reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.32 - Rural housing projects.

421.32 Rural housing projects.—County housing authorities and regional housing authorities are specifically empowered and authorized to borrow money, accept grants and exercise their other powers to provide housing for farmers of low income and domestic farm labor as defined in s. 514 of the Federal Housing Act of 1949. In connection with such projects, any such housing authority may enter into such leases or purchase agreements, accept such conveyances and rent or sell dwellings forming part of such projects to or for farmers of low income, as such housing authority deems necessary in order to assure the achievement of the objectives of this law. Such leases, agreements or conveyances may include such covenants as the housing authority deems appropriate regarding such dwellings and the tracts of land described in any such instrument, which covenants shall be deemed to run with the land where the housing authority deems it necessary and the parties to such instrument so stipulate. In providing housing for farmers of low income, county housing authorities and regional housing authorities shall not be subject to the limitations provided in ss. 421.08(3) and 421.10(3). Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as limiting any other powers of any housing authority.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20220, 1941; s. 3, ch. 65-223.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.321 - Execution of mortgages.

421.321 Execution of mortgages.—County and regional housing authorities organized under this chapter are authorized to execute mortgages encumbering real property as security for loans made for providing facilities for domestic farm labor pursuant to s. 514 of the Federal Housing Act of 1949.
History.—s. 4, ch. 65-223.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.33 - Housing applications by farmers.

421.33 Housing applications by farmers.—The owner of any farm operated, or worked upon, by farmers of low income in need of safe and sanitary housing may file an application with a housing authority created for a county or a regional housing authority requesting that it provide for a safe and sanitary dwelling or dwellings for occupancy by such farmers of low income. Such applications shall be received and examined by housing authorities in connection with the formulation of projects or programs to provide housing for farmers of low income. Provided, however, that if it becomes necessary for an applicant under this section to convey any portion of the applicant’s then homestead in order to take advantages as provided herein, then in that event, the parting with title to a portion of said homestead shall not affect the remaining portion of same, but all rights that said owner may have in and to same under and by virtue of the Constitution of the state or any law passed pursuant thereto, shall be deemed and held to apply to such remaining portion of said land, the title of which remains in said applicant; it being the intention of the Legislature to permit the owner of any farm operated or worked upon by farmers of low income in need of safe and sanitary housing to take advantage of the provisions of this law without jeopardizing their rights in their then homestead by reason of any requirement that may be necessary in order for them to receive the benefits herein provided; and no court shall ever construe that an applicant who has taken advantage of this law has in any manner, shape, or form abandoned his or her rights in any property that is the applicant’s then homestead by virtue of such action upon his or her part, but it shall be held, construed, and deemed that such action upon the part of any applicant hereunder was not any abandonment of the applicant’s then homestead, and that all rights that the applicant then had therein shall be and remain as provided by the Constitution and any law enacted pursuant thereto.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20220, 1941; s. 7, ch. 22858, 1945; s. 88, ch. 97-103; s. 85, ch. 2000-153.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.34 - Additional definitions.

421.34 Additional definitions.—
(1) “Farmers of low income,” as used in this law, shall mean persons or families who at the time of their admission to occupancy in a dwelling of a housing authority:
(a) Live under unsafe or insanitary housing conditions;
(b) Derive their principal income from operating or working upon a farm; and
(c) Had an aggregate average annual net income for the 3 years preceding their admission that was less than the amount determined by the housing authority to be necessary, within its area of operation, to enable them, without financial assistance, to obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing without overcrowding;
provided, however, that this definition shall not apply to persons using facilities the construction of which was financed with proceeds of loans made pursuant to s. 514 of the Federal Housing Act of 1949.
(2) “Governing body,” as used in this law with regard to a county, shall mean the county commissioners or other legislative body of the county.
(3) “Clerk,” as used in this law with regard to a county or county authority, shall mean the clerk and accountant of the board of county commissioners or the officer having duties customarily imposed on such clerk.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20220, 1941; s. 5, ch. 65-223.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.35 - Supplemental nature of sections.

421.35 Supplemental nature of sections.—The powers conferred by ss. 421.27-421.34 shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.
History.—s. 2, ch. 20220, 1941.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.36 - Short title.

421.36 Short title.—Sections 421.27-421.35 may be cited and referred to as the “Rural Housing Authorities Law of Florida.”
History.—s. 1, ch. 20220, 1941.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.46 - Organization and establishment of housing authorities validated.

