HB 1709

1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to the Coral Springs Improvement
3	District, Broward County; providing for codification
4	of special laws regarding special districts pursuant
5	to s. 189.429, Florida Statutes, relating to the Coral
6	Springs Improvement District; codifying, amending, and
7	reenacting chapters 70-617 and 89-419, Laws of
8	Florida; providing legislative intent; deleting
9	gender-specific references; providing a district
10	charter; repealing chapters 70-617 and 89-419, Laws of
11	Florida, relating to the Coral Springs Improvement
12	District; providing severability; providing an
13	effective date.
14
15	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
16
17	Section 1.  Intent.--In accordance with section 189.429,
18	Florida Statutes, this act constitutes the codification of all
19	special acts relating to the Coral Springs Improvement District.
20	It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this law to
21	provide a single, comprehensive special act charter for the
22	district, including all current legislative authority granted to
23	the district by its several legislative enactments and any
24	additional authority granted by this act.
25	Section 2.  Codification.--Chapters 70-617 and 89-419, Laws
26	of Florida, relating to the Coral Springs Improvement District
27	are codified, reenacted, amended, and repealed as herein
28	provided.
29	Section 3.  The charter for the Coral Springs Improvement
30	District is re-created and re-enacted to read:
31	Section 1.  Creation of the district ratified and approved;
32	change of name of district to Coral Springs Improvement
33	District.--The decree of the circuit court in and for the
34	seventeenth judicial circuit of the State of Florida, entered in
35	chancery No. 66-1301, on the 8th day of September, 1966,
36	creating and incorporating the Coral Springs Drainage District
37	as a public corporation of this state, and all subsequent
38	proceedings taken in the circuit court concerning that district,
39	are hereby ratified, confirmed, and approved, except that the
40	boundaries of said district shall be as hereinafter described.
41	The Coral Springs Drainage District shall henceforth be known by
42	the name of Coral Springs Improvement District, and shall
43	continue to be a public corporation of this state and have
44	perpetual existence. All lawful debts, bonds, obligations,
45	contracts, franchises, promissory notes, audits, minutes,
46	resolutions, and other undertakings of the Coral Springs
47	Drainage District are hereby validated and shall continue to be
48	valid and binding on the Coral Springs Improvement District in
49	accordance with their respective terms, conditions, covenants,
50	and tenor. Any proceeding heretofore begun by the Coral Springs
51	Drainage District under chapter 298, Florida Statutes, or any
52	other law, for the construction of any improvements, works, or
53	facilities, for the assessment of benefits and damages, or for
54	the borrowing of money shall not be impaired or avoided by this
55	act, but may be continued and completed in the name of the Coral
56	Springs Improvement District.
57	Section 2.  Exclusion of lands and new boundaries.--The
58	following described lands formerly within the boundaries of the
59	district are excluded:
60
61	The North one-half of Section 26, Township 48 South,
62	Range 41 East, Broward County, Florida.
63
64	The boundaries of the district are:
65
66	Beginning at the Northwest corner of Section 30,
67	Township 48 South, Range 41, East; thence Southerly
68	along the West line of said Section 30 and along the
69	West line of Section 31 of said Township 48 South,
70	Range 41 East to an intersection with the North
71	right-of-way line of the Pompano Canal (C-14); thence
72	Easterly along the said North right-of-way line,
73	through said Section 31 and Sections 32, 33 and 34 of
74	said Township 48 South, Range 41 East to an
75	intersection with the East line of said Section 34;
76	thence Northerly along the said East line of Section
77	34 and along the East line of Section 27, Township 48
78	South, Range 41 East, to the Northeast corner of said
79	Section 27; thence Westerly along the North line of
80	said Section 27 and along the North lines of Sections
81	28, 29 and 30 of said Township 48 South, Range 41 East
82	to the said Northwest corner of Section 30 and the
83	Point of Beginning; said lands situate, lying and
84	being in Broward County, Florida, which said boundary
85	embraces and includes these certain tracts or parcels
86	of land described as follows, to wit:
87
88	All of Sections 27 and 29; and Tracts 1 through 19
89	inclusive, Tracts 22 through 27 inclusive, Tracts 30
90	through 32 inclusive, and those portions of Tracts 20,
91	21, 28 and 29 lying North of the North right-of-way
92	line of the Pompano Canal (C-14) of the subdivision of
93	Section 31; and Tracts 1 through 18 inclusive, Tracts
94	22 through 26 inclusive, Tracts 31 and 32, and those
95	portions of Tracts 19, 20, 21, 27 and 30 lying North
96	of the North right-of-way line of the Pompano Canal
97	(C-14) of the subdivision of Section 33, all according
98	to the Florida Fruit Lands Company?s Subdivision Map
99	No. 2, recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 102, of the
100	public records of Palm Beach County, Florida, together
101	with all the platted road rights-of-way contained
102	therein; and all of Sections 28 and 30; and those
103	portions of Sections 32 and 34 lying North of the
104	North right-of-way line of the Pompano Canal (C-14).
105
106	All of said property situate, lying and being in
107	Township 48 South, Range 41 East, Broward County,
108	Florida.
109
110	Section 3.  Applicability of certain provisions of chapter
111	298, Florida Statutes, to the Coral Springs Improvement
112	District; inconsistent laws inapplicable.--The provisions of
113	chapter 298, Florida Statutes, and all amendments thereto, now
114	existing or hereafter enacted, are declared to be applicable to
115	the Coral Springs Improvement District insofar as not
116	inconsistent with the provisions of this act or any subsequent
117	special acts relating to the Coral Springs Improvement District.
118	Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of sections
119	298.07, 298.11, 298.12, 298.14, 298.15, 298.17, 298.18, 298.19,
120	298.20, 298.23, 298.24, 298.25, 298.35, 298.37, 298.38, 298.39,
121	298.40, 298.401, 298.41, 298.42, 298.44, 298.45, 298.46, 298.48,
122	298.52, 298.54, 298.56, 298.57, 298.61, 298.69, 298.70, 298.71,
123	298.72, 298.73, and 298.74, Florida Statutes, and amendments
124	thereto, shall not be applicable to the Coral Springs
125	Improvement District.
126	Section 4.  Definitions.--Unless the context shall indicate
127	otherwise, the following words as used in this act shall have
128	the following meanings:
129	(1)  ?Assessable improvements? includes, without
130	limitation, any and all drainage and land reclamation works and
131	facilities, sewer systems, storm sewers and drains, water
132	systems, streets, roads, or other projects of the district, or
133	that portion or portions thereof, local in nature and of special
134	benefit to the premises or lands served thereby, and any and all
135	modifications, improvements, and enlargements thereof.
136	(2)  ?Board? means the Board of Supervisors of the Coral
137	Springs Improvement District, or if such board shall be
138	abolished, the board, body, or commission succeeding to the
139	principal functions thereof or to whom the powers given by this
140	act to the board shall be given by law.
141	(3)  ?Bond? includes ?certificate,? and provisions
142	applicable to bonds shall be equally applicable to certificates.
143	?Bond? includes general obligation bonds, assessment bonds,
144	refunding bonds, revenue bonds, and such other obligations in
145	the nature of bonds as are provided for in this act, as the case
146	may be.
147	(4)  ?Cost,? when used with reference to any project,
148	includes, but is not limited to, the expenses of determining the
149	feasibility or practicability of acquisition, construction, or
150	reconstruction; the cost of surveys, estimates, plans, and
151	specifications; the cost of acquisition, construction, or
152	reconstruction; the cost of improvements; engineering, fiscal,
153	and legal expenses and charges; the cost of all labor,
154	materials, machinery, and equipment; the cost of all lands,
155	properties, rights, easements, and franchises acquired; federal,
156	state, and local taxes and assessments; financing charges; the
157	creation of initial reserve and debt service funds; working
158	capital; interest charges incurred or estimated to be incurred
159	on money borrowed prior to and during construction and
160	acquisition and for such period of time after completion of
161	construction or acquisition as the board may determine; the cost
162	of issuance of bonds pursuant to this act including
163	advertisements and printing, the cost of any election held
164	pursuant to this act, and all other expenses of the issuance of
165	bonds; discount, if any, on the sale or exchange of bonds;
166	administrative expenses; such other expenses as may be necessary
167	or incidental to the acquisition, construction, or
168	reconstruction of any project or to the financing thereof, or
169	the development of any lands within the district; and
170	reimbursement of any public or private body, person, firm, or
171	corporation for any moneys advanced in connection with any of
172	the foregoing items of cost. Any obligation or expense incurred
173	prior to the issuance of bonds in connection with the
174	acquisition, construction, or reconstruction of any project or
175	improvements thereon, or in connection with any other
176	development of land that the board of the district shall
177	determine to be necessary or desirable in carrying out the
178	purposes of this act, may be treated as a part of such cost.
179	(5)  ?District? means the Coral Springs Improvement
180	District and ?district manager? means the manager of the
181	district.
182	(6)  ?Landowner? means the owner of the freehold estate, as
183	appears by the deed record, including trustees, private
184	corporations, and owners of cooperative and condominium units.
185	"Landowner" does not include reversioners, remaindermen, or
186	mortgagees who shall not be counted and need not be notified of
187	proceedings under this act.
188	(7)  ?Project? means any development, improvement,
189	property, utility, facility, works, road, enterprise, service,
190	or convenience now existing or hereafter undertaken or
191	established under the provisions of this act or under chapter
192	298, Florida Statutes.
193	(8)  ?Sewer system? means any plant, system, facility, or
194	property and additions, extensions, and improvements thereto at
195	any future time constructed or acquired as part thereof useful
196	or necessary or having the present capacity for future use in
197	connection with the collection, treatment, purification, or
198	disposal of sewage, including, without limitation, industrial
199	wastes resulting from any processes of industry, manufacture,
200	trade, or business or from the development of any natural
201	resources. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
202	"sewer system" shall include treatment plants, pumping stations,
203	lift stations, valves, force mains, intercepting sewers,
204	laterals, pressure lines, mains, and all necessary appurtenances
205	and equipment, all sewer mains, laterals, and other devices for
206	the reception and collection of sewage from premises connected
207	therewith, and all real and personal property and any interest
208	therein, rights, easements, and franchises of any nature
209	whatsoever relating to any such system and necessary or
210	convenient for operation thereof.
211	(9)  ?Water and flood control facilities? means any canals,
212	ditches, or other drainage facilities, reservoirs, dams, levees,
213	sluiceways, dredging holding basins, floodways, pumping
214	stations, or any other works, structures, or facilities for the
215	conservation, control, development, utilization, and disposal of
216	water, and any purposes appurtenant, necessary, or incidental
217	thereto, and includes all real and personal property and any
218	interest therein, rights, easements, and franchises of any
219	nature relating to any such water and flood control facilities
220	or necessary or convenient for the acquisition, construction,
221	reconstruction, operation, or maintenance thereof.
222	(10)  ?Water system? means any plant, system, facility, or
223	property and additions, extensions, and improvements thereto at
224	any future time constructed or acquired as part thereof, useful
225	or necessary or having the present capacity for future use in
226	connection with the development of sources, treatment, or
227	purification and distribution of water and, without limiting the
228	generality of the foregoing, includes dams, reservoirs, storage
229	tanks, mains, lines, valves, pumping stations, laterals, and
230	pipes for the purpose of carrying water to the premises
231	connected with such system, and all real and personal property
232	and any interests therein, rights, easements, and franchises of
233	any nature whatsoever relating to any such system and necessary
234	or convenient for the operation thereof.
235	Section 5.  Board of supervisors; election; organization;
236	terms of office; quorum; report and minutes.--
237	(1)  The board of supervisors of the district shall be the
238	governing body of the district and shall exercise the powers
239	granted to the district under this act and under chapter 298,
240	Florida Statutes. The board shall consist of three members, and
241	except as otherwise provided herein, each member shall hold
242	office for a term of 4 years and until his or her successor
243	shall be chosen and shall qualify. A majority of the members of
244	the board shall be residents of Broward County, and all members
245	shall be residents of Florida. All members of the board shall be
246	landowners within the district.
247	(2)  The persons who are members of the board of
248	supervisors of the Coral Springs Drainage District elected on
249	October 4, 1966, shall constitute the members of the board until
250	the month of June of 1971.
251	(3)  In the month of June of each fourth year commencing
252	June of 1971, there shall be held a meeting of the landowners of
253	the district at the office of the district in Broward County for
254	the purpose of electing three supervisors for said district.
255	Notice of said landowners' meeting shall be published once a
256	week for 2 consecutive weeks in a newspaper in Broward County
257	that is in general circulation in the district, the last of said
258	publication to be not less than 14 days nor more than 28 days
259	before the date of the election. The landowners, when assembled
260	at such meeting, shall organize by electing a chair who shall
261	conduct the meeting. At such meeting, each landowner shall be
262	entitled to cast one vote per acre of land owned by him or her
263	and located within the district for each person to be elected. A
264	landowner may vote in person or by proxy in writing. Fractions
265	of an acre shall be treated as one acre, entitling the landowner
266	to one vote with respect thereto. The three persons receiving
267	the highest number of votes for the office of supervisor shall
268	be declared elected.
269	(4)  Each supervisor, before entering upon his or her
270	official duties, shall take and subscribe to an oath of office
271	as prescribed in section 298.13, Florida Statutes.
