Before the 2023 Legislative Session officially begins on March 7, the House and Senate convene in Tallahassee for interim committee weeks throughout December, January and February. Below is an update on recently filed legislation that is of significance for cities.

Financial Disclosure

Overview HB 37 (Roach) would require all municipal mayors, city commissioners, elected members of a municipal governing body, and all municipal and county managers to file an annual Full Disclosure of Financial Interests (Form 6) with the Florida Commission on Ethics. These individuals are currently required to file only a Limited Disclosure of Financial Interests (Form 1). In Florida, county commissioners, county constitutional officers, state lawmakers and other state and local officials are currently required to file Form 6. Previous versions of this legislation have passed the House or the Senate for the last several years. Current Status HB 37 will be considered by the House Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee on Wednesday, January 25 at 4:00 pm (EST). Next Steps If you are planning to travel to Tallahassee for Wednesday’s committee meeting, please contact Allison Payne at the League. The League will continue to provide updates as this issue moves forward. Additional Information Read the FLC Letter to the Bill Sponsor, Chair and Members of the House Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee

Alternative Mobility Funding Systems and Impact Fees

Overview HB 235 (Robinson, W.) provides clarity to the local government adoption of a mobility plan and a mobility fee system. The bill would prohibit a transportation impact fee or fee that is not a mobility-based fee from being imposed within the area that is within a mobility plan. In addition, the bill makes a revision to the impact fee statute that was substantially amended during the 2021 Legislative Session. Current law now limits the amount impact fees can be increased by. However, current law also provides an exception to the impact fee increase process by allowing for increases to be greater than the requirements if the governmental entity establishes the need for the increased fee. HB 235 will eliminate this exception to impact fee increases. Therefore, all impact fee increases will have to comply with the increase limits and phase-in requirements provided for in the current law with no exception. Current Status HB 235 has not yet received committee references. No legislation has been filed to date in the Senate. Next Steps No action is requested at this time. The League will continue to provide updates as this issue moves forward. Additional information FLC Bill Summary

Constitutional Amendment: Revised Limitation on Increases of Homestead Property Tax Assessments

Overview SJR 122 (Avila) would reduce the limitation on annual increases of homestead property tax assessments from 3% to 2%. In 1994, the State of Florida established a 3% Save Our Homes (SOH) Cap assessment limit on all residential properties that receive a homestead exemption. The 3% SOH Cap limits any increase to the assessed value of a homestead exempt property for tax purposes to a maximum of 3% each year. SJR 122. would reduce the assessment limit from 3% to a maximum of 2% each year. SJR 122 is a constitutional amendment and would require the approval of the Florida Legislature and the voters of Florida. SB 120 is an implementing bill traveling with SJR 122. Current Status SJR 122 and SB 120 have been referred to the Senate Community Affairs Committee. To date, similar legislation has not been filed in the House. Next Steps No action is requested at this time. The League will continue to provide updates as this issue moves forward.

Short-Term Rentals

Overview SB 92 (Garcia) and HB 105 (Basabe) would codify the ability of local governments to require vacation rental owners or operators to designate and maintain at all times the name and contact information of a responsible party who is able to respond to complaints and other immediate problems related to the property. Current Status SB 92 has been referred to the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. HB 105 has been referred to the House Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee. Next Steps No action is requested at this time. The League will continue to provide updates as this issue moves forward.

Water/Wastewater Facility Operators

Overview HB 23 (Bell) and SB 162 (Collins) state that water and wastewater facility operators are essential first responders. The bills would require the Department of Environmental Protection to broaden the criteria to issue a water/wastewater facility operator license by reciprocity. This would allow license holders from other states to qualify for a FL license, under certain conditions. Current Status HB 23 has been referred to the House Water Quality, Supply & Treatment Subcommittee. SB 162 has been referred to the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Next Steps No action is requested at this time. The League will continue to provide updates as this issue moves forward. Additional information FLC Bill Summary

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