HB 1559

1
A bill to be entitled
2An act relating to Brevard County; creating the Viera
3Stewardship District; providing a short title; providing
4legislative findings and intent; providing definitions;
5stating legislative policy regarding creation of the
6district; establishing compliance with minimum
7requirements in s. 189.404(3), F.S., for creation of an
8independent special district; providing for creation and
9establishment of the district; establishing the legal
10boundaries of the district; providing for the jurisdiction
11and charter of the district; providing for a board of
12supervisors and establishing membership criteria and
13election procedures; providing for board members' terms of
14office; providing for board meetings; providing for
15administrative duties of the board; providing a method for
16transition of the board from landowner control to control
17by the resident electors of the district; providing for a
18district manager and district personnel; providing for a
19district treasurer, selection of a public depository, and
20district budgets and financial reports; providing for the
21general powers of the district; providing for the special
22powers of the district to plan, finance, and provide
23community infrastructure and services within the district;
24providing for required notices to purchasers of
25residential units within the district; providing
26severability; providing for a referendum; providing an
27effective date.
28
29Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
30
31     Section 1.  Short title.--This act may be cited as the
32"Viera Stewardship District Act."
33     Section 2.  Legislative findings and intent; definitions;
34policy.--
35     (1)  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT.--
36     (a)  The extensive lands located within Brevard County and
37covered by this act contain many opportunities for thoughtful,
38comprehensive, environmentally responsible, and consistent
39development over a long period.
40     (b)  There is a particular special need to use a
41specialized and limited single-purpose independent special
42district unit of local government for the district lands located
43within Brevard County and covered by this act to prevent urban
44sprawl by providing sustaining and freestanding infrastructure
45and by preventing needless and counterproductive community
46development when the existing urban area is not yet developed,
47and to prevent the needless duplication, fragmentation, and
48proliferation of local government services in a proposed land
49use area.
50     (c)  The establishment of such a limited specialized
51single-purpose local government for the district lands will
52serve a necessary and useful public purpose by providing an
53efficient and effective method of ensuring the long-term
54stewardship of environmental and conservation resources within
55the district through the comprehensive management of the
56district's ecosystem, including, but not limited to, the
57implementation and administration of habitat protection and
58management plans approved by regulatory agencies having
59jurisdiction and the local governing authority.
60     (d)  The creation and establishment of the district will
61constitute a timely, efficient, effective, responsive, and
62economical method to deliver capital infrastructure, facilities,
63and services to accommodate the growth projected under Brevard
64County's comprehensive land use plan for the extensive lands
65comprising the district, by providing a legitimate alternative
66method for owning, operating, constructing, and financing such
67infrastructure, facilities, and services which will not
68overburden local general purpose governments and their
69taxpayers.
70     (e)  While chapter 190, Florida Statutes, provides an
71opportunity for community development services and facilities to
72be provided by the establishment of community development
73districts in a manner that furthers the public interest, given
74the vast nature of the lands covered by this act and the
75potentially long-term nature of its development, establishing
76multiple community development districts over these lands would
77result in an inefficient, duplicative, and needless
78proliferation of local special purpose government, contrary to
79the public interest and the Legislature's findings in chapter
80190, Florida Statutes. Instead, it is in the public interest
81that the long-range provision for, and management, financing,
82and long-term maintenance, upkeep, and operation of, services
83and facilities to be provided for ultimate development of the
84lands covered by this act be under one coordinated entity.
85     (f)  Longer involvement of the initial landowner with
86regard to the provision of systems, facilities, and services for
87the district lands, coupled with a severely limited and highly
88specialized single purpose of the district is in the public
89interest.
90     (g)  Any public or private system to provide infrastructure
91improvements, systems, facilities, and services to these lands
92must be focused on an unfettered, highly specialized,
93innovative, responsive, and accountable mechanism to provide the
94components of infrastructure at sustained levels of high quality
95over the long term only when and as needed for such a unique
96community in such a unique area.
97     (h)  There is a need to coincide the use and special
98attributes of various public and private alternatives for the
99provision of infrastructure to such a community development,
100including the limited, flexible, focused, and locally
101accountable management and related financing capabilities of
102independent special-purpose local government.
103     (i)  The existence and use of such a limited specialized
104single purpose local government for the district lands, subject
105to the respective county comprehensive plans, will result in a
106high propensity to provide for orderly development and prevent
107urban sprawl; protect and preserve environmental, conservation,
108and agricultural uses and assets; enhance the market value for
109both present and future landowners of the property consistent
110with the need to protect private property; enhance the net
111economic benefit to the Brevard County area, including an
112enhanced and well-maintained tax base to the benefit of all
113present and future taxpayers in Brevard County; and result in
114the sharing of costs of providing certain systems, facilities,
115and services in an innovative, sequential, and flexible manner
116within the developing area to be serviced by the district.
117     (j)  The creation and establishment of the district will
118encourage local government financial self-sufficiency in
119providing public facilities and in identifying and implementing
120physically sound, innovative, and cost-effective techniques to
121provide and finance public facilities while encouraging
122development, use, and coordination of capital improvement plans
123by all levels of government, pursuant to chapter 187, Florida
124Statutes.
125     (k)  The creation and establishment of the district will
126encourage and enhance cooperation among communities that have
127unique assets, irrespective of political boundaries, to bring
128the private and public sectors together for establishing an
129orderly and environmentally and economically sound plan for
130current and future needs and growth.
131     (l)  In order to be responsive to the critical timing
132required through the exercise of its special management
133functions, an independent district requires financing of those
134functions, including bondable lienable and nonlienable revenue,
135with full and continuing public disclosure and accountability,
136funded by landowners, both present and future, and funded also
137by users of the systems, facilities, and services provided to
138the land area by the district, without unduly burdening the
139taxpayers and citizens of the state, Brevard County, or any
140municipality therein.
141     (m)  The district created and established by this act shall
142not have or exercise any comprehensive planning, zoning, or
143development permitting power; the establishment of the district
144shall not be considered a development order within the meaning
145of chapter 380, Florida Statutes; and all applicable planning
146and permitting laws, rules, regulations, and policies of Brevard
147County control the development of the land to be serviced by the
148district.
149     (n)  The creation by this act of the Viera Stewardship
150District is not inconsistent with the Brevard County
151comprehensive plan.
152     (o)  It is the legislative intent and purpose that no debt
153or obligation of the district constitute a burden on any local
154general-purpose government without its consent.
155     (2)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this act:
156     (a)  "Ad valorem bonds" means bonds which are payable from
157the proceeds of ad valorem taxes levied on real and tangible
158personal property and which are generally referred to as general
159obligation bonds.
160     (b)  "Assessable improvements" means, without limitation,
161any and all public improvements and community facilities that
162the district is empowered to provide in accordance with this act
163that provide a special benefit to property within the district.
164     (c)  "Assessment bonds" means special obligations of the
165district which are payable solely from proceeds of the special
166assessments or benefit special assessments levied for assessable
167improvements, provided that, in lieu of issuing assessment bonds
168to fund the costs of assessable improvements, the district may
169issue revenue bonds for such purposes payable from special
170assessments.
171     (d)  "Assessments" means those nonmillage district
172assessments which include special assessments, benefit special
173assessments, and maintenance special assessments and a
174nonmillage, non-ad valorem maintenance tax if authorized by
175general law.
176     (e)  "Benefit special assessments" are district assessments
177imposed, levied, and collected pursuant to the provisions of
178section 6(12)(b).
179     (f)  "Board of supervisors" or "board" means the governing
180board of the district or, if such board has been abolished, the
181board, body, or commission assuming the principal functions
182thereof or to whom the powers given to the board by this act
183have been given by law.
184     (g)  "Bond" includes "certificate" and the provisions that
185are applicable to bonds are equally applicable to certificates.
186The term "bond" includes any general obligation bond, assessment
187bond, refunding bond, revenue bond, and other such obligation in
188the nature of a bond as is provided for in this act.
189     (h)  "Cost" or "costs," when used with reference to any
190project, includes, but is not limited to:
191     1.  The expenses of determining the feasibility or
192practicability of acquisition, construction, or reconstruction.
193     2.  The cost of surveys, estimates, plans, and
194specifications.
195     3.  The cost of improvements.
196     4.  Planning, engineering, designing, fiscal, legal, and
197other professional and consultant expenses and charges.
198     5.  The cost of all labor, materials, machinery, and
199equipment.
200     6.  The cost of all lands, properties, rights, easements,
201and franchises acquired.
202     7.  Financing charges.
203     8.  The creation of initial reserve and debt service funds.
204     9.  Working capital.
205     10.  Interest charges incurred or estimated to be incurred
206on money borrowed prior to and during construction and
207acquisition and for such reasonable period of time after
208completion of construction or acquisition as the board may
209determine.
210     11.  The cost of issuance of bonds pursuant to this act,
211including advertisements and printing.
212     12.  The cost of any bond or tax referendum held pursuant
213to this act and all other expenses of issuance of bonds.
214     13.  The discount, if any, on the sale or exchange of
215bonds.
216     14.  Administrative expenses.
217     15.  Such other expenses as may be necessary or incidental
218to the acquisition, disposition, transfer, construction, or
219reconstruction of any project, to the financing thereof, or to
220the development of any lands within the district.
221     16.  Payments, contributions, dedications, and any other
222exactions required as a condition of receiving any governmental
223approval or permit necessary to accomplish any district purpose.
224     (i)  "District" means the Viera Stewardship District.
225     (j)  "District manager" means the manager of the district.
226     (k)  "District roads" means highways, streets, roads,
227alleys, sidewalks, landscaping, storm drains, bridges, and
228thoroughfares of all kinds.
229     (l)  "General obligation bonds" means bonds which are
230secured by, or provide for their payment by, the pledge of the
231full faith and credit and taxing power of the district, in
232addition to those special taxes levied for their discharge and
233such other sources as may be provided for their payment or
234pledged as security under the resolution authorizing their
235issuance, and for payment of which recourse may be had against
236the general fund of the district.
237     (m)  "Governing board member" means any member of the board
238of supervisors.
239     (n)  "Land development regulations" means those regulations
240of general purpose local government, adopted under the Florida
241Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development
242Regulation Act, part II of chapter 163, Florida Statutes, to
243which the district is subject and as to which the district may
244not do anything that is inconsistent. Land development
245regulations shall not mean specific management, engineering,
246planning, operating, and other criteria and standards needed in
247the daily management, implementation, and provision by the
248district of systems, facilities, services, works, improvements,
249projects, or infrastructure, including design criteria and
250standards, so long as they remain subject to and are not
251inconsistent with the applicable land development regulations.
252     (o)  "Landowner" means the owner of a freehold estate as it
253appears on the deed record, including a trustee, a private
254corporation, and an owner of a condominium unit. "Landowner"
255does not include a reversioner, remainderman, mortgagee, or any
256governmental entity, who shall not be counted and need not be
257notified of proceedings under this act. "Landowner" also means
258the owner of a ground lease from a governmental entity, which
259leasehold interest has a remaining term, excluding all renewal
260options, in excess of 50 years.
261     (p)  "General-purpose local government" means a county,
262municipality, or consolidated city-county government.
263     (q)  "Maintenance special assessments" are assessments
264imposed, levied, and collected pursuant to the provisions of
265section 6(12)(d).
266     (r)  "Non-ad valorem assessment" means only those
267assessments which are not based upon millage and which can
268become a lien against a homestead as permitted in s. 4, Art. X
269of the State Constitution.
270     (s)  "Powers" means powers used and exercised by the board
271to accomplish the single, limited, and special purpose of the
272district, including:
273     1.  "General powers" means those organizational and
274administrative powers of the district as provided in this
275charter in order to carry out its single special purpose as a
276local government public corporate body politic.
277     2.  "Special powers" means those powers enumerated by the
278district charter to implement its specialized systems,
279facilities, services, projects, improvements, and infrastructure
280and related functions in order to carry out its single
281specialized purpose.
282     3.  Any other powers, authority, or functions set forth in
283this act or in chapter 189 or chapter 190, Florida Statutes.
284     (t)  "Project" means any development, improvement,
285property, power, utility, facility, enterprise, service, system,
286works, or infrastructure now existing or hereafter undertaken or
287established under the provisions of this act.
288     (u)  "Qualified elector" means any person at least 18 years
289of age who is a citizen of the United States and a legal
290resident of the state and of the district and who registers to
291vote with the Supervisor of Elections of Brevard County.
292     (v)  "Refunding bonds" means bonds issued to refinance
293outstanding bonds of any type and the interest and redemption
294premium thereon. Refunding bonds shall be issuable and payable
295in the same manner as refinanced bonds, except that no approval
296by the electorate shall be required unless required by the State
297Constitution.
298     (w)  "Revenue bonds" means obligations of the district that
299are payable from revenues, including, but not limited to,
300special assessments and benefit special assessments, derived
301from sources other than ad valorem taxes on real or tangible
302personal property and that do not pledge the property, credit,
303or general tax revenue of the district.
304     (x)  "Sewer system" means any plant, system, facility, or
305property, and additions, extensions, and improvements thereto at
306any future time constructed or acquired as part thereof, useful
307or necessary or having the present capacity for future use in
308connection with the collection, treatment, purification, or
309disposal of sewage, including, but not limited to, industrial
310wastes resulting from any process of industry, manufacture,
311trade, or business or from the development of any natural
312resource. "Sewer system" also includes treatment plants, pumping
313stations, lift stations, valves, force mains, intercepting
314sewers, laterals, pressure lines, mains, and all necessary
315appurtenances and equipment; all sewer mains, laterals, and
316other devices for the reception and collection of sewage from
317premises connected therewith; and all real and personal property
318and any interest therein, and rights, easements, and franchises
319of any nature relating to any such system and necessary or
320convenient for operation thereof.
321     (y)  "Special assessments" means assessments as imposed,
322levied, and collected by the district for the costs of
323assessable improvements pursuant to the provisions of this act,
324chapter 170, Florida Statutes, and the additional authority
325under section 197.3631, Florida Statutes, or other provisions of
326general law, now or hereinafter enacted, which provide or
327authorize a supplemental means to impose, levy, or collect
328special assessments.
329     (z)  "Taxes" or "tax" means those levies and impositions of
330the board that support and pay for government and the
331administration of law and that may be:
332     1.  Ad valorem or property taxes based upon both the
333appraised value of property and millage, at a rate uniform
334within the jurisdiction; or
335     2.  If and when authorized by general law, non-ad valorem
336maintenance taxes not based on millage that are used to maintain
337district systems, facilities, and services.
338     (aa)  "Viera Stewardship District" means the unit of
339special and single purpose local government created and
340chartered by this act, including the creation of its charter,
341and limited to the performance, in implementing its single
342purpose, of those general and special powers authorized by its
343charter under this act, the boundaries of which are set forth by
344the act, the governing head of which is created and authorized
345to operate with legal existence by this act, and the purpose of
346which is as set forth in this act.
347     (bb)  "Water management and control facilities" means any
348lakes, canals, ditches, reservoirs, dams, impoundments, levees,
349sluiceways, floodways, pumping stations, or any other works,
350structures, or facilities for the conservation, control,
351development, utilization, and disposal of nonpotable water, and
352any purposes appurtenant, necessary or incidental thereto. The
353term "water management and control facilities" includes all real
354and personal property and any interest therein, rights,
355easements, and franchises of any nature relating to any such
356water management and control facilities or necessary or
357convenient for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction,
358operation or maintenance thereof.
359     (cc)  "Water system" means any plant, system, facility, or
360property, and any addition, extension, or improvement thereto at
361any future time constructed or acquired as a part thereof,
362useful, necessary, or having the present capacity for future use
363in connection with the development of sources, treatment,
364purification, or distribution of water. "Water system" also
365includes dams, reservoirs, storage tanks, mains, lines, valves,
366pumping stations, laterals, and pipes for the purpose of
367carrying water to the premises connected with such system, and
368all rights, easements, and franchises of any nature relating to
369any such system and necessary or convenient for the operation
370thereof.
371     (3)  POLICY.--Based upon its findings, ascertainments,
372determinations, intent, purpose, and definitions, the
373Legislature states its policy expressly:
374     (a)  The district and the district charter, with its
375general and special powers, as created in this act, are
376essential and the best alternative for the residential,
377commercial, and other community uses, projects, or functions in
378the included portions of Brevard County consistent with the
379effective comprehensive plans and designed to serve a lawful
380public purpose.
381     (b)  The district, which is a local government and
382political subdivision, is limited to its special purpose as
383expressed in this act, with the power to provide, plan,
384implement, construct, operate, maintain, repair, improve,
385replace, manage, and finance as a local government management
386entity its systems, facilities, services, improvements,
387infrastructure, and projects and possessing financing powers to
388fund its management power over the long term and with sustained
389levels of high quality.