421.46 Organization and establishment of housing authorities validated.—The establishment and organization of housing authorities under the provisions of the Housing Authorities Law of this state together with all proceedings, acts and things heretofore undertaken, performed or done with reference thereto, are hereby validated, ratified, confirmed, approved and declared legal in all respects, notwithstanding any defect or irregularity therein or any want of statutory authority.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20222, 1941.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.47 - Contracts and undertakings of housing authorities validated.

421.47 Contracts and undertakings of housing authorities validated.—All contracts, agreements, obligations, and undertakings of such housing authorities heretofore entered into relating to financing or aiding in the development, construction, maintenance, or operation of any housing project or projects or to obtaining aid therefor from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, loan and annual contributions contracts and leases with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, agreements with municipalities or other public bodies, including those which are pledged or authorized to be pledged for the protection of the holders of any notes or bonds issued by such housing authorities or which are otherwise made a part of the contract with such holders of notes or bonds, relating to cooperation and contributions in aid of housing projects, payments, if any, in lieu of taxes, furnishing of municipal services and facilities, and the elimination of unsafe and insanitary dwellings, and contracts for the construction of housing projects, together with all proceedings, acts, and things heretofore undertaken, performed, or done with reference thereto, are hereby validated, ratified, confirmed, approved, and declared legal in all respects, notwithstanding any defect or irregularity therein or any want of statutory authority.
History.—s. 2, ch. 20222, 1941; s. 9, ch. 78-165.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.48 - Notes and bonds of housing authorities validated.

421.48 Notes and bonds of housing authorities validated.—All proceedings, laws and things heretofore undertaken, performed or done in or for the authorization, issuance, execution and delivery of notes and bonds by housing authorities for the purpose of financing or aiding in the development or construction of a housing project or projects, and all notes and bonds heretofore issued by housing authorities are hereby validated, ratified, confirmed, approved and declared legal in all respects, notwithstanding any defect or irregularity therein or any want of statutory authority.
History.—s. 3, ch. 20222, 1941.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.49 - Area of operation of housing authorities for defense housing.

421.49 Area of operation of housing authorities for defense housing.—In the development or the administration of projects, under ss. 421.46-421.48, to assure the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons engaged in national defense activities or in otherwise carrying out the purposes of such law, or in the administration of such projects in accordance with the provisions of the housing authorities law, a housing authority of a city may exercise its powers within the territorial boundaries of said city and an area within 10 miles from said boundaries, excluding the area within the territorial boundaries of any other city which has heretofore established a housing authority.
History.—s. 1, ch. 20249, 1941; s. 100, ch. 2007-5.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.51 - Authority for county excluded from regional authority.

421.51 Authority for county excluded from regional authority.—At any time after a county or counties is excluded from the area of operation of a regional housing authority as provided above, the governing body of any such county may adopt a resolution declaring that there is a need for a housing authority in the county, if the governing body shall declare and find such need according to the provisions of the Housing Authorities Law. Thereupon a public body corporate and politic, to be known as the “housing authority of the county,” shall exist for such county and may transact business and exercise its powers in the same manner as though created by the Housing Authorities Law. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as preventing such county from thereafter being included within the area of operation of a regional housing authority as provided in s. 421.28 or s. 421.29.
History.—s. 4, ch. 21699, 1943.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part I - Housing Authorities (Ss. 421.001-421.52) › 421.52 - Authorities; creation, obligations, etc., validated.

421.52 Authorities; creation, obligations, etc., validated.—
(1) The creation, establishment and organization of housing authorities under the provisions of chapter 17981, Laws of Florida, 1937, as amended, or chapter 20220, Laws of Florida, 1941 (ss. 421.01-421.36), together with all proceedings, acts and things heretofore undertaken or done with reference thereto, are hereby validated and declared legal in all respects.
(2) All agreements and undertakings of such housing authorities heretofore entered into, relating to financing, or aiding in the development or operation of any housing projects, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, loan and annual contributions contracts, agency contracts, and leases, agreements with municipalities or other public bodies, including those which are pledged or authorized to be pledged for the protection of the holders of any notes or debentures issued by such housing authorities or which are otherwise made a part of the contract with such holders of notes or debentures, relating to cooperation in aid of housing projects, payments to public bodies in the state, furnishing of municipal services and facilities and the elimination of unsafe and insanitary dwellings, and contracts for the construction of housing projects, together with all proceedings, acts and things heretofore undertaken or done with reference thereto, are hereby validated and declared legal in all respects.
(3) All proceedings, acts and things heretofore undertaken or done in or for the authorization, issuance, execution and delivery of notes and debentures by housing authorities for the purpose of financing or aiding in the development or construction of a housing project or projects, and all notes and debentures heretofore issued by housing authorities are hereby validated and declared legal in all respects.
History.—ss. 1-3, ch. 21698, 1943.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 421 - Public Housing › Part II - Miscellaneous Provisions (S. 421.55) › 421.55 - Relocation of displaced persons.

