The Florida Senate

180.01  Definition of term "municipality."

180.02  Powers of municipalities.

180.03  Resolution or ordinance proposing construction or extension of utility; objections to same.

180.04  Ordinance or resolution authorizing construction or extension of utility; election.

180.05  Definition of term "private company."

180.06  Activities authorized by municipalities and private companies.

180.07  Public utilities; combination of plants or systems; pledge of revenues.

180.08  Revenue certificates; terms; price and interest; three-fifths vote of governing body required.

180.09  Notice of resolution or ordinance authorizing issuance of certificates.

180.10  When election necessary.

180.11  Referendum and procedure therefor.

180.12  Examinations and surveys.

180.13  Administration of utility; rate fixing and collection of charges.

180.135  Utility services; refusal or discontinuance of services for nonpayment of service charges by former occupant of rental unit prohibited; unpaid service charges of former occupant not to be basis for lien against rental property, exception.

180.136  Water or sewer utilities; notice.

180.14  Franchise for private companies; rate fixing.

180.15  Liability of private companies.

180.16  Acquisition by municipality of property of private company.

180.17  Contracts with private companies.

180.18  Use by municipality of privately owned utility.

180.19  Use by other municipalities and by individuals outside corporate limits.

180.191  Limitation on rates charged consumer outside city limits.

180.20  Regulations by private companies; rates; contracts.

180.21  Powers granted deemed additional.

180.22  Power of eminent domain.

180.23  Contracts with engineers, attorneys and others; boards.

180.24  Contracts for construction; bond; publication of notice; bids.

180.25  Contents of notice of issuance of certificates.

180.26  Form of certificates.

180.301  Purchase, sale, or privatization of water, sewer, or wastewater reuse utility by municipality.

180.01  Definition of term "municipality."--The term "municipality," as used in this chapter, shall mean any city, town, or village duly incorporated under the laws of the state.

History.--s. 1, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(6).

180.02  Powers of municipalities.--

(1)  For the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter, any municipality may execute its corporate powers within its corporate limits.

(2)  Any municipality may extend and execute all of its corporate powers applicable for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter outside of its corporate limits, as hereinafter provided and as may be desirable or necessary for the promotion of the public health, safety and welfare or for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter; provided, however, that said corporate powers shall not extend or apply within the corporate limits of another municipality.

(3)  In the event any municipality desires to avail itself of the provisions or benefits of this chapter, it is lawful for such municipality to create a zone or area by ordinance and to prescribe reasonable regulations requiring all persons or corporations living or doing business within said area to connect, when available, with any sewerage system or alternative water supply system, including, but not limited to, reclaimed water, aquifer storage and recovery, and desalination systems, constructed, erected and operated under the provisions of this chapter; provided, however, in the creation of said zone the municipality shall not include any area within the limits of any other incorporated city or village, nor shall such area or zone extend for more than 5 miles from the corporate limits of said municipality.

History.--s. 1, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(6); s. 5, ch. 95-323.

180.03  Resolution or ordinance proposing construction or extension of utility; objections to same.--

(1)  When it is proposed to exercise the powers granted by this chapter, a resolution or ordinance shall be passed by the city council, or the legislative body of the municipality, by whatever name known, reciting the utility to be constructed or extended and its purpose, the proposed territory to be included, what mortgage revenue certificates or debentures if any are to be issued to finance the project, the cost thereof, and such other provisions as may be deemed necessary.

(2)  Any objections to any of the provisions of said resolution or ordinance shall be in writing and filed with the governing body of the municipality, and hearing thereupon shall be held within 30 days after the passage of the resolution by the legislative body of said municipality.

(3)  For the construction of a new proposed sewerage system or the extension of an existing sewerage system that was not previously approved, the report shall include a study that includes the available information from the Department of Health on the history of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems currently in use in the area and a comparison of the projected costs to the owner of a typical lot or parcel of connecting to and using the proposed sewerage system versus installing, operating, and properly maintaining an onsite sewage treatment system that is approved by the Department of Health and that provides for the comparable level of environmental and health protection as the proposed central sewerage system; consideration of the local authority's obligations or reasonably anticipated obligations for water body cleanup and protection under state or federal programs, including requirements for water bodies listed under s. 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, Pub. L. No. 92-500, 33 U.S.C. ss. 1251 et seq.; and other factors deemed relevant by the local authority. The results of such a study shall be included in the resolution or ordinance required under subsection (1).