390     (c)  The creation of the Viera Stewardship District by and
391pursuant to this act, and its exercise of its management and
392related financing powers to implement its limited, single, and
393special purpose, is not a development order and does not trigger
394or invoke any provision within the meaning of chapter 380,
395Florida Statutes, and all applicable governmental planning,
396environmental, and land development laws, regulations, rules,
397policies, and ordinances apply to all development of the land
398within the jurisdiction of the district as created by this act.
399Moreover, the creation of the district itself shall neither
400cause a reclassification for assessment purposes of any
401agricultural lands within the district, nor prohibit or preclude
402the use of any land within the district for agricultural
403purposes or for any use related thereto.
404     (d)  The district shall operate and function subject to,
405and not inconsistent with, the comprehensive plan of Brevard
406County and any applicable development orders, zoning
407regulations, and other land development regulations.
408     (e)  The special and single purpose Viera Stewardship
409District shall not have the power of a general-purpose local
410government to adopt a comprehensive plan or related land
411development regulation as those terms are defined in the Local
412Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development
413Regulation Act.
414     (f)  This act may be amended, in whole or in part, only by
415special act of the Legislature. No amendment to this act that
416alters the district boundaries or the general or special powers
417of the district may be considered by the Legislature unless it
418is accompanied by a resolution or official statement as provided
419for in section 189.404(2)(e)4., Florida Statutes.
420     Section 3.  Minimum charter requirements; creation and
421establishment; jurisdiction; construction; charter with legal
422description.--
423     (1)  Pursuant to section 189.404(3), Florida Statutes, the
424Legislature sets forth that the minimum requirements in
425paragraphs (a)-(o) have been met in the identified provisions of
426this act as follows:
427     (a)  The reasons for the district are articulated in the
428findings in section 2, and the specific functions of the
429district are described through the powers granted to the
430district throughout the bill. However, in summary, the general
431purpose of the district is to provide, through a special purpose
432governmental entity, certain capital infrastructure, facilities
433and services which benefit the residents of the district.
434     (b)  The powers, functions, and duties of the district
435regarding ad valorem taxation, bond issuance, other revenue-
436raising capabilities, budget preparation and approval, liens and
437foreclosure of liens, use of tax deeds and tax certificates as
438appropriate for non-ad valorem assessments, and contractual
439agreements are set forth in section 6.
440     (c)  The provisions for methods for establishing the
441district are in this section.
442     (d)  The methods for amending the charter of the district
443are set forth in section 2.
444     (e)  The provisions for the membership and organization of
445the governing board and the establishment of a quorum are in
446section 5.
447     (f)  The provisions regarding maximum compensation of each
448board member are in section 5.
449     (g)  The provisions regarding the administrative duties of
450the governing board are found in sections 5 and 6.
451     (h)  The provisions applicable to financial disclosure,
452noticing, and reporting requirements generally are set forth in
453sections 5 and 6.
454     (i)  The provisions regarding procedures and requirements
455for issuing bonds are set forth in section 6.
456     (j)  The provisions regarding elections or referenda and
457the qualifications of an elector of the district are in sections
4582 and 5.
459     (k)  The provisions regarding methods for financing the
460district are generally in section 6.
461     (l)  Other than taxes levied for the payment of bonds and
462taxes levied for periods not longer than 2 years when authorized
463by vote of the electors of the district, the provisions for the
464authority to levy ad valorem tax and the authorized millage rate
465are in section 6.
466     (m)  The provisions for the method or methods of collecting
467non-ad valorem assessments, fees, or service charges are in
468section 6.
469     (n)  The provisions for planning requirements are in this
470section and section 6.
471     (o)  The provisions for geographic boundary limitations of
472the district are set forth in sections 4 and 6.
473     (2)  The Viera Stewardship District, which also may be
474referred to as the "stewardship district," "Viera District," or
475"district," is created and incorporated as a public body
476corporate and politic, an independent, limited, special purpose
477local government, an independent special district, under section
478189.404, Florida Statutes, and as defined in this act and in
479section 189.403(3), Florida Statutes. Any amendments to chapter
480190, Florida Statutes, after January 1, 2006, granting
481additional general powers, special powers, authorities, or
482projects to a community development district by amendment to its
483uniform charter, sections 190.006-190.041, Florida Statutes,
484shall constitute a general power, special power, authority, or
485function of the Viera Stewardship District. All notices for the
486enactment by the Legislature of this special act have been
487provided pursuant to the State Constitution, the laws of Florida
488and the Rules of the Florida House of Representatives and of the
489Florida Senate. Subject to the referendum requirement in section
4909, the district, as created by this act, is established on the
491property described in this act.
492     (3)  The territorial boundary of the district shall embrace
493and include all of that certain real property described legally
494in section 4.
495     (4)  The jurisdiction of this district, in the exercise of
496its general and special powers, and in the carrying out of its
497special purposes, is both within the external boundaries of the
498legal description of this district and extraterritorially when
499limited to, and as authorized expressly elsewhere in, the
500charter of the district as created in this act or applicable
501general law. This special-purpose district is created as a
502public body corporate and politic, and local government
503authority and power is limited by its charter, this act, and
504subject to the provisions of other general laws, including
505chapter 189, Florida Statutes, except that an inconsistent
506provision in this act shall control and the district has
507jurisdiction to perform such acts and exercise such authorities,
508functions, and powers as shall be necessary, convenient,
509incidental, proper, or reasonable for the implementation of its
510limited, single, and specialized purpose regarding the sound
511planning, provision, acquisition, development, operation,
512maintenance, and related financing of those public systems,
513facilities, services, improvements, projects, and infrastructure
514works as authorized herein, including those necessary and
515incidental thereto.
516     (5)  The exclusive charter of the Viera Stewardship
517District is this act and, except as otherwise provided in
518subsection (2), may be amended only by special act of the
519Legislature.
520     Section 4.  Legal description of the Viera Stewardship
521District.--
522The legal description of the district, within which
523there are no parcels of property owned by those who do
524not wish for their property to be included within the
525district, is as follows:
526Commence at a 4" X 4" concrete monument at the
527Northwest corner of Section 30, Township 25 South,
528Range 36 East and run N89°21'55"E, along the North
529line of said Section 30, a distance of 2,545.93 feet,
530to an iron rod and the POINT OF BEGINNING of the
531herein described lands; thence S08°24'33"E, a distance
532of 748.62 feet, to an iron rod; thence S08°55'25"E, a
533S08°55'25"E, a distance of 405.40 feet, to an iron
534rod; thence S07°53'09"E, a distance of 404.42 feet, to
535an iron rod; thence S07°41'38"E, a distance of 556.16
536feet, to an iron rod; thence S08°07'57"E, a distance
537of 556.72 feet, to an iron rod; thence S07°54'48"E, a
538S07°54'48"E, a distance of 556.44 feet, to an iron
539rod; thence S08°10'16"E, a distance of 880.33 feet, to
540an iron rod; thence S07°57'39"E, a distance of 482.44
541feet, to an iron rod; thence S79°41'18"W, a distance
542of 8.69 feet, to an iron rod; thence S07°38'31"E, a
543distance of 396.84 feet, to an iron rod; thence
544S13°30'01"W, a distance of 6.84 feet, to an iron rod;
545thence S68°53'11"W, a distance of 456.26 feet, to an
546iron rod; thence S75°44'29"W, a distance of 86.29
547feet, to an iron rod; thence S64°14'40"W, a distance
548of 129.79 feet, to an iron rod; thence S68°29'29"W, a
549S68°29'29"W, a distance of 703.75 feet, to an iron
550rod; thence S03°43'55"E, a distance of 774.28 feet, to
551an iron rod; thence S03°43'05"E, a distance of 420.39
552feet, to an iron rod; thence S17°31'55"W, a distance
553of 31.51 feet, to an iron rod; thence S02°10'23"W, a
554distance of 15.32 feet, to an iron rod; thence
555S84°49'06"W, a distance of 1,260.85 feet, to an iron
556rod; thence S65°26'07"W, a distance of 553.39 feet, to
557an iron rod; thence S65°16'09"W, a distance of 553.65
558feet, to an iron rod; thence S65°26'06"W, a distance
559of 552.21 feet, to an iron rod; thence S65°42'09"W, a
560S65°42'09"W, a distance of 553.14 feet, to an iron
561rod; thence S86°33'52"W, a distance of 560.20 feet, to
562an iron rod; thence S86°36'43"W, a distance of
5631,119.98 feet, to an iron rod; thence N15°49'12"W, a
564distance of 53.08 feet, to an iron rod; thence
565S88°41'21"W, a distance of 144.31 feet to an iron rod;
566thence S86°14'12"W, a distance of 360.22 feet, to an
567iron rod; thence S44°22'00"W, a distance of 2,194.87
568feet, to an iron rod; thence S02°24'20"E, a distance
569of 99.12 feet, to an iron rod; thence S46°55'21"W, a
570distance of 146.56 feet, to an iron rod; thence
571S65°38'19"W, a distance of 194.77 feet, to an iron
572rod; thence S63°42'25"W, a distance of 577.43 feet, to
573an iron rod; thence S69°45'01"W, a distance of 412.41
574feet, to an iron rod; thence N89°15'09", a distance of
57579.29 feet, to an iron rod; thence S73°35'49W, a
576distance of 521.37 feet, to an iron rod; thence
577S87°25'48"W, a distance of 483.14 feet, to an iron
578rod; thence S87°26'32"W, a distance of 966.55 feet, to
579an iron rod; thence S87°21'06"W, a distance of 485.66
580feet, to an iron rod; thence S62°14'38"W, a distance
581of 444.40 feet, to an iron rod; thence S62°17'07"W, a
582S62°17'07"W, a distance of 446.88 feet, to an iron
583rod; thence S62°19'23"W, a distance of 358.90 feet, to
584an iron rod; thence S62°27'13"W, a distance of 370.19
585feet, to an iron rod; thence S77°23'47"W, a distance
586of 411.83 feet, to an iron rod; thence S00°53'45"W, a
587S00°53'45"W, a distance of 125.73 feet, to an iron
588rod; thence S00°13'05"W, a distance of 658.60 feet, to
589an iron rod; thence S00°02'40"E, a distance of
5901,583.00 feet, to an iron rod; thence S00°01'31"E, a
591distance of 543.46 feet, to an iron rod; thence
592S06°38'41"E, a distance of 236.05 feet, to an iron
593rod; thence S00°05'15"W, a distance of 1,609.02 feet,
594to an iron rod, thence N89°56'44"E, a distance of
5951,150.63 feet, to an iron rod; thence N89°41'56"E, a
596distance of 575.37 feet, to an iron rod; thence
597S89°48'28"E, a distance of 575.27 feet, to an iron
598rod; thence S05°17'41"E, a distance of 5,150.06 feet,
599to an iron rod; thence S88°28'59"W, a distance of
600892.20 feet, to an iron rod; thence S89°18'35"W, a
601distance of 1,352.16 feet, to an iron rod; thence
602N88°11'42"W, a distance of 478.57 feet, to an iron
603rod; thence S04°20'09"W, a distance of 165.35 feet, to
604an iron rod; thence S44°31'42"E, a distance of
6051,884.04 feet, to an iron rod; thence S44°35'30"E, a
606distance of 3,917.97 feet, to an iron rod; thence
607S62°09'21"E, a distance of 2,317.97 feet, to an iron
608rod; thence S61°05'48"E, a distance of 649.92 feet, to
609an iron rod; thence N47°11'55", a distance of 35.75
610feet, to an iron rod; thence S61°57'44"E, a distance
611of 923.38 feet, to an iron rod; thence S41°26'58"E, a
612S41°26'58"E, a distance of 273.10 feet, to an iron
613rod; thence S30°04'29"E, a distance of 310.25 feet, to
614an iron rod; thence S34°43'38"E, a distance of 598.07
615feet, to an iron rod; thence S26°25'22"E, a distance
616of 301.86 feet, to an iron rod; thence S04°19'41"E, a
617S04°19'41"E, a distance of 773.92 feet, to an iron
618rod; thence S03°54'52"E, a distance of 1,444.29 feet,
619to an iron rod; thence S88°57'24"E, a distance of
620504.03 feet, to an iron rod; thence S13°21'03"W, a
621distance of 118.12 feet, to an iron rod; thence
622S34°02'56"W, a distance of 1,348.21 feet, to an iron
623rod; thence S45°13'06"W, a distance of 1,297.85 feet,
624to an iron rod; thence S63°01'28"W, a distance of
62572.85 feet, to an iron rod; thence S35°48'10"E, a
626distance of 45.45 feet, to an iron rod; thence
627S36°43'44"E, a distance of 81.14 feet, to an iron rod;
628thence S43°22'10"E, a distance of 2,416.90 feet, to an
629iron rod; thence S54°43'27"E, a distance of 118.25
630feet, to an iron rod; thence S76°01'08"E, a distance
631of 114.63 feet, to an iron rod; thence S89°15'48"E, a
632S89°15'48"E, a distance of 397.01 feet, to an iron
633rod; thence S67°53'23"E, a distance of 92.26 feet, to
634a iron rod; thence S27°40'02"E, a distance of 156.14
635feet, to an iron rod; thence S64°16'29"E, a distance
636of 37.61 feet, to an iron rod; thence S89°15'14"E, a
637distance of 352.87 feet, to an iron rod; thence
638S85°51''17"E, a distance of 307.67 feet, to an iron
639rod; thence N86°54'20"E, a distance of 151.74 feet, to
640an iron rod; thence N76°30'06"E, a distance of 261.56
641feet, to an iron rod; thence N87°06'14"E, a distance
642of 251.77 feet, to an iron rod; thence N88°53'08"E, a
643N88°53'08"E, a distance of 158.24 feet, to an iron
644rod; thence N85°02'05"E, a distance of 159.48 feet, to
645an iron rod; thence S87°50'11"E, a distance of 174.88
646feet, to an iron rod; thence S83°44'02"E, a distance
647of 176.43 feet, to an iron rod; thence S86°24'25"E, a
648S86°24'25"E, a distance of 258.17 feet, to an iron
649rod; thence S81°07'19"E, a distance of 151.23 feet, to
650an iron rod; thence N73°40'28"E, a distance of 247.99
651feet, to an iron rod; thence N84°35'54"E, a distance
652of 81.80 feet, to an iron rod; thence S79°39'38"E, a
653distance of 98.82 feet, to an iron rod; thence
654S67°29'44"E, a distance of 168.94 feet, to an iron
655rod; thence S56°25'12"E, a distance of 206.81 feet, to
656an iron rod; thence S70°16'15"E, a distance of 241.47
657feet, to an iron rod; thence S71°16'02"E, a distance
658of 271.51 feet, to an iron rod; thence S76°57'22"E, a
659S76°57'22"E, a distance of 144.38 feet, to an iron
660rod; thence S83°43'51"E, a distance of 362.54 feet, to
661an iron rod; thence S82°09'02"E, a distance of 428.93
662feet, to an iron rod; thence S76°54'20"E, a distance
663of 74.04 feet, to an iron rod; thence S69°05'45"E, a
664distance of 73.41 feet, to an iron rod; thence
665S54°06'44"E, a distance of 97.18 feet, to an iron rod;
666thence S37°26'00"E, a distance of 287.82 feet, to an
667iron rod; thence S54°56'39"E, a distance of 72.06
668feet, to an iron rod; thence S73°11'26"E, a distance
669of 65.07 feet, to an iron rod; thence S79°38'52"E, a
670distance of 374.93 feet, to an iron rod; thence
671S74°51'17"E, a distance of 156.56 feet, to an iron
672rod; thence S60°41'38"E, a distance of 171.07 feet, to
673an iron rod; thence S75°22'42"E, a distance of 109.56
674feet, to an iron rod; thence S52°26'28"E, a distance
675of 84.10 feet, to an iron rod; thence S41°24'22"E, a
676distance of 210.47 feet, to an iron rod; thence
677S38°52'45"E, a distance of 174.40 feet, to an iron
678rod; thence S33°54'38"E, a distance of 212.94 feet, to
679an iron rod; thence S37°40'21"E, a distance of 119.90
680feet, to an iron rod; thence S63°38'27"E, a distance
681of 397.23 feet, to an iron rod; thence S54°42'23"E, a
682S54°42'23"E, a distance of 137.02 feet, to an iron
683rod; thence S66°28'00"E, a distance of 72.13 feet, to
684an iron rod; thence S74°03'50"E, a distance of 526.89
685feet, to an iron rod; thence S65°07'14"E, a distance
686of 169.50 feet, to an iron rod; thence S56°11'35"E, a
687S56°11'35"E, a distance of 261.82 feet, to an iron
688rod; thence S62°05'45"E, a distance of 141.63 feet, to
689an iron rod; thence S82°38'30"E, a distance of 227.95
690feet, to an iron rod; thence S64°34'06"E, a distance
691of 134.09 feet, to an iron rod; thence S44°50'15"E, a