272	(5)  All supervisors shall hold office for the terms for
273	which they are elected or appointed and until their successors
274	shall be chosen and qualify. In case of a vacancy in the office
275	of any supervisor, the remaining supervisor or supervisors (even
276	though less than a quorum) may fill such vacancy by appointment
277	of a new supervisor or supervisors for the unexpired term of the
278	supervisor who vacated his or her office.
279	(6)  As soon as practicable after each election, the board
280	shall organize by choosing one of their number president of the
281	board and by electing a secretary, who need not be a member of
282	the board.
283	(7)  A majority of the members of the board shall
284	constitute a quorum.
285	(8)  The board shall keep a permanent record book entitled
286	?Record of Proceedings of Coral Springs Improvement District,?
287	in which shall be recorded minutes of all meetings, resolutions,
288	proceedings, certificates, bonds given by all employees, and any
289	and all corporate acts, which book shall at reasonable times be
290	opened to the inspection of any landowner, taxpayer, resident,
291	or bondholder of the district, and such other persons as the
292	board may determine to have a proper interest in the proceedings
293	of the board. Such record book shall be kept at any office or
294	other regular place of business maintained by the board in
295	Broward County.
296	(9)  Whenever any election shall be authorized or required
297	by this act to be held by the landowners at any particular or
298	stated time or day, and if for any reason such election is not
299	held at such time or on such day, then, in such event, the power
300	or duty to hold such election shall not cease or lapse, but such
301	election shall be held thereafter when practicable in accordance
302	with the procedures provided by this act.
303	Section 6.  Appointment and duties of district
304	manager.--For the purpose of preserving and maintaining any
305	facility constructed or erected under the provisions of this act
306	or chapter 298, Florida Statutes, and for maintaining and
307	operating the equipment owned by the district and such other
308	duties as may be prescribed by the board, the board may employ
309	and fix the compensation of a district manager who shall have
310	charge and supervision of the works of the district.
311	Section 7.  Treasurer; depositories; fiscal agent.--
312	(1)  The board shall designate a person who is a resident
313	of the state or a bank or trust company organized under the laws
314	of the state or under the International Banking Act as treasurer
315	of the district and such person shall have charge of the funds
316	of the district. Such funds shall be disbursed only upon the
317	order of or pursuant to the resolution of the board by warrant
318	or check signed by the treasurer, or by such other person as may
319	be authorized by the board. The board may give the treasurer
320	such other or additional powers and duties as the board may deem
321	appropriate, and fix his or her compensation. The board may
322	require the treasurer to give a bond in such amount, on such
323	terms, and with such sureties as may be deemed satisfactory to
324	the board to secure the performance by the treasurer of his or
325	her powers and duties. The board shall audit or have audited the
326	books of the treasurer at least once a year.
327	(2)  The board is authorized to select as depositories in
328	which the bonds of the board and of the district shall be
329	deposited any banking corporation organized under the laws of
330	the state or under the International Banking Act, doing business
331	in the state, upon such terms and conditions as to the payment
332	of interest by such depository upon the funds so deposited as
333	the board may deem just and reasonable.
334	(3)  The board may employ a fiscal agent to perform such
335	duties and services at such rate of compensation as the board
336	may determine.
337	Section 8.  Compensation of board.--Each supervisor is
338	entitled to receive for his or her services an amount not to
339	exceed $200 per month. In addition, each supervisor shall
340	receive reasonable traveling expenses for attending the place of
341	meeting from his or her residence. Unless the board by
342	resolution otherwise provides, such traveling expenses may not
343	be in excess of the amounts provided by law for state and county
344	officials.
345	Section 9.  Powers.--The district shall have, and the board
346	may exercise, any or all of the following powers:
347	(1)  To contract and be contracted with; to sue and be sued
348	in the name of the district; to adopt and use a seal; and to
349	acquire by purchase, gift, devise, eminent domain, except as
350	limited herein, or otherwise property, real or personal, or any
351	estate therein, within the district, to be used for any of the
352	purposes of this act.
353	(2)  To adopt a water control plan; and to establish,
354	construct, operate, and maintain a system of main and lateral
355	canals, drains, ditches, levees, dikes, dams, sluices, locaks,
356	revetments, reservoirs, holding basins, floodways, pumping
357	stations, syphons, culverts, and storm sewers to drain and
358	reclaim the lands within the district and to connect some or any
359	of them with roads and bridges as in the judgment of the board
360	is deemed advisable to provide access to such facilities.
361	(3)  To acquire and maintain appropriate sites for storage
362	and maintenance of the equipment of the district; and to
363	acquire, maintain, and construct a suitable building to house
364	the office and records of the district.
365	(4)  To clean out, straighten, widen, open up, or change
366	the course and flow, and alter or deepen any canal, ditch,
367	drain, river, water course, or natural stream as within the
368	judgment of the board is deemed advisable to drain and reclaim
369	the lands within the district; to acquire, purchase, operate,
370	and maintain pumps, plants, and pumping systems for drainage
371	purposes; and to construct, operate, and maintain irrigation
372	works and machinery in connection with the purposes herein set
373	forth.
374	(5)  To regulate and set forth by appropriate resolution
375	the drainage requirements and conditions to be met for plats to
376	be entitled to record on any land within the district, including
377	authority to require as a condition precedent for any platting
378	that good and sufficient bond be posted to ensure proper
379	drainage for the area to be platted.
380	(6)  To borrow money and issue bonds, certificates,
381	warrants, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness of the
382	district as hereinafter provided.
383	(7)  To build and construct any other works and
384	improvements deemed necessary to preserve and maintain the works
385	in or out of the district; to acquire, construct, operate,
386	maintain, use, sell, convey, transfer, or otherwise provide for
387	machines and equipment for any purpose authorized by this act or
388	chapter 298, Florida Statutes; and to contract for the purchase,
389	construction, operation, maintenance, use, sale, conveyance, and
390	transfer of the said machinery and equipment.
391	(8)  To construct or enlarge, or cause to be constructed or
392	enlarged, any and all bridges or culverts that may be needed in
393	or out of the district, across any drain, ditch, canal,
394	floodway, holding basin, excavation, public highway, tract,
395	grade, fill, or cut; to construct roadways over levees and
396	embankments; and to construct any and all of said works and
397	improvements across, through, or over any public right-of-way,
398	highway, grade, fill, or cut in or out of the district.
399	(9)  To hold, control, and acquire by donation, purchase,
400	or condemnation any easement, reservation, or dedication in the
401	district for any of the purposes herein provided; and to condemn
402	as provided by chapters 73 and 74, Florida Statutes, or acquire,
403	by purchase or grant, for use in the district, any land or
404	property within the district necessary for the purposes of this
405	act.
406	(10)  To assess and impose upon all of the lands in the
407	district an ad valorem tax, an annual drainage tax, and a
408	maintenance tax as hereinafter provided.
409	(11)  To impose and foreclose special assessments liens as
410	hereinafter provided.
411	(12)  To prohibit, regulate, and restrict by appropriate
412	resolution all structures, materials, and things, whether solid,
413	liquid, or gas, whether permanent or temporary in nature, which
414	come upon, come into, connect to, or be a part of any facility
415	owned or operated by the district.
416	(13)  To administer and provide for the enforcement of all
417	of the provisions herein, including the making, adopting,
418	promulgating, amending, and repealing of all rules and
419	regulations necessary or convenient for the carrying out of the
420	duties, obligations, and powers conferred on the district
421	created herein.
422	(14)  To cooperate with or contract with other water
423	control districts or other governmental agencies as may be
424	necessary, convenient, incidental, or proper in connection with
425	any of the powers, duties, or purposes of the district as stated
426	in this act.
427	(15)  To employ engineers, attorneys, agents, employees,
428	and representatives as the board of supervisors may from time to
429	time determine necessary and to fix their compensation and
430	duties.
431	(16)  To exercise all of the powers necessary, convenient,
432	incidental, or proper in connection with any of the powers,
433	duties, or purposes of said district as stated in this act.
434	(17)  To construct, improve, and maintain roadways and
435	roads necessary and convenient to provide access to and
436	efficient development of areas made suitable and available for
437	cultivation, settlement, urban subdivision, homesites, and other
438	beneficial developments as a result of the drainage operations
439	of the district.
440	(18)  To make use of any public easements, dedications to
441	public use, platted reservations for public purposes, or any
442	reservations for drainage purposes within the boundaries of the
443	district.
444	(19)  To lease as lessor or lessee to or from any person,
445	firm, corporation, association, or body, public or private, any
446	projects of the type that the district is authorized to
447	undertake and facilities or property of any nature for the use
448	of the district to carry out any of the purposes of this act.
449	(20)  To regulate the supply and level of water within the
450	district; to divert waters from one area, lake, pond, river,
451	stream, basin, or drainage or water flood control facility to
452	any other area, lake, pond, river, stream, basin, or drainage
453	and water flood control facility; to regulate control and
454	restrict the development and use of natural or artificial
455	streams or bodies of water, lakes, or ponds; and to take all
456	measures determined by the board to be necessary or desirable to
457	prevent or alleviate land erosion. The powers granted to the
458	district by this subsection shall be concurrent within the
459	boundaries of the district with other public bodies, agencies,
460	or authorities as may be authorized by law. The district is
461	eligible to receive moneys, disbursements, and assistance from
462	the state available to flood control or water management
463	districts and the navigation districts or agencies.
464	(21)  To own, acquire, construct, reconstruct, equip,
465	operate, maintain, extend, and improve water systems and sewer
466	systems or combined water and sewer systems; to regulate the use
467	of sewers and the supply of water within the district and to
468	prohibit or regulate the use and maintenance of outhouses,
469	privies, septic tanks, or other sanitary structures or
470	appliances within the district; to prescribe methods of
471	pretreatment of wastes not amenable to treatment with domestic
472	sewage before accepting such wastes for treatment, to refuse to
473	accept such wastes when not sufficiently pretreated as may be
474	prescribed, and to prescribe penalties for the refusal of any
475	person or corporation to so pretreat such wastes; to sell or
476	otherwise dispose of the effluent, sludge, or other byproducts
477	as a result of sewage treatment; and to construct and operate
478	connecting, intercepting, or outlet sewers, sewer mains, pipes
479	and water mains, conduits, or pipelines in, along, or under any
480	street, alleys, highways, or other public places or ways within
481	or without the district, when deemed necessary or desirable by
482	the board. The plans for any water or sewer system shall be
483	subject to the approval of the state board of health.
484	(22)  To own, acquire, construct, operate, and maintain
485	parks, playgrounds, picnic grounds, camping facilities, and
486	water recreation facilities within or without the district.
487	(23)  To issue general obligation bonds, revenue bonds,
488	assessment bonds, or any other bonds or obligations authorized
489	by the provisions of this act or any other law, or any
490	combination of the foregoing, to pay all or part of the cost of
491	the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, extension,
492	repair, improvement, maintenance, or operation of any project or
493	combination of projects; to provide for any facility, service,
494	or other activity of the district; and to provide for the
495	retirement or refunding of any bonds or obligations of the
496	district, or for any combination of the foregoing purposes.
497	(24)  To exercise any and all other powers conferred upon
498	water control districts by chapter 298, Florida Statutes.
499	Section 10.  Seal.--The official seal of the district shall
500	bear the legend ?Coral Springs Improvement District, Broward
501	County, Florida, Seal, Established 1966.?
502	Section 11.  Fiscal year.--The board by resolution shall
503	establish the fiscal year for the district.
504	Section 12.  Annual budget.--Prior to May 15 of each year,
505	the secretary of the district shall prepare a proposed budget to
506	be submitted to the board for its approval. The proposed budget
507	shall include an estimate of all necessary expenditures of the
508	district for the next ensuing fiscal year and an estimate of
509	income to the district from the taxes and assessments provided
510	in this act. The board shall consider the proposed budget item
511	by item and may either approve the budget as proposed by the
512	district manager or modify the same in part or in whole. The
513	board shall indicate its approval of the budget by resolution,
514	which resolution shall provide for a hearing on the budget as
515	approved. Notice of the hearing on the budget shall be published
516	in a newspaper in general circulation within the district in
517	Broward County once a week for two consecutive weeks, providing
518	that the second publication shall not be less than 7 days after
519	the first publication. The notice shall be directed to all
520	landowners in the district and shall state the purpose of the
521	meeting. The notice shall further contain a designation of the
522	date, time, and place of the public hearing, which shall be not
523	less than 7 days after the second publication. At the time and
524	place designated in the notice, the board shall hear all
525	objections to the budget as proposed and make such changes as
526	the board deems necessary. At the conclusion of the budget
527	hearing the board shall, by resolution, adopt the budget as
528	finally approved by the board.
529	Section 13.  Notice and call of meetings of landowners;
530	quorum; adjournments; representation at meetings; taking action
531	without meeting.--
532	(1)  The board shall publish notice of all meetings of
533	landowners once a week for two consecutive weeks prior to such
534	meeting in a newspaper in Broward County in general circulation
535	within the district. Meetings of landowners shall be held in a
536	public place, or any other place made available for the purpose
537	of such meeting in the Broward County Courthouse and the place,
538	date, and hour of holding such meeting and the purpose thereof
539	shall be stated in the notice. Landowners representing a
540	majority of the number of acres in the district, present in
541	person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of
542	the landowners; provided that irrespective of the number of
543	acres represented, there shall be a minimum of five landowners
544	owning separate parcels of land at each meeting.
