reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
FL Stat § 582.01 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.01 - Definitions.

582.01 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:(1) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Agriculture.(2) “Council” means the Soil and Water Conservation Council.(3) “Department” means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.(4) “District” or “soil and water conservation district” means a governmental subdivision of this state and a body corporate and politic, organized in accordance with the provisions of this chapter for the purpose, with the powers, and subject to the provisions set forth in this chapter. The term “district” when used in this chapter means and includes a “soil and water conservation district.” All districts organized under this chapter shall be known as soil and water conservation districts and shall have all the powers set out herein.(5) “Due notice,” in addition to notice required pursuant to the provisions of chapter 120, means notice published at least twice, with an interval of at least 7 days between the two publication dates, in a newspaper or other publication of general circulation within the appropriate area.(6) “Land occupier” or “occupier of land” means a person, other than the owner, who possesses any lands lying within a district organized under the provisions of this chapter, whether as lessee, renter, tenant, or otherwise.(7) “Landowner” or “owner of land” means a person who holds legal or equitable title to any lands lying within a district organized under the provisions of this chapter.(8) “Qualified elector” means a person qualified to vote in general elections under the constitution and laws of this state.(9) “Supervisor” means a member of the governing body of a district who is elected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.History.—s. 3, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 1, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(474); s. 1, ch. 65-334; s. 1, ch. 67-207; s. 1, ch. 70-392; s. 1, ch. 74-53; s. 6, ch. 78-95; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-129; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 2, ch. 83-265; ss. 1, 3, 4, ch. 87-25; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 22, ch. 2016-61.
FL Stat § 582.02 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.02 - Legislative Policy and Findings; Purpose of Districts.

582.02 Legislative policy and findings; purpose of districts.—(1) It is the policy of the Legislature to promote the appropriate and efficient use of soil and water resources, protect water quality, prevent floodwater and sediment damage, preserve wildlife, protect public lands, and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.(2) The Legislature finds that the farm, forest, and grazing lands; green spaces; recreational areas; and natural areas of the state are among the basic assets of the state and the conservation of these lands is necessary to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of its people and is in the public interest.(3) The Legislature further finds that to ensure the conservation of the state’s farm, forest, and grazing lands; green spaces; recreational areas; and natural areas, and to conserve, protect, and use soil and water resources, it is necessary that appropriate land and water resources protection practices be implemented.(4) The purpose of the soil and water conservation districts is to provide assistance, guidance, and education to landowners, land occupiers, the agricultural industry, and the general public in implementing land and water resource protection practices. The Legislature intends for soil and water conservation districts to work in conjunction with federal, state, and local agencies in all matters that implement the provisions of this chapter.History.—s. 2, ch. 18144, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(473); s. 924, ch. 97-103; s. 23, ch. 2016-61.
FL Stat § 582.055 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.055 - Powers and Duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; Rules.

582.055 Powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; rules.—(1) The provisions of this chapter shall be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.(2) The department is authorized to receive gifts, appropriations, materials, equipment, lands, and facilities and to manage, operate, and disburse them for the use and benefit of the soil and water conservation districts of the state.(3) The department shall provide for an annual audit of the accounts of receipts and disbursements.(4) The department may furnish information and call upon any state or local agencies for cooperation in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.(5) The department may offer such assistance as may be appropriate to the supervisors of soil and water conservation districts and facilitate communication and cooperation between districts.(6) The department may seek the cooperation and assistance of any federal, state, or county agencies in the work of such districts, including the receipt and expenditure of state, federal, and other funds or contributions.(7) The department may disseminate information throughout the state concerning the activities, research, and programs of the soil and water conservation districts and encourage the formation of such districts in areas where their organization is desirable.(8) The department may create or dissolve a soil and water conservation district pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.(9) The department may adopt rules, as necessary, to implement the provisions of this chapter.History.—s. 2, ch. 70-392; s. 44, ch. 98-34; s. 86, ch. 2013-18; s. 25, ch. 2016-61.
FL Stat § 582.06 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.06 - Soil and Water Conservation Council; Powers and Duties.

582.06 Soil and Water Conservation Council; powers and duties.—(1) COMPOSITION.—(a) The Soil and Water Conservation Council is created in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and shall be composed of 7 members who have been involved in the practice of soil or water conservation, or in the development or implementation of interim measures or best management practices related thereto, and who have been engaged in agriculture or an occupation related to the agricultural industry for at least 5 years at the time of their appointment.(b) All members shall be appointed by the commissioner.(c) Members shall serve 4-year terms or until their successors are duly qualified and appointed. If a vacancy occurs, it shall be filled for the remainder of the term in the manner of an initial appointment.(2) POWERS AND DUTIES; MEETINGS; PROCEDURES; RECORDS.—(a) The meetings, powers and duties, procedures, and recordkeeping of the Soil and Water Conservation Council shall be conducted pursuant to s. 570.232.(b) The council shall accept and review requests for creating or dissolving soil and water conservation districts and shall, by a majority vote, recommend, by resolution, to the commissioner that a district be created or dissolved pursuant to the request, or that the request be denied.(c) When requested by the Governor or a district, the council shall provide a recommendation to the Governor whether to remove a supervisor for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office only after notice, hearing, and thorough review.History.—s. 4, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 2, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(475); s. 1, ch. 28094, 1953; s. 24, ch. 57-1; s. 19, ch. 63-400; s. 2, ch. 67-207; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 69-235; s. 3, ch. 70-392; s. 1, ch. 70-439; s. 16, ch. 77-108; s. 6, ch. 78-95; s. 1, ch. 78-261; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 81-129; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 2, ch. 83-265; ss. 2, 3, 4, ch. 87-25; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 62, ch. 93-169; s. 27, ch. 94-335; s. 1, ch. 2003-97; s. 8, ch. 2006-289; s. 35, ch. 2012-190; s. 139, ch. 2014-150; s. 26, ch. 2016-61.Note.—Former s. 582.07.
FL Stat § 582.10 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.10 - Creation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