421.55 Relocation of displaced persons.—
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to authorize the state and its departments, agencies, political subdivisions, and legislatively established port and airport authorities to comply with the provisions and requirements of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987, Pub. L. No. 100-17, in those public projects or programs for which federal or federal-aid funds are available and are used.
(2) As used in this section:
(a) “State” means the State of Florida, any department, agency or political subdivision thereof, or any port or airport authority established by the Legislature.
(b) “Public Law No. 100-17” means the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987 adopted by the United States Congress.
(c) “Displaced person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association that is required to move from any real property on or after March 20, 1972, as a result of the acquisition of such real property for public purposes, or who, as the result of the acquisition for public purposes of real property on which such person is conducting a business or farm operation as defined in Pub. L. No. 100-17, is required to move said business or farm operation.
(3) The state is authorized and empowered, in acquiring real property for use in any public project or program in which federal or federal-aid funds are used, to make all such relocation and other payments to or for displaced persons as are required under the provisions of Pub. L. No. 100-17, and to provide such displaced persons with relocation services and make available to them replacement dwellings, as required by Pub. L. No. 100-17.
(4) The state is authorized and empowered, in acquiring real property for use in any public project or program in which federal or federal-aid funds are used, to follow and conform with the land acquisition policies set forth in Pub. L. No. 100-17, and to pay or reimburse owners of property so acquired in the manner specified in Pub. L. No. 100-17. This authority shall include, as to federal-aid highways and airports, as a last resort, the use of eminent domain powers to acquire real property for replacement housing as required by Pub. L. No. 100-17.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, ch. 72-71; s. 2, ch. 89-209.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 422 - Housing Cooperation Law › 422.001 - State Role in Housing and Urban Development.

422.001 State role in housing and urban development.—The role of state government required by part I of chapter 421 (Housing Authorities Law), chapter 422 (Housing Cooperation Law), and chapter 423 (Tax Exemption of Housing Authorities) is the responsibility of the Department of Economic Opportunity; and the department is the agency of state government responsible for the state’s role in housing and urban development.
History.—s. 18, ch. 69-106; s. 51, ch. 81-167; s. 54, ch. 83-55; s. 8, ch. 2000-342; s. 340, ch. 2011-142.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 422 - Housing Cooperation Law › 422.02 - Finding and Declaration of Necessity.

422.02 Finding and declaration of necessity.—It has been found and declared in the Housing Authorities Law that there exist in the state unsafe and insanitary housing conditions and a shortage of safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations for persons of low income; that these conditions necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditures of public funds for crime prevention and punishment, public health, welfare and safety, fire and accident protection, and other public services and facilities; and that the public interest requires the remedying of these conditions. It is found and declared that the assistance herein provided for the remedying of the conditions set forth in the Housing Authorities Law constitutes a public use and purpose and an essential governmental function for which public moneys may be spent and other aid given; that it is a proper public purpose for any state public body to aid any housing authority operating within its boundaries or jurisdiction or any housing project located therein, as the state public body derives immediate benefits and advantages from such an authority or project; and that the provisions hereinafter enacted are necessary in the public interest.
History.—s. 2, ch. 17982, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100(3-pp).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 422 - Housing Cooperation Law › 422.03 - Definitions.

422.03 Definitions.—The following terms, whenever used or referred to in this chapter shall have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
(1) “Housing authority” shall mean any housing authority created pursuant to the Housing Authorities Law of this state.
(2) “Housing project” shall mean any work or undertaking of a housing authority pursuant to the Housing Authorities Law or any similar work or undertaking of the Federal Government.
(3) “State public body” shall mean any city, town, county, municipal corporation, commission, district, authority, other subdivision or public body of the state.
(4) “Governing body” shall mean the council, commission, board of supervisors or trustees, or other board or body having charge of the fiscal affairs of the state public body.
(5) “Federal Government” shall mean the United States, the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, or any other agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States.
History.—s. 3, ch. 17982, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100(3-qq).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 422 - Housing Cooperation Law › 422.04 - Cooperation in Undertaking Housing Projects.