545	(2)  The board may call special meetings of the landowners
546	at any time to receive reports of the board or for such other
547	purpose as the board may determine. A special meeting of the
548	landowners may also be called at any time upon notice as
549	provided hereinabove at the written request of the owners of not
550	less than 25 percent in acreage of the land within the district
551	for the purpose of taking any lawful action by the landowners of
552	the district. Such special meeting shall be called by any court
553	of competent jurisdiction in the event that the board fails to
554	do so upon request as provided in the preceding sentence. Except
555	as otherwise provided in section 5 of this act with respect to
556	the election of supervisors, action taken at a meeting of the
557	landowners shall be by affirmative vote of the owners of at
558	least a majority in acreage of the land within the district
559	represented at such meeting.
560	(3)  If no quorum is present or represented at a meeting of
561	the landowners at the time and place the same is called to be
562	held, the landowners present and represented, although less than
563	a quorum, may adjourn to another time or day, and at such or any
564	subsequent adjourned meeting may, if a quorum is then present or
565	represented, take any action that the landowners could have
566	taken at the meeting or meetings so adjourned for lack of a
567	quorum.
568	(4)  At any meeting of the landowners, guardians may
569	represent their wards, executors and administrators may
570	represent the estate of deceased persons, trustees may represent
571	lands held by them in trust, and private corporations may be
572	represented by their duly authorized proxy. All landowners,
573	including guardians, executors, administrators, trustees, and
574	corporations, may be represented and vote by proxy.
575	Section 14.  Water control plan; proceedings thereof.--The
576	board may proceed to adopt a water control plan in accordance
577	with the provisions of chapter 298, Florida Statutes, or in
578	accordance with the provisions of this section, in which case
579	the following shall apply:
580	(1)  The board shall cause to be made by the chief engineer
581	or such other engineer or engineers as the board may employ for
582	that purpose a complete and comprehensive plan for the drainage
583	and reclamation of the lands located within the district. The
584	engineer or engineers designated by the board to make said plan
585	shall make all necessary surveys of the lands within the
586	boundary lines of said district and of all lands adjacent
587	thereto that will be improved or reclaimed in part or in whole
588	by any system of drainage that may be outlined and adopted, and
589	shall make a report in writing to the board with maps and
590	profiles of said surveys, which report shall contain a full and
591	complete plan for drainage and reclaiming the lands located
592	within the district from overflow or damage by water, with the
593	length, width, and depth of such canals, ditches, dikes, or
594	levees or other works as may be necessary in conjunction with
595	any canals, drains, ditches, dikes, levees, or other works
596	heretofore constructed by any other drainage or reclamation
597	district, or any other person or persons, or which may hereafter
598	be built by any or either of such agencies that may be necessary
599	or which can be advantageously used in such plan and also an
600	estimate of the cost of carrying out and completing the water
601	control plan, including the cost of superintending the same and
602	all incidental expenses in connection therewith.
603	(2)  Upon the completion of such plan, the board shall hold
604	a hearing thereon to hear objections thereto and shall give
605	notice of the time and place fixed for such hearing by
606	publication once each week for two consecutive weeks in a
607	newspaper published in Broward County of general circulation in
608	the district, and shall permit the inspection of said plan at
609	the office of the district by all persons interested. All
610	objections to said plan shall be filed at or before the time
611	fixed in said notice for the hearing and shall be in writing.
612	(3)  After said hearing the board shall consider the
613	proposed plan and any objections thereto, and may modify,
614	reject, or adopt the plan, or may continue the hearing to a day
615	certain for further consideration of the proposed plan or
616	modifications thereof.
617	(4)  When the board shall approve such a plan, a resolution
618	shall be adopted and a certified copy thereof shall be filed in
619	the office of the secretary and incorporated into the records of
620	the district.
621	(5)  The water control plan may be altered in detail from
622	time to time until the appraisal record herein provided is
623	filed, but not in such manner as materially to effect the
624	conditions of its adoption. After the appraisal record has been
625	filed no alterations of the plan or reclamation shall be made,
626	except as provided by this act.
627	(6)  Within 20 days after the final adoption of the water
628	control plan by the board, the secretary of the district shall
629	prepare and transmit a certified copy thereof to the clerk of
630	the circuit court and at the same time the board shall file with
631	said clerk a petition that the said court appoint three
632	commissioners to appraise the lands to be acquired for
633	rights-of-way, holding basins, and other drainage works of the
634	district and to assess benefits and damages accruing to all
635	lands within the district by reason of the execution of the
636	water control plan. Immediately after the filing of such
637	petition, the judge of said court in whose division the petition
638	shall have been assigned shall by an order appoint three
639	commissioners, who shall be freeholders residing within Florida,
640	and who shall not be landowners in said district, nor of kin
641	within the fourth degree of consanguinity to any person owning
642	land in said district. A majority of said commissioners shall
643	constitute a quorum and shall control the action of the
644	commissioners on all questions.
645	(7)  Immediately upon the filing of said order of
646	appointment, the secretary of the district shall notify each of
647	said commissioners of his or her appointment, and in the said
648	notice, he or she shall state the time and place for the first
649	meeting of said commissioners. The secretary of the district, or
650	his or her deputy, shall attend such meeting and shall furnish
651	to said commissioners a complete list of lands embraced in the
652	district, or adjacent thereto, that will be affected by the
653	execution of the water control plan. The secretary shall also
654	furnish to the commissioners a copy of the water control plan
655	and such other papers, documents, and information as the
656	commissioners require. The commissioners at the meeting shall
657	each take and subscribe to an oath that he or she will
658	faithfully and impartially discharge his or her duties as such
659	commissioner and make a true report of the work performed by
660	such commissioners, and shall elect one of their number chair.
661	The secretary of the district, or his or her deputy, shall be ex
662	officio secretary to the commissioners, and the attorney for the
663	district, other agents, and employees thereof shall cooperate
664	with the commissioners and furnish to them such advice,
665	assistance, and cooperation as they shall require.
666	(8)(a)  Immediately after qualifying as provided in
667	subsection (7), the commissioners shall commence the performance
668	of their duties and the chief engineer, or one of his or her
669	assistants, shall accompany said commissioners when engaged in
670	the discharge of their duties and shall render his or her
671	opinion in writing when called for. Said commissioners shall
672	proceed to view the premises and determine the value of the
673	lands within or without the district to be acquired and used for
674	rights-of-way, holding basins, and other works described in the
675	water control plan, and they shall appraise all benefits and
676	damages which will accrue to all lands by reason of the
677	execution of the water control plan. The commissioners in
678	appraising benefits to lands, public highways, railroads, and
679	other rights-of-way shall not consider what benefits will be
680	derived by such property after other ditches, improvements, or
681	other plans of reclamation shall have been constructed, but they
682	shall appraise only such benefits as will be derived from the
683	construction of the works and improvements described in the
684	water control plan or as the same may afford an outlet for
685	drainage or protection from overflow of such property. The
686	commissioners shall give due consideration and credit to any
687	other drainage works which have already been constructed and
688	which afford partial or complete protection to any tract or
689	parcel of land within the district. The public highways,
690	railroads, and other rights-of-way shall be appraised according
691	to the increased physical efficiency and decreased maintenance
692	cost of roadways by reason of the improvements. The
693	commissioners shall have no power to change the water control
694	plan. The commissioners shall prepare a report of their
695	findings, which shall be arranged in tabular form, the columns
696	of which shall be headed as follows: Column 1 ?Owner of Property
697	Appraised?; Column 2 ?Description of Property Appraised?; Column
698	3 ?Number of Acres Appraised?; Column 4 ?Amount of Benefits
699	Appraised?; Column 5 ?Amount of Damages Appraised?; Column 6
700	?Number of Acres to be Taken for Rights-of-way, Holding Basins,
701	etc.?; Column 7 ?Value of Property to be Taken.? They shall
702	also, by and with the advice of the chief engineer, estimate the
703	cost of the works described in the plan reclamation, which
704	estimate shall include the cost of property required for
705	rights-of-way, holding basins, and other works, the probable
706	expense of organization and administration as estimated by the
707	board of supervisors, and all of the expenses of the district
708	during the period of executing the water control plan. Before
709	appraisals of compensation and damages are made, the board may
710	report to the commissioners the parcels of land it may wish to
711	purchase and for which it may wish appraisals to be made, both
712	for easement and for purchase in fee simple, and the board may
713	specify the particular purpose for which, and the extent to
714	which, an easement in any property is desired, describing
715	definitely such purpose and extent. Wherever so instructed to do
716	so by the board, the commissioners shall appraise lands that may
717	be necessary or desirable for the district to own and, when so
718	requested by the board, the commissioners shall also appraise
719	both the total value of the land and also the damages due to any
720	easement required for the purposes of the district.
721	(b)  The report of the commissioners shall be signed by at
722	least a majority of the commissioners and filed in the office of
723	the clerk of the circuit court of Broward County. Each
724	commissioner shall be paid $100 per day for his or her services
725	and necessary expenses in addition thereto.
726	(9)  Upon the filing of the report of the commissioners,
727	the clerk shall give notice thereof by causing publication to be
728	made once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper
729	published in Broward County and of general circulation in the
730	district. It shall not be necessary for the clerk to name the
731	parties interested, nor to describe separate lots or tracts of
732	land in giving said notice, but it shall be sufficient to
733	publish the said notice in the following form:
734
735	?NOTICE OF FILING COMMISSIONERS? REPORT FOR CORAL SPRINGS
736	IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT.
737
738	Notice is hereby given that the commissioners heretofore
739	appointed to appraise benefits and damages to property and lands
740	located within the Coral Springs Improvement District in the
741	State of Florida and to appraise the cash value of the land
742	necessary to be taken for rights-of-way, holding basins, and
743	other works of said district did file their report in the office
744	of the undersigned Clerk of the Circuit Court, upon the .....
745	day of .............., 20....., and you, and each of you, are
746	hereby notified that you may examine said report and file
747	exceptions to the same on or before the ..... day of
748	.............., 20..... (which date shall be not less than 28
749	days nor more than 30 days after the first date of publication).
750
751	...................................
752
753	Clerk of the Circuit Court
754	of Broward County, Florida?
755
756	(10)  The state board of drainage commissioners, the water
757	control district, or any owner of land or other property to be
758	affected by said report may file exception to any part, or all,
759	of the report of said commissioners within the time specified in
760	the notice prescribed in subsection (9). All exceptions shall be
761	heard and determined by the court. If no exceptions are filed,
762	or if it is shown, upon the hearing of all of said exceptions,
763	that the estimated cost of construction of improvements
764	contemplated in the water control plan is less than the benefits
765	assessed against the lands in said district, the court shall
766	approve and confirm said commissioners? report. However, if the
767	court, upon hearing the objections filed, finds that any or all
768	such objections should be sustained, it shall order the report
769	changed to conform with such findings, and when so changed, the
770	court shall approve and confirm such report and enter its decree
771	accordingly. The court shall adjudge and apportion the costs
772	incurred by the exceptions filed, and shall condemn any land or
773	other property, that is shown by the report of the commissioners
774	to be needed for rights-of-way, holding basins, or other works,
775	following the procedures provided in chapters 73 and 74, Florida
776	Statutes; provided, however, that any property owner may accept
777	the assessment of damages in his or her favor made by the
778	commissioners, or acquiesce in their failure to assess damages
779	in his or her favor, and shall be construed to have done so,
780	unless he or she gives the supervisors of the district, on or
781	before the time shall have expired for filing exceptions, as
782	provided in this act, notice in writing that he or she demands
783	an assessment of his or her damages by a jury. If the property
784	owner demands an assessment of his or her damages by a jury, the
785	supervisors of the district shall institute in the Circuit Court
786	of Broward County an action to condemn the lands and other
787	property that must be taken or damaged in the making of such
788	improvements, with the right and privilege of paying into the
789	court a sum to be fixed by the circuit court or judge, and
790	proceeding with the work before the assessment by the jury. Any
791	person or party interested may prosecute and appeal to the
792	appropriate district court of appeal in the manner and within
793	the time provided by the Florida appellate rules.
794	(11)  The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Broward County
795	shall transmit a certified copy of the court decree and copy of
796	the commissioners? report, as confirmed or amended by the court,
797	to the secretary of the board, and such clerk shall receive a
798	fee of $5 for receiving, filing, and preserving same as a
799	permanent record.
800	Section 15.  Adoption, revision, and revocation of water
801	control plan.--In addition to and not in limitation of its power
802	to provide for and adopt a water control plan provided in
803	section 14 and under chapter 298, Florida Statutes, and
804	amendments thereto, the board may at any time and from time to
805	time adopt, revoke, or modify, in whole or in part, any water
806	control plan or any plan providing for the drainage of lands
807	within the district, and may provide for such new and additional
808	drainage facilities, canals, ditches, levees, and other works as
809	the board may determine. In connection with the revision of any
810	water control plan or the providing of any new or additional
811	drainage facilities, canals, ditches, levees, or other works, or
812	in the event the total taxes and assessments theretofore levied
813	or the funds derived from the sale of bonds are insufficient to
814	pay the cost of any drainage works, benefits may be reassessed,
815	additional assessments made, and taxes levied in accordance with
816	the procedures provided in this act or in chapter 298, Florida
817	Statutes. The board may at any time approve and make effective
818	technical changes or modifications in any water control plan or
819	drainage not affecting assessed benefits, levy of taxes, or the
820	security of bondholders.