History.--s. 1, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(6); s. 4, ch. 2006-252.

180.04  Ordinance or resolution authorizing construction or extension of utility; election.--If after the passage of said resolution the said city council or other legislative body, by whatever name known, shall determine to proceed toward the construction of said utility, but not earlier than 40 days after the passage of said ordinance or resolution, the said city council or other legislative body, by whatever name known, shall pass an ordinance or resolution authorizing the construction of the utility or any extension thereof, reciting the purpose and the territory to be included, correcting any errors, remedying any sustained objections, authorizing the issuance of mortgage revenue certificates or debentures to pay for the construction and all other costs of the said utility, and containing all other necessary provisions. All other legislative and administrative functions and proceedings shall be the same as provided for the government of the municipality. The city council or other legislative body, by whatever name known, of the municipality, may adopt and provide for the enforcement of all resolutions and ordinances that may be required for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter, and its decision shall be final in determining to construct the utility, or any extension thereof as and where proposed, to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter; provided, that where any mortgage revenue certificates, debentures, or other evidences of indebtedness shall come within the purview of s. 12, Art. VII of the State Constitution, the same shall be issued only after having been approved by a majority of the votes cast in an election in which a majority of the owners of freeholds not wholly exempt from taxation who are qualified electors residing in such municipality shall participate, pursuant to the provisions of ss. 100.201-100.221, 100.241, 100.261-100.341, and 100.351.

History.--s. 1, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(6); s. 15, ch. 69-216; s. 64, ch. 77-175.

180.05  Definition of term "private company."--A "private company" shall mean any company or corporation duly authorized under the laws of the state to construct or operate water works systems, sewerage systems, sewage treatment works, garbage collection and garbage disposal plants.

History.--s. 2, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(7).

180.06  Activities authorized by municipalities and private companies.--Any municipality or private company organized for the purposes contained in this chapter, is authorized:

(1)  To clean and improve street channels or other bodies of water for sanitary purposes;

(2)  To provide means for the regulation of the flow of streams for sanitary purposes;

(3)  To provide water and alternative water supplies, including, but not limited to, reclaimed water, and water from aquifer storage and recovery and desalination systems for domestic, municipal or industrial uses;

(4)  To provide for the collection and disposal of sewage, including wastewater reuse, and other liquid wastes;

(5)  To provide for the collection and disposal of garbage;

(6)  And incidental to such purposes and to enable the accomplishment of the same, to construct reservoirs, sewerage systems, trunk sewers, intercepting sewers, pumping stations, wells, siphons, intakes, pipelines, distribution systems, purification works, collection systems, treatment and disposal works;

(7)  To construct airports, hospitals, jails and golf courses, to maintain, operate and repair the same, and to construct and operate in addition thereto all machinery and equipment;

(8)  To construct, operate and maintain gas plants and distribution systems for domestic, municipal and industrial uses; and

(9)  To construct such other buildings and facilities as may be required to properly and economically operate and maintain said works necessary for the fulfillment of the purposes of this chapter.

However, a private company or municipality shall not construct any system, work, project or utility authorized to be constructed hereunder in the event that a system, work, project or utility of a similar character is being actually operated by a municipality or private company in the municipality or territory immediately adjacent thereto, unless such municipality or private company consents to such construction.

History.--s. 3, ch. 17118, 1935; s. 1, ch. 17119, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(8); s. 5, ch. 93-51; s. 6, ch. 95-323.

180.07  Public utilities; combination of plants or systems; pledge of revenues.--

(1)  All such reservoirs, sewerage systems, trunk sewers, intercepting sewers, pumping stations, wells, intakes, pipelines, distribution systems, purification works, collecting systems, treatment and disposal works, airports, hospitals, jails and golf courses, and gas plants and distribution systems, whether heretofore or hereafter constructed or operated, are considered a public utility within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory provision for the purpose of acquiring, purchasing, owning, operating, constructing, equipping and maintaining such works.

