichever is applicable. If no appointment is made within the prescribed time by the appointing member, the board, by a majority vote, shall appoint an eligible person to the board with like effect as if the appointment were made by the member. However, if the board does not appoint an eligible person within 10 days, the appointment shall then be made by the Governor within 10 days thereafter. Any director shall be eligible for reappointment.

(10)  The board shall elect one of its directors as chair and one as vice chair to serve for 1 year in that capacity or until their successors are elected. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum. A vacancy on the board shall not impair its right to exercise all of its powers and perform all of its duties. Any vacancy not filled within the period prescribed by this section shall be filled by appointment of the board. Upon the effective date of his or her appointment, or as soon thereafter as practicable, each director shall enter upon his or her duties.

(11)  A director of the board may be removed from office by the Governor or by the appointing member for misconduct, malfeasance, misfeasance, or neglect of duty in office. Any vacancy so created shall be filled as provided above.

(12)  The authority may employ an executive administrator, who shall be a person of recognized ability and experience, to serve at the pleasure of the authority. The executive administrator may employ such employees as may be necessary for the proper administration of the duties and functions of the authority and may determine the qualifications of such persons; however, the board shall approve such positions and fix compensation for employees. The authority may contract for the services of attorneys, engineers, consultants, and agents for any purpose of the authority, including engineering, architectural design, management, feasibility, transportation planning, and other studies concerning the design of facilities and the acquisition, construction, extension, operation, maintenance, regulation, consolidation, and financing of transportation systems in the area.

(13)  Directors of the board shall be entitled to receive their travel and other necessary expenses incurred in connection with the business of the authority, as provided in s. 112.061, but they shall receive no salaries or other compensation.

History.--s. 3, ch. 71-373; s. 1, ch. 73-278; s. 911, ch. 95-147.

163.568  Purposes and powers.--

(1)  The authority created and established by this part is granted the authority to purchase, own, or operate, or provide for the operation of, transportation facilities; to contract for transit services; to exercise power of eminent domain limited to right-of-way and contiguous transportation facility acquisition and subject to any further limitations set forth in the authority charter; to conduct studies; and to contract with other governmental agencies, private companies and individuals. However, no public transportation system shall be purchased, owned, or operated that would be in the continued business of competing with existing private charter transportation companies for charter business, nor shall a new system be implemented where an existing transportation system of the same mode is operating a comparable service without first purchasing said existing system through negotiation.

(2)  The authority is granted the authority to exercise all powers necessary, appurtenant, convenient, or incidental to the carrying out of the aforesaid purposes, including, but not limited to, the following rights and powers:

(a)  To sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, complain and defend in all courts.

(b)  To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

(c)  To acquire, purchase, hold, lease as a lessee, and use any franchise or property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the authority, and to sell, lease as lessor, transfer and dispose of any property or interest therein acquired by it.

(d)  To fix, alter, charge, and establish rates, fares, and other charges for the services and facilities within the area, which rates, fees, and charges shall be equitable and just.

(e)  To acquire and operate, or provide for the operation of, local transportation systems, public or private, within the area, the acquisition of such system to be by negotiation and agreement between the authority and the owner of the system to be acquired.

(f)  To make contracts of every name and nature and to execute all instruments necessary or convenient for the carrying on of its business.

(g)  To enter into management contracts with any person or persons for the management of a public transportation system owned or controlled by the authority for such period or periods of time, and under such compensation and other terms and conditions, as shall be deemed advisable by the authority.

(h)  Without limitation, to borrow money and issue evidence of indebtedness and to accept gifts or grants or loans of money or other property and to enter into contracts, leases, or other transactions with any federal agency, the state, any agency of the state, or any other public body of the state.

(i)  To develop transportation plans, and to coordinate its planning and programs with those of appropriate municipal, county, and state agencies and other political subdivisions of the state. All transportation plans are subject to review and approval by the Department of Transportation and by the regional planning agency, if any, for consistency with programs or planning for the area and region.

(j)  To do all acts and things necessary or convenient for the conduct of its business and the general welfare of the authority in order to carry out the powers granted to it by this part or any other law.

(k)  To prescribe and promulgate necessary rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this part and the requirements of chapter 120.

History.--s. 4, ch. 71-373; s. 1, ch. 73-278.

163.569  Exemption from regulation.--The public transportation systems and facilities operating in and under the authority of this part shall be exempt from any of the regulatory provisions of chapter 350.

History.--s. 5, ch. 71-373; s. 1, ch. 73-278; s. 20, ch. 85-80.