821	Section 16.  Assessing land for reclamation; apportionment
822	of tax; lands belonging to state assessed; drainage tax
823	record.--After the lists of lands, with the assessed benefits
824	and the decree and judgment of court, have been filed in the
825	office of the clerk of the circuit court as provided in section
826	14, the board shall, without any unnecessary delay, levy a tax
827	of such portion of said benefits on all lands in the district to
828	which benefits have been assessed, as may be found necessary by
829	the board of supervisors to pay the costs of the completion of
830	the proposed works and improvements, as shown in said water
831	control plan and in carrying out the objects of said district,
832	and, in addition thereto, 10 percent of said total amount for
833	emergencies. The said tax shall be apportioned to, and levied
834	on, each tract of land in said district in proportion to the
835	benefits assessed, and not in excess thereof; and in case bonds
836	are issued, as provided in this chapter, a tax shall be levied
837	in a sum not less than an amount 90 percent of which shall be
838	equal to the principal of said bonds. The amount of bonds to be
839	issued for paying the cost of the works as set forth in the
840	water control plan shall be ascertained and determined by the
841	board, provided, however, that the total amount of all bonds to
842	be issued by the district shall in no case exceed 90 percent of
843	the benefits assessed upon the lands of the district. The amount
844	of the interest, as estimated by said board, that will accrue on
845	such bonds shall be included and added to the said tax, but the
846	interest to accrue on account of the issuing of said bonds shall
847	not be construed as a part of the costs of construction in
848	determining whether or not the expenses and costs of making said
849	improvements are equal to, or in excess of, the benefits
850	assessed. The secretary of the board of supervisors, as soon as
851	said total tax is levied, shall, at the expense of the district,
852	prepare a list of all taxes levied in the form of a well-bound
853	book, which shall be endorsed and named the ?DRAINAGE TAX RECORD
854	OF CORAL SPRINGS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA,?
855	which endorsement shall be printed or written at the top of each
856	page in said book, signed and certified by the president and
857	secretary of the board, attested by the seal of the district,
858	and the same shall thereafter become a permanent record in the
859	office of said secretary.
860	Section 17.  Prepayment of taxes or assessments.--The board
861	may provide that any tax or assessment may be paid at any time
862	before due, together with interest accrued thereon to the date
863	of prepayment and any prepayment premiums or penalties, if such
864	prior payment shall be permitted by the proceedings authorizing
865	any bonds or other obligations for the payment of which special
866	assessments have been pledged or taxes levied.
867	Section 18.  Tax liens.--All taxes of the district provided
868	for in this act or chapter 298, Florida Statutes, together with
869	all penalties for default in the payment of the same and all
870	costs in collecting the same, including reasonable attorney's
871	fees fixed by the court and taxed as cost in the action brought
872	to enforce payment, shall from January 1 for each year the
873	property is liable to assessment and until paid constitute a
874	lien of equal dignity with the liens for state and county taxes
875	and other taxes of equal dignity with state and county taxes
876	upon all the lands against which such taxes shall be levied. A
877	sale of any of the real property within the district for state
878	and county or other taxes shall not operate to relieve or
879	release the property so sold from the lien for subsequent
880	district taxes or installments of district taxes which lien may
881	be enforced against such property as though no such sale thereof
882	had been made. The provisions of chapter 192, Florida Statutes,
883	and amendments thereto shall be applicable to district taxes
884	with the same force and effect as if said provisions were
885	expressly set forth in this act.
886	Section 19.  Issuance of bond anticipation notes.--In
887	addition to the other powers provided for in this act and not in
888	limitation thereof, the district shall have the power, at any
889	time and from time to time after the issuance of any bonds of
890	the district shall have been authorized, to borrow money for the
891	purposes for which such bonds are to be issued in anticipation
892	of the receipt of the proceeds of the sale of such bonds and to
893	issue bond anticipation notes in a principal sum not in excess
894	of the authorized maximum amount of such bond issue. Such notes
895	shall be in such denomination or denominations, bear interest at
896	such rate as the board may determine not to exceed 10 percent
897	per year, mature at such time or times not later than 5 years
898	from the date of issuance, and be in such form and executed in
899	such manner as the board shall prescribe. Such notes may be sold
900	at either public or private sale, or if such notes shall be
901	renewal notes, may be exchanged for notes then outstanding on
902	such terms as the board shall determine. Such notes shall be
903	paid from the proceeds of such bonds when issued. The board may
904	in its discretion, in lieu of retiring the notes by means of
905	bonds, retire them by means of current revenues or from any
906	taxes or assessments levied for the payment of such bonds, but
907	in such event a like amount of the bonds authorized shall not be
908	issued.
909	Section 20.  Short-term borrowing.--The district at any
910	time may obtain loans, in such amount and on such terms and
911	conditions as the board may approve, for the purpose of paying
912	any of the expenses of the district or any costs incurred or
913	that may be incurred in connection with any of the projects of
914	the district, which loans shall have a term not exceeding 2
915	years from the date of issuance thereof, may be renewable for a
916	like term or terms, shall bear such interest as the board may
917	determine, not to exceed 10 percent per year, and may be payable
918	from and secured by a pledge of such funds, revenues, taxes, and
919	assessments as the board may determine. For the purpose of
920	defraying such costs and expenses, the district may issue
921	negotiable notes, warrants, or other evidences of debt signed on
922	behalf of the district by any one of the board duly authorized
923	by the board, such notes or other evidences of indebtedness to
924	be payable at such times, to bear such interest as the board may
925	determine not to exceed 10 percent per year, and to be sold or
926	discounted at such price or prices and on such terms as the
927	board may deem advisable. The board shall have the right to
928	provide for the payment thereof by pledging the whole or any
929	part of the funds, revenues, taxes, and assessments of the
930	district. The approval of the qualified electors who are
931	freeholders residing in the district shall not be necessary
932	except where required by the State Constitution.
933	Section 21.  Trust agreements.--In the discretion of the
934	board, any issue of bonds may be secured by a trust agreement by
935	and between the district and a corporate trustee or trustees,
936	which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a
937	trust company within or without the state. The resolution
938	authorizing the issuance of the bonds or such trust agreement
939	may pledge the revenues to be received from any projects of the
940	district and may contain such provisions for protecting and
941	enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as the
942	board may approve, including, without limitation, covenants
943	setting forth the duties of the district in relation to the
944	acquisition, construction, reconstructions, improvements,
945	maintenance, repair, operation, and insurance of any projects;
946	the fixing and revising of the rates, fees, and charges; the
947	custody, safeguarding, and application of all moneys; and for
948	the employment of counseling engineers in connection with such
949	acquisition, construction, reconstruction, improvement,
950	maintenance, repair, or operation. It shall be lawful for any
951	bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the state
952	which may act as a depository of the proceeds of bonds or of
953	revenues to furnish such indemnifying bonds or to pledge such
954	securities as may be required by the district. Such resolution
955	or trust agreement may set forth the rights and remedies of the
956	bondholders and of the trustee, if any, and may restrict the
957	individual right of action by bondholders. The board may provide
958	for the payment of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds and the
959	revenues of any project to such officer, board, or depository as
960	it may designate for the custody thereof, and for the method of
961	disbursement thereof with such safeguards and restrictions as it
962	may determine. All expenses incurred in carrying out the
963	provisions of such resolution or trust agreement may be treated
964	as part of the cost of operation of the project to which such
965	trust agreement pertains.
966	Section 22.  Sale of bonds.--Bonds may be sold in blocks or
967	installments at different times, or an entire issue or series
968	may be sold at one time. Bonds may be sold at public or private
969	sale after such advertisement, if any, as the board may deem
970	advisable but not in any event at less than 90 percent of the
971	par value thereof, together with accrued interest thereon. Bonds
972	may be sold or exchanged for refunding bonds. Special assessment
973	and revenue bonds may be delivered as payment by the district of
974	the purchase price or lease of any project or part thereof, or a
975	combination of projects or parts thereof, or as the purchase
976	price or exchanged for any property, real, personal, or mixed,
977	including franchises, or services rendered by any contractor,
978	engineer, or other person, all at one time or in blocks from
979	time to time, in such manner and upon such terms as the board in
980	its discretion shall determine. The price or prices for any
981	bonds sold, exchanged, or delivered may be the money paid for
982	the bonds; the principal amount, plus accrued interest to the
983	date of redemption or exchange, or outstanding obligations
984	exchanged for refunding bonds; or, in the case of special
985	assessment or revenue bonds, the amount of any indebtedness to
986	contractors or other persons paid with such bonds, or the fair
987	value of any properties exchanged for the bonds, as determined
988	by the board.
989	Section 23.  Authorization and form of bonds.--Bonds may be
990	authorized by resolution or resolutions of the board which shall
991	be adopted by a majority of all of the members thereof then in
992	office. Such resolution or resolutions may be adopted at the
993	same meeting at which they are introduced, and need not be
994	published or posted. The board may by resolution authorize the
995	issuance of bonds, fix the aggregate amount of bonds to be
996	issued, the purpose or purposes for which the moneys derived
997	therefrom shall be expended, the rate or rates of interest, not
998	to exceed 10 percent per year, the denomination of the bonds,
999	whether or not the bonds are to be issued in one or more series,
1000	the date or dates of maturity, which shall not exceed 40 years
1001	from their respective dates of issuance, the medium of payment,
1002	the place or places within or without the state where payment
1003	shall be made, registration privileges, redemption terms and
1004	privileges (whether with or without premium), the manner of
1005	execution, the form of the bonds, including any interest coupons
1006	to be attached thereto, the manner of execution of bonds and
1007	coupons, and any and all other terms, covenants, and conditions
1008	thereof, and the establishment of revenue or other funds. Such
1009	authorizing resolution may further provide that such bonds may
1010	be executed manually or by engraved, lithographed, or facsimile
1011	signature, provided that where signatures are engraved,
1012	lithographed, or otherwise reproduced in facsimile, no bond
1013	shall be valid unless countersigned by a registrar or other
1014	officer designated by appropriate resolution of the board. The
1015	seal of the district may be affixed, lithographed, engraved, or
1016	otherwise reproduced in facsimile on such bonds. In case any
1017	officer whose signature shall appear on any bonds or coupons
1018	shall cease to be such officer before the delivery of such
1019	bonds, such signature or facsimile shall nevertheless be valid
1020	and sufficient for all purposes the same as if he or she had
1021	remained in office until such delivery.
1022	Section 24.  Interim certificates; replacement
1023	certificates.--Pending the preparation of definitive bonds, the
1024	board may issue interim certificates or receipts or temporary
1025	bonds, in such form and with such provisions as the board may
1026	determine, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds
1027	shall have been executed and are available for delivery. The
1028	board may also provide for the replacement of any bonds that
1029	become mutilated, lost, or destroyed.
1030	Section 25.  Negotiability of bonds.--Any bond issued under
1031	this act and any interim certificate, receipt, or temporary bond
1032	shall, in the absence of an express recital on the face thereof
1033	that it is nonnegotiable, be fully negotiable and shall be and
1034	constitute negotiable instruments within the meaning and for all
1035	purposes of the law merchant and the laws of Florida.
1036	Section 26.  Defeasance.--The board may make such provision
1037	with respect to the defeasance of the right, title, and interest
1038	of the holders of any of the bonds and obligations of the
1039	district in any revenues, funds, or other properties by which
1040	such bonds are secured as the board deems appropriate and,
1041	without limitation on the foregoing, may provide that when such
1042	bonds or obligations become due and payable or shall have been
1043	called for redemption, and the whole amount of the principal and
1044	interest and premium, if any, due and payable upon the bonds or
1045	obligations then outstanding shall be paid, or sufficient monies
1046	or direct obligations of the United States Government the
1047	principal of and the interest on which when due will provide,
1048	sufficient monies shall be held or deposited in trust for such
1049	purpose, and provision shall also be made for paying all other
1050	sums payable in connection with such bonds or other obligations,
1051	then and in such event the right, title, and interest of the
1052	holders of the bonds in any revenues, funds, or other properties
1053	by which such bonds are secured shall thereupon cease,
1054	determine, and become void, and the board may apply any surplus
1055	in any sinking fund established in connection with such bonds or
1056	obligations and all balances remaining in all other funds or
1057	accounts other than money held for the redemption or payment of
1058	the bonds or other obligations to any lawful purpose of the
1059	district as the board shall determine.
1060	Section 27.  Issuance of additional bonds.--If the proceeds
1061	of any bonds shall be less than the cost of completing the
1062	project in connection with which such bonds are issued, the
1063	board may authorize the issuance of additional bonds, upon such
1064	terms and conditions as the board may provide in the resolution
1065	authorizing the issuance thereof, but only in compliance with
1066	the resolution or other proceedings authorizing the issuance of
1067	the original bonds.
1068	Section 28.  Refunding bonds.--The district shall have the
1069	power to issue bonds to provide for the retirement or refunding
1070	of any bonds or obligations of the district that at the time of
1071	such issuance are or subsequently thereto become due and
1072	payable, or that at the time of issuance have been called or are
1073	or will be subject to call for redemption within 10 years
1074	thereafter, or the surrender of which can be procured from the
1075	holders thereof at prices satisfactory to the board. Refunding
1076	bonds may be issued at any time when in the judgment of the
1077	board such issuance will be advantageous to the district. No
1078	approval of the qualified electors who are freeholders residing
1079	in the district shall be required for the issuance of refunding
1080	bonds except in cases where such approval is required by the
1081	constitution. The board may by resolution confer upon the
1082	holders of such refunding bonds all rights, powers, and remedies
1083	to which the holders would be entitled if they continued to be
1084	the owners and had possession of the bonds for the refinancing
1085	of which said refunding bonds are issued, including, but not
1086	limited to, the preservation of the lien of such bonds on the
1087	revenues of any project or on pledged funds, without
1088	extinguishment, impairment, or diminution thereof. The
1089	provisions of this act pertaining to bonds of the district
1090	shall, unless the context otherwise requires, govern the
1091	issuance of refunding bonds, the form and other details thereof,
1092	the rights of the holders thereof, and the duties of the board
1093	with respect to the same.