(2)  Whenever any municipality shall decide to avail itself of the provisions of this chapter for the extension or improvement of any existing utility plant or system, any then-existing plant or system may be included as a part of a whole plant or system and any two or more utilities may be included in one project hereunder. The revenues of all or any part of any existing plants or systems or any plants or systems constructed hereunder may be pledged to secure moneys advanced for the construction or improvement of any utility plant or system or any part thereof or any combination thereof.

History.--s. 4, ch. 17118, 1935; s. 2, ch. 17119, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(9).

180.08  Revenue certificates; terms; price and interest; three-fifths vote of governing body required.--

(1)  Any municipality which acquires, constructs or extends any of the public utilities authorized by this chapter and desires to raise money for such purpose, may issue mortgage revenue certificates or debentures therefor without regard to the limitations of municipal indebtedness as prescribed by any statute now in effect or hereafter enacted; provided, however, that such mortgage revenue certificates or debentures shall not impose any tax liability upon any real or personal property in such municipality nor constitute a debt against the municipality issuing the same, but shall be a lien only against or upon the property and revenues of such utility, including a franchise setting forth the terms upon which, in the event of foreclosure, the purchaser may operate the same, which said franchise shall in no event extend for a period longer than 30 years from the date of the sale of such utility and franchise under foreclosure proceedings.

(2)  Such mortgage revenue certificates or debentures shall be sold for at least 95 percent of par value and shall bear interest not to exceed 7.5 percent per annum.

(3)  No mortgage revenue certificates or debentures shall be issued except upon a three-fifths affirmative vote of the city council, or other legislative body of the municipalities by whatever name known; such mortgage revenue certificates or debentures shall provide that out of the revenues and income derived and obtained from the operation of the utility so constructed, such portion thereof as may be deemed sufficient after all operating costs have been paid, shall be set aside annually in a sinking fund for the payment of interest on said certificates or debentures and the principal thereof at the maturity of the same.

History.--s. 5, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(10); s. 18, ch. 73-302.

180.09  Notice of resolution or ordinance authorizing issuance of certificates.--Upon the adoption of resolution or ordinance by the city council, or other legislative body, by whatever name known, authorizing the issuance of mortgage revenue certificates or debentures, a notice thereof shall be published once a week for 2 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the municipality is located, or by posting a notice in at least three conspicuous places within the limits of the municipality, one of which shall be posted at the door of the city hall or city offices; provided, that if any of the mortgage revenue certificates or debentures are to be purchased by the United States of America, or any instrumentality or subdivision thereof, it shall not be necessary to advertise or offer the same for sale by competitive bidding.

History.--s. 5, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(10).

180.10  When election necessary.--Where any mortgage revenue certificates, debentures, or other evidences of indebtedness shall come within the purview of s. 12, Art. VII of the State Constitution, the same shall be issued only after having been approved by a majority of the votes cast in an election in which a majority of the owners of freeholds not wholly exempt from taxation who are qualified electors residing in such municipality shall participate, pursuant to the provisions of ss. 100.201-100.221, 100.241, 100.261-100.341, and 100.351.

History.--s. 7, ch. 22858, 1945; s. 15, ch. 69-216; s. 64, ch. 77-175.

180.11  Referendum and procedure therefor.--

(1)  A referendum may be held upon the issuance of such mortgage revenue certificates or debentures in the following manner: a petition shall be filed with the clerk within 30 days after the date of the first publication of the notice of the issuance of the proposed mortgage revenue certificates or debentures or after the posting of the notice, as hereinbefore provided. The petition shall contain the nature of the objection to the proposed utility or the issuance of said mortgage revenue certificates or debentures and shall be signed by 20 percent of the registered and qualified electors of said municipality. Such referendum shall be held not later than 60 days after the date of the first publication of said notice as aforesaid or the posting of such notice.

(2)  The aforesaid petition shall be filed with the city clerk, or the officer performing the corresponding duties, and the said clerk or officer shall ascertain immediately if the requisite number of registered and qualified electors have signed the said petition; whereupon the clerk or officer shall immediately report in writing to the mayor, or the executive officer of said municipality, and to the city council or other legislative body of the municipality, by whatever name known; whereupon a resolution or ordinance shall forthwith be enacted determining if the requisite number of registered and qualified electors have signed the petition, a resolution or ordinance shall forthwith be enacted setting forth the date upon which the referendum shall be held, appropriating sufficient funds to pay the expenses of said election, designating the places of voting and providing for the form of ballot to be used. In determining the number of registered and qualified electors for the purposes of determining the sufficiency of the petition for referendum, the city clerk, or such other officer, shall use the number of registered and qualified electors at the last municipal election held by the said municipality. All rules, regulations, ordinances or resolutions pertaining to municipal elections shall apply under the referendum herein set forth, except where the same are inconsistent with the proceedings herein authorized.