422.04 Cooperation in undertaking housing projects.—
(1) For the purpose of aiding and cooperating in the planning, undertaking, construction or operation of housing projects located within the area in which it is authorized to act, any state public body may upon such terms, with or without consideration, as it may determine:
(a) Dedicate, sell, convey or lease any of its property to a housing authority or the Federal Government;
(b) Cause parks, playgrounds, recreational, community, educational, water, sewer or drainage facilities or any other works, which it is otherwise empowered to undertake, to be furnished adjacent to or in connection with housing projects;
(c) Furnish, dedicate, close, pave, install, grade, regrade, plan or replan streets, roads, roadways, alleys, sidewalks or other places which it is otherwise empowered to undertake;
(d) Plan or replan, zone or rezone any part of such state public body; make exceptions from building regulations and ordinances; any city or town also may change its map;
(e) Enter into agreements, which may extend over any period, notwithstanding any provision or rule of law to the contrary, with a housing authority or the Federal Government respecting action to be taken by such state public body pursuant to any of the powers granted by this chapter;
(f) Do any and all things, necessary or convenient to aid and cooperate in the planning, undertaking, construction or operation of such housing projects;
(g) Purchase or legally invest in any of the debentures of a housing authority and exercise all of the rights of any holder of such debentures;
(h) With respect to any housing project which a housing authority has acquired or taken over from the Federal Government and which the housing authority by resolution has found and declared to have been constructed in a manner that will promote the public interest and afford necessary safety, sanitation and other protection, no state public body shall require any changes to be made in the housing project or the manner of its construction or take any other action relating to such construction;
(i) In connection with any public improvements made by a state public body in exercising the powers herein granted, such state public body may incur the entire expense thereof.
(2) Any law or statute to the contrary notwithstanding, any sale, conveyance, lease or agreement provided for in this section may be made by a state public body without appraisal, public notice, advertisement or public bidding.
History.—s. 4, ch. 17982, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100(3-rr).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 422 - Housing Cooperation Law › 422.05 - Contracts for Payments for Services.

422.05 Contracts for payments for services.—In connection with any housing project located wholly or partly within the area in which it is authorized to act, any state public body may contract with a housing authority or the Federal Government with respect to the sum or sums, if any, which the housing authority or the Federal Government may agree to pay, during any year or period of years, to the state public body for the improvements, services and facilities to be furnished by it for the benefit of said housing project, but in no event shall the amount of such payments exceed the estimated cost to the state public body of the improvements, services or facilities to be so furnished; provided, however, that the absence of a contract for such payments shall in no way relieve any state public body from the duty to furnish, for the benefit of said housing project, customary improvements and such services and facilities as such state public body usually furnishes without a service fee.
History.—s. 5, ch. 17982, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100(3-ss).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 422 - Housing Cooperation Law › 422.06 - Advances to Housing Authority.

422.06 Advances to housing authority.—When any housing authority which is created for any city becomes authorized to transact business and exercise its powers therein, the governing body of the city shall immediately make an estimate of the amount of money necessary for the administrative expenses and overhead of such housing authority during the first year thereafter, and shall appropriate such amount to the authority out of any moneys in such city treasury not appropriated to some other purposes. The moneys so appropriated shall be paid to the authority as a donation. Any city, town or county located in whole or in part within the area of operation of a housing authority shall have the power from time to time to lend or donate money to the authority or to agree to take such action. The housing authority, when it has money available therefor, shall make reimbursements for all such loans made to it.
History.—s. 6, ch. 17982, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100(3-tt).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 422 - Housing Cooperation Law › 422.07 - Procedure for Exercising Powers.

422.07 Procedure for exercising powers.—The exercise by a state public body of the powers herein granted may be authorized by resolution of the governing body of such state public body adopted by a majority of the members of its governing body present at a meeting of said governing body, which resolution may be adopted at the meeting at which such resolution is introduced. Such a resolution or resolutions shall take effect immediately and need not be laid over or published or posted.
History.—s. 7, ch. 17982, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100 (3-uu).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 422 - Housing Cooperation Law › 422.08 - Supplemental Nature of Chapter.

422.08 Supplemental nature of chapter.—The powers conferred by this chapter shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law.
History.—s. 8, ch. 17982, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100(3-vv).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 423 - Tax Exemption of Housing Authorities › 423.001 - State Role in Housing and Urban Development.