1094	Section 29.  Revenue bonds.--
1095	(1)  The district shall have the power to issue revenue
1096	bonds from time to time without limitation as to amount. Such
1097	revenue bonds may be secured by or payable from the gross or net
1098	pledge of the revenues to be derived from any project or
1099	combination of projects; from the rates, fees, or other charges
1100	to be collected from the users of any project or projects; from
1101	any revenue-producing undertaking or activity of the district;
1102	or from any other source or pledged security. Such bonds shall
1103	not constitute an indebtedness of the district, and the approval
1104	neither of the qualified electors nor of the qualified electors
1105	who are freeholders shall be required unless such bonds are
1106	additionally secured by the full faith and credit and taxing
1107	power of the district.
1108	(2)  Any two or more projects may be combined and
1109	consolidated into a single project, and may thereafter be
1110	operated and maintained as a single project. The revenue bonds
1111	authorized herein may be issued to finance any one or more of
1112	such projects, regardless whether or not such projects have been
1113	combined and consolidated into a single project. If the board
1114	deems it advisable, the proceedings authorizing such revenue
1115	bonds may provide that the district may thereafter combine the
1116	projects then being financed or theretofore financed with other
1117	projects to be subsequently financed by the district, and that
1118	revenue bonds to be thereafter issued by the district shall be
1119	on parity with the revenue bonds then being issued, all on such
1120	terms, conditions, and limitations as shall be provided, and may
1121	further provide that the revenues to be derived from the
1122	subsequent projects shall at the time of the issuance of such
1123	parity revenue bonds be also pledged to the holders of any
1124	revenue bonds theretofore issued to finance the revenue
1125	undertakings which are later combined with such subsequent
1126	projects. The district may pledge for the security of the
1127	revenue bonds a fixed amount, without regard to any fixed
1128	proportion of the gross revenues of any project.
1129	Section 30.  General obligation bonds.--
1130	(1)  The district shall have the power from time to time to
1131	issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount
1132	of bonds outstanding at any one time not in excess of 35 percent
1133	of the assessed value of the taxable property within the
1134	district as shown on the pertinent tax records at the time of
1135	the authorization of the general obligation bonds for which the
1136	full faith and credit of the district is pledged. Except for
1137	refunding bonds, no general obligation bonds shall be issued
1138	unless the issuance thereof shall have been approved at an
1139	election of freeholders held in accordance with the requirements
1140	for such election as prescribed by the State Constitution. Such
1141	elections shall be called to be held in the district by the
1142	Board of County Commissioners of Broward County upon the request
1143	of the board of the district. The expenses of calling and
1144	holding such referendum elections shall be borne by the district
1145	and the district shall reimburse the county for any expenses
1146	incurred in calling or holding such elections. In the
1147	alternative, at the option of the board, the board may make such
1148	other provision for the registration of such qualified electors
1149	who are freeholders and the calling and holding of such
1150	elections as the board may from time to time deem appropriate.
1151	(2)  The district may pledge its full faith and credit for
1152	the payment of the principal and interest on such general
1153	obligation bonds, and for any reserve or other funds provided
1154	therefor, and may unconditionally and irrevocably pledge itself
1155	to levy ad valorem taxes on all taxable property in the
1156	district, to the extent necessary for the payment thereof,
1157	without limitations as to rate or amount.
1158	(3)  If the board shall determine to issue general
1159	obligation bonds for more than one different purpose, the
1160	approval of the issuance of the bonds for each and all such
1161	purposes may be submitted to the freeholders on one and the same
1162	ballot. The failure of the freeholders to approve the issuance
1163	of bonds for any one or more purposes shall not defeat the
1164	approval of bonds for any purpose that shall be approved by the
1165	freeholders.
1166	Section 31.  Bonds as legal investment or
1167	security.--Notwithstanding any provisions of any other law to
1168	the contrary, all bonds issued under the provisions of this act
1169	shall constitute legal investments for savings banks, banks,
1170	trust companies, insurance companies, executors, administrators,
1171	trustees, guardians, and other fiduciaries, and for any board,
1172	body, agency, instrumentality, county, municipality, or other
1173	political subdivision of the state, and shall be and constitute
1174	securities which may be deposited by banks or trust companies as
1175	security for deposits of state, county, municipal, or other
1176	public funds, or by insurance companies as required for
1177	voluntary statutory deposits.
1178	Section 32.  Covenants.--Any resolution authorizing the
1179	issuance of bonds may contain such covenants as the board may
1180	deem advisable and all such covenants shall constitute valid and
1181	legally binding and enforceable contracts between the district
1182	and the bondholders, regardless of the time of issuance thereof.
1183	Such covenants may include, without limitation, covenants
1184	concerning the disposition of the bond proceeds; the use and
1185	disposition of project revenues; the pledging of revenues,
1186	taxes, and assessments; the obligations of the district with
1187	respect to the operation of the project and the maintenance of
1188	adequate project revenues; the issuance of additional bonds; the
1189	appointment, powers, and duties of trustees and receivers; the
1190	acquisition of outstanding bonds and obligations; restrictions
1191	on the establishing of competing projects or facilities;
1192	restrictions on the sale or disposal of the assets and property
1193	of the district; the priority of assessment liens; the priority
1194	of claims by bondholders on the taxing power of the district;
1195	the maintenance of deposits to ensure the payment of revenues by
1196	users of district facilities and services; the discontinuance of
1197	district services by reason of delinquent payments; acceleration
1198	upon default; the execution of necessary instruments; the
1199	procedure for amending or abrogating covenants with the
1200	bondholders; and such other covenants as may be deemed necessary
1201	or desirable for the security of the bondholders.
1202	Section 33.  Validity of bonds; validation proceedings.--
1203	(1)  Any bonds issued by the district shall be
1204	incontestable in the hands of bona fide purchasers or holders
1205	for value and shall not be invalid because of any irregularity
1206	or defects in the proceedings for the issue and sale thereof.
1207	Prior to the issuance of any bonds, the district may, but is not
1208	required to, publish a notice at least once in a newspaper or
1209	newspapers published or of general circulation in Broward County
1210	and within the district stating the date of adoption of the
1211	resolution authorizing such obligations, the amount, the maximum
1212	rate of interest and maturity of such obligations, and the
1213	purpose in general terms for which such obligations are to be
1214	issued, and further stating that any action or proceeding
1215	questioning the validity of such obligations or of the
1216	proceedings authorizing the issuance thereof, or of any of the
1217	covenants made therein, must be instituted within 20 days after
1218	the first publication of such notice, or the validity of such
1219	obligations, proceedings, and covenants shall not be thereafter
1220	questioned in any court whatsoever. If no such action or
1221	proceeding is so instituted within such 20-day period, the
1222	validity of such obligations, proceedings, and covenants shall
1223	be conclusive, and all persons or parties whatsoever shall be
1224	forever barred from questioning the validity of such
1225	obligations, proceedings, or covenants in any court whatsoever.
1226	(2)  The power of the district to issue bonds under the
1227	provisions of this act may be determined and any of the bonds of
1228	the district may be validated and confirmed by circuit court
1229	decree, under the provisions of chapter 75, Florida Statutes,
1230	and laws amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto.
1231	Section 34.  Within act furnishes full authority for
1232	issuance of bonds.--This act constitutes full and complete
1233	authority for the issuance of bonds and the exercise of the
1234	powers of the district provided herein. No procedures or
1235	proceedings, publications, notices, consents, approvals, orders,
1236	acts, or things by the board, or any board, officers,
1237	commission, department, agency, or instrumentality of the
1238	district, other than those required by this act, shall be
1239	required to issue any bonds or to do any act or perform anything
1240	under this act, and the issuance or sale of bonds pursuant to
1241	the provisions of this act need not comply with the requirements
1242	of any other law applicable to the issuance or sale of bonds,
1243	except as otherwise provided in this act, and shall not require
1244	the consent or approval of the board of drainage commissioners
1245	of the state or of any other board, officers, commission,
1246	department, agency, or instrumentality of the state or any
1247	political subdivision thereof. Except as otherwise provided
1248	herein, no proceedings or procedures of any character whatever
1249	shall be necessary or required for the issuance of bonds other
1250	than the adoption of an appropriate resolution by the board as
1251	provided in this act with respect to the issuance of the same.
1252	The powers conferred by this act on the district with respect to
1253	the issuance and sale of bonds shall be in addition and
1254	supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.
1255	Section 35.  Pledge by the state to the bondholders of the
1256	district and to the Federal Government.--The state pledges to
1257	the holders of any bonds issued under this act that it will not
1258	limit or alter the rights of the district to own, acquire,
1259	construct, reconstruct, improve, maintain, operate, or furnish
1260	the projects or to levy and collect the taxes, assessments,
1261	rentals, rates, fees, and other charges provided for herein and
1262	to fulfill the terms of any agreement made with the holders of
1263	such bonds or other obligations, and that it will not in any way
1264	impair the rights or remedies of the holders.
1265	Section 36.  Ad valorem taxes.--The board shall have the
1266	power to levy and assess an ad valorem tax on all the taxable
1267	real and tangible personal property in the district to pay the
1268	principal of and interest on any general obligation bonds of the
1269	district, and to provide for any sinking or other funds
1270	established in connection with any such bonds. The ad valorem
1271	tax provided for herein shall be in addition to county and all
1272	other ad valorem taxes provided for by law. Such tax shall be
1273	assessed, levied, and collected in the same manner and same time
1274	as county taxes.
1275	Section 37.  Annual installment taxes.--
1276	(1)  The board shall annually determine, order, and levy
1277	the annual installment of the total taxes that are levied under
1278	chapter 298.36, Florida Statutes, which shall be due and be
1279	collected during each year that county taxes are due and
1280	collected and said annual installment and levy shall be
1281	evidenced to and certified by the board not later than August 31
1282	of each year to the Broward County Property Appraiser. Said tax
1283	shall be entered by the county property appraiser on the county
1284	tax rolls and shall be collected by the Broward County Tax
1285	Collector in the same manner and the same time as county taxes
1286	and the proceeds thereof paid to the district. The tax shall be
1287	a lien until paid on the property against which assessed and
1288	enforceable in like manner as county taxes.
1289	(2)  In the alternative, the board may by resolution
1290	determine the amount of taxes as provided by chapter 298.37,
1291	Florida Statutes, and thereafter the annual installments shall
1292	be levied, collected, and enforced as provided in chapter 298,
1293	Florida Statutes.
1294	Section 38.  Maintenance tax.--To maintain and preserve the
1295	drainage improvements of the district, a maintenance tax shall
1296	be evidenced to and certified by the board of supervisors not
1297	later than August 31 of each year to the property appraiser and
1298	shall be entered by the property appraiser on the county tax
1299	rolls and shall be collected by the tax collector in the same
1300	manner and time as county taxes and the proceeds therefrom paid
1301	to the district. The tax shall be a lien until paid on the
1302	property against which assessed and enforceable in like manner
1303	as county taxes. If the maintenance is for original construction
1304	based upon an apportionment of benefits, the maintenance tax
1305	shall be apportioned on the same basis of the net assessments of
1306	benefits assessed or accruing for original construction and
1307	shall not exceed 10 percent thereof in any one year. If the
1308	maintenance is for other drainage improvements owned, operated,
1309	or acquired by the district, the amount of said maintenance tax
1310	shall be determined by the board based upon a report of the
1311	chief engineer and assessed by the board, upon such lands, which
1312	may be all of the lands within the district benefited by the
1313	maintenance thereof, apportioned between the benefited lands in
1314	proportion to the benefits received by each tract of land.
1315	Section 39.  Enforcement of taxes.--The collection and
1316	enforcement of all taxes levied by the district shall be at the
1317	same time and in like manner as county taxes and the provisions
1318	of the Florida Statutes relating to the sale of lands for unpaid
1319	and delinquent county taxes, the issuance, sale, and delivery of
1320	tax certificates for such unpaid and delinquent county taxes,
1321	the redemption thereof, the issuance to individuals of tax deeds
1322	based thereon, and all other procedures in connection therewith
1323	shall be applicable to the district to the same extent as if
1324	said statutory provisions were expressly set forth herein. All
1325	taxes shall be subject to the same discounts as county taxes.
1326	Section 40.  When unpaid tax is delinquent; penalty.--All
1327	taxes provided for in this act shall become delinquent and bear
1328	penalties on the amount of said taxes in the same manner as
1329	county taxes.
1330	Section 41.  Tax exemption.--As the exercise of the powers
1331	conferred by this act constitute the performance of essential
1332	public functions, and as the projects of the district will
1333	constitute public property used for public purposes, all assets
1334	and properties of the district, and all bonds issued hereunder
1335	and interest paid thereon, and all fees, charges, and other
1336	revenues derived by the district from the projects provided by
1337	this act shall be exempt from all taxes by the state or by any
1338	political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof;
1339	provided, however, that nothing in this act shall be deemed to
1340	exempt from taxation any property, project, facility, or
1341	business activity or enterprise that cannot validly be
1342	undertaken as a public function by special taxing districts or
1343	other public bodies under the laws and constitution of Florida;
1344	and further, that nothing in this act shall be deemed to exempt
1345	any property, project, facility, or business activity or
1346	enterprise of the district, or revenues derived therefrom, which
1347	would be subject to taxation under the general laws of Florida
1348	if such property, project, or facility were owned or undertaken
1349	by a municipal corporation.