582.10 Creation of soil and water conservation districts.—(1) Any 10 percent of owners of land lying within the limits of the territory proposed to be organized into a district may file a petition with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, asking that a soil and water conservation district be organized to function in the territory described in the petition. Such petition shall set forth:(a) The proposed name of said district.(b) That there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare, for a soil and water conservation district to function in the territory described in the petition.(c) A description of the territory proposed to be organized as a district, which description shall not be required to be given by metes and bounds or by legal subdivisions, but shall be deemed sufficient if generally accurate.(d) A request that the department duly define the boundaries for such district; that a referendum be held within the territory so defined on the question of the creation of a soil and water conservation district in such territory; and that the department determine that such a district be created.(2) Where more than one petition is filed covering parts of the same territory the department may consolidate all or any petitions.History.—s. 5, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 3, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(476); s. 3, ch. 67-207; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 2, ch. 2003-97.
FL Stat § 582.12 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.12 - Referendum for Creation.

582.12 Referendum for creation.—After the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has made and recorded a determination that there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare, for the organization of a district in a particular territory and has defined the boundaries thereof, it shall consider the question whether the operation of a district within such boundaries with the powers conferred upon soil and water conservation districts in this chapter is administratively practicable and feasible. To assist the department in the determination of such administrative practicability and feasibility, the department, within a reasonable time after entry of the finding that there is need for the organization of the proposed district and the determination of the boundaries thereof, shall hold a referendum within the proposed district upon the proposition of the creation of the district, and cause due notice of such referendum to be given. The question shall be submitted by ballots upon which the words “For creation of a soil and water conservation district of the lands below described and lying in the County (ies) of  ,  , (and)  ” and “Against creation of a soil and water conservation district of the lands below described and lying in the County (ies) of   (and)  ” shall appear with a square before each proposition and a direction to insert an X mark in the square before one or the other of said propositions as the voter may favor or oppose creation of such district. The ballot shall set forth the boundaries of such proposed district as determined by the department. All owners of lands lying within the boundaries of the territory, as determined by the department, shall be eligible to vote in such referendum. Only such landowners shall be eligible to vote.History.—s. 5, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 3, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(476); s. 3, ch. 67-207; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106.
FL Stat § 582.13 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.13 - Expenses of Referendum.

582.13 Expenses of referendum.—The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall pay all expenses for the issuance of such notices and the conduct of such hearings and referenda, and shall supervise the conduct of such hearings and referenda. It shall issue appropriate regulations governing the conduct of such hearings and referenda, and providing for the registration prior to the date of the referendum of all eligible voters, or prescribing some other appropriate procedure for the determination of those eligible as voters in such referendum. No informalities in the conduct of such referendum or in any matters relating thereto shall invalidate said referendum or the result thereof if notice thereof shall have been given substantially as provided in s. 582.12, and said referendum shall have been fairly conducted.History.—s. 5, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 3, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(476); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106.
FL Stat § 582.14 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.14 - Results of Referendum; Publication, Etc.

582.14 Results of referendum; publication, etc.—The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall publish the result of such referendum and shall thereafter consider and determine whether the operation of the district within the defined boundaries is administratively practicable and feasible. If the department shall determine that the operation of such district is not administratively practicable and feasible, it shall record such determination and deny the petition. If the department shall determine that the operation of such district is administratively practicable and feasible, it shall record such determination and shall proceed with the organization of the district in the manner hereinafter provided. In making such determination the department shall give due regard and weight to the attitude of the owners and occupiers of lands lying within the defined boundaries, the number of landowners eligible to vote in such referendum who shall have voted, the proportion of the votes cast in such referendum in favor of the creation of the district to the total number of votes cast, the approximate wealth and income of the landowners and occupiers of the proposed district, the probable expense of carrying on erosion-control operations within such district, and such other economic and social factors as may be relevant to such determination having due regard to the legislative determinations set forth in this chapter; provided, however, that the department shall not determine that the operation of the proposed district within the defined boundaries is administratively practicable and feasible unless at least a majority of the votes cast in the referendum upon the proposition of creation of the district shall have been cast in favor of the creation of such district.History.—s. 5, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 3, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(476); ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106.
FL Stat § 582.16 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.16 - Change of District Boundaries.