163.570  Special region taxation.--

(1)  Any regional transportation authority created hereunder shall be deemed a special tax district and shall be authorized to levy an ad valorem tax based on full valuation of real property not to exceed 3 mills on the taxable real property in the areas affected by such authority, with the approval of the county commission or equivalent governing body of such area, at a rate sufficient to produce an amount that may be necessary for effectuating the purposes of this part, if such millage level is approved by a majority of the members of such authority and by referendum. Property taxes determined and levied under this section shall be certified by the authority to the appropriate auditor and extended, assessed, and collected in like manner as provided by general law for such political subdivisions. The proceeds under this section shall be remitted by the tax collector to the treasurer of the authority who shall credit them to the funds of the authority for use in effectuating the purposes of this part. At any time after making a tax levy under this section and certifying the same to the corresponding governing body represented by the membership on the authority, the authority may issue tax anticipation notes of indebtedness in anticipation of the collection of such taxes.

(2)  No tax authorized by this part shall be levied unless the same shall be approved by a majority of the electors of each county, municipality, or other political subdivision, voting in elections to be held within the geographical area of the special tax district. A tax shall be authorized only in such political subdivisions as are approved by electors from within the counties or municipalities or other political subdivisions who are members of the regional authority.

History.--s. 6, ch. 71-373; s. 1, ch. 73-278.

163.571  Issuance of bonds.--Any transportation authority created hereunder may issue bonds to carry out the authorized powers or purposes of this part. In the creation of bonded indebtedness the procedure therefor shall be in conformity with the constitution and laws of the state.

History.--s. 7, ch. 71-373; s. 1, ch. 73-278.

163.572  Expansion of area.--Upon a resolution adopted by the governing body of any adjoining county, municipality, or other political subdivision, the authority may, subject to the provisions of s. 163.567(1), by a majority vote of its membership, include such territory in its regional transportation area.

History.--s. 8, ch. 71-373; s. 1, ch. 73-278.

163.61  "Agency" defined.

163.62  Collaborative client information system; establishment.

163.63  Steering committee; security policy information sharing agreements.

163.64  Sharing of client information.

163.65  Agencies receiving government funding encouraged to participate.

163.61  "Agency" defined.--For the purposes of ss. 163.61-163.65, the word "agency" has the meaning ascribed in s. 119.011.

History.--s. 43, ch. 97-286.

163.62  Collaborative client information system; establishment.--Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the agencies of one or more local governments may establish a collaborative client information system. State agencies and private agencies may participate in the collaborative information system. Data related to the following areas may be included in the collaborative information system, although the system is not limited to only these types of information: criminal justice, juvenile justice, education, employment training, health, and human services.

History.--s. 44, ch. 97-286.

163.63  Steering committee; security policy information sharing agreements.--

(1)  The counties involved in the creation and administration of a collaborative client information system shall form a steering committee, consisting of representatives of all agencies and organizations participating in the system, to govern the organization and administration of the collaborative system. Each steering committee shall determine its procedures for governance of the organization, participation in the collaborative information system, and administration of the data in the system. Each steering committee also must develop a security policy to be followed by all agencies participating in the collaborative system to ensure the integrity of the data in the collaborative information system and to guarantee the privacy, to the extent possible, of all clients served by an agency that participates in the collaborative system.

(2)  Before sharing confidential information with other members of the information collaborative, each member of the steering committee shall sign an agreement specifying, at a minimum, the following information:

(a)  What information each agency will share with the collaborative;

(b)  How the information will be shared;

(c)  How clients will be notified that an agency participates in the collaborative;

(d)  Who in each agency will have access to the information;

(e)  The purposes to be served by sharing the information;

(f)  Assurances from each agency that it will maintain the confidentiality of the information as required by law; and

(g)  Other information decided upon by members of the information cooperative.

History.--s. 45, ch. 97-286.

163.64  Sharing of client information.--Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an agency that participates in the creation or administration of a collaborative client information system may share client information, including confidential client information, with other members of the collaborative system as long as the restrictions governing the confidential information are observed by any other agency granted access to the confidential information. An agency that participates in a collaborative information system is not required to have a release signed by its affected clients before sharing confidential information with other members of the collaborative system.

History.--s. 46, ch. 97-286.

163.65  Agencies receiving government funding encouraged to participate.--An agency that receives moneys from a federal, state, or local agency is encouraged to participate in any collaborative client information system that is available within the service area of the agency.

History.--s. 47, ch. 97-286.