1350	Section 42.  Special assessments.--
1351	(1)  The board may provide for the construction or
1352	reconstruction of assessable improvements as defined in section
1353	4, and for the levying of special assessments upon benefited
1354	property for the payment thereof, under the provisions of this
1355	section.
1356	(2)  Such special assessments may be levied and assessed in
1357	either of the alternate methods provided in subsection (6) or
1358	subsection (7), and except for such procedure, all the other
1359	provisions of this section and this act shall apply to the levy
1360	and assessment of such special assessments under either
1361	subsection (6) or subsection (7).
1362	(3)  The initial proceeding under subsection (6) or
1363	subsection (7) shall be the passage by the board of a resolution
1364	ordering the construction or reconstruction of such assessable
1365	improvements, indicating the location by terminal points and
1366	routes and either giving a description of the improvements by
1367	its material, nature, character, and size or giving two or more
1368	descriptions with the directions that the material, nature,
1369	character, and size shall be subsequently determined in
1370	conformity with one of such descriptions. Drainage improvements
1371	need not be continuous and may be in more than one locality. The
1372	resolution ordering any such improvement may give any short and
1373	convenient designation to each improvement ordered thereby, and
1374	the property against which assessments are to be made for the
1375	cost of such improvement may give any short and convenient
1376	designation to each improvement ordered thereby, and the
1377	property against which assessments are to be made for the cost
1378	of such improvement may be designated as an assessment district,
1379	followed by a letter, number, or name to distinguish it from
1380	other assessment districts, after which it shall be sufficient
1381	to refer to such improvement and property by such designation in
1382	all proceedings and assessments, except in the notices required
1383	by this section.
1384	(4)  As soon as possible after the passage of such
1385	resolution, the engineer for the district shall prepare, in
1386	duplicate, plans and specifications for each improvement ordered
1387	thereby and an estimate of the cost thereof. Such cost shall
1388	include, in addition to the items of cost as defined in this
1389	act, the following items of incidental expenses:
1390	(a)  Printing and publishing notices and proceedings.
1391	(b)  Costs of abstracts of title.
1392	(c)  Any other expense necessary or proper in conducting
1393	the proceedings and work provided for in this section, including
1394	the estimated amount of discount, if any, financial expenses
1395	upon the sale of assessment bonds, or any other obligations
1396	issued hereunder for which such special assessments are to be
1397	pledged, and interest prior to and until not more than 2 years
1398	after the completion of said assessable improvements. If the
1399	resolution shall provide alternative descriptions of material,
1400	nature, character, and size, such estimate shall include an
1401	estimate of the cost of the improvement of each such
1402	description.
1403	(5)  The district engineer shall next prepare in duplicate
1404	a tentative apportionment of the estimated total cost of the
1405	improvement as between the district and each lot or parcel of
1406	land subject to special assessment under the resolution, such
1407	apportionment to be made in accordance with the provisions of
1408	the resolution and in relation to apportionment of cost provided
1409	herein for the preliminary assessment roll. Such tentative
1410	apportionment of total estimated cost shall not be held to limit
1411	or restrict the duties of the engineer in the preparation of
1412	such preliminary assessment roll under subsection (6). One of
1413	the duplicates of such plans, specifications, and estimates and
1414	such tentative apportionment shall be filed with the secretary
1415	of the board and the other duplicate shall be retained by the
1416	engineer in his or her files, all thereof to remain open to
1417	public inspection.
1418	(6)(a)  If the special assessments are to be levied under
1419	this subsection, the secretary of the board, upon filing with
1420	him or her of such plans, specifications, estimates, and
1421	tentative apportionment of cost, shall publish once in a
1422	newspaper published in Broward County and of general circulation
1423	in the district a notice stating that at a meeting of the board
1424	on a certain day and hour, not earlier than 15 days after such
1425	publication, the board will hear objections of all interested
1426	persons to the confirmation of such resolution, which notice
1427	shall state in brief and general terms a description of the
1428	proposed assessable improvements with the location thereof, and
1429	shall also state that plans, specifications, estimates, and
1430	tentative apportionment of cost thereof are on file with the
1431	secretary of the board. A copy of the notice shall be mailed to
1432	the landowners of the land to be benefited by construction of
1433	the assessable improvement. The landowners shall be determined
1434	by reference to the last available tax roll of Broward County.
1435	The secretary of the board shall keep a record in which shall be
1436	inscribed, at the request of any person, firm, or corporation
1437	having or claiming to have any interest in any lot or parcel of
1438	land, the name and post office address of such person, firm, or
1439	corporation, together with a brief description or designation of
1440	such lot or parcel, and it shall be the duty of the secretary of
1441	the board to mail a copy of such notice to such person, firm, or
1442	corporation at such address at least 10 days before the time for
1443	the hearing as stated in such notice, but the failure of the
1444	secretary of the board to keep such record or so to inscribe any
1445	name or address or to mail any such notice shall not constitute
1446	a valid objection to holding the hearing as provided in this
1447	section or to any other action taken under the authority of this
1448	section.
1449	(b)  At the time named in such notice, or to which an
1450	adjournment may be taken by the board, the board shall receive
1451	any objections of interested persons and may then or thereafter
1452	repeal or confirm such resolution with such amendments, if any,
1453	as may be desired by the board and which do not cause any
1454	additional property to be specially assessed.
1455	(c)  All objections to any such resolution on the ground
1456	that it contains items which cannot be properly assessed against
1457	property, or that it is, for any default or defect in the
1458	passage or character of the resolution or the plans or
1459	specifications or estimate, void or voidable in whole or in
1460	part, or that it exceeds the power of the board, shall be made
1461	in writing in person or by attorney, and filed with the
1462	secretary of the board at or before the time or adjourned time
1463	of such hearing. Any objections against the making of any
1464	assessable improvements not so made shall be considered as
1465	waived, and if any objection shall be made and overruled or
1466	shall not be sustained, the confirmation of the resolution shall
1467	be the final adjudication of the issue presented unless proper
1468	steps shall be taken in a court of competent jurisdiction to
1469	secure relief within 20 days.
1470	(d)  Whenever any resolution providing for the construction
1471	or reconstruction of assessable improvements and for the levying
1472	of special assessments upon benefited property for the payment
1473	thereof shall have been confirmed, and said special assessments
1474	are levied under this subsection, or at any time thereafter, the
1475	board may issue assessment bonds payable out of such assessments
1476	when collected. Such bonds shall mature not later than 2 years
1477	after the maturity of the last annual installment in which said
1478	special assessments may be paid, as provided in subsection (7),
1479	and shall bear such interest as the board may determine not to
1480	exceed 10 percent per year. Such assessment bonds shall be
1481	executed, shall have such provisions for redemption prior to
1482	maturity, and shall be sold in the manner and be subject to all
1483	of the applicable provisions contained in this act applicable to
1484	other bonds, except as the same are inconsistent with the
1485	provisions of this section. The amount of such assessment bonds
1486	for any assessable improvement, prior to the confirmation of the
1487	preliminary assessment roll provided for in this subsection,
1488	shall not exceed the estimated amount of the cost of such
1489	assessable improvements that are to be specially assessed
1490	against the lands and real estate of the engineer referred to in
1491	this section.
1492	(e)  After the passage of the resolution authorizing the
1493	construction or reconstruction of assessable improvements has
1494	been confirmed as provided for in this subsection where special
1495	assessments are levied under this subsection, or after the final
1496	confirmation of the assessment roll where such assessments are
1497	levied under subsection (7), the board may publish at least once
1498	in a newspaper published in Broward County and of general
1499	circulation in the district a notice calling for sealed bids to
1500	be received by the board on a date not earlier than 15 days
1501	after the first publication for the construction of the work,
1502	unless in the initial resolution the board shall have declared
1503	its intention to have the work done by district forces without
1504	contract. The notice shall refer in general terms to the extent
1505	and nature of the improvements and may identify the same by the
1506	short designation indicated in the initial resolution and by
1507	reference to the plans and specifications on file. If the
1508	initial resolution shall have given two or more alternative
1509	descriptions of the assessable improvements as to its material,
1510	nature, character, and size, and if the board shall not have
1511	theretofore determined upon a definite description, the notice
1512	shall call for bids upon each of such descriptions. Bids may be
1513	requested for the work as whole or for any part thereof
1514	separately and bids may be asked for any one or more of such
1515	assessable improvements authorized by the same or different
1516	resolutions, but any bid covering work upon more than one
1517	improvement shall be in such form as to permit a separation of
1518	cost as to each improvement. The notice shall require bidders to
1519	file with their bids either a certified check drawn upon an
1520	incorporated bank or trust company in such amount or percentage
1521	of their respective bids, as the board shall deem advisable, or
1522	a bid bond in like amount with corporate surety satisfactory to
1523	the board to insure the execution of a contract to carry out the
1524	work in accordance with such plans and specifications and insure
1525	the filing at the making of such contract, of a bond in the
1526	amount of the contract price with corporate surety satisfactory
1527	to the board conditioned for the performance of the work in
1528	accordance with such contract. The board shall have the right to
1529	reject any or all bids, and, if all bids are rejected, the board
1530	may readvertise or may determine to do the work by the district
1531	forces without contract.
1532	(f)  Promptly after the completion of the work, in the case
1533	of special assessments levied under this subsection, the
1534	engineer for the district, who is hereby designated as the
1535	official of the district to make the preliminary assessment of
1536	benefits from assessable improvements, shall prepare a
1537	preliminary assessment roll and file the same with the secretary
1538	of the board which roll shall contain the following:
1539	1.  A description of abutting lots and parcels of land or
1540	lands which will benefit from such assessable improvements and
1541	the amount of such benefits to each such lot or parcel of land.
1542	Such lots and parcels shall include the property of Broward
1543	County and any school district or other political subdivision.
1544	There shall also be given the name of the owner of record of
1545	each lot or parcel where practicable, and in all cases there
1546	shall be given a statement of the method of assessment used by
1547	the engineer for determining the benefits.
1548	2.  The total cost of the improvements and the amount of
1549	incidental expense.
1550	(g)  The preliminary roll shall be advisory only and shall
1551	be subject to the action of the board as hereinafter provided.
1552	Upon the filing with the secretary of the board of the
1553	preliminary assessment roll, the secretary of the board shall
1554	publish at least once in a newspaper published in Broward County
1555	and of general circulation in the district a notice stating that
1556	at a meeting of the board to be held on a certain day and hour,
1557	not less than 15 days after the date of such publication, which
1558	meeting may be a regular, adjourned, or special meeting, all
1559	interested persons may appear and file written objections to the
1560	confirmation of such roll. Such notice shall state the class of
1561	the assessable improvements and the location thereof by terminal
1562	points and route.
1563	(h)  At the time and place stated in such notice, the board
1564	shall meet and receive the objections in writing of all
1565	interested persons as stated in such notice. The board may
1566	adjourn the hearing from time to time. After the completion
1567	thereof, the board shall annul, sustain, or modify in whole or
1568	in part the prima facie assessment as indicated on such roll,
1569	either by confirming the prima facie assessment against any or
1570	all lots or parcels described therein or by canceling,
1571	increasing, or reducing the same, according to the special
1572	benefits which the board decides each such lot or parcel has
1573	received or will receive on account of such improvement. If any
1574	property that may be chargeable under this section shall have
1575	been omitted from the preliminary roll or if the prima facie
1576	assessment shall not have been made against it, the board may
1577	place on such roll an apportionment to such property. The board
1578	shall not confirm any assessment in excess of the special
1579	benefits to the property assessed and the assessments so
1580	confirmed shall be in proportion to the special benefits.
1581	Forthwith, after such confirmation, such assessment roll shall
1582	be delivered to the secretary of the board. The assessment so
1583	made shall be final and conclusive as to each lot or parcel
1584	assessed unless proper steps are taken within 30 days in a court
1585	of competent jurisdiction to secure relief. If the assessment
1586	against any property shall be sustained or reduced or abated by
1587	the court, the secretary of the board shall note that fact on
1588	the assessment roll opposite the description of the property
1589	affected thereby. The amount of the special assessment against
1590	any lot or parcel which may be abated by the court, unless the
1591	assessment upon all benefited property be abated, or the amount
1592	by which such assessment is so reduced, may by resolution of the
1593	board be made chargeable against the district at large; or, at
1594	the discretion of the board, a new assessment roll may be
1595	prepared and confirmed in the manner hereinabove provided for
1596	the preparation and confirmation of the original assessment
1597	roll.
1598	(i)  Pending the final confirmation of such special
1599	assessments in the manner provided in this subsection, the
1600	district shall have a lien on all such lands and real estate
1601	after the confirmation of the initial resolution, in the manner
1602	provided in this subsection.
1603	(7)(a)  The district engineer, under the procedure provided
1604	for in this subsection, shall next, after the passage of the
1605	initial resolution and filing of the plans and estimates of cost
1606	by the district engineer, prepare an assessment roll for the
1607	district in duplicate, which assessment roll shall contain an
1608	apportionment of the estimated total cost of the improvement as
1609	between the district and each lot or parcel of land subject to
1610	the special assessment under the initial resolution, such
1611	apportionment to be made in accordance with the provisions of
1612	the initial resolution. One of the duplicates of said assessment
1613	roll shall be filed with the secretary of the board and the
1614	other duplicate shall be retained by the district engineer in
1615	his or her files, all thereof to remain open to public
1616	inspection.