692S44°50'15"E, a distance of 117.21 feet, to an iron
693rod; thence S36°18'31"E, a distance of 242.72 feet, to
694an iron rod; thence S49°43'39"E, a distance of 178.02
695feet, to an iron rod; thence S45°48'41"E, a distance
696of 179.26 feet, to an iron rod; thence S49°49'20"E, a
697S49°49'20"E, a distance of 214.19 feet, to an iron
698rod; thence S41°48'48"E, a distance of 222.20 feet, to
699an iron rod; thence S48°35'30"E, a distance of 200.25
700feet, to an iron rod; thence S61°25'40"E, a distance
701of 428.09 feet, to an iron rod; thence S63°06'44"E, a
702S63°06'44"E, a distance of 644.39 feet, to an iron
703rod; thence S62°46'04"E, a distance of 678.14 feet, to
704an iron rod; thence S62°43'50"E, a distance of 652.63
705feet, to an iron rod; thence S53°36'34"E, a distance
706of 218.94 feet, to an iron rod; thence S64°10'09"E, a
707S64°10'09"E, a distance of 726.09 feet, to an iron
708rod; thence S64°07'34"E, a distance of 634.55 feet, to
709an iron rod; thence S62°56'15"E, a distance of 752.40
710feet, to an iron rod; thence S65°29'06"E, a distance
711of 118.42 feet, to an iron rod; thence S59°29'15"E, a
712S59°29'15"E, a distance of 116.71 feet, to an iron
713rod; thence S41°56'01"E, a distance of 88.47 feet, to
714an iron rod; thence S39°21'46"E, a distance of 287.92
715feet, to an iron rod; thence S39°13'55"E, a distance
716of 321.23 feet, to an iron rod; thence S39°37'39"E, a
717S39°37'39"E, a distance of 318.13 feet, to an iron
718rod; thence S51°26'09"E, a distance of 73.03 feet, to
719an iron rod; thence S75°43'21"E, a distance of 132.64
720feet, to an iron rod; thence S81°00'26"E, a distance
721of 449.69 feet, to an iron rod; thence S61°25'12"E, a
722S61°25'12"E, a distance of 181.24 feet, to an iron
723rod; thence S76°11'38"E, a distance of 79.34 feet, to
724an iron rod; thence N83°23'17"E, a distance of 57.02
725feet, to an iron rod; thence N57°28'51"E, a distance
726of 65.75 feet, to an iron rod; thence N48°12'37"E, a
727distance of 218.65 feet, to an iron rod; thence
728S71°43'37"E, a distance of 109.38 feet, to an iron
729rod; thence S55°14'02"E, a distance of 91.32 feet, to
730an iron rod; thence S38°01'21"E, a distance of 56.46
731feet, to an iron rod; thence S03°46'11"E, a distance
732of 62.49 feet, to an iron rod; thence S00°46'56"W, a
733distance of 262.22 feet, to an iron rod; thence
734S13°01'47"E, a distance of 243.27 feet, to an iron
735rod; thence S16°57'33"E, a distance of 140.72 feet, to
736an iron rod on the South line of the Southeast one-
737quarter of Section 33, Township 26 South, Range 36
738East; thence N88°28'46"E along the South line of said
739Section 33, 1212.95 feet to Southwest Corner of
740Section 34, Township 26 South, Range 36 East; thence
741N89°06'05"E along the South line of said Section 34,
7424798.14 feet to a point on the West Right-of-Way line
743of Interstate 95 (Circuit Court Book 53, Pages 359-
744363, Public Records of Brevard County Florida), thence
745N00°03'59"W, along said Right-of-Way 2480.30 feet;
746thence N00°28'45"W, 328.41 feet, to a point on the
747South Boundary line of Nail Farms (Deed Book 63, Page
748155, Public Records of Brevard County, Florida);
749thence S78°21'10"W along said South Line, 303.63 feet;
750thence N00°38'50"W, 554.40 feet; thence N89°21'11"E,
751N89°21'11"E, 290.53 feet, to a point on the said
752West Right-of-Way line of Interstate 95 and a non-
753tangent intersection with a curve to the left; Thence
754along said Right-of-Way line and the arc of said
755curve, (said curve being concave to the West and
756having a radius of 22800.32 feet; a radial bearing of
757S87°51'38"W, a delta angle of 12°22'37", a chord
758distance of 4915.73 feet; and a chord bearing of
759N08°19'41"W) a distance of 4925.30 feet to the end of
760said curve; thence N14°30'59"W, 4457.16 feet; thence
761S75°29'01"W, 200.00 feet; thence N14°30'59"W, 950.00
762feet; thence N75°29'01"E, 200.00 feet; thence
763N14°30'59"W, 4932.58 feet to the Southeast corner of
764the Plat of Viera Central PUD, Tract 12, Unit 1,
765Parcels 1-3, Phase 3 (Plat Book 44 Pages 52-54, Public
766Records of Brevard County, Florida); thence
767S61°38'33"W along the South line of said Plat, 86.02
768feet to a non-tangent intersection with a curve to the
769left; Thence along the arc of said curve, (said curve
770being concave to the West and having a radius of
771750.00 feet; a radial bearing of S61°38'33"W, a delta
772angle of 33°08'08", a chord distance of 427.72 feet;
773and a chord bearing of N44°55'31"W) a distance of
774433.74 feet to the end of said curve and a point on
775the East line of a parcel of land described in
776Official Records Book 4568, Pages 518-522, Public
777Records of Brevard County, Florida; thence S14°30'59"E
778S14°30'59"E along the East line of said parcel,
779253.23 feet; thence S75°13'39"W, 717.10 feet; thence
780N14°17'52"W, 287.62 feet to the beginning of a curve
781to the right; Thence along the arc of said curve,
782(said curve being curved concave to the East and
783having a radius of 50.00 feet; a delta angle of
78439°18'18", a chord distance of 33.63 feet; and a chord
785bearing of N05°21'17"E) a distance of 34.30 feet to
786the beginning of a reverse curve to the left; Thence
787along the arc of said curve, (said curve being curved
788concave to the West and having a radius of 195.00
789feet; a delta angle of 39°31'10", a chord distance of
790131.85 feet, and a chord bearing of N05°14'51"E) a
791distance of 134.50 feet to the Southeast corner of the
792Plat of Viera Central PUD, Tract 12, Unit 1, Parcels
7931-3, Phase 5 (Plat Book 45, Page 22, Public Records of
794Brevard County, Florida) and a non-tangent
795intersection with a curve to the left; Thence along
796the South line of said Plat and the arc of said curve,
797(said curve being concave to the Southeast and having
798a radius of 750.00 feet; a radial bearing of
799S25°55'03"E, a delta angle of 47°24'20", a chord
800distance of 602.99 feet; and a chord bearing of
801S40°22'47"W) a distance of 620.54 feet to the end of
802said curve; thence S76°30'35"W, 326.62 feet to the
803Southwest corner of said plat and a point on the East
804line of the Plat of Trafford West (Plat Book 51, Page
80554, Public Records of Brevard County, Florida) and a
806non-tangent intersection with a curve to the right;
807Thence along the East line of said plat and arc of
808said curve, (said curve being concave to the West and
809having a radius of 3025.00 feet; a delta angle of
81001°51'26", a chord distance of 98.06 feet; and a chord
811bearing of S12°33'47"E) a distance of 98.06 feet to a
812non-tangent intersection with the Southerly boundary
813of said plat; thence along said Southerly boundary the
814following 5 courses and distances:
8151)  S89°08'33"W, 217.69 feet;
8162)  S35°10'57"W, 136.27 feet;
8173)  S00°51'27"E, 242.81 feet;
8184)  S89°08'33"W, 725.22 feet;
8195)  N00°51'27"W, 898.20 feet to the Northwest corner
820of Tract A of said Trafford West, and a point on the
821South Right-of-Way line of Trafford Drive; thence
822S89°08'33"W along said Right-of-Way line of Trafford
823Drive, 50.00 feet to the Southwest corner of Trafford
824Drive; thence N00°51'27"W along the West line of
825Trafford Drive, 100.00 feet to the Northwest corner of
826Trafford Drive; thence N89°08'33"E along the North
827Right-of-Way line of Trafford Drive, 70.79 feet to the
828Southwest corner of that certain parcel of land
829described in Official Records Book 4939, Page 1184;
830thence N00°51'24"W, along the West line of said
831parcel, 401.50 feet to the Northwest corner of said
832parcel; thence N89°08'33"E, along the North line of
833said Parcel, 590.76 feet to the Northeast corner of
834said parcel and a point on the West Right-of-Way line
835of Lake Andrew Drive (150' Right-of Way, Tract G-1,
836Plat of Viera Central PUD, Tract 12, Unit 1, Parcels
8371-3, Phase 4, Plat Book 44, Pages 91-92); thence
838N31°59'26"W along said West Right-of-Way, 1061.84 feet
839to the beginning of a curve to the right; Thence along
840the arc of said curve, (said curve being concave to
841the Northeast and having a radius of 7025.00 feet; a
842delta angle of 10°02'20", a chord distance of 242.21
843feet, and a chord bearing of N26°58'16"W) a distance
844of 363.57 feet to the end of said curve; thence
845S69°25'46"W, 700.00 feet; thence N20°34'14"W, 100.00
846feet; thence S69°25'46"W, 208.37 feet; thence
847S89°08'33"W, 566.39 feet; thence S44°08'33"W, 1022.48
848feet; thence S89°08'33"W, 150.00 feet; thence
849N00°51'27"W, 318.85 feet; thence S89°08'33"W, 40.00
850feet; thence N00°51'27"W, 40.00 feet; thence
851S89°08'33"W, 1293.68 feet; thence N00°51'27"W, 1059.47
852feet; thence S89°08'33"W, 150.00 feet; thence
853S00°51'27"E, 438.26 feet; thence S89°08'33"W, 1552.65
854feet; thence N00°35'21"E, 849.03 feet to a point on
855the South Right-of Way line of Wickham Road (Plat of
856Wickham Road Extension, Plat Book 50, Page 10, Public
857Records of Brevard County, Florida); thence
858S89°08'33"W along the South line of said plat, 2225.96
859feet to the Southwest corner of said Plat; thence
860N00°51'27"W along the West line of said plat, 150.00
861feet to the Northwest corner of said plat of Wickham
862Road Extension, and a point on the South line of the
863Plat of Heritage Isle - Phase 1 (Plat Book 50, Pages
86461-66, Public Records of Brevard County, Florida);
865thence S89°08'33"W along the South line of said plat
866of Heritage Isle ? Phase 1, 1772.10 feet to a point on
867the West line of the Viera Development of Regional
868Impact (DRI) (as described in the BREVARD COUNTY
869RESOLUTION 01-391, Public Records of Brevard County,
870Florida) and the West line of Section 8, Township 26
871South, Range 36 East; thence N00°35'22"W along the
872West line of said Viera DRI and Section 8, 5227.90
873feet to the Southwest Corner of Section 5, Township 26
874South, Range 36 East; thence N00°33'35"W along the
875West line of said Section 5, 5290.28 feet to the
876Southwest corner of Section 32, Township 25 South,
877Range 36 East thence N00°31'18"E along the West line
878of said Section 32, 4667.92 feet; thence N66°33'30"E,
879N66°33'30"E, 1990.78 feet to the beginning of a
880curve to the left; Thence along the arc of said curve,
881(said curve being curved concave to the Northwest and
882having a radius of 2988.25 feet; a delta angle of
88328°53'46", a chord distance of 1491.15 feet; , and a
884chord bearing of N52°06'37"E) a distance of 1507.07
885feet to the end of said curve and an intersection with
886a non-tangent line; thence N26°25'15"W, along said
887non-tangent line, 1508.04 feet; thence N00°33'05"W,
888N00°33'05"W, 470.00 feet; thence N45°39'16"W, 1200
889470.00 feet; thence N45°39'16"W, 1200.05 feet; thence
890S89°26'55"W, 150.00 feet; thence N45°51'06"W, 274.34
891feet; thence N00°33'05"W, 1456.41 feet to a point on
892the North line of Section 29, Township 25 South, Range
89336 East; thence S89°20'44"W along the North line of
894said Section 29, 1153.36 feet to the Northeast corner
895of Section 30, Township 25 South, Range 36 East;
896Thence S89°23'19"W along the North line of said
897Section 30, 2789.62 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING.
898Subject to Easements, Restrictions, Reservations and
899Rights-of-way of record.
900LESS AND EXCEPT those certain parcels of land
901described in Official Records Book 2951, Page 1574;
902Official Records Book 3412, Page 4823; Official
903Records Book 4203, Page 2463; Official Records Book
9045262, Page 3838; AND LESS AND EXCEPT that certain
905parcel of land described in Civil Action Documents 96-
90616731-CA-F; all being recorded in the Public Records
907of Brevard County, Florida.
908TOGETHER WITH that certain parcel described in
909Official Records Book 5262, Page 3836, Public Records
910of Brevard County, Florida
911     Section 5.  Board of supervisors; members and meetings;
912organization; powers; duties; terms of office; related election
913requirements.--
914     (1)  The board of the district shall exercise the powers
915granted to the district pursuant to this act. The board shall
916consist of five members, each of whom shall hold office for a
917term of 4 years, as provided in this section, except as
918otherwise provided herein for initial board members, and until a
919successor is chosen and qualified. The members of the board must
920be residents of the state and citizens of the United States.
921     (2)(a)  Within 90 days following the effective date of the
922law establishing the district, there shall be held a meeting of
923the landowners of the district for the purpose of electing five
924supervisors for the district. Notice of the landowners' meeting
925shall be published once a week for 2 consecutive weeks in a
926newspaper which is in general circulation in the area of the
927district, the last day of such publication to be not fewer than
92814 days or more than 28 days before the date of the election.
929The landowners, when assembled at such meeting, shall organize
930by electing a chair, who shall conduct the meeting. The chair
931may be any person present at the meeting. If the chair is a
932landowner or proxy holder of a landowner, he or she may nominate
933candidates and make and second motions. The landowners present
934at the meeting, in person or by proxy, shall constitute a
935quorum. At any landowners' meeting, 50 percent of the district
936acreage shall not be required to constitute a quorum, and each
937governing board member elected by landowners shall be elected by
938a majority of the acreage represented either by owner or proxy
939present and voting at said meeting.
940     (b)  At such meeting, each landowner shall be entitled to
941cast one vote per acre of land owned by him or her and located
942within the district for each person to be elected. A landowner
943may vote in person or by proxy in writing. Each proxy must be
944signed by one of the legal owners of the property for which the
945vote is cast and must contain the typed or printed name of the
946individual who signed the proxy; the street address, legal
947description of the property, or tax parcel identification
948number; and the number of authorized votes. If the proxy
949authorizes more than one vote, each property must be listed and
950the number of acres of each property must be included. The
951signature on a proxy need not be notarized. A fraction of an
952acre shall be treated as 1 acre, entitling the landowner to one
953vote with respect thereto. The two candidates receiving the
954highest number of votes shall be elected for a term expiring
955November 18, 2008, and the three candidates receiving the next
956largest number of votes shall be elected for a term expiring
957November 7, 2006, with the term of office for each successful
958candidate commencing upon election. The members of the first
959board elected by landowners shall serve their respective terms;
960however, the next election of board members shall be held on the
961first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2006.
962Thereafter, there shall be an election by landowners for the
963district every 2 years on the first Tuesday after the first
964Monday in November, which shall be noticed pursuant to paragraph
965(a). The second and subsequent landowners' election shall be
966announced at a public meeting of the board at least 90 days
967prior to the date of the landowners' meeting and shall also be
968noticed pursuant to paragraph (a). Instructions on how all
969landowners may participate in the election, along with sample
970proxies, shall be provided during the board meeting that
971announces the landowners' meeting. Each supervisor elected in or
972after November 2006 shall serve a 4-year term, unless the
973supervisor is elected to complete a term created by a vacancy in
974the office.
975     (3)(a)1.  The board may not exercise the ad valorem taxing
976power or the general obligation bond power authorized by this
977act until such time as all members of the board are qualified
978electors who are elected by qualified electors of the district.
979     2.a.  Regardless of whether the district has proposed to
980levy ad valorem taxes or issue general obligation bonds, board
981members shall begin being elected by qualified electors of the
982district as the district becomes populated with qualified
983electors. The transition shall occur such that the composition
984of the board, after the first general election following a
985trigger as set forth below, shall be as follows:
986     (I)  Five years following the creation of the district, one
987governing board member shall be a person who was elected by the
988qualified electors and four governing board members shall be
989persons who were elected by the landowners.
990     (II)  Ten years following the creation of the district, two
991governing board members shall be persons who were elected by the
992qualified electors and three governing board members shall be
993persons elected by the landowners.