582.16 Change of district boundaries.—Requests for increasing or reducing the boundaries of an existing district may be filed with the department, and the department shall follow the proceedings provided in this chapter to create a district.History.—s. 5, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 3, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(476); s. 2, ch. 25407, 1949; s. 3, ch. 67-207; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 28, ch. 2016-61.
FL Stat § 582.18 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.18 - Election of Supervisors of Each District.

582.18 Election of supervisors of each district.—(1) The election of supervisors for each soil and water conservation district shall be held every 2 years. The elections shall be held at the time of the general election provided for by s. 100.041. The office of the supervisor of a soil and water conservation district is a nonpartisan office, and candidates for such office are prohibited from campaigning or qualifying for election based on party affiliation.(a) Each candidate for supervisor for such district shall qualify as directed by chapter 99.(b) Each nominee who collects or expends campaign contributions shall conduct her or his campaign for supervisor of a soil and water conservation district in accordance with the provisions of chapter 106. Candidates who neither receive contributions nor make expenditures, other than expenditures for verification of signatures on petitions, are exempt from the provisions of chapter 106 requiring establishment of bank accounts and appointment of a campaign treasurer, but shall file periodic reports as required by s. 106.07.(c) The names of all nominees on behalf of whom such nominating petitions have been filed shall appear upon ballots in accordance with the general election laws. All qualified electors residing within the district shall be eligible to vote in such election. The candidates who receive the largest number of the votes cast from each group of candidates in such election shall be the elected supervisors from such group for such district. In the case of a newly created district participating in a regular election for the first time, three groups of candidates shall be elected for terms of 4 years, and two groups shall be elected for initial terms of 2 years. Each candidate elected shall assume office on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January following the election.(2) After the issuance of a certificate of organization of a soil and water conservation district by the Department of State, or in the event of a vacancy resulting from death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, each vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the remaining supervisors of the district until the next regular election.History.—s. 6, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 4, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(477); s. 2, ch. 28094, 1953; s. 3, ch. 67-207; ss. 10, 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 72-114; s. 2, ch. 74-53; s. 2, ch. 78-261; s. 42, ch. 84-302; s. 45, ch. 90-315; s. 925, ch. 97-103; s. 31, ch. 2001-40; s. 88, ch. 2002-1; s. 54, ch. 2007-30.
FL Stat § 582.28 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.28 - Cooperation Between Districts.

582.28 Cooperation between districts.—The supervisors of any two or more districts organized under the provisions of this chapter may cooperate with one another in the exercise of any or all powers conferred in this chapter.History.—s. 12, ch. 18144, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(483).
FL Stat § 582.29 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.29 - State Agencies to Cooperate.

582.29 State agencies to cooperate.—Agencies of this state that have jurisdiction over, or are charged with, the administration of any state-owned lands, and of any county, or other governmental subdivision of the state, that have jurisdiction over, or are charged with the administration of, any county-owned or other publicly owned lands, shall cooperate to the fullest extent with the supervisors of such districts in the implementation of programs and operations undertaken by the supervisors under the provisions of this chapter. The supervisors of such districts shall be given free access to enter and perform work upon such publicly owned lands.History.—s. 13, ch. 18144, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(484); s. 37, ch. 2012-190; s. 32, ch. 2016-61.
FL Stat § 582.31 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.31 - Certification of Results of Referendum; Dissolution.

582.31 Certification of results of referendum; dissolution.—Upon receipt from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services of a certification that the department has determined that the continued operation of the district is not administratively practicable and feasible, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the supervisors shall forthwith proceed to terminate the affairs of the district. The supervisors shall dispose of all property belonging to the district at public auction and shall pay over the proceeds of such sale to be converted into the State Treasury, which amount shall be placed to the credit of the district for the purpose of liquidating any legal obligations the district may have at the time of its discontinuance. The supervisors shall thereupon file an application, duly verified, with the Department of State for the discontinuance of the district, and shall transmit with such application the certificate of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services setting forth the determination of the department that the continued operation of the district is not administratively practicable and feasible. The application shall recite that the property of the district has been disposed of and the proceeds paid over as in this section provided, and shall set forth a full accounting of such properties and proceeds of the sale. The Department of State shall issue to the supervisors a certificate of dissolution and shall record such certificate in an appropriate book of record in its office.History.—s. 14, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 7, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(485); s. 3, ch. 67-207; ss. 10, 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 39, ch. 2012-190.
FL Stat § 582.32 (2021)
2021 Florida Statutes|Title XXXV - Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry|Chapter 582 - Soil and Water Conservation|582.32 - Effect of Dissolution.

582.32 Effect of dissolution.—(1) Upon issuance of a certificate of dissolution, s. 189.076(2) applies and all land use regulations in effect within such districts are void.(2) The department shall not be required to entertain petitions for the discontinuance of any district nor conduct referenda upon such petitions nor make determinations pursuant to such petitions in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, more often than once in 5 years.History.—s. 14, ch. 18144, 1937; s. 7, ch. 19473, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 4151(485); s. 3, ch. 67-207; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 40, ch. 2012-190; s. 87, ch. 2014-22.