1617	(b)  Upon the completion and filing of said assessment
1618	roll, the secretary to the board shall cause a copy thereof to
1619	be published once in a newspaper published in Broward County and
1620	of general circulation in the district, together with a notice
1621	directed to all property owners interested in said special
1622	assessments, stating that at a meeting of the board on a certain
1623	day and hour, not earlier than 15 days after such publication,
1624	the board sitting as an equalizing board will hear objections of
1625	all interested persons to the final confirmation of such
1626	assessment roll and will finally confirm such assessment roll or
1627	take such action relative thereto as it deems necessary and
1628	advisable. A copy of the notice shall be mailed to the
1629	landowners of the land to be benefited by construction of the
1630	assessable improvement. The landowners shall be determined by
1631	reference to the last available tax roll of Broward County. The
1632	secretary of the board shall keep a record in which shall be
1633	inscribed, at the request of any person, firm, or corporation
1634	having or claiming to have any interest in any lot or parcel of
1635	land, the name and post office address of such person, firm, or
1636	corporation, together with a brief description or designation of
1637	such lot or parcel, and it shall be the duty of the secretary of
1638	the board to mail a copy of such notice to such person, firm, or
1639	corporation at such address at least 10 days before the time for
1640	the hearing as stated in such notice, but the failure of the
1641	secretary of the board to keep such record or so to inscribe any
1642	name or address or to mail any such notice shall not constitute
1643	a valid objection to holding the hearing as provided in this
1644	section or to any other action taken under the authority of this
1645	section.
1646	(c)  At the time and place named in the notice provided for
1647	in paragraph (b), the board shall meet as an equalizing board to
1648	hear and consider any and all complaints as to said special
1649	assessments, and shall adjust and equalize the said special
1650	assessments on a basis of justice and right, and when so
1651	equalized and approved such special assessments shall stand
1652	confirmed and remain legal, valid, and binding liens upon the
1653	properties upon which such special assessments are made, until
1654	paid in accordance with the provisions of this act; provided,
1655	however, that upon the completion of such improvements, if the
1656	actual cost of such assessable improvements is less than the
1657	amount of such special assessments levied, the district shall
1658	rebate to the owners of any properties which shall have been
1659	specially assessed for such assessable improvements the
1660	difference in the special assessments as originally made,
1661	levied, and confirmed, and the proportionate part of the actual
1662	cost of said assessable improvements as finally determined upon
1663	the completion of said assessable improvements; and in the event
1664	that the actual cost of said assessable improvements shall be
1665	more than the amount of such special assessments confirmed and
1666	levied, finally determined upon the completion of said
1667	assessable improvements, the proportionate part of such excess
1668	cost of such assessable improvements may be levied against all
1669	of the lands and properties against which such special
1670	assessments were originally levied, or, in the alternative, the
1671	board may, in its discretion, pay such excess cost from any
1672	legally available funds.
1673	(d)  All objections to any such assessment roll on the
1674	ground that it contains items which cannot be properly assessed
1675	against property, or that it is, for any default or defect in
1676	the passage or character of the assessment roll or the plans or
1677	specifications or estimate, void or voidable in whole or in
1678	part, or that it exceeds the power of the board, shall be made
1679	in writing in person or by attorney, and filed with the
1680	secretary of the board at or before the time or adjourned time
1681	of such hearing on the assessment roll. Any objections against
1682	the making of any assessable improvements not so made shall be
1683	considered as waived, and if any objections shall be made and
1684	overruled or shall not be sustained, the confirmation of the
1685	assessment roll shall be the final adjudication of the issue
1686	presented unless proper steps shall be taken in a court of
1687	competent jurisdiction to secure relief within 20 days.
1688	(e)  All the provisions of subsection (6) not inconsistent
1689	with this subsection shall apply to the levy of special
1690	assessments under this subsection.
1691	(8)(a)  Any assessment may be paid at the office of the
1692	secretary of the board within 60 days after the confirmation
1693	thereof, without interest. Thereafter, all assessments shall be
1694	payable in equal installments, with interest as determined by
1695	the board, not to exceed 10 percent per year, from the
1696	expiration of said 60 days in each of the succeeding number of
1697	years that the board shall determine by resolution, not
1698	exceeding 20; provided, however, that the board may provide that
1699	any assessment may be paid at any time before due, together with
1700	interest accrued thereon to the date of payment, if such prior
1701	payment shall be permitted by the proceedings authorizing any
1702	assessment bonds or other obligations for the payment of which
1703	such special assessments have been pledged.
1704	(b)  All such special assessments levied pursuant to this
1705	act may, in the discretion of the board, be collected by the tax
1706	collector of the county at the same time as the general county
1707	taxes are collected by the tax collector of the county, and the
1708	board shall in such event certify to the county tax collector in
1709	each year a list of all such special assessments and a
1710	description of and names of the owners of the properties against
1711	which such special assessments have been levied and the amounts
1712	due thereof in such year, and interest thereon for any
1713	deficiencies for prior years. The amount to be collected in such
1714	year may include, in the discretion of the board, the principal
1715	installment of such special assessments which will become due at
1716	any time in the next succeeding fiscal year, and all or any part
1717	of the interest which will become due on such special
1718	assessments during such next fiscal year, together with any
1719	deficiencies for prior years.
1720	(c)  The board may in lieu of providing for the collection
1721	of said special assessments by the tax collector of the county,
1722	provide for the collection of said special assessments by the
1723	district under such terms and conditions as the board shall
1724	determine. In such event, the bills or statements for the
1725	amounts due in any fiscal year shall be mailed to the owners of
1726	all properties affected by such special assessments at such time
1727	or times as the board shall determine and such bills or
1728	statements may include all or any part of the principal and
1729	interest which will mature and become due on the annual
1730	installments of such special assessments during the fiscal year
1731	in which installments of such special assessments are payable.
1732	(d)  All charges of the county tax collector or of the
1733	district, and the fees, costs, and expenses of any paying
1734	agents, trustees, or other fiduciaries for assessment bonds
1735	issued under this act, shall be deemed to be costs of the
1736	operation and maintenance of any drainage improvements in
1737	connection with which such special assessments were levied and
1738	the board shall be authorized and directed to provide for the
1739	payment each year of such costs of collection, fees, and other
1740	expenses from the maintenance tax as provided in this act as
1741	shall be mutually agreed upon between the board and the county
1742	tax collector as additional compensation for his or her services
1743	for each such assessment district in which the special
1744	assessments are collected by him or her.
1745	(e)  All assessments shall constitute a lien upon the
1746	property so assessed from the date of final confirmation
1747	thereof, of the same nature and to the same extent as the lien
1748	for general county taxes falling due in the same year or years
1749	in which such assessments or installments thereof fall due, and
1750	any assessment or installment not paid when due shall be
1751	collectable with such interest and with a reasonable attorney?s
1752	fee and costs, but without penalties, by the district by
1753	proceedings in a court of equity to foreclose the line of
1754	assessments as a lien for mortgages is or may be foreclosed
1755	under the laws of the state; provided that any such proceedings
1756	to foreclose shall embrace all installments of principal
1757	remaining unpaid with accrued interest thereon, which
1758	installments shall, by virtue of the institution of such
1759	proceedings, immediately become due and payable. Nevertheless,
1760	if, prior to any sale of the property under decree of
1761	foreclosure in such proceedings, payment is made of the
1762	installment or installments which are shown to be due under the
1763	provisions of subsection (6) or subsection (7) and all costs,
1764	including interest and reasonable attorney?s fees, such payment
1765	shall have the effect of restoring the remaining installments to
1766	their original maturities as provided by the resolution passed
1767	pursuant to this subsection and the proceedings shall be
1768	dismissed. It shall be the duty of the board to enforce the
1769	prompt collection of assessment by the means herein provided,
1770	and such duty may be enforced at the suit of any holder of bonds
1771	issued under this act in a court of competent jurisdiction by
1772	mandamus or other appropriate proceedings or action. Not later
1773	than 30 days after the annual installments are due and payable,
1774	it shall be the duty of the board to direct the attorney for the
1775	district to institute actions within 2 months after such
1776	direction to enforce the collection of all special assessments
1777	for assessable improvements made under this section and
1778	remaining due and unpaid at the time of such direction. Such
1779	action shall be prosecuted in the manner and under the
1780	conditions in and under which mortgages are foreclosed under the
1781	laws of the state. It shall be lawful to join in one action the
1782	collection of assessments against any or all property assessed
1783	by virtue of the same assessment roll unless the court shall
1784	deem such joinder prejudicial to the interest of any defendant.
1785	The court shall allow a reasonable attorney?s fee for the
1786	attorney for the district and the same shall be collectable as a
1787	part of or in addition to the costs of the action. At the sale
1788	pursuant to decree in any such action, the district may be a
1789	purchaser to the same extent as an individual person or
1790	corporation, except that the part of the purchase price
1791	represented by the assessments sued upon and the interest
1792	thereon need not be paid in cash. Property so acquired by the
1793	district may be sold or otherwise disposed of.
1794	(f)  All assessments and charges made under the provisions
1795	of this section for the payment of all or any part of the cost
1796	of any assessable improvements for which assessment bonds shall
1797	have been issued under the provisions of this act, or which have
1798	been pledged as additional security for any other bonds or
1799	obligations issued under this act, shall be maintained in a
1800	special fund or funds and be used only for the payment of
1801	principal or interest on such assessment bonds or other bonds or
1802	obligations.
1803	(g)  Broward County and each school district and other
1804	political subdivision wholly or partly within the district shall
1805	possess the same power and be subject to the same duties and
1806	liabilities in respect of assessments under this section
1807	affecting the real estate of such county, school district, or
1808	other political subdivision that private owners of real estate
1809	possess or are subject to hereunder, and such real estate of any
1810	such county, school district, and political subdivision shall be
1811	subject to liens for said assessments in all cases where the
1812	same property would be subject to such liens had it at the time
1813	the lien attached been owned by a private owner.
1814	Section 43.  Issuance of certificates of indebtedness based
1815	on assessments for assessable improvements; assessment bonds.--
1816	(1)  The board may, after any assessments for assessable
1817	improvements are made, determined, and confirmed as provided in
1818	section 42, issue certificates of indebtedness for the amount so
1819	assessed against the abutting property or property otherwise
1820	benefited, as the case may be, and separate certificates shall
1821	be issued against each part or parcel of land or property
1822	assessed, which certificates shall state the general nature of
1823	the improvement for which the said assessment is made. Said
1824	certificates shall be payable in annual installments in
1825	accordance with the installments of the special assessment for
1826	which they are issued. The board may determine the interest to
1827	be borne by such certificates, not to exceed 10 percent per
1828	year, and may sell such certificates at either private or public
1829	sale and determine the form, manner of execution, and other
1830	details of such certificates. Such certificates shall recite
1831	that they are payable only from the special assessments levied
1832	and collected from the part or parcel of land or property
1833	against which they are issued. The proceeds of such certificates
1834	may be pledged for the payment of principal of and interest on
1835	any revenue bonds or general obligation bonds issued to finance
1836	in whole or in part such assessable improvement, or, if not so
1837	pledged, may be used to pay the cost or part of the cost of such
1838	assessable improvements.
1839	(2)  The district may also issue assessment bonds or other
1840	obligations payable from a special fund into which such
1841	certificates of indebtedness referred to in subsection (1) may
1842	be deposited; or, if such certificates of indebtedness have not
1843	been issued, the district may assign to such special fund for
1844	the benefit of the holders of such assessment bonds or other
1845	obligations, or to a trustee for such bondholders, the
1846	assessment liens provided for in this act unless such
1847	certificates of indebtedness or assessment liens have been
1848	theretofore pledged for any bonds or other obligations
1849	authorized hereunder. In the event of the creation of such
1850	special fund and the issuance of such assessment bonds or other
1851	obligations, the proceeds of such certificates of indebtedness
1852	of assessment liens deposited therein shall be used only for the
1853	payment of the assessment bonds or other obligations issued as
1854	provided in this section. The district is hereby authorized to
1855	covenant with the holders of such assessment bonds or other
1856	obligations that it will diligently and faithfully enforce and
1857	collect all the special assessments and interest and penalties
1858	thereon for which such certificates of indebtedness or
1859	assessment liens have been deposited in or assigned to such fund
1860	and to foreclose such assessment liens so assigned to such
1861	special fund or represented by the certificates of indebtedness
1862	deposited in said special fund, after such assessment liens have
1863	become delinquent, and deposit the proceeds derived from such
1864	foreclosure, including interest and penalties, in such special
1865	fund, and to make any other covenants deemed necessary or
1866	advisable in order to properly secure the holders of such
1867	assessment bonds or other obligations.
1868	(3)  The assessment bonds or other obligations issued
1869	pursuant to this section shall have such dates of issue and
1870	maturity as shall be deemed advisable by the board, provided,
1871	however, that the maturities of such assessment bonds or other
1872	obligations shall not be more than 2 years after the due date of
1873	the last installment which will be payable on any of the special
1874	assessments for which such assessment liens, or the certificates
1875	of indebtedness representing such assessment liens, are assigned
1876	to or deposited in such special fund.