994     (III)  When the district is populated by 60 percent of the
995projected total qualified electors, three governing board
996members shall be persons who were elected by the qualified
997electors and two governing members shall be persons who were
998elected by the landowners.
999     (IV)  Three years following the trigger in sub-sub-
1000subparagraph (III), four governing board members shall be
1001persons who were elected by the qualified electors and one
1002governing board member shall be a person who was elected by the
1003landowners.
1004     (V)  Five years following the trigger in subparagraph
1005(III), all five governing board members shall be persons who
1006were elected by the qualified electors.
1007
1008For purposes of this subparagraph, "projected total qualified
1009electors" shall mean and refer to the product of: (the total
1010number of single-family and multi-family units approved within
1011the district by a development order issued by Brevard County and
1012in effect in the tenth year following creation of the district)
1013x (the average number of persons residing within a household
1014located within Brevard County based on the 2010 U.S. Census) x
1015(the percentage of Brevard County's general population
1016registered to vote as reported by the Brevard County Supervisor
1017of Elections as of the general election occurring November
10182014).
1019Nothing in this sub-subparagraph is intended to require an
1020election prior to the expiration of an existing board member's
1021term.
1022     b.  On or before June 1, 2016, the board shall determine
1023the number of projected qualified electors in the district as of
1024the immediately preceding April 15. Additionally, on or before
1025June 1, 2016, and each year thereafter until the trigger in
1026subparagraph (III) is met, the board shall determine the actual
1027number of qualified electors in the district as of the
1028immediately preceding April 15. The board shall use and rely
1029upon the official records maintained by the supervisor of
1030elections and property appraiser or tax collector in each county
1031in making this determination. Such determination shall be made
1032at a properly noticed meeting of the board and shall become a
1033part of the official minutes of the district.
1034     c.  All governing board members elected by qualified
1035electors shall be elected at large at an election occurring as
1036provided in subsection (2) and this subsection.
1037     d.  Once the district qualifies to have any of its board
1038members elected by the qualified electors of the district, the
1039initial and all subsequent elections by the qualified electors
1040of the district shall be held at the general election in
1041November, except as provided in sub-subparagraph e. The board
1042shall adopt a resolution if necessary to this requirement. The
1043transition process described herein is intended to be in lieu of
1044the process set forth in section 189.4051, Florida Statutes.
1045     e.  If, during the term of office, a vacancy occurs, the
1046remainder of the unexpired term shall be filled as follows:
1047     (I)  If the vacancy arises with respect to a supervisor
1048that was elected by landowners, the vacancy shall be filled by a
1049supervisor elected by the landowners; and
1050     (II)  If the vacancy arises with respect to a supervisor
1051that was elected by the qualified electors of the district, the
1052vacancy shall be filled by a supervisor elected by the qualified
1053electors of the district, in which case the district shall be
1054responsible for paying the expenses associated with any special
1055election that is required to be conducted.
1056     (b)  Elections of board members by qualified electors held
1057pursuant to this subsection shall be nonpartisan and shall be
1058conducted in the manner prescribed by law for holding general
1059elections. Board members shall assume the office on the second
1060Tuesday following their election.
1061     (c)  Candidates seeking election to office by qualified
1062electors under this subsection shall conduct their campaigns in
1063accordance with the provisions of chapter 106, Florida Statutes,
1064and shall file qualifying papers and qualify for individual
1065seats in accordance with section 99.061, Florida Statutes.
1066Candidates shall pay a qualifying fee, which shall consist of a
1067filing fee and an election assessment or, as an alternative,
1068shall file a petition signed by not less than 1 percent of the
1069registered voters of the district, and take the oath required in
1070section 99.021, Florida Statutes, with the supervisor of
1071elections in the county affected by such candidacy. The amount
1072of the filing fee is 3 percent of $4,800; however, if the
1073electors have provided for compensation, the amount of the
1074filing fee is 3 percent of the maximum annual compensation so
1075provided. The amount of the election assessment is 1 percent of
1076$4,800; however, if the electors have provided for compensation,
1077the amount of the election assessment is 1 percent of the
1078maximum annual compensation so provided. The filing fee and
1079election assessment shall be distributed as provided in section
1080105.031(3), Florida Statutes.
1081     (d)  The supervisors of elections shall appoint the
1082inspectors and clerks of elections, prepare and furnish the
1083ballots, designate polling places, and canvass the returns of
1084the election of board members by qualified electors. The county
1085canvassing boards shall declare and certify the results of the
1086election.
1087     (4)  Members of the board, regardless of how elected, shall
1088be public officers, shall be known as supervisors, and, upon
1089entering into office, shall take and subscribe to the oath of
1090office as prescribed by section 876.05, Florida Statutes.
1091Members of the board shall be subject to ethics and conflict of
1092interest laws of the state that apply to all local public
1093officers. They shall hold office for the terms for which they
1094were elected or appointed and until their successors are chosen
1095and qualified.
1096     (5)  Any elected board member may be removed by the
1097Governor for malfeasance, misfeasance, dishonesty, incompetency,
1098or failure to perform the duties imposed upon him or her by this
1099act, and any vacancies that may occur in such office for such
1100reasons shall be filled by the Governor as soon as practicable.
1101     (6)  A majority of the members of the board constitutes a
1102quorum for the purposes of conducting its business and
1103exercising its powers and for all other purposes. Action taken
1104by the district shall be upon a vote of a majority of the
1105members present unless general law or a rule of the district
1106requires a greater number.
1107     (7)  As soon as practicable after each election or
1108appointment, the board shall organize by electing one of its
1109members as chair and by electing a secretary, who need not be a
1110member of the board, and such other officers as the board may
1111deem necessary.
1112     (8)  The board shall keep a permanent record book entitled
1113"Record of Proceedings of Viera Stewardship District," in which
1114shall be recorded minutes of all meetings, resolutions,
1115proceedings, certificates, bonds given by all employees, and any
1116and all corporate acts. The record book and all other district
1117records shall at reasonable times be opened to inspection in the
1118same manner as state, county, and municipal records pursuant to
1119chapter 119, Florida Statutes. The record book shall be kept at
1120the office or other regular place of business maintained by the
1121board in a designated location in Brevard County.
1122     (9)  Each supervisor shall be entitled to receive for his
1123or her services an amount not to exceed $200 per board meeting,
1124not to exceed $4,800 per year per supervisor, or an amount
1125established by the electors at a referendum. In addition, each
1126supervisor shall receive travel and per diem expenses as set
1127forth in section 112.061, Florida Statutes.
1128     (10)  All meetings of the board shall be open to the public
1129and governed by the provisions of chapter 286, Florida Statutes.
1130     Section 6.  Board of supervisors; general duties.--
1131     (1)  DISTRICT MANAGER AND EMPLOYEES.--The board shall
1132employ and fix the compensation of a district manager, who shall
1133have charge and supervision of the works of the district and
1134shall be responsible for preserving and maintaining any
1135improvement or facility constructed or erected pursuant to the
1136provisions of this act, for maintaining and operating the
1137equipment owned by the district, and for performing such other
1138duties as may be prescribed by the board. It shall not be a
1139conflict of interest under chapter 112, Florida Statutes, for a
1140board member, the district manager, or another employee of the
1141district to be a stockholder, officer, or employee of a
1142landowner. The district manager may hire or otherwise employ and
1143terminate the employment of such other persons, including,
1144without limitation, professional, supervisory, and clerical
1145employees, as may be necessary and authorized by the board. The
1146compensation and other conditions of employment of the officers
1147and employees of the district shall be as provided by the board.
1148     (2)  TREASURER.--The board shall designate a person who is
1149a resident of the state as treasurer of the district, who shall
1150have charge of the funds of the district. Such funds shall be
1151disbursed only upon the order of or pursuant to a resolution of
1152the board by warrant or check countersigned by the treasurer and
1153by such other person as may be authorized by the board. The
1154board may give the treasurer such other or additional powers and
1155duties as the board may deem appropriate and may fix his or her
1156compensation. The board may require the treasurer to give a bond
1157in such amount, on such terms, and with such sureties as may be
1158deemed satisfactory to the board to secure the performance by
1159the treasurer of his or her powers and duties. The financial
1160records of the board shall be audited by an independent
1161certified public accountant at least once a year.
1162     (3)  PUBLIC DEPOSITORY.--The board is authorized to select
1163as a depository for its funds any qualified public depository as
1164defined in section 280.02, Florida Statutes, which meets all the
1165requirements of chapter 280, Florida Statutes, and has been
1166designated by the treasurer as a qualified public depository
1167upon such terms and conditions as to the payment of interest by
1168such depository upon the funds so deposited as the board may
1169deem just and reasonable.
1170     (4)  BUDGET; REPORTS AND REVIEWS.--
1171     (a)  The district shall provide financial reports in such
1172form and such manner as prescribed pursuant to this act and
1173chapter 218, Florida Statutes, as amended from time to time.
1174     (b)  On or before July 15 of each year, the district
1175manager shall prepare a proposed budget for the ensuing fiscal
1176year to be submitted to the board for board approval. The
1177proposed budget shall include at the direction of the board an
1178estimate of all necessary expenditures of the district for the
1179ensuing fiscal year and an estimate of income to the district
1180from the taxes and assessments provided in this act. The board
1181shall consider the proposed budget item by item and may either
1182approve the budget as proposed by the district manager or modify
1183the same in part or in whole. The board shall indicate its
1184approval of the budget by resolution, which resolution shall
1185provide for a hearing on the budget as approved. Notice of the
1186hearing on the budget shall be published in a newspaper of
1187general circulation in the area of the district once a week for
11882 consecutive weeks, except that the first publication shall be
1189not fewer than 15 days prior to the date of the hearing. The
1190notice shall further contain a designation of the day, time, and
1191place of the public hearing. At the time and place designated in
1192the notice, the board shall hear all objections to the budget as
1193proposed and may make such changes as the board deems necessary.
1194At the conclusion of the budget hearing, the board shall, by
1195resolution, adopt the budget as finally approved by the board.
1196The budget shall be adopted prior to October 1 of each year.
1197     (c)  At least 60 days prior to adoption, the Board of
1198Supervisors of the district shall submit to the Brevard County
1199Board of County Commissioners, for purposes of disclosure and
1200information only, the proposed annual budget for the ensuing
1201fiscal year, and the Board of County Commissioners may submit
1202written comments to the Board of Supervisors solely for the
1203assistance and information of the Board of Supervisors of the
1204district in adopting its annual district budget.
1205     (d)  The Board of Supervisors of the district shall submit
1206annually, to the Board of County Commissioners of Brevard
1207County, its district public facilities report under section
1208189.415(2), Florida Statutes, or the most recent Development of
1209Regional Impact report required by section 380.06(15) and (18),
1210Florida Statutes, to the extent the report provides the
1211information required by section 189.415(2), Florida Statutes,
1212which reports the board of county commissioners shall use and
1213rely upon in the preparation or revision of its comprehensive
1214plan, specifically under section 189.415(6), Florida Statutes.
1215     (5)  DISCLOSURE OF PUBLIC FINANCING.--The district shall
1216take affirmative steps to provide for the full disclosure of
1217information relating to the public financing and maintenance of
1218improvements to real property undertaken by the district. Such
1219information shall be made available to all existing residents
1220and all prospective residents of the district. The district
1221shall furnish each developer of a residential development within
1222the district with sufficient copies of that information to
1223provide each prospective initial purchaser of property in that
1224development with a copy; and any developer of a residential
1225development within the district, when required by law to provide
1226a public offering statement, shall include a copy of such
1227information relating to the public financing and maintenance of
1228improvements in the public offering statement. The Division of
1229Florida Land Sales, Condominiums, and Mobile Homes of the
1230Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall ensure
1231that disclosures made by developers pursuant to chapter 498,
1232Florida Statutes, meet the requirements of section 190.009(l),
1233Florida Statutes.
1234     (6)  GENERAL POWERS.--The district shall have, and the
1235board may exercise, the following general powers, together with
1236all other general powers authorized under chapters 189 and 190:
1237     (a)  To sue and be sued in the name of the district; to
1238adopt and use a seal and authorize the use of a facsimile
1239thereof; to acquire, by purchase, gift, devise, or otherwise,
1240and to own and dispose of, real and personal property, or any
1241estate therein; and to make and execute contracts and other
1242instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its
1243powers.
1244     (b)  To apply for coverage of its employees under the
1245Florida Retirement System in the same manner as if such
1246employees were state employees, subject to necessary action by
1247the district to pay employer contributions into the Florida
1248Retirement System Trust Fund.
1249     (c)  To contract for the services of consultants to perform
1250planning, engineering, legal, or other appropriate services of a
1251professional nature. Such contracts shall be subject to public
1252bidding or competitive negotiation requirements as set forth in
1253general law applicable to independent special districts.
1254     (d)  To borrow money and accept gifts; to apply for and use
1255grants or loans of money or other property from the United
1256States, the state, a unit of local government, or any person for
1257any district purposes and enter into agreements required in
1258connection therewith; and to hold, use, and dispose of such
1259moneys or property for any district purposes in accordance with
1260the terms of the gift, grant, loan, or agreement relating
1261thereto.
1262     (e)  To adopt and enforce rules and orders pursuant to the
1263provisions of chapter 120, Florida Statutes, prescribing powers,
1264duties, and functions of the officers of the district; the
1265conduct of the business of the district; the maintenance of
1266records; and the form of certificates evidencing tax liens and
1267all other documents and records of the district. The board may
1268also adopt and enforce administrative rules with respect to any
1269of the projects of the district and define the area to be
1270included therein. The board may also adopt resolutions which may
1271be necessary for the conduct of district business.
1272     (f)  To maintain an office at such place or places as the
1273board of supervisors designates in Brevard County, and within
1274the district when facilities are available.
1275     (g)  To hold, control, and acquire by donation, purchase,
1276or condemnation, or dispose of, any public easements,
1277dedications to public use, platted reservations for public
1278purposes, or any reservations for those purposes authorized by
1279this act and to make use of such easements, dedications, or
1280reservations for the purposes authorized by this act.
1281     (h)  To lease as lessor or lessee to or from any person,
1282firm, corporation, association, or body, public or private, any
1283projects of the type that the district is authorized to
1284undertake and facilities or property of any nature for the use
1285of the district to carry out the purposes authorized by this
1286act.
1287     (i)  To borrow money and issue bonds, certificates,
1288warrants, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness as
1289hereinafter provided; to levy such taxes and assessments as may
1290be authorized; and to charge, collect, and enforce fees and
1291other user charges.
1292     (j)  To raise, by user charges or fees authorized by
1293resolution of the board, amounts of money which are necessary
1294for the conduct of district activities and services and the
1295maintenance of district facilities and to enforce their receipt
1296and collection in the manner prescribed by resolution not
1297inconsistent with law.
1298     (k)  To exercise within the district, or beyond the
1299district with prior approval by vote of a resolution of the
1300governing body of Brevard County if the taking will occur in an
1301unincorporated area in that county, the right and power of
1302eminent domain, pursuant to the provisions of chapters 73 and
130374, Florida Statutes, over any property within the state, except
1304municipal, county, state, and federal property, for the uses and
1305purpose of the district relating solely to water, sewer,
1306district roads, and water management and control, specifically
1307including, without limitation, the power for the taking of
1308easements for the drainage of the land of one person over and
1309through the land of another.
1310     (l)  To cooperate with, or contract with, other
1311governmental agencies as may be necessary, convenient,
1312incidental, or proper in connection with any of the powers,
1313duties, or purposes authorized by this act.
1314     (m)  To assess and to impose upon lands in the district ad
1315valorem taxes as provided by this act.
1316     (n)  If and when authorized by general law to determine,
1317order, levy, impose, collect, and enforce maintenance taxes.
1318     (o)  To determine, order, levy, impose, collect, and
1319enforce assessments pursuant to this act and chapter 170,
1320Florida Statutes, as amended from time to time, pursuant to
1321authority granted in section 197.3631, Florida Statutes, or
1322pursuant to other provisions of general law now or hereinafter
1323enacted which provide or authorize a supplemental means to
1324order, levy, impose, or collect special assessments. Such
1325special assessments, in the discretion of the district, may be
1326collected and enforced pursuant to the provisions of sections
1327197.3632 and 197.3635, Florida Statutes, and chapters 170 and
1328173, Florida Statutes, as they may be amended from time to time,
1329or as provided by this act, or by other means authorized by
1330general law now or hereinafter enacted.
1331     (p)  To exercise such special powers and other express
1332powers as may be authorized and granted by this act in the
1333charter of the district, including powers as provided in any
1334interlocal agreement entered into pursuant to chapter 163,
1335Florida Statutes, or which shall be required or permitted to be
1336undertaken by the district pursuant to any development order or
1337development of regional impact, including any interlocal service
1338agreement with Brevard County for proportionate, fair-share, or
1339pipelining capital construction funding for any certain capital
1340facilities or systems required of the developer pursuant to any
1341applicable development order or agreement.