History.--s. 5, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(10); s. 938, ch. 95-147.

180.12  Examinations and surveys.--Any municipality, to carry out the purpose of this chapter, may, through its officers, committees, agents, servants or employees, enter into and upon private property where it is proposed to construct said utility, or extensions thereof to make necessary examinations and surveys, and for such other purposes as may be required in the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter; provided, however, the municipality, before constructing any of said works upon private property, shall first acquire the right to take and use the property by agreement or purchase or by proceedings or by the exercise of the right of eminent domain in a court of the state having jurisdiction of the same in the manner prescribed by law.

History.--s. 6, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(11).

180.13  Administration of utility; rate fixing and collection of charges.--

(1)  The city council, or other legislative body of the municipality, by whatever name known, may create a separate board or may designate certain officers of said municipality to have the supervision and control of the operation of the works constructed under the authority of this chapter, which said board or designated officers may make all necessary rules or regulations governing the use, control and operation of said works; subject, however, to the approval of the city council, or other legislative body, by whatever name known.

(2)  The city council, or other legislative body of the municipality, by whatever name known, may establish just and equitable rates or charges to be paid to the municipality for the use of the utility by each person, firm or corporation whose premises are served thereby; and provided further, that if the charges so fixed are not paid when due, such sums may be recovered by the said municipality by suit in a court having jurisdiction of said cause or by discontinuance of service of such utility until delinquent charges for services thereof are paid, including charge covering any reasonable expense for reconnecting such service after such delinquencies are paid, or any other lawful method of enforcement of the payment of such delinquencies.

History.--s. 7, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(12).

180.135  Utility services; refusal or discontinuance of services for nonpayment of service charges by former occupant of rental unit prohibited; unpaid service charges of former occupant not to be basis for lien against rental property, exception.--

(1)(a)  Any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, no municipality may refuse services or discontinue utility, water, or sewer services to the owner of any rental unit or to a tenant or prospective tenant of such rental unit for nonpayment of service charges incurred by a former occupant of the rental unit; any such unpaid service charges incurred by a former occupant will not be the basis for any lien against the rental property or legal action against the present tenant or owner to recover such charges except to the extent that the present tenant or owner has benefited directly from the service provided to the former occupant.

(b)  This section applies only if the former occupant of the rental unit contracted for such services with the municipality or if the municipality provided services with knowledge of the former occupant's name and the period the occupant was provided the services.

(2)  The provisions of this section may not be waived through any contractual arrangement between a municipality and a landlord whereby the landlord agrees to be responsible for a tenant's or future tenant's payment of service charges.

(3)  Any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, any municipality may adopt an ordinance authorizing the municipality to withdraw and expend any security deposit collected by the municipality from any occupant or tenant for the provision of utility, water, or sewer services for the nonpayment of service charges by the occupant or tenant.

(4)  In any case where a tenant subject to part II of chapter 83 does not make payment for service charges to a municipality for the provision of utility, water, or sewer services, the landlord may thereupon commence eviction proceedings. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a municipality from discontinuing service to a tenant who is in arrears 30 days or more, or as required by bond covenant.

History.--s. 1, ch. 84-292; s. 1, ch. 88-332; s. 1, ch. 89-272.

180.136  Water or sewer utilities; notice.--Before a local government water or sewer utility increases any rate, charge, or fee for water or sewer utility service, the utility shall provide notice of the proposed increase to each customer of the utility through the utility's billing process. The notice shall state the date, time, and place of the meeting of the governing board of the local government at which such increase will be considered. The notice required in this section is in addition to any notice and public meeting requirements for ordinance adoption as provided by general law.

History.--s. 11, ch. 2000-350.

