The Florida Senate

At any time after 5 years from the organization of a watershed improvement district, the owners of not less than 25 percent of the land area within such district may file a petition with the board of supervisors of the soil and water conservation district or districts in which the watershed improvement district is situated requesting that the existence of the watershed improvement district be discontinued. The petition shall state the reasons for discontinuance, and that all maintenance and operation assurances and other obligations of the district have been met. A copy of such petition shall be furnished to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

After giving due notice of a hearing on such petition, the board of supervisors may conduct such hearing on the petition as may be necessary to assist it in making a determination.

Within 60 days after the petition is filed, a referendum shall be held by the board of supervisors substantially as provided for in ss. 582.36 and 582.37. No informalities in the conduct of the referendum or in any matters relating to the referendum shall invalidate it or its results if due notice of the referendum has been given.

If a majority of the votes cast in such referendum, representing a majority of the land area within the watershed improvement district, shall have been cast in favor of the discontinuance of the watershed improvement district, and the board of supervisors determines that all maintenance and operation assurances and other obligations of the district have been met, the watershed improvement district shall be discontinued. A copy of such determination and discontinuance shall be certified to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and to the clerk of the circuit court of each county in which any portion of the watershed improvement district is situated for recordation in the public land records of such county.