1342     (q)  To exercise all of the powers necessary, convenient,
1343incidental, or proper in connection with any other powers or
1344duties or the special purpose of the district authorized by this
1345act.
1346
1347The provisions of this subsection shall be construed liberally
1348in order to carry out effectively the specialized purpose of
1349this act.
1350     (7)  SPECIAL POWERS.--The district shall have, and the
1351board may exercise, the following special powers to implement
1352its lawful and special purpose and to provide, pursuant to that
1353purpose, systems, facilities, services, improvements, projects,
1354works, and infrastructure, each of which constitutes a lawful
1355public purpose when exercised pursuant to this charter, subject
1356to, and not inconsistent with, the regulatory jurisdiction and
1357permitting authority of all other applicable governmental
1358bodies, agencies, and any special districts having authority
1359with respect to any area included therein, and to plan,
1360establish, acquire, construct or reconstruct, enlarge or extend,
1361equip, operate, finance, fund, and maintain improvements,
1362systems, facilities, services, works, projects, and
1363infrastructure. Any or all of the following special powers are
1364granted by this act in order to implement the special purpose of
1365the district:
1366     (a)  To provide water management and control for the lands
1367within the district and to connect some or any of such
1368facilities with roads and bridges and to construct, acquire and
1369operate any dam, work, appurtenant work, impoundment, or
1370reservoir and any connecting, intercepting or outlet mains and
1371pipes in, along or under any street, alley, highway or other
1372public place or ways; including, but not limited to, acquiring,
1373operating, maintaining, repairing and improving water management
1374and control facilities necessary for the collection, storage
1375control, development, utilization and distribution of nonpotable
1376waters for irrigation purposes.
1377     (b)  To provide water systems, sewer systems, and
1378wastewater management, reclamation and reuse, or any combination
1379thereof, and to construct and operate connecting intercepting or
1380outlet sewers and sewer mains and pipes and water mains,
1381conduits, or pipelines in, along, and under any street, alley,
1382highway, or other public place or ways, and to dispose of any
1383effluent, residue, or other byproducts of such system or sewer
1384system.
1385     1.  The district may not purchase or sell a water, sewer,
1386or wastewater reuse utility that provides service to the public
1387for compensation, or enter into a wastewater facility
1388privatization contract for a wastewater facility, until the
1389governing body of the district has held a public hearing on the
1390purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization contract
1391and made a determination that the purchase, sale, or wastewater
1392facility privatization contract is in the public interest. This
1393limitation is not applicable to an irrigation water utility
1394provided pursuant to paragraph (a).
1395     2.  In determining if the purchase, sale, or wastewater
1396facility privatization contract is in the public interest, the
1397district shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
1398     a.  The most recent available income and expense statement
1399for the utility.
1400     b.  The most recent available balance sheet for the
1401utility, listing assets and liabilities and clearly showing the
1402amount of contributions in aid of construction and the
1403accumulated depreciation thereon.
1404     c.  A statement of the existing rate base of the utility
1405for regulatory purposes.
1406     d.  The physical condition of the utility facilities being
1407purchased or sold or subject to a wastewater facility
1408privatization contract.
1409     e.  The reasonableness of the purchase, sale, or wastewater
1410facility privatization contract price and terms.
1411     f.  The impacts of the purchase, sale, or wastewater
1412facility privatization contract on utility customers, both
1413positive and negative.
1414     g.  Any additional investment required and the ability and
1415willingness of the purchaser or the private firm under a
1416wastewater facility privatization contract to make that
1417investment, whether the purchaser is the district or the entity
1418purchasing the utility from the district.
1419     h.  In the case of a wastewater facility privatization
1420contract, the terms and conditions on which the private firm
1421will provide capital investment and financing or a combination
1422thereof for contemplated capital replacements, additions,
1423expansions, and repairs.
1424     i.  The alternatives to the purchase, sale, or wastewater
1425facility privatization contract and the potential impact on
1426utility customers if the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility
1427privatization contract is not made.
1428     j.  The ability of the purchaser or the private firm under
1429a wastewater facility privatization contract to provide and
1430maintain high-quality and cost-effective utility service,
1431whether the purchaser is the district or the entity purchasing
1432the utility from the district.
1433     k.  In the case of a wastewater facility privatization
1434contract, the district shall give significant weight to the
1435technical expertise and experience of the private firm in
1436carrying out the obligations specified in the wastewater
1437facility privatization contract.
1438     l.  All moneys paid by a private firm to a district
1439pursuant to a wastewater facility privatization contract shall
1440be used for the purpose of reducing or offsetting property
1441taxes, wastewater service rates, or debt reduction or making
1442infrastructure improvements or capital asset expenditures or
1443other public purpose, provided, however, that nothing herein
1444shall preclude the district from using all or part of the moneys
1445for the purpose of the district's qualification for relief from
1446the repayment of federal grant awards associated with the
1447wastewater system as may be required by federal law or
1448regulation. The district shall prepare a statement showing that
1449the purchase, sale, or wastewater facility privatization
1450contract is in the public interest, including a summary of the
1451purchaser's or private firm's experience in water, sewer, or
1452wastewater reuse utility operation and a showing of financial
1453ability to provide the service, whether the purchaser or private
1454firm is the district or the entity purchasing the utility from
1455the district.
1456     (c)  To provide bridges or culverts that may be needed
1457across any drain, ditch, canal, floodway, holding basin,
1458excavation, public highway, tract, grade, fill, or cut and
1459roadways over levees and embankments, and to construct any and
1460all of such works and improvements across, through, or over any
1461public right-of way, highway, grade, fill, or cut.
1462     (d)  To provide public roads and related improvements equal
1463to or exceeding the specifications of Brevard County, including,
1464but not limited to transportation improvements necessary to
1465comply with conditions of development approval applicable to
1466lands within the district. This special power includes, but is
1467not limited to, roads, parkways, interchanges, bridges,
1468landscaping, hardscaping, irrigation, bicycle lanes, jogging
1469paths, street lighting, traffic signals, regulatory or
1470informational signage, road striping, underground conduit,
1471underground cable or fiber or wire installed to pursuant an
1472agreement with or tariff of a retail provider of services, and
1473all other related improvements and the elements of a functioning
1474modern road system in general or as related to the conditions of
1475development approval for the lands within the district, together
1476with transportation improvements and facilities that are
1477freestanding or that may be related to any innovative strategic
1478intermodal system of transportation pursuant to applicable
1479federal, state, and local law and ordinance.
1480     (e)  To provide buses, trolleys, transit shelters,
1481ridesharing facilities and services, parking improvements, and
1482related signage.
1483     (f)  To provide investigation and remediation costs
1484associated with the cleanup of actual or perceived environmental
1485contamination within the district under the supervision or
1486direction of a competent governmental authority unless the
1487covered costs benefit any person who is a landowner within the
1488district and who caused or contributed to the contamination.
1489     (g)  To provide conservation areas, mitigation areas,
1490wilderness areas, and wildlife habitat, including the
1491maintenance of any plant or animal species, and any related
1492interest in real or personal property, and to evaluate, acquire,
1493enhance, manage, monitor and maintain conservation, mitigation,
1494and preservation lands and wildlife habitat.
1495     (h)  Using its general and special powers as set forth in
1496this act, to provide any other project within or without the
1497boundaries of the district when the project is the subject of an
1498agreement between the district and the Board of County
1499Commissioners of Brevard County or with any other applicable
1500public or private entity, or is approved or required by a
1501development order pursuant to sections 380.06 or sections
1502380.061, Florida Statutes and is not inconsistent with the
1503effective local comprehensive plan.
1504     (i)  To provide parks and facilities for indoor and outdoor
1505recreational, cultural, and educational uses, provided, however,
1506that in no event shall the district finance or own a golf
1507course..
1508     (j)  To provide fire prevention and control, including fire
1509stations, water mains and plugs, fire trucks, and other vehicles
1510and equipment.
1511     (k)  To provide school buildings and related structures,
1512which may be leased, sold, or donated to the school district,
1513for use in the educational system when authorized by the
1514district school board.
1515     (l)  To provide security, including, but not limited to,
1516guardhouses, fences, and gates, electronic intrusion-detection
1517systems, and patrol cars, when authorized by proper governmental
1518agencies; however, the district may not exercise any powers of a
1519law enforcement agency but may contract with the appropriate
1520local general-purpose government agencies for an increased level
1521of such services within the district boundaries. Notwithstanding
1522any provision of general law, the district may operate
1523guardhouses for the limited purpose of providing security for
1524the residents of the district and which serve a predominate
1525public, as opposed to private, purpose. Such guardhouses shall
1526he operated by the district or any other unit of local
1527government pursuant to procedures designed to serve such
1528security purposes as set forth in rules adopted by the board,
1529from time to time, following the procedures set forth in chapter
1530120, Florida Statutes.
1531     (m)  To provide control and elimination of mosquitoes and
1532other arthropods of public health importance.
1533     (n)  To provide waste collection and disposal.
1534     (o)  To enter into impact fee credit agreements.
1535     (p)  To provide buildings and structures for district
1536offices, maintenance facilities, meeting facilities, community
1537centers, or any other project authorized or granted by this act.
1538     (q)  To establish and create, at noticed meetings, such
1539governmental departments of the Board of Supervisors of the
1540district, as well as committees, task forces, boards, or
1541commissions, or other agencies under the supervision and control
1542of the district, as from time to time the board may deem
1543necessary or desirable in the performance of the acts or other
1544things necessary to exercise the board's general or special
1545powers to implement an innovative project to carry out the
1546special purpose of the district as provided in this act and to
1547delegate the exercise of its powers to such departments, boards,
1548task forces, committees or other agencies and such
1549administrative duties and other powers as the board may deem
1550necessary or desirable but only if there is a set of expressed
1551limitations for accountability, notice, and periodic written
1552reporting to the board that shall retain the powers of the
1553board.
1554     (r)  To adopt and enforce appropriate rules following the
1555procedures of chapter 120, in connection with the provision of
1556one or more services through its systems and facilities.
1557
1558The enumeration of special powers herein shall not be deemed
1559exclusive or restrictive but shall be deemed to incorporate
1560powers express or implied necessary or incident to carrying out
1561such enumerated special powers, including also the general
1562powers provided by this special act charter to the district to
1563implement its single purpose. Further, the provisions of this
1564subsection shall be construed liberally in order to carry out
1565effectively the special purpose of this district under this act.
1566The district may exercise its powers to provide facilities for
1567potable water, sewer, fire protection, mosquito control, waste
1568collection and waste disposal services only if such facilities
1569are to be dedicated to and operated by the county or a
1570municipality already providing the service or if such county or
1571municipality declines or is unable to provide the service at the
1572time the service becomes necessary. Nothing herein:
1573     1.  Shall prevent the district from dedicating
1574transportation or other facilities to the county or a
1575municipality;
1576     2.  Shall be construed to authorize the district to provide
1577or approve franchises for emergency medical ambulance services,
1578which authority is reserved to Brevard County under chapter 71-
1579556 Laws of Florida;
1580     3.  Is intended to authorize the imposition of impact fees
1581based upon alleged police powers or regulatory powers of the
1582district;
1583     4.  Is intended to limit the power of the county or a city
1584to provide such facilities and to require landowners to utilize
1585such facilities as a condition to development of lands within
1586the district; or
1587     5.  Is intended to prohibit the district from providing
1588additional services beyond those offered by the county or a
1589municipality.
1590     (8)  ISSUANCE OF BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES.--In addition to
1591the other powers provided for in this act, and not in limitation
1592thereof, the district shall have the power, at any time and from
1593time to time after the issuance of any bonds of the district
1594shall have been authorized, to borrow money for the purposes for
1595which such bonds are to be issued in anticipation of the receipt
1596of the proceeds of the sale of such bonds and to issue bond
1597anticipation notes in a principal sum not in excess of the
1598authorized maximum amount of such bond issue. Such notes shall
1599be in such denomination or denominations, bear interest at such
1600rate as the board may determine not to exceed the maximum rate
1601allowed by general law, mature at such time or times not later
1602than 5 years from the date of issuance, and be in such form and
1603executed in such manner as the board shall prescribe. Such notes
1604may be sold at either public or private sale or, if such notes
1605shall be renewal notes, may be exchanged for notes then
1606outstanding on such terms as the board shall determine. Such
1607notes shall be paid from the proceeds of such bonds when issued
1608The board may, in its discretion, in lieu of retiring the notes
1609by means of bonds, retire them by means of current revenues or
1610from any taxes or assessments levied for the payment of such
1611bonds, but, in such event, a like amount of the bonds authorized
1612shall not be issued.
1613     (9)  BORROWING.--The district at any time may obtain loans,
1614in such amount and on such terms and conditions as the board may
1615approve, for the purpose of paying any of the expenses of the
1616district or any costs incurred or that may be incurred in
1617connection with any of the projects of the district, which loans
1618shall bear interest as the board determines, not to exceed the
1619maximum rate allowed by general law, and may be payable from and
1620secured by a pledge of such funds, revenues, taxes, and
1621assessments as the board may determine, subject, however, to the
1622provisions contained in any proceeding under which bonds were
1623theretofore issued and are then outstanding. For the purpose of
1624defraying such costs and expenses, the district may issue
1625negotiable notes, warrants, or other evidences of debt to be
1626payable at such times and to bear such interest as the board may
1627determine, not to exceed the maximum rate allowed by general
1628law, and to be sold or discounted at such price or prices not
1629less than 95 percent of par value and on such terms as the board
1630may deem advisable. The board shall have the right to provide
1631for the payment thereof by pledging the whole or any part of the
1632funds, revenues, taxes, and assessments of the district. The
1633approval of the electors residing in the district shall not be
1634necessary except when required by the State Constitution.
1635     (10)  BONDS.--
1636     (a)  Sale of bonds.--Bonds may be sold in blocks or
1637installments at different times, or an entire issue or series
1638may be sold at one time. Bonds may be sold at public or private
1639sale after such advertisement, if any, as the board may deem
1640advisable but not in any event at less than 90 percent of the
1641par value thereof, together with accrued interest thereon. Bonds
1642may be sold or exchanged for refunding bonds. Special assessment
1643and revenue bonds may be delivered by the district as payment of
1644the purchase price of any project or part thereof, or a
1645combination of projects or parts thereof, or as the purchase
1646price or exchange for any property, real, personal, or mixed,
1647including franchises or services rendered by any contractor,
1648engineer, or other person, all at one time or in blocks from
1649time to time, in such manner and upon such terms as the board in
1650its discretion shall determine. The price or prices for any
1651bonds sold, exchanged, or delivered may be:
1652     1.  The money paid for the bonds.
1653     2.  The principal amount, plus accrued interest to the date
1654of redemption or exchange, or outstanding obligations exchanged
1655for refunding bonds.
1656     3.  In the case of special assessment or revenue bonds, the
1657amount of any indebtedness to contractors or other persons paid
1658with such bonds, or the fair value of any properties exchanged
1659for the bonds, as determined by the board.
1660     (b)  Authorization and form of bonds.--Any general
1661obligation bonds, special assessment bonds, or revenue bonds may
1662be authorized by resolution or resolutions of the board which
1663shall be adopted by a majority of all the members thereof then
1664in office. Such resolution or resolutions may be adopted at the
1665same meeting at which they are introduced and need not be
1666published or posted. The board may, by resolution, authorize the
1667issuance of bonds and fix the aggregate amount of bonds to be
1668issued; the purpose or purposes for which the moneys derived
1669therefrom shall be expended, including, but not limited to,
1670payment of costs as defined in section 2(2)(i); the rate or
1671rates of interest, not to exceed the maximum rate allowed by
1672general law; the denomination of the bonds; whether or not the
1673bonds are to be issued in one or more series; the date or dates
1674of maturity, which shall not exceed 40 years from their
1675respective dates of issuance; the medium of payment; the place
1676or places within or without the state at which payment shall be
1677made; registration privileges; redemption terms and privileges,
1678whether with or without premium; the manner of execution; the
1679form of the bonds, including any interest coupons to be attached
1680thereto; the manner of execution of bonds and coupons; and any
1681and all other terms, covenants, and conditions thereof and the
1682establishment of revenue or other funds. Such authorizing
1683resolution or resolutions may further provide for the contracts
1684authorized by section 159.825(l)(f) and (g), Florida Statutes,
1685regardless of the tax treatment of such bonds being authorized,
1686subject to the finding by the board of a net saving to the
1687district resulting by reason thereof. Such authorizing
1688resolution may further provide that such bonds may be executed
1689in accordance with the Registered Public Obligations Act, except
1690that bonds not issued in registered form shall be valid if
1691manually countersigned by an officer designated by appropriate
1692resolution of the board. The seal of the district may be
1693affixed, lithographed, engraved, or otherwise reproduced in
1694facsimile on such bonds. In case any officer whose signature
1695shall appear on any bonds or coupons shall cease to be such
1696officer before the delivery of such bonds, such signature or
1697facsimile shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all
1698purposes the same as if he or she had remained in office until
1699such delivery.