423.001 State role in housing and urban development.—The role of state government required by part I of chapter 421 (Housing Authorities Law), chapter 422 (Housing Cooperation Law), and chapter 423 (Tax Exemption of Housing Authorities) is the responsibility of the Department of Economic Opportunity; and the department is the agency of state government responsible for the state’s role in housing and urban development.
History.—s. 18, ch. 69-106; s. 52, ch. 81-167; s. 55, ch. 83-55; s. 9, ch. 2000-342; s. 341, ch. 2011-142.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 423 - Tax Exemption of Housing Authorities › 423.01 - Finding and Declaration of Property of Tax Exemption for Housing Authorities.

423.01 Finding and declaration of property of tax exemption for housing authorities.—It has been found and declared in the Housing Authorities Law and the Housing Cooperation Law that:
(1) There exist in the state housing conditions which constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals and welfare of the residents of the state;
(2) These conditions necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditures of public funds for crime prevention and punishment, public health, welfare and safety, fire and accident prevention, and other public services and facilities;
(3) The public interest requires the remedying of these conditions by the creation of housing authorities to undertake projects for slum clearance and for providing safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations for persons who lack sufficient income to enable them to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings without overcrowding; and
(4) Such housing projects, including all property of a housing authority used for or in connection therewith or appurtenant thereto, are exclusively for public uses and municipal purposes and not for profit, and are governmental functions of state concern. As a matter of legislative determination, it is found and declared that the property and debentures of a housing authority are of such character as may be exempt from taxation.
History.—s. 1, ch. 17983, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100(3-xx).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 423 - Tax Exemption of Housing Authorities › 423.02 - Housing Projects Exempted From Taxes and Assessments; Payments in Lieu Thereof.

423.02 Housing projects exempted from taxes and assessments; payments in lieu thereof.—The housing projects, including all property of housing authorities used for or in connection therewith or appurtenant thereto, of housing authorities shall be exempt from all taxes and special assessments of the state or any city, town, county, or political subdivision of the state, provided, however, that in lieu of such taxes or special assessments a housing authority may agree to make payments to any city, town, county or political subdivision of the state for services, improvements or facilities furnished by such city, town, county or political subdivision for the benefit of a housing project owned by the housing authority, but in no event shall such payments exceed the estimated cost to such city, town, county or political subdivision of the services, improvements or facilities to be so furnished.
History.—s. 2, ch. 17983, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100(3-yy).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 423 - Tax Exemption of Housing Authorities › 423.03 - Housing Debentures Exempted From Taxation.

423.03 Housing debentures exempted from taxation.—The debentures of a housing authority, together with interest thereon and income therefrom, shall be exempt from all taxes. The exemption granted by this section shall not be applicable to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations.
History.—s. 3, ch. 17983, 1937; CGL 1940 Supp. 7100(3-zz); s. 15, ch. 73-327.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.02 - Purpose.

425.02 Purpose.—Cooperative, nonprofit, membership corporations may be organized under this chapter for the purpose of supplying electric energy and promoting and extending the use thereof in rural areas. Corporations organized under this chapter and corporations which become subject to this chapter in the manner hereinafter provided are hereinafter referred to as “cooperatives.”
History.—s. 2, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(45).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.03 - Definitions.

425.03 Definitions.—In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) “Rural area” means any area not included within the boundaries of any incorporated or unincorporated city, town, village, or borough having a population in excess of 2,500 persons;
(2) “Person” includes any natural person, firm, association, corporation, business trust, partnership, federal agency, state or political subdivision or agency thereof, or any body politic; and
(3) “Member” means each incorporator of a cooperative and each person admitted to and retaining membership therein, and shall include a husband and wife admitted to joint membership.
History.—s. 29, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(44).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.045 - Meetings of Trustees; Records.

425.045 Meetings of trustees; records.—
(1) All meetings of any board of trustees of a cooperative organized pursuant to this chapter, or the board of any affiliated company or subsidiary thereof, at which official acts are to be taken, are declared to be meetings open to the membership of such cooperative at all times, and no formal action shall be considered binding except as taken or made at an open meeting. The minutes of a meeting of any such cooperative board or board of any affiliated company or subsidiary thereof shall be promptly recorded, and such records shall be open to inspection by any cooperative member. Reasonable notice of meetings shall be provided to the membership. The circuit courts of this state shall have jurisdiction to issue injunctions to enforce the purposes of this section upon application by any cooperative member.
(2) Every person who has custody of the records of a cooperative organized pursuant to this chapter, or any affiliated company or subsidiary thereof, shall permit the records