1877	(4)  Such assessment bonds or other obligations issued
1878	pursuant to this section shall bear such interest as the board
1879	may determine not to exceed 10 percent per year, shall be
1880	executed, shall have such provisions for redemption prior to
1881	maturity, and shall be sold in the manner and be subject to all
1882	of the applicable provisions contained in this act for revenue
1883	bonds, except as the same may be inconsistent with the
1884	provisions of this section.
1885	(5)  All assessment bonds or other obligations issued under
1886	the provisions of this act, except certificates of indebtedness
1887	issued against separate lots or parcels of land or property as
1888	provided in this section, shall be and constitute and have all
1889	the qualities and incidents of negotiable instruments under the
1890	law merchange and the laws of the state.
1891	Section 44.  Foreclosure of liens.--Any lien in favor of
1892	the district arising under chapter 298, Florida Statutes, or
1893	under this act may be foreclosed by the district by foreclosure
1894	proceedings in the name of the district in the circuit court in
1895	like manner as is provided in chapter 173, Florida Statutes, and
1896	amendments thereto, and the provisions of said chapter shall be
1897	applicable to such proceedings with the same force and effect as
1898	if said provisions were expressly set forth in this act. Any act
1899	required or authorized to be done by or on behalf of a city or
1900	town in foreclosure proceedings under chapter 173, Florida
1901	Statutes, may be performed by such officer or agent of the
1902	district as the board of supervisors may designate. Such
1903	foreclosure proceedings may be brought at any time after the
1904	expiration of 1 year after the date any tax, or installment
1905	thereof, becomes delinquent.
1906	Section 45.  Payment of taxes and redemption of tax liens
1907	by the district; sharing in proceeds of tax sale under section
1908	194.21, Florida Statutes, as amended.--
1909	(1)  The district has the right to:
1910	(a)  Pay any delinquent state, county, district, municipal,
1911	or other tax or assessment upon lands located wholly or
1912	partially within the boundaries of the district.
1913	(b)  Redeem or purchase any tax sales certificate issued or
1914	sold on account of any state, county, district, municipality, or
1915	other taxes or assessments upon lands located wholly or
1916	partially within the boundaries of the district.
1917	(2)  Delinquent taxes paid, or tax sales certificates
1918	redeemed or purchased, by the district, together with all
1919	penalties for the default in payment of the same and all costs
1920	in collecting the same and a reasonable attorney?s fee, shall
1921	constitute a lien in favor of the district of equal dignity with
1922	the liens of state and county taxes and other taxes of equal
1923	dignity with state and county taxes, upon all the real property
1924	against which said taxes were levied. The lien of the district
1925	may be foreclosed in the manner provided in this act.
1926	(3)  In any sale of land pursuant to section 194.21,
1927	Florida Statutes, and amendments thereto, the district may
1928	certify to the clerk of the circuit court of the county holding
1929	such sale the amount of taxes due to the district upon the lands
1930	sought to be sold, and the district shall share in the
1931	disbursement of the sales proceeds in accordance with the
1932	provisions of this act and under law.
1933	Section 46.  Mandatory use of certain district facilities
1934	and services.--The district may require all lands, buildings,
1935	and premises, and all persons, firms, and corporations within
1936	the district to use the drainage, reclamation, and water and
1937	sewer facilities of the district. Subject to such exceptions as
1938	may be provided by the resolutions, rules, or bylaws of the
1939	board, and subject to the terms and provisions of any resolution
1940	authorizing any bonds and agreements with bondholders, no
1941	drainage and reclamation or water and sewer facilities shall be
1942	constructed or operated within the district unless the board
1943	gives its consent thereto and approves the plans and
1944	specifications therefor.
1945	Section 47.  Bids required.--No contract shall be let by
1946	the board for the construction or maintenance of any project
1947	authorized by this act, nor shall any goods, supplies, or
1948	materials be purchased when the amount thereof to be paid by
1949	said district shall exceed $4,000, unless notice of bids shall
1950	be advertised once a week for 2 consecutive weeks in a newspaper
1951	published in Broward County and of general circulation in the
1952	district, and in each case the bid of the lowest responsible
1953	bidder shall be accepted, unless all bids are rejected because
1954	the bids are too high. The board may require the bidders to
1955	furnish bond with responsible surety to be approved by the
1956	board. Nothing in this section shall prevent the board from
1957	undertaking and performing the construction, operation, and
1958	maintenance of any project or facility authorized by this act,
1959	by the employment of labor, material, and machinery.
1960	Section 48.  Maintenance of projects across
1961	rights-of-ways.?The district shall have the power to construct
1962	and operate its projects in, along, or under any dedications to
1963	the public, platted rights-of-ways, platted reservations,
1964	streets, alleys, highways, or other public places or ways, and
1965	across any drain, ditch, canal, floodway, holding basin,
1966	excavation, grade, fill, or cut, within or without the district.
1967	Section 49.  Agreements with state commissions and
1968	others.--The board shall have the power to retain and enter into
1969	agreements with fiscal agents, financial advisors, state
1970	commissions, engineers, and other consultants or advisors with
1971	respect to the issuance and sale of any bonds, and the cost and
1972	expense thereof may be treated as part of the cost and expense
1973	of such project. Upon request of the board, any state commission
1974	may provide such technical assistance or other services relating
1975	to bond issues as may be necessary or desirable under the
1976	circumstances.
1977	Section 50.  Agreements with other political bodies for the
1978	joint discharge of common functions.--The board and any other
1979	political bodies, whether now in existence or hereafter created,
1980	are authorized to enter into and carry into effect contracts and
1981	agreements relating to the common powers, duties, and functions
1982	of the board and any other political bodies, to the end that
1983	there may be effective cooperation and coordination in
1984	discharging their common functions, powers, and duties.
1985	Section 51.  Fees, rentals, and charges; procedure for
1986	adoption and modifications; minimum revenue requirements.--
1987	(1)  The district is authorized to prescribe, fix,
1988	establish, and collect rates, fees, rentals, or other charges,
1989	hereinafter sometimes referred to by the term ?revenues,? and to
1990	revise the same from time to time, for the facilities and
1991	services furnished by the district, within or without the limits
1992	of the district, including, but not limited to, drainage
1993	facilities, recreation facilities, and water and sewer systems,
1994	to recover the costs of making connection with any district
1995	facility or system; and to provide for reasonable penalties
1996	against any user or property for any such rates, fees, rentals,
1997	or other charges that are delinquent.
1998	(2)  No such rates, fees, rentals, or other charges for any
1999	of the facilities or services of the district shall be fixed
2000	until after a public hearing at which all the users of the
2001	proposed facility or services or owners, tenants, or occupants
2002	served or to be served thereby and all other interested persons
2003	shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning the proposed
2004	rates, fees, rentals, or other charges. Notice of such public
2005	hearing setting forth the proposed schedule or schedules of
2006	rates, fees, rentals, and other charges shall have been
2007	published in a newspaper in Broward County and of general
2008	circulation in the district at least once at least 10 days prior
2009	to such public hearing, which may be adjourned from time to
2010	time. After such hearing, such schedule or schedules, either as
2011	initially proposed, or as modified or amended, may be finally
2012	adopted. A copy of the schedule or schedules of such rates,
2013	fees, rentals, or charges as finally adopted shall be kept on
2014	file in an office designated by the board and shall be open at
2015	all reasonable times to public inspection. The rates, fees,
2016	rentals, or charges so fixed for any class of users or property
2017	served shall be extended to cover any additional users or
2018	properties thereafter served that shall fall in the same class,
2019	without the necessity of any notice or hearing. Any change or
2020	revision of rates, fees, rentals, or charges may be made in the
2021	same manner as the same were originally established, as
2022	hereinabove provided, except that if such changes or revisions
2023	are made substantially pro rata as to all classes of the type of
2024	service involved, no notice or hearing shall be required.
2025	(3)  Such rates, fees, rentals, and charges shall be just
2026	and equitable and uniform for users of the same class, and where
2027	appropriate may be based or computed either upon the amount of
2028	service furnished or upon the number or average number of
2029	persons residing or working or otherwise occupying the premises
2030	served, or upon any other factor affecting the use of the
2031	facilities furnished, or upon any combination of the foregoing
2032	factors, as may be determined by the board on an equitable
2033	basis.
2034	(4)  The rates, fees, rentals, or other charges prescribed
2035	shall be such as will produce revenues, together with any other
2036	assessments, taxes, revenues, or funds available or pledged for
2037	such purpose, at least sufficient to provide for the items
2038	hereinafter listed, but not necessarily in the order stated:
2039	(a) To provide for all expenses of operation and
2040	maintenance of such facility or service.
2041	(b) To pay when due all bonds and interest thereon for the
2042	payment of which such revenues are, or shall have been, pledged
2043	or encumbered, including reserves for such purpose.
2044	(c) To provide for any other funds that may be required
2045	under the resolution or resolutions authorizing the issuance of
2046	bonds pursuant to this act.
2047	(5)  The board shall have the power to enter into contracts
2048	for the use of the projects of the district and with respect to
2049	the services and facilities furnished or to be furnished by the
2050	district, including, but not limited to, service agreements with
2051	landowners and others within or without the district providing
2052	for the drainage of land by the district or the furnishing of
2053	any of the other services and facilities of the district, for
2054	such consideration and on such other terms and conditions as the
2055	board may approve. No hearing or notice thereof shall be
2056	required prior to the authorization or execution by the board of
2057	any such contract or agreement, and the same shall not be
2058	subject to revision except in accordance with their terms. Such
2059	contracts or agreements, and revenues or service charges
2060	received or to be received by the district thereunder, may be
2061	pledged as security for any of the lands of the district.
2062	Section 52.  Recovery of delinquent charges.--In the event
2063	that any of the rates, fees, rentals, charges, or delinquent
2064	penalties shall not be paid as and when due and shall be in
2065	default for 30 days or more, the unpaid balance thereof and all
2066	interest accrued thereon, together with reasonable attorney?s
2067	fees and costs, may be recovered by the district in a civil
2068	action.
2069	Section 53.  Discontinuance of service.--In the event that
2070	the fees, rentals, or other charges for the services and
2071	facilities of any project are not paid when due, the board shall
2072	have the power to discontinue and shut off the same until such
2073	fees, rentals, or other charges, including interest, penalties,
2074	and charges for the shutting off and discontinuance and the
2075	restoration of such services and facilities, are fully paid, and
2076	for such purposes may enter on any lands, waters, and premises
2077	of any person, firm, corporation, or body, public or private,
2078	within or without the district limits. Such delinquent fees,
2079	rentals, or other charges, together with interest, penalties,
2080	and charges for the shutting off and discontinuance and the
2081	restoration of such services and facilities, and the reasonable
2082	attorney?s fees and other expenses, may be recovered by the
2083	district, which may also enforce payment of such delinquent
2084	fees, rentals, or other charges by any other lawful method of
2085	enforcement.
2086	Section 54.  Action taken on consent of landowners.--Any
2087	action required under this act or under chapter 298, Florida
2088	Statutes, to be taken on public hearing for the purpose of
2089	receiving and passing on objections by landowners may be taken
2090	without such notice or hearing upon the written consent of all
2091	of the landowners affected by such action.
2092	Section 55.  Enforcement and penalties.--The board or any
2093	aggrieved person may have recourse to such remedies in law and
2094	equity as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the
2095	provisions of this act, including injunctive relief to enjoin or
2096	restrain any person violating the provisions of this act, and
2097	any bylaws, resolutions, regulations, rules, codes, and orders
2098	adopted under this act. In case any building or structure is
2099	erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired,
2100	converted, or maintained, or any building, structure, land, or
2101	water is used, in violation of this act, or of any code, order,
2102	resolution, or other regulation made under authority conferred
2103	by this act or under law, the board and any citizen residing in
2104	the district may institute any appropriate action or proceeding
2105	to prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction,
2106	alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance, or use; to
2107	restrain, correct, or avoid such violation; to prevent the
2108	occupancy of such building, structure, land, or water; and to
2109	prevent any illegal act, conduct, business, or use in or about
2110	such premises, land, or water.
2111	Section 56.  Suits against the district.--No suit or action
2112	shall be brought or maintained against the district for damages
2113	arising out of tort or breach of contract, including, without
2114	limitation, any claim arising upon account of an act causing a
2115	wrongful death, unless written notice of such claim is received
2116	within 180 days after receiving the alleged injury given to the
2117	secretary of the board, with detailed specifications as to the
2118	time, place, and manner of injury. No such suit or action shall
2119	be brought or maintained unless brought within 24 months after
2120	the time of the injury or damages.
2121	Section 57.  Exemption of district property from
2122	execution.--All district property shall be exempt from levy and
2123	sale by virtue of an execution and no execution or other
2124	judicial process shall issue against such property, nor shall
2125	any judgment against the district be a charge or lien on its
2126	property or revenues, provided that nothing herein contained
2127	shall apply to or limit the rights of bondholders to pursue any
2128	remedy for the enforcement of any lien or pledge given by the
2129	district in connection with any of the bonds or obligations of
2130	the district.
2131	Section 4.  Chapters 70-617 and 89-419, Laws of Florida,
2132	are repealed.
2133	Section 5.  If any one or more of the sections or
2134	provisions of this act or the application of such sections or
2135	provisions to any situation, circumstance, or person shall for
2136	any reason be held to be unconstitutional, such
2137	unconstitutionality shall not affect any other sections or
2138	provisions as to any other situation, circumstance, or person,
2139	and it is intended that this law shall be construed and applied
2140	as if such section or provision had not been included herein for
2141	any unconstitutional application.
2142	Section 6.  This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.