1700     (c)  Interim certificates; replacement
1701certificates.--Pending the preparation of definitive bonds, the
1702board may issue interim certificates or receipts or temporary
1703bonds, in such form and with such provisions as the board may
1704determine, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds
1705have been executed and are available for delivery. The board may
1706also provide for the replacement of any bonds which become
1707mutilated lost, or destroyed.
1708     (d)  Negotiability of bonds.--Any bond issued under this
1709act or any temporary bond, in the absence of an express recital
1710on the face thereof that it is nonnegotiable, shall be fully
1711negotiable and shall be and constitute a negotiable instrument
1712within the meaning and for all purposes of the law merchant and
1713the laws of the state.
1714     (e)  Defeasance.--The board may make such provision with
1715respect to the defeasance of the right, title, and interest of
1716the holders of any of the bonds and obligations of the district
1717in any revenues, funds, or other properties by which such bonds
1718are secured as the board deems appropriate and, without
1719limitation on the foregoing, may provide that when such bonds or
1720obligations become due and payable or shall have been called for
1721redemption and the whole amount of the principal and interest
1722and premium, if any, due and payable upon the bonds or
1723obligations then outstanding shall be held in trust for such
1724purpose, and provision shall also be made for paying all other
1725sums payable in connection with such bonds or other obligations,
1726then and in such event the right, title, and interest of the
1727holders of the bonds in any revenues, funds, or other properties
1728by which such bonds are secured shall thereupon cease,
1729terminate, and become void; and the board may apply any surplus
1730in any sinking fund established in connection with such bonds or
1731obligations and all balances remaining in all other funds or
1732accounts other than moneys held for the redemption or payment of
1733the bonds or other obligations to any lawful purpose of the
1734district as the board shall determine.
1735     (f)  Issuance of additional bonds.--If the proceeds of any
1736bonds are less than the cost of completing the project in
1737connection with which such bonds were issued, the board may
1738authorize the issuance of additional bonds, upon such terms and
1739conditions as the board may provide in the resolution
1740authorizing the issuance thereof, but only in compliance with
1741the resolution or other proceedings authorizing the issuance of
1742the original bonds.
1743     (g)  Refunding bonds.--The district shall have the power to
1744issue bonds to provide for the retirement or refunding of any
1745bonds or obligations of the district that at the time of such
1746issuance are or subsequent thereto become due and payable, or
1747that at the time of issuance have been called or are or will be
1748subject to call for redemption within 10 years thereafter, or
1749the surrender of which can be procured from the holders thereof
1750at prices satisfactory to the board. Refunding bonds may be
1751issued at any time that in the judgment of the board such
1752issuance will be advantageous to the district. No approval of
1753the qualified electors residing in the district shall be
1754required for the issuance of refunding bonds except in cases in
1755which such approval is required by the State Constitution. The
1756board may by resolution confer upon the holders of such
1757refunding bonds all rights, powers, and remedies to which the
1758holders would be entitled if they continued to be the owners and
1759had possession of the bonds for the refinancing of which such
1760refunding bonds are issued, including, but not limited to, the
1761preservation of the lien of such bonds on the revenues of any
1762project or on pledged funds, without extinguishment, impairment,
1763or diminution thereof. The provisions of this act pertaining to
1764bonds of the district shall, unless the context otherwise
1765requires, govern the issuance of refunding bonds, the form and
1766other details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof, and
1767the duties of the board with respect to them.
1768     (h)  Revenue bonds.--
1769     1.  The district shall have the power to issue revenue
1770bonds from time to time without limitation as to amount. Such
1771revenue bonds may be secured by, or payable from, the gross or
1772net pledge of the revenues to be derived from any project or
1773combination of projects; from the rates, fees, or other charges
1774to be collected from the users of any project or projects; from
1775any revenue-producing undertaking or activity of the district;
1776from special assessments; or from benefit special assessments;
1777or from any other source or pledged security. Such bonds shall
1778not constitute an indebtedness of the district, and the approval
1779of the qualified electors shall not be required unless such
1780bonds are additionally secured by the full faith and credit and
1781taxing power of the district.
1782     2.  Any two or more projects may be combined and
1783consolidated into a single project and may hereafter be operated
1784and maintained as a single project. The revenue bonds authorized
1785herein may be issued to finance any one or more of such
1786projects, regardless of whether or not such projects have been
1787combined and consolidated into a single project. If the board
1788deems it advisable, the proceedings authorizing such revenue
1789bonds may provide that the district may thereafter combine the
1790projects then being financed or theretofore financed with other
1791projects to be subsequently financed by the district and that
1792revenue bonds to be thereafter issued by the district shall be
1793on parity with the revenue bonds then being issued, all on such
1794terms, conditions, and limitations as shall have been provided
1795in the proceeding which authorized the original bonds.
1796     (i)  General obligation bonds.--
1797     1.  Subject to the limitations of this charter, the
1798district shall have the power from time to time to issue general
1799obligation bonds to finance or refinance capital projects or to
1800refund outstanding bonds in an aggregate principal amount of
1801bonds outstanding at any one time not in excess of 35 percent of
1802the assessed value of the taxable property within the district
1803as shown on the pertinent tax records at the time of the
1804authorization of the general obligation bonds for which the full
1805faith and credit of the district is pledged. Except for
1806refunding bonds, no general obligation bonds shall be issued
1807unless the bonds are issued to finance or refinance a capital
1808project and the issuance has been approved at an election held
1809in accordance with the requirements for such election as
1810prescribed by the State Constitution. Such elections shall be
1811called to be held in the district by the Board of County
1812Commissioners of Brevard County upon the request of the board of
1813the district. The expenses of calling and holding an election
1814shall be at the expense of the district, and the district shall
1815reimburse the county for any expenses incurred in calling or
1816holding such election.
1817     2.  The district may pledge its full faith and credit for
1818the payment of the principal and interest on such general
1819obligation bonds and for any reserve funds provided therefor and
1820may unconditionally and irrevocably pledge itself to levy ad
1821valorem taxes on all taxable property in the district, to the
1822extent necessary for the payment thereof, without limitation as
1823to rate or amount.
1824     3.  If the board determines to issue general obligation
1825bonds for more than one capital project, the approval of the
1826issuance of the bonds for each and all such projects may be
1827submitted to the electors on one and the same ballot. The
1828failure of the electors to approve the issuance of bonds for one
1829or more capital projects shall not defeat the approval of any
1830bonds for any capital project which has been approved by the
1831electors.
1832     4.  In arriving at the amount of general obligation bonds
1833permitted to be outstanding at any one time pursuant to
1834subparagraph 1., there shall not be included any general
1835obligation bonds which are additionally secured by the pledge
1836of:
1837     a.  Any assessments levied in an amount sufficient to pay
1838the principal and interest on the general obligation bonds so
1839additionally secured, which assessments have been equalized and
1840confirmed by resolution of the board pursuant to this act or
1841section 170.08, Florida Statutes.
1842     b.  Water revenues, sewer revenues, or water and sewer
1843revenues of the district to be derived from user fees in an
1844amount sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the
1845general obligation bonds so additionally secured.
1846     c.  Any combination of assessments and revenues described
1847in sub-subparagraphs a. and b.
1848     (j)  Bonds as legal investment or security.--
1849     1.  Notwithstanding any provisions of any other law to the
1850contrary, all bonds issued under the provisions of this act
1851shall constitute legal investments for savings banks, banks,
1852trust companies, insurance companies, executors, administrators,
1853trustees, guardians, and other fiduciaries and for any board,
1854body, agency, instrumentality, county, municipality, or other
1855political subdivision of the state and shall be and constitute
1856security which may be deposited by banks or trust companies as
1857security for deposits of state, county, municipal, or other
1858public funds or by insurance companies as required or voluntary
1859statutory deposits.
1860     2.  Any bonds issued by the district shall be incontestable
1861in the hands of bona fide purchasers or holders for value and
1862shall not be invalid because of any irregularity or defect in
1863the proceedings for the issue and sale thereof.
1864     (k)  Covenants.--Any resolution authorizing the issuance of
1865bonds may contain such covenants as the board may deem
1866advisable, and all such covenants shall constitute valid and
1867legally binding and enforceable contracts between the district
1868and the bondholders, regardless of the time of issuance thereof.
1869Such covenants may include, without limitation, covenants
1870concerning the disposition of the bond proceeds; the use and
1871disposition of project revenues; the pledging of revenues,
1872taxes, and assessments; the obligations of the district with
1873respect to the operation of the project and the maintenance of
1874adequate project revenues; the issuance of additional bonds; the
1875appointment, powers, and duties of trustees and receivers; the
1876acquisition of outstanding bonds and obligations; restrictions
1877on the establishing of competing projects or facilities;
1878restrictions on the sale or disposal of the assets and property
1879of the district; the priority of assessment liens; the priority
1880of claims by bondholders on the taxing power of the district;
1881the maintenance of deposits to ensure the payment of revenues by
1882users of district facilities and services; the discontinuance of
1883district services by reason of delinquent payments; acceleration
1884upon default; the execution of necessary instruments; the
1885procedure for amending or abrogating covenants with the
1886bondholders; and such other covenants as may be deemed necessary
1887or desirable for the security of the bondholders.
1888     (l)  Validation proceedings.--The power of the district to
1889issue bonds under the provisions of this act may be determined,
1890and any of the bonds of the district maturing over a period of
1891more than 5 years shall be validated and confirmed, by court
1892decree, under the provisions of chapter 75, Florida Statutes,
1893and laws amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto.
1894     (m)  Tax exemption.--To the extent allowed by general law,
1895all bonds issued hereunder and interest paid thereon and all
1896fees, charges, and other revenues derived by the district from
1897the projects provided by this act are exempt from all taxes by
1898the state or by any political subdivision, agency, or
1899instrumentality thereof; however, any interest, income, or
1900profits on debt obligations issued hereunder are not exempt from
1901the tax imposed by chapter 220, Florida Statutes.
1902     (n)  Application of section 189.4085, Florida
1903Statutes.--Bonds issued by the district shall meet the criteria
1904set forth in section 189.4085, Florida Statutes.
1905     (o)  Act furnishes full authority for issuance of the
1906bonds.--This act constitutes full and complete authority for the
1907issuance of bonds and the exercise of the powers of the district
1908provided herein. No procedures or proceedings, publications,
1909notices, consents, approvals, orders, acts, or things by the
1910board, or any board, officer, commission, department, agency, or
1911instrumentality of the district, other than those required b
1912this act, shall be required to perform anything under this act,
1913except that the issuance or sale of bonds pursuant to the
1914provisions of this act shall comply with the general law
1915requirements applicable to the issuance or sale of bonds by the
1916district. Nothing in this act shall be construed to authorize
1917the district to utilize bond proceeds to fund the ongoing
1918operations of the district.
1919     (p)  Pledge by the state to the bondholders of the
1920district.--The state pledges to the holders of any bonds issued
1921under this act that it will not limit or alter the rights of the
1922district to own, acquire, construct, reconstruct, improve,
1923maintain, operate, or furnish the projects or to levy and
1924collect the taxes, assessments, rentals, rates, fees, and other
1925charges provided for herein and to fulfill the terms of any
1926agreement made with the holders of such bonds or other
1927obligations and that it will not in any way impair the rights or
1928remedies of such holders.
1929     (q)  Default.--A default on the bonds or obligations of a
1930district shall not constitute a debt or obligation of the state
1931or any general-purpose local government or the state.
1932     (11)  TRUST AGREEMENTS.--Any issue of bonds shall be
1933secured by a trust agreement by and between the district and a
1934corporate trustee or trustees, which may be any trust company or
1935bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the
1936state. The resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or
1937such trust agreement may pledge the revenues to be received from
1938any projects of the district and may contain such provisions for
1939protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the
1940bondholders as the board may approve, including, without
1941limitation, covenants setting forth the duties of the district
1942in relation to: the acquisition, construction, reconstruction,
1943improvement, maintenance, repair, operation, and insurance of
1944any projects; the fixing and revising of the rates, fees, and
1945charges; and the custody, safeguarding, and application of all
1946moneys and for the employment of consulting engineers in
1947connection with such acquisition, construction, reconstruction,
1948improvement, maintenance, repair, or operation. It shall be
1949lawful for any bank or trust company within or without the state
1950which may act as a depository of the proceeds of bonds or of
1951revenues to furnish such indemnifying bonds or to pledge such
1952securities as may be required by the district. Such resolution
1953or trust agreement may set forth the rights and remedies of the
1954bondholders and of the trustee, if any, and may restrict the
1955individual right of action by bondholders. The board may provide
1956for the payment of proceeds of the sale of the bonds and the
1957revenues of any project to such officer, board, or depository as
1958it may designate for the custody thereof and may provide for the
1959method of disbursement thereof with such safeguards and
1960restrictions as it may determine. All expenses incurred in
1961carrying out the provisions of such resolution or trust
1962agreement may be treated as part of the cost of operation of the
1963project to which such trust agreement pertains.
1964     (12)  AD VALOREM TAXES; ASSESSMENTS, BENEFIT SPECIAL
1965ASSESSMENTS, MAINTENANCE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, AND SPECIAL
1966ASSESSMENTS; MAINTENANCE TAXES.--
1967     (a)  Ad valorem taxes.--When all members of the board are
1968qualified electors who are elected by qualified electors of the
1969district, the board shall have the power to levy and assess an
1970ad valorem tax on all the taxable property in the district to
1971construct, operate, and maintain assessable improvements; to pay
1972the principal of, and interest on, any general obligation bonds
1973of the district; and to provide for any sinking or other funds
1974established in connection with any such bonds. An ad valorem tax
1975levied by the board for operating purposes, exclusive of debt
1976service on bonds, shall not exceed 3 mills. The ad valorem tax
1977provided for herein shall be in addition to county and all other
1978ad valorem taxes provided for by law. Such tax shall be
1979assessed, levied, and collected in the same manner and at the
1980same time as county taxes. The levy of ad valorem taxes must be
1981approved by referendum as required by s. 9, Article VII of the
1982State Constitution.
1983     (b)  Benefit special assessments.--The board annually shall
1984determine, order, and levy the annual installment of the total
1985benefit special assessments for bonds issued and related
1986expenses to finance assessable improvements. These assessments
1987may be due and collected during each year that county taxes are
1988due and collected, in which case such annual installment and
1989levy shall be evidenced to and certified to the property
1990appraiser by the board not later than August 31 of each year.
1991Such assessment shall be entered by the property appraiser on
1992the county tax rolls and shall be collected and enforced by the
1993tax collector in the same manner and at the same time as county
1994taxes, and the proceeds thereof shall be paid to the district.
1995However, this subsection shall not prohibit the district in its
1996discretion from using the method prescribed in either section
1997197.3632, Florida Statutes or chapter 173, Florida Statutes, as
1998each may be amended from time to time, for collecting and
1999enforcing these assessments. Each annual installment of benefit
2000special assessments shall be a lien on the property against
2001which assessed until paid and shall be enforceable in like
2002manner as county taxes. The amount of the assessment for the
2003exercise of the district's powers under subsections (6) and (7)
2004shall be determined by the board based upon a report of the
2005district's engineer and assessed by the board upon such lands,
2006which may be part or all of the lands within the district
2007benefited by the improvement, apportioned between benefited
2008lands in proportion to the benefits received by each tract of
2009land. The board may, if it determines it is in the best
2010interests of the district, set forth in the proceedings
2011initially levying such benefit special assessments or in
2012subsequent proceedings a formula for the determination of an
2013amount, which when paid by a taxpayer with respect to any tax
2014parcel, shall constitute a prepayment all future annual
2015installments of such benefit special assessments and that the
2016payment of which amount with respect such tax parcel shall
2017relieve and discharge such tax parcel of the lien of such
2018benefit special assessments and any subsequent annual
2019installment thereof. The board may provide further that upon
2020delinquency in the payment of any annual installment of benefit
2021special assessments, the prepayment amount of all future annual
2022installments of benefit special assessments as determined in the
2023preceding sentence shall be and become immediately due and
2024payable together with such delinquent annual installment.