180.14  Franchise for private companies; rate fixing.--A private company or corporation organized under the laws of the state for any of the purposes recited in this chapter, may construct, operate and maintain such works provided for in this chapter, within or without the corporate limits of any municipality, upon application by such company or corporation to the city council, or other legislative body of the municipality, by whatever name known, and the said municipality may grant to said private company or corporation the privilege or franchise of exercising its corporate powers for such terms of years and upon such conditions and limitations as may be deemed expedient and for the best interest of said municipality for the accomplishment of the purposes set forth in this chapter; said franchise, however, to be for a period of not longer than 30 years; provided further, that the rates or charges to be made by the private company or corporation to the individual users of the utility constructed or operated under authority of this chapter shall be fixed by the city council, or other legislative body of the municipality, by whatever name known, upon proper hearing had for that purpose.

History.--s. 8, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(13).

180.15  Liability of private companies.--Any private company or corporation constructing or operating any of the works provided for in this chapter, within or without the corporate limits of any municipality, shall be liable for all damages occasioned by the acts, negligence or injury to the rights of other persons, firms or corporations in the same manner and with the same limitations as any other private corporation chartered under the laws of the state.

History.--s. 9, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(14).

180.16  Acquisition by municipality of property of private company.--When a municipality has granted to a private company or corporation a privilege or franchise, as set forth in s. 180.14, if at the expiration of the term of the privilege or franchise and after petition of the private company or corporation, the municipality fails or refuses to renew the privilege or franchise, then upon further petition of the private company or corporation, its property, consisting of all the works constructed and used in the operation and use of the utility, together with the appurtenances, materials, fixtures, machinery, and real estate appertaining thereto, which is on hand at the time of the expiration of said privilege or franchise, shall be purchased by the said municipality at a price to be mutually agreed upon; provided, however, if the price for same cannot be agreed upon, the price shall be determined by an arbitration board consisting of three persons, one of whom shall be selected by the city council or other legislative body, one shall be appointed by the private company or corporation, and the two persons so selected shall select a third member of said board; and provided further, that in the event said board cannot agree as to the price to be paid by the said municipality, then the municipality shall file appropriate condemnation proceedings under chapter 73, within 6 months after the date of filing the original petition.

History.--s. 10, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(15).

180.17  Contracts with private companies.--Any municipality may contract by and through its duly authorized officers with any private company or corporation which is organized for any purpose related to the provisions of this chapter, and may contract with said private company or corporation for the construction or use of such works authorized by this chapter.

History.--s. 11, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(16).

180.18  Use by municipality of privately owned utility.--Whenever a private company or corporation shall construct or operate any of the works authorized by this chapter, the municipality wherein the same shall be constructed or operated shall not use the said works in any manner except by and with the consent of the private company or corporation in the manner and upon the terms and conditions which are mutually agreeable to the private company or corporation and the municipality, except as hereinbefore provided.

History.--s. 12, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(17).

180.19  Use by other municipalities and by individuals outside corporate limits.--

(1)  A municipality which constructs any works as are authorized by this chapter, may permit any other municipality and the owners or association of owners of lots or lands outside of its corporate limits or within the limits of any other municipality, to connect with or use the utilities mentioned in this chapter upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed between such municipalities, and the owners or association of owners of such outside lots or lands.

(2)  Any private company or corporation organized to accomplish the purposes set forth in this chapter, which has been granted a privilege or franchise by a municipality, may permit the owners or association of owners of lots or lands outside of the boundaries of said municipality granting said privilege or franchise, or other municipality, to connect with and use the utility operated by the said private company or corporation upon such terms as may be agreed between the said private company or corporation and the owners or association of owners of said lots or lands or the said municipality.

History.--s. 13, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(18).

180.191  Limitation on rates charged consumer outside city limits.--

(1)  Any municipality within the state operating a water or sewer utility outside of the boundaries of such municipality shall charge consumers outside the boundaries rates, fees, and charges determined in one of the following manners:

(a)  It may charge the same rates, fees, and charges as consumers inside the municipal boundaries. However, in addition thereto, the municipality may add a surcharge of not more than 25 percent of such rates, fees, and charges to consumers outside the boundaries. Fixing of such rates, fees, and charges in this manner shall not require a public hearing except as may be provided for service to consumers inside the municipality.

(b)  It may charge rates, fees, and charges that are just and equitable and which are based on the same factors used in fixing the rates, fees, and charges for consumers inside the municipal boundaries. In addition thereto, the municipality may add a surcharge not to exceed 25 percent of such rates, fees, and charges for said services to consumers outside the boundaries. However, the total of all such rates, fees, and charges for the services to consumers outside the boundaries shall not be more than 50 percent in excess of the total amount the municipality charges consumers served within the municipality for corresponding service. No such rates, fees, and charges shall be fixed until after a public hearing at which all of the users of the water or sewer systems; owners, tenants, or occupants of property served or to be served thereby; and all others interested shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning the proposed rates, fees, and charges. Any change or revision of such rates, fees, or charges may be made in the same manner as such rates, fees, or charges were originally established, but if such change or revision is to be made substantially pro rata as to all classes of service, both inside and outside the municipality, no hearing or notice shall be required.

(2)  Whenever any municipality has engaged, or there are reasonable grounds to believe that any municipality is about to engage, in any act or practice prohibited by subsection (1), a civil action for preventive relief, including an application for a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order, may be instituted by the person or persons aggrieved.

(3)  This section shall apply to municipally owned water and sewer utilities within the confines of a single county and may apply, pursuant to interlocal agreement, to municipally owned water and sewer utilities beyond the confines of a single county.

(4)  In any action commenced pursuant to this section, the court in its discretion may allow the prevailing party treble damages and, in addition, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the cost.

History.--ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ch. 70-997; s. 1, ch. 88-301; s. 1, ch. 92-181; s. 1, ch. 98-15.

180.20  Regulations by private companies; rates; contracts.--Whenever any private company or corporation organized for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter is granted a privilege or franchise by a municipality, it may prescribe the terms upon which owners and occupants of houses, buildings or lots may obtain the use of the utility constructed and operated by the said private company or corporation, and the rate charged for such use, and also the rate and terms upon which the municipality may use such utility for public purposes; such rates, however, shall be subject to the approval of the city council, or other legislative body of the municipality, by whatever name known; provided, however, that the municipality may contract with the said private company or corporation to pay the said company or corporation a flat or fixed rate for such service and use of the utility and may pay out of the general revenue or any special revenue such rate as agreed.

History.--s. 14, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(19).

180.21  Powers granted deemed additional.--The authority and powers granted by this chapter to municipalities shall be in addition to but not in limitation of any of the powers heretofore or hereafter granted to municipalities now existing or hereafter created.

History.--s. 15, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(20).

180.22  Power of eminent domain.--

(1)  Any municipality or private company or corporation authorized to carry into effect any or all of the purposes defined in this chapter may exercise the power of eminent domain over railroads, traction and streetcar lines, telephone and telegraph lines, all public and private streets and highways, drainage districts, bridge districts, school districts, and any other public or private lands or property whatsoever necessary to enable the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter.

(2)  Any municipality which exercises its power under this section outside of its corporate boundaries for the accomplishment of the purposes of this chapter may finance such extraterritorial project in any manner in which it is presently authorized by law to finance a like project within its corporate boundaries.

History.--s. 16, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(21); s. 1, ch. 78-198.

180.23  Contracts with engineers, attorneys and others; boards.--Any municipality desiring to construct, maintain or operate any of the utilities described in this chapter, may contract with engineers and attorneys for professional services required for the accomplishment of any or all of the purposes of this chapter; provided, however, that such employment is to be evidenced by written agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of the employment; provided further, that such municipality may also create such other offices and boards as may be necessary and expedient for carrying out the purposes of this chapter and shall provide suitable and fit compensation for the same.

History.--s. 17, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(22).

180.24  Contracts for construction; bond; publication of notice; bids.--

(1)  Any municipality desiring the accomplishment of any or all of the purposes of this chapter may make contracts for the construction of any of the utilities mentioned in this chapter, or any extension or extensions to any previously constructed utility, which said contracts shall be in writing, and the contractor shall be required to give bond, which said bond shall be executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the state; provided, however, construction contracts in excess of $25,000 shall be advertised by the publication of a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which said municipality is located at least once each week for 2 consecutive weeks, or by posting three notices in three conspicuous places in said municipality, one of which shall be on the door of the city hall; and that at least 10 days shall elapse between the date of the first publication or posting of such notice and the date of receiving bids and the execution of such contract documents. For municipal construction projects identified in s. 255.0525, the notice provision of that section supersedes and replaces the notice provisions in this section.