2025     (c)  Non-ad valorem maintenance taxes.--If and when
2026authorized by general law, to maintain and to preserve the
2027physical facilities and services constituting the works,
2028improvements, or infrastructure provided by the district
2029pursuant to this act, to repair and restore any one or more of
2030them, when needed, and to defray the current expenses of the
2031district, including any sum which may be required to pay state
2032and county ad valorem taxes on any taxable lands which may have
2033been purchased and which are held by the district under the
2034provisions of this act, the Board of Supervisors may, upon the
2035completion of said systems, facilities, services, works,
2036improvements, or infrastructure, in whole or in part, as may be
2037certified to the board by the engineer of the board, levy
2038annually a non-ad valorem and nonmillage tax upon each tract or
2039parcel of land within the district, to be known as a
2040"maintenance tax." This non-ad valorem maintenance tax shall be
2041apportioned upon the basis of the net assessments of benefits
2042assessed as accruing from the original construction and shall be
2043evidenced to and certified by the Board of Supervisors of the
2044district not later than June 1 of each year to the property
2045appraiser of Brevard County and shall be extended by the
2046property appraiser on the tax roll of the property appraiser, as
2047certified by the property appraiser to the tax collector, and
2048collected by the tax collector on the merged collection roll of
2049the tax collector in the same manner and at the same time as
2050county ad valorem taxes, and the proceeds therefrom shall be
2051paid to the district. This non-ad valorem maintenance tax shall
2052be a lien until paid on the property against which assessed and
2053enforceable in like manner and of the same dignity as county ad
2054valorem taxes.
2055     (d)  Maintenance special assessments.--To maintain and
2056preserve the facilities and projects of the district, the board
2057may levy a maintenance special assessment. This assessment may
2058be evidenced to and certified to the property appraiser by the
2059Board of Supervisors not later than August 31 of each year and
2060shall be entered by the property appraiser on the county tax
2061rolls and shall be collected and enforced by the tax collector
2062in the same manner and at the same time as county taxes, and the
2063proceeds therefrom shall be paid to the district. However, this
2064subsection shall not prohibit the district in its discretion
2065from using the method prescribed in either section 197.363,
2066section 197.3631, or section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, for
2067collecting and enforcing these assessments. These maintenance
2068special assessments shall be a lien on the property against
2069which assessed until paid and shall be enforceable in like
2070manner as county taxes. The amount of the maintenance special
2071assessment for the exercise of the district's powers under this
2072section shall be determined by the board based upon a report of
2073the district's engineer and assessed by the board upon such
2074lands, which may be all of the lands within the district
2075benefited by the maintenance thereof, apportioned between the
2076benefited lands in proportion to the benefits received by each
2077tract of land.
2078     (e)  Special assessments.--To levy and impose any special
2079assessments pursuant to this subsection.
2080     (f)  Enforcement of taxes.--The collection and enforcement
2081of all taxes levied by the district shall be at the same time
2082and in like manner as county taxes, and the provisions of the
2083laws of Florida relating to the sale of lands for unpaid and
2084delinquent county taxes; the issuance, sale, and delivery of tax
2085certificates for such unpaid and delinquent county taxes; the
2086redemption thereof; the issuance to individuals of tax deeds
2087based thereon; and all other procedures in connection therewith
2088shall be applicable to the district to the same extent as if
2089such statutory provisions were expressly set forth herein. All
2090taxes shall be subject to the same discounts as county taxes.
2091     (g)  When unpaid tax is delinquent; penalty.--All taxes
2092provided for in this act shall become delinquent and bear
2093penalties on the amount of such taxes in the same manner as
2094county taxes.
2095     (h)  Status of assessments.--Benefit special assessments,
2096maintenance special assessments, and special assessments are
2097hereby found and determined to be non-ad valorem assessments as
2098defined by section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Maintenance taxes
2099are non-ad valorem taxes and are not special assessments.
2100     (i)  Assessments constitute liens; collection.--Any and all
2101assessments, including special assessments, benefit special
2102assessments, and maintenance special assessments authorized by
2103this section, and including special assessments as defined by
2104section 2(2)(z) and granted and authorized by this subsection,
2105and including maintenance taxes if authorized by general law,
2106shall constitute a lien on the property against which assessed
2107from the date of levy and imposition thereof until paid, coequal
2108with the lien of state, county, municipal, and school board
2109taxes. These assessments may be collected, at the district's
2110discretion, under authority of section 197.3631, Florida
2111Statutes, as amended from time to time, by the tax collector
2112pursuant to the provisions of sections 197.3632 and 197.3635,
2113Florida Statutes, as amended from time to time, or in accordance
2114with other collection measures provided by law. In addition to,
2115and not in limitation of, any powers otherwise set forth herein
2116or in general law, these assessments may also be enforced
2117pursuant to the provisions of chapter 173, Florida Statutes, as
2118amended from time to time.
2119     (j)  Land owned by governmental entity.--Except as
2120otherwise provided by law, no levy of ad valorem taxes or non-ad
2121valorem assessments under this act, chapter 170, or chapter 197,
2122Florida Statutes, as each may be amended from time to time, or
2123otherwise, by a board of a District, on property of a
2124governmental entity that is subject to a ground lease as
2125described in section 190.003(13), Florida Statutes, shall
2126constitute a lien or encumbrance on the underlying fee interest
2127of such governmental entity.
2128     (13)  SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.--
2129     (a)  As an alternative method to the levy and imposition of
2130special assessments pursuant to chapter 170, Florida Statutes,
2131pursuant to the authority of section 197.3631, Florida Statutes,
2132or pursuant to other provisions of general law, now or hereafter
2133enacted, which provide a supplemental means or authority to
2134impose, levy, and collect special assessments as otherwise
2135authorized under this act, the board may levy and impose special
2136assessments to finance the exercise of any of its powers
2137permitted under this act using the following uniform procedures:
2138     1.  At a noticed meeting, the board of supervisors of the
2139district may consider and review an engineer's report on the
2140costs of the systems, facilities, and services to be provided, a
2141preliminary assessment methodology, and a preliminary roll based
2142on acreage or platted lands, depending upon whether platting has
2143occurred.
2144     a.  The assessment methodology shall address and discuss
2145and the board shall consider whether the systems, facilities,
2146and services being contemplated will result in special benefits
2147peculiar to the property, different in kind and degree than
2148general benefits, as a logical connection between the systems,
2149facilities, and services themselves and the property, and
2150whether the duty to pay the assessments by the property owners
2151is apportioned in a manner that is fair and equitable and not in
2152excess of the special benefit received. It shall be fair and
2153equitable to designate a fixed proportion of the annual debt
2154service, together with interest thereon, on the aggregate
2155principal amount of bonds issued to finance such systems,
2156facilities, and services which give rise to unique, special, and
2157peculiar benefits to property of the same or similar
2158characteristics under the assessment methodology so long as such
2159fixed proportion does not exceed the unique, special, and
2160peculiar benefits enjoyed by such property from such systems,
2161facilities, and services.
2162     b.  The engineer's cost report shall identify the nature
2163the proposed systems, facilities, and services, their location,
2164a cost breakdown plus a total estimated cost, including cost of
2165construction or reconstruction, labor, and materials, lands,
2166property, rights, easements, franchises, or systems, facilities,
2167and services to be acquired, cost of plans and specifications,
2168surveys of estimates of costs and revenues, costs of
2169engineering, legal, and other professional consultation
2170services, and other expenses or costs necessary or incident to
2171determining the feasibility or practicability of such
2172construction, reconstruction, or acquisition, administrative
2173expenses, relationship to the authority and power of the
2174district in its charter, and such other expenses or costs as may
2175be necessary or incident to the financing to be authorized by
2176the Board of Supervisors.
2177     c.  The preliminary assessment roll to be prepared will be
2178in accordance with the method of assessment provided for in the
2179assessment methodology and as may be adopted by the Board of
2180Supervisors; the assessment roll shall be completed as promptly
2181as possible and shall show the acreage, lots, lands, or plats
2182assessed and the amount of the fairly and reasonably apportioned
2183assessment based on special and peculiar benefit to the
2184property, lot, parcel, or acreage of land; and, if the
2185assessment against each such lot, parcel, acreage, or portion of
2186land is to be paid in installments, the number of annual
2187installments in which the assessment is divided shall be entered
2188into and shown upon the assessment roll.
2189     2.  The Board of Supervisors of the district may determine
2190and declare by an initial assessment resolution to levy and
2191assess the assessments with respect to assessable improvements
2192stating the nature of the systems, facilities, and services,
2193improvements, projects, or infrastructure constituting such
2194assessable improvements, the information in the engineer's cost
2195report, the information in the assessment methodology as
2196determined by the board at the noticed meeting and referencing
2197and incorporating as part of the resolution the engineer's cost
2198report, the preliminary assessment methodology, and the
2199preliminary assessment roll as referenced exhibits to the
2200resolution by reference. If the board determines to declare and
2201levy the special assessments by the initial assessment
2202resolution, the board shall also adopt and declare a notice
2203resolution which shall provide and cause the initial assessment
2204resolution to be published once a week for a period of 2 weeks
2205in newspapers of general circulation published in Brevard County
2206and said board shall by the same resolution fix a time and place
2207at which the owner or owners of the property to be assessed or
2208any other persons interested therein may appear before said
2209board and be heard as to the propriety and advisability of
2210making such improvements, as to the costs thereof, as to the
2211manner of payment therefor, and as to the amount thereof to be
2212assessed against each property so improved. Thirty days' notice
2213in writing of such time and place shall be given to such
2214property owners. The notice shall include the amount of the
2215assessment and shall be served by mailing a copy to each
2216assessed property owner at his or her last known address, the
2217names and addresses of such property owners to be obtained from
2218the record of the property appraiser of the county political
2219subdivision in which the land is located or from such other
2220sources as the district manager or engineer deems reliable, and
2221proof of such mailing shall be made by the affidavit of the
2222manager of the district or by the engineer, said proof to be
2223filed with the district manager, provided that failure to mail
2224said notice or notices shall not invalidate any of the
2225proceedings hereunder. It is provided further that the last
2226publication shall be at least 1 week prior to the date of the
2227hearing on the final assessment resolution. Said notice shall
2228describe the general areas to be improved and advise all persons
2229interested that the description of each property to be assessed
2230and the amount to be assessed to each piece, parcel, lot, or
2231acre of property may be ascertained at the office of the manager
2232of the district. Such service by publication shall be verified
2233by the affidavit of the publisher and filed with the manager of
2234the district. Moreover, the initial assessment resolution with
2235its attached, referenced, and incorporated engineer's cost
2236report, preliminary assessment methodology, and preliminary
2237assessment roll, along with the notice resolution, shall be
2238available for public inspection at the office of the manager and
2239the office of the engineer or any other office designated by the
2240Board of Supervisors in the notice resolution. Notwithstanding
2241the foregoing, the landowners of all of the property which is
2242proposed to be assessed may give the district written notice of
2243waiver of any notice and publication provided for in this
2244subparagraph and such notice and publication shall not be
2245required, provided, however, that any meeting of the Board of
2246Supervisors to consider such resolution shall be a publicly
2247noticed meeting.
2248     3.  At the time and place named in the noticed resolution
2249as provided for in subparagraph 2., the board of supervisors of
2250the district shall meet and hear testimony from affected
2251property owners as to the propriety and advisability of making
2252the systems, facilities, services, projects, works,
2253improvements, or infrastructure and funding them with
2254assessments referenced in the initial assessment resolution on
2255the property. Following the testimony and questions from the
2256members of the board or any professional advisors to the
2257district of the preparers of the engineer's cost report, the
2258assessment methodology, and the assessment roll, the board of
2259supervisors shall make a final decision on whether to levy and
2260assess the particular assessments. Thereafter, the board of
2261supervisors shall meet as an equalizing board to hear and to
2262consider any and all complaints as to the particular assessments
2263and shall adjust and equalize the assessments on the basis of
2264justice and right.
2265     4.  When so equalized and approved by resolution or
2266ordinance by the board of supervisors, to be called the final
2267assessment resolution, a final assessment roll shall be filed
2268with the clerk of the board and such assessment shall stand
2269confirmed and remain legal, valid, and binding first liens on
2270the property against which such assessments are made until paid,
2271equal in dignity to the first liens of ad valorem taxation of
2272county and municipal governments and school boards. However,
2273upon completion of the systems, facilities, service, project,
2274improvement, works, or infrastructure, the district shall credit
2275to each of the assessments the difference in the assessment as
2276originally made, approved, levied, assessed, and confirmed and
2277the proportionate part of the actual cost of the improvement to
2278be paid by the particular special assessments as finally
2279determined upon the completion of the improvement; but in no
2280event shall the final assessment exceed the amount of the
2281special and peculiar benefits as apportioned fairly and
2282reasonably to the property from the system, facility, or service
2283being provided as originally assessed. Promptly after such
2284confirmation, the assessment shall be recorded by the clerk of
2285the district in the minutes of the proceedings of the district,
2286and the record of the lien in this set of minutes shall
2287constitute prima facie evidence of its validity. The board of
2288supervisors, in its sole discretion, may, by resolution grant a
2289discount equal to all or a part of the payee's proportionate
2290share of the cost of the project consisting of bond financing
2291cost, such as capitalized interest, funded reserves, and bond
2292discounts included in the estimated cost of the project, upon
2293payment in full of any assessments during such period prior to
2294the time such financing costs are incurred as may be specified
2295by the board of supervisors in such resolution.
2296     5.  District assessments may be made payable in
2297installments over no more than 30 years from the date of the
2298payment of the first installment thereof and may bear interest
2299at fixed or variable rates.
2300     (b)  Notwithstanding any provision of this act or chapter
2301170, Florida Statutes, that portion of section 170.09, Florida
2302Statutes, that provides that assessments may be paid without
2303interest at any time within 30 days after the improvement is
2304completed and a resolution accepting the same has been adopted
2305by the governing authority shall not be applicable to any
2306district assessments, whether imposed, levied, and collected
2307pursuant to the provisions of this act or other provisions of
2308general law, including, but not limited to chapter 170, Florida
2309Statutes.
2310     (c)  In addition, the district is authorized expressly in
2311the exercise of its rulemaking power to adopt a rule or rules
2312which provides or provide for notice, levy, imposition,
2313equalization, and collection of assessments.
2314     (14)  ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS BASED ON
2315ASSESSMENTS FOR ASSESSABLE IMPROVEMENTS; ASSESSMENT BONDS.--
2316     (a)  The board may, after any special assessments or
2317benefit special assessments for assessable improvements are
2318made, determined, and confirmed as provided in this act, issue
2319certificates of indebtedness for the amount so assessed against
2320the abutting property or property otherwise benefited, as the
2321case may be, and separate certificates shall be issued against
2322each part or parcel of land or property assessed, which
2323certificates shall state the general nature of the improvement
2324for which the assessment is made. The certificates shall be
2325payable in annual installments in accordance with the
2326installments of the special assessment for which they are
2327issued. The board may determine the interest to be borne by such
2328certificates, not to exceed the maximum rate allowed by general
2329law, and may sell such certificates at either private or public
2330sale and determine the form, manner of execution, and other
2331details of such certificates. The certificates shall recite that
2332they are payable only from the special assessments levied and
2333collected from the part or parcel of land or property against
2334which they are issued. The proceeds of such certificates may be
2335pledged for the payment of principal of and interest on any
2336revenue bonds or general obligation bonds issued to finance in
2337whole or in part such assessable improvement, or, if not so
2338pledged, may be used to pay the cost or part of the cost of such
2339assessable improvements.
2340     (b)  The district may also issue assessment bonds, revenue
2341bonds, or other obligations payable from a special fund into
2342which such certificates of indebtedness referred to in the
2343preceding subsection may be deposited or, if such certificates
2344of indebtedness have not been issued, the district may assign to
2345such special fund for the benefit of the holders of such
2346assessment bonds or other obligations, or to a trustee for such
2347bondholders, the assessment liens provided for in this act
2348unless such certificates of indebtedness or assessment liens
2349have been theretofore pledged for any bonds or other obligations
2350authorized hereunder. In the event of the creation of such
2351special fund and the issuance of such assessment bonds or other
2352obligations, the proceeds of such certificates of indebtedness
2353or assessment liens deposited therein shall be used only for the
2354payment of the assessment bonds or other obligations issued as
2355provided in this section. The district is authorized to covenant
2356with the holders of such assessment bonds, revenue bonds, or
2357other obligations that it will diligently and faithfully enforce
2358and collect all the special assessments, and interest and
2359penalties thereon, for which such certificates of indebtedness
2360or assessment liens have been deposited in or assigned to such
2361fund; to foreclose such assessment liens so assigned to such
2362special fund or represented by the certificates of indebtedness
2363deposited in the special fund, after such assessment liens have
2364become delinquent, and deposit the proceeds derived from such
2365foreclosure, including interest and penalties, in such special
2366fund; and to make any other covenants deemed necessary or
2367advisable in order to properly secure the holders of such
2368assessment bonds or other obligations.
2369     (c)  The assessment bonds, revenue bonds, or other
2370obligations issued pursuant to this section shall have such
2371dates of issue and maturity as shall be deemed advisable by the
2372board; however, the maturities of such assessment bonds or other
2373obligations shall not be more than 2 years after the due date of
2374the last installment which will be payable on any of the special
2375assessments for which such assessment liens, or the certificates
2376of indebtedness representing such assessment liens, are assigned
2377to or deposited in such special fund.
2378     (d)  Such assessment bonds, revenue bonds, or other
2379obligations issued under this section shall bear such interest
2380as the board may determine, not to exceed the maximum rate
2381allowed by general law, and shall be executed, shall have such
2382provisions for redemption prior to maturity, shall be sold in
2383the manner, and shall be subject to all of the applicable
2384provisions contained in this act for revenue bonds, except as
2385the same may be inconsistent with the provisions of this
2386section.
2387     (e)  All assessment bonds, revenue bonds, or other
2388obligations issued under the provisions of this section shall
2389be, shall constitute, and shall have all the qualities and
2390incidents of negotiable instruments under the law merchant and
2391the laws of the state.
2392     (15)  TAX LIENS.--All taxes of the district provided for in
2393this act, except together with all penalties for default in the
2394payment of the same and all costs in collecting the same,
2395including a reasonable attorney's fee fixed by the court and
2396taxed as a cost in the action brought to enforce payment, shall,
2397from January 1 for each year the property is liable to
2398assessment and until paid, constitute a lien of equal dignity
2399with the liens for state and county taxes and other taxes of
2400equal dignity with state and county taxes, upon all the lands
2401against which such taxes shall be levied. A sale of any of the
2402real property within the district for state and county or other
2403taxes shall not operate to relieve or release the property so
2404sold from the lien for subsequent district taxes or installments
2405of district taxes, which lien may be enforced against such
2406property as though no such sale thereof had been made. In
2407addition to, and not in limitation of, the preceding sentence,
2408for purposes of section 197.552, Florida Statutes, the lien of
2409all special assessments levied by the district shall constitute
2410a lien of record held by a municipal or county governmental
2411unit. The provisions of sections 194.171, 197.122, 197.333, and
2412197.432, Florida Statutes, shall be applicable to district taxes
2413with the same force and effect as if such provisions were
2414expressly set forth in this act.
2415     (16)  PAYMENT OF TAXES AND REDEMPTION OF TAX LIENS BY THE
2416DISTRICT; SHARING IN PROCEEDS OF TAX SALE.--
2417     (a)  The district shall have the power and right to:
2418     1.  Pay any delinquent state, county, district, municipal,
2419or other tax or assessment upon lands located wholly or
2420partially within the boundaries of the district.
2421     2.  Redeem or purchase any tax sales certificates issued or
2422sold on account of any state, county, district, municipal, or
2423other taxes or assessments upon lands located wholly or
2424partially within the boundaries of the district.
2425     (b)  Delinquent taxes paid, or tax sales certificates
2426redeemed or purchased by the district, together with all
2427penalties for the default in payment of the same and all costs
2428in collecting the same and a reasonable attorney's fee, shall
2429constitute a lien in favor of the district of equal dignity with
2430the liens of state and county taxes and other taxes of equal
2431dignity with state and county taxes upon all the real property
2432against which the taxes were levied. The lien of the district
2433may be foreclosed in the manner provided in this act.
2434     (c)  In any sale of land pursuant to section 197.542,
2435Florida Statutes, the district may certify to the clerk of the
2436circuit court of the county holding such sale the amount of
2437taxes due to the district upon the lands sought to be sold, and
2438the district shall share in the disbursement of the sales
2439proceeds in accordance with the provisions of this act and under
2440the laws of the state.
2441     (17)  FORECLOSURE OF LIENS.--Any lien in favor of the
2442district arising under this act may be foreclosed by the
2443district by foreclosure proceedings in the name of the district
2444in a court of competent jurisdiction as provided by general law
2445in like manner as is provided in chapter 173, Florida Statutes,
2446and the provisions of that chapter shall be applicable to such
2447proceedings with the same force and effect as if those
2448provisions were expressly set forth in this act. Any act
2449required or authorized to be done by or on behalf of a
2450municipality in foreclosure proceedings under chapter 173,
2451Florida Statutes, may be performed by such officer or agent of
2452the district as the board of supervisors may designate. Such
2453foreclosure proceedings may be brought at any time after the
2454expiration of 1 year from the date any tax, or installment
2455thereof, becomes delinquent; however, no lien shall be
2456foreclosed against any political subdivision or agency of the
2457state. Other legal remedies shall remain available.
2458     (18)  MANDATORY USE OF CERTAIN DISTRICT SYSTEMS,
2459FACILITIES, AND SERVICES.--To the full extent permitted by law,
2460the district shall require all lands, buildings, premises,
2461persons, firms, and corporations within the district to use the
2462water management and control facilities, water systems, and
2463sewer systems of the district.
2464     (19)  COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT; BIDS; NEGOTIATIONS; RELATED
2465PROVISIONS REQUIRED.--
2466     (a)  No contract shall be let by the board for any goods,
2467supplies, or materials to be purchased when the amount thereof
2468to be paid by the district shall exceed the amount provided in
2469section 287.017, Florida Statutes, for category four, unless
2470notice of bids shall be advertised once in a newspaper in
2471general circulation in Brevard County. Any board seeking to
2472construct or improve a public building, structure, or other
2473public works shall comply with the bidding procedures of section
2474255.20, Florida Statutes, and other applicable general law. In
2475each case, the bid of the lowest responsive and responsible
2476bidder shall be accepted unless all bids are rejected because
2477the bids are too high or the board determines it is in the best
2478interests of the district to reject all bids. The board may
2479require the bidders to furnish bond with a responsible surety to
2480be approved by the board. Nothing in this section shall prevent
2481the board from undertaking and performing the construction,
2482operation, and maintenance of any project or facility authorized
2483by this act by the employment of labor, material, and machinery.
2484     (b)  The provisions of the Consultants' Competitive
2485Negotiation Act, section 287.055, Florida Statutes, shall apply
2486to contracts for engineering, architecture, landscape
2487architecture, or registered surveying and mapping services let
2488by the board.
2489     (c)  Contracts for maintenance services for any district
2490facility or project shall be subject to competitive bidding
2491requirements when the amount thereof to be paid by the district
2492exceeds the amount provided in section 287.017, Florida
2493Statutes, for category four. The district shall adopt rules,
2494policies, or procedures establishing competitive bidding
2495procedures for maintenance services. Contracts for other
2496services shall not be subject to competitive bidding unless the
2497district adopts a rule, policy, or procedure applying
2498competitive bidding procedures to said contracts. Nothing herein
2499shall preclude the use of requests for proposal instead of
2500invitations to bid as determined by the district to be in its
2501best interest.
2502     (20)  FEES, RENTALS, AND CHARGES; PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTION
2503AND MODIFICATIONS; MINIMUM REVENUE REQUIREMENTS.--
2504     (a)  The district is authorized to prescribe, fix,
2505establish, and collect rates, fees, rentals, or other charges,
2506hereinafter sometimes referred to as "revenues," and to revise
2507the same from time to time, for the systems, facilities, and
2508services furnished by the district, within the limits of the
2509district, including, but not limited to, recreational
2510facilities, water management and control facilities, and water
2511and sewer systems; to recover the costs of making connection
2512with any district service, facility, or system; and to provide
2513for reasonable penalties against any user or property for an
2514such rates, fees, rentals, or other charges that are delinquent.
2515     (b)  No such rates, fees, rentals, or other charges for any
2516of the facilities or services of the district shall be fixed
2517until after a public hearing at which all the users of the
2518proposed facility or services or owners, tenants, or occupants
2519served or to be served thereby and all other interested persons
2520shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning the proposed
2521rates, fees, rentals, or other charges. Rates, fees, rentals,
2522and other charges shall be adopted under the administrative
2523rulemaking authority of the district, but shall not apply to
2524district leases. Notice of such public hearing setting forth the
2525proposed schedule or schedules of rates, fees, rentals, and
2526other charges shall have been published in a newspaper of
2527general circulation in Brevard County at least once and at least
252810 days prior to such public hearing. The rulemaking hearing may
2529be adjourned from time to time. After such hearing, such
2530schedule or schedules, either as initially proposed or as
2531modified or amended, may be finally adopted. A copy of the
2532schedule or schedules of such rates, fees, rentals, or charges
2533as finally adopted shall be kept on file in an office designated
2534by the board and shall be open at all reasonable times to public
2535inspection. The rates, fees, rentals, or charges so fixed for
2536any class of users or property served shall be extended to cover
2537any additional users or properties thereafter served which shall
2538fall in the same class, without the necessity of any notice or
2539hearing.
2540     (c)  Such rates, fees, rentals, and charges shall be just
2541and equitable and uniform for users of the same class, and when
2542appropriate may be based or computed either upon the amount of
2543service furnished, upon the average number of persons residing
2544or working in or otherwise occupying the premises served, or
2545upon any other factor affecting the use of the facilities
2546furnished, or upon any combination of the foregoing factors, as
2547may be determined by the board on an equitable basis.
2548     (d)  The rates, fees, rentals, or other charges prescribed
2549shall be such as will produce revenues, together with any other
2550assessments, taxes, revenues, or funds available or pledged for
2551such purpose, at least sufficient to provide for the items
2552hereinafter listed, but not necessarily in the order stated:
2553     1.  To provide for all expenses of operation and
2554maintenance of such facility or service.
2555     2.  To pay when due all bonds and interest thereon for the
2556payment of which such revenues are, or shall have been, pledged
2557or encumbered, including reserves for such purpose.
2558     3.  To provide for any other funds which may be required
2559under the resolution or resolutions authorizing the issuance of
2560bonds pursuant to this act.
2561     (e)  The board shall have the power to enter into contracts
2562for the use of the projects of the district and with respect to
2563the services, systems, and facilities furnished or to be
2564furnished by the district.
2565     (21)  RECOVERY OF DELINQUENT CHARGES.--In the event that
2566any rates, fees, rentals, charges, or delinquent penalties shall
2567not be paid as and when due and shall be in default for 60 days
2568or more, the unpaid balance thereof and all interest accrued
2569thereon, together with reasonable attorney's fees and costs, may
2570be recovered by the district in a civil action.
2571     (22)  DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE.--In the event the fees,
2572rentals, or other charges for water and sewer services, or
2573either of them, are not paid when due, the board shall have the
2574power, under such reasonable rules and regulations as the board
2575may adopt, to discontinue and shut off both water and sewer
2576services until such fees, rentals, or other charges, including
2577interest, penalties, and charges for the shutting off and
2578discontinuance and the restoration of such water and sewer
2579services or both, are fully paid; and, for such purposes, the
2580board may enter on any lands, waters, or premises of any person,
2581firm, corporation, or body, public or private, within the
2582district limits. Such delinquent fees, rentals, or other charges
2583together with interest, penalties, and charges for the shutting
2584off and discontinuance and the restoration of such services and
2585facilities and reasonable attorney's fees and other expenses may
2586be recovered by the district, which may also enforce payment of
2587such delinquent fees, rentals, or other charges by any other
2588lawful method of enforcement.
2589     (23)  ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.--The board or any
2590aggrieved person may have recourse to such remedies in law and
2591at equity as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the
2592provisions of this act, including injunctive relief to enjoin or
2593restrain any person violating the provisions of this act or any
2594bylaws, resolutions, regulations, rules, codes, or orders
2595adopted under this act. In case any building or structure is
2596erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired,
2597converted, or maintained, or any building, structure, land, or
2598water is used in violation of this act or of any code, order,
2599resolution, or other regulation made under authority conferred
2600by this act or under law, the board or any citizen residing in
2601the district may institute any appropriate action or proceeding
2602to prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction,
2603alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance, or use; to
2604restrain, correct, or avoid such violation; to prevent the
2605occupancy of such building, structure, land, or water; and to
2606prevent any illegal act, conduct, business, or use in or about
2607such premises, land, or water.
2608     (24)  SUITS AGAINST THE DISTRICT.--Any suit or action
2609brought or maintained against the district for damages arising
2610out of tort, including, without limitation, any claim arising
2611upon account of an act causing an injury or loss of property,
2612personal injury, or death, shall be subject to the limitations
2613provided in section 768.28, Florida Statutes.
2614     (25)  EXEMPTION OF DISTRICT PROPERTY FROM EXECUTION.--All
2615district property shall be exempt from levy and sale by virtue
2616of an execution, and no execution or other judicial process
2617shall issue against such property, nor shall any judgment
2618against the district be a charge or lien on its property or
2619revenues; however, nothing contained herein shall apply to or
2620limit the rights of bondholders to pursue any remedy for the
2621enforcement of any lien or pledge given by the district in
2622connection with any of the bonds or obligations of the district.
2623     (26)  TERMINATION, CONTRACTION, OR EXPANSION OF DISTRICT.--
2624     (a)  The board may ask the Legislature through its local
2625legislative delegation in and for Brevard County to amend this
2626act to contract, to expand or to contract, or to expand the
2627boundaries of the district by amendment of this section.
2628     (b)  The district shall remain in existence until:
2629     1.  The district is terminated and dissolved pursuant to
2630amendment to this act by the Legislature.
2631     2.  The district has become inactive pursuant to section
2632189.4044, Florida Statutes.
2633
2634Provided, however, if, within 5 years after the effective date
2635of this act establishing the district, the primary landowner has
2636not received a development permit, as defined in chapter 380, on
2637some part or all of the area covered by the district, then the
2638district will be automatically dissolved and a judge of the
2639circuit court shall cause a statement to that effect to be filed
2640in the public records.
2641     (27)  INCLUSION OF TERRITORY.--The inclusion of any or all
2642territory of the district within a municipality does not change,
2643alter, or affect the boundary, territory, existence, or
2644jurisdiction of the district.
2645     (28)  SALE OF REAL ESTATE WITHIN THE DISTRICT; REQUIRED
2646DISCLOSURE TO PURCHASER.--Subsequent to the creation of this
2647district under this act, each contract for the initial sale of a
2648parcel of real property and each contract for the initial sale
2649of a residential unit within the district shall include,
2650immediately prior to the space reserved in the contract for the
2651signature of the purchaser, the following disclosure statement
2652in boldfaced and conspicuous type which is larger than the type
2653in the remaining text of the contract: "THE VIERA STEWARDSHIP
2654DISTRICT MAY IMPOSE AND LEVY TAXES OR ASSESSMENTS, OR BOTH TAXES
2655AND ASSESSMENTS, ON THIS PROPERTY. THESE TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS
2656PAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE COSTS OF
2657CERTAIN PUBLIC SYSTEMS, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES OF THE DISTRICT
2658AND ARE SET ANNUALLY BY THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE DISTRICT.
2659THESE TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS ARE IN ADDITION TO COUNTY AND OTHER
2660LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS AND ALL OTHER TAXES AND
2661ASSESSMENTS PROVIDED FOR BY LAW."
2662     (29)  NOTICE OF CREATION AND ESTABLISHMENT.--Within 30 days
2663after the election of the first board of supervisors creating
2664this district, the district shall cause to be recorded in the
2665grantor-grantee index of the property records in each county in
2666which it is located a "Notice of Creation and Establishment of
2667the Viera Stewardship District." The notice shall, at a minimum,
2668include the legal description of the property covered by this
2669act.
2670     (30)  DISTRICT PROPERTY PUBLIC; FEES.--Any system,
2671facility, service, works, improvement, project, or other
2672infrastructure owned by the district, or funded by federal tax
2673exempt bonding issued by the district, is public; and the
2674district by rule may regulate and may impose reasonable charges
2675or fees for the use thereof but not to the extent that such
2676regulation or imposition of such charges or fees constitutes
2677denial of reasonable access.
2678     Section 7.  If any provision of this act is determined
2679unconstitutional or otherwise determined invalid by a court of
2680law, all the rest and remainder of the act shall remain in full
2681force and effect as the law of this state.
2682     Section 8.  In the election provided for in section 9, each
2683assessable acre or fraction thereof present in person or by
2684proxy shall be counted as one vote.
2685     Section 9.  This section and section 8 shall take effect
2686upon this act becoming law, and the remaining sections shall
2687take effect upon approval by a majority vote of the owners of
2688land within the district who are not exempt from ad valorem
2689taxes or non-ad valorem assessments and who are present in
2690person or by proxy at a landowners' meeting to be held within 90
2691days after the effective date of this act. Such landowners'
2692meeting shall be noticed as provided in section 5 for the
2693initial landowners' meeting and may be combined with such
2694meeting. However, the provisions of this act which authorize the
2695levy of ad valorem taxation and issuance of general obligation
2696bonds shall take effect only upon express approval by a majority
2697vote of those qualified electors of the Viera Stewardship
2698District voting in a referendum election held at such time as
2699all members of the board are qualified electors who are elected
2700by qualified electors of the district as provided in this act.


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