(2)  All contracts for the purchase, lease, or renting of materials or equipment to be used in the accomplishment of any or all of the purposes of this chapter by the municipality, shall be in writing; provided, however, that where said contract for the purchase, lease, or renting of such materials or equipment is in excess of $10,000, notice or advertisement for bids on the same shall be published in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1).

History.--s. 18, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(23); s. 3, ch. 73-129; s. 19, ch. 90-279; s. 27, ch. 95-196.

Note.--Former s. 255.26.

180.25  Contents of notice of issuance of certificates.--The form of the notice for advertising the proposed issuance of mortgage revenue certificates or debentures shall contain the amount of the certificates to be sold and the rate of interest thereon; a description in general terms of the utility to be constructed; the time, place and date where bids for the sale of the same are to be received; and such other pertinent information as may be deemed necessary.

History.--s. 19, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(24).

180.26  Form of certificates.--The certificate of indebtedness to be issued under the terms and conditions of this chapter shall contain a description of the utility, the revenue of which is pledged, together with the terms of payment of the same, as is established by the ordinances or resolutions of the municipality, in accordance with the conditions heretofore established in this chapter, and may or may not have attached thereto interest coupons, and shall contain such other and further conditions as shall be determined by the governing body of the municipality, in accordance with the terms and conditions of this chapter.

History.--s. 20, ch. 17118, 1935; CGL 1936 Supp. 3100(25).

180.301  Purchase, sale, or privatization of water, sewer, or wastewater reuse utility by municipality.--No municipality may purchase or sell a water, sewer, or wastewater reuse utility that provides service to the public for compensation, or enter into a wastewater facility privatization contract for a wastewater facility until the governing body of the municipality has held a public hearing on the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization contract, and made a determination that the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization contract is in the public interest. In determining if the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization contract is in the public interest, the municipality shall consider, at a minimum, the following:

(1)  The most recent available income and expense statement for the utility;

(2)  The most recent available balance sheet for the utility, listing assets and liabilities and clearly showing the amount of contributions-in-aid-of-construction and the accumulated depreciation thereon;

(3)  A statement of the existing rate base of the utility for regulatory purposes;

(4)  The physical condition of the utility facilities being purchased, sold, or subject to a wastewater facility privatization contract;

(5)  The reasonableness of the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization contract price and terms;

(6)  The impacts of the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization contract on utility customers, both positive and negative;

(7)(a)  Any additional investment required and the ability and willingness of the purchaser or the private firm under a wastewater facility privatization contract to make that investment, whether the purchaser is the municipality or the entity purchasing the utility from the municipality;

(b)  In the case of a wastewater facility privatization contract, the terms and conditions on which the private firm will provide capital investment and financing or a combination thereof for contemplated capital replacements, additions, expansions, and repairs. The municipality shall give significant weight to this criterion.

(8)  The alternatives to the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization contract, and the potential impact on utility customers if the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization contract is not made; and

(9)(a)  The ability of the purchaser or the private firm under a wastewater facility privatization contract to provide and maintain high-quality and cost-effective utility service, whether the purchaser is the municipality or the entity purchasing the utility from the municipality.

(b)  In the case of a wastewater facility privatization contract, the municipality shall give significant weight to the technical expertise and experience of the private firm in carrying out the obligation specified in the wastewater facility privatization contract.

(10)  All moneys paid by a private firm to a municipality pursuant to a wastewater facility privatization contract shall be used for the purpose of reducing or offsetting property taxes, wastewater service rates, or debt reduction or making infrastructure improvements or capital asset expenditures or other public purpose; provided, however, nothing herein shall preclude the municipality from using all or part of the moneys for the purpose of the municipality's qualification for relief from the repayment of federal grant awards associated with the wastewater system as may be required by federal law or regulation.

The municipality shall prepare a statement showing that the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization contract is in the public interest, including a summary of the purchaser's or private firm's experience in water, sewer, or wastewater reuse utility operation and a showing of financial ability to provide the service, whether the purchaser is the municipality or the entity purchasing the utility from the municipality.

History.--s. 2, ch. 84-84; s. 6, ch. 93-51; s. 7, ch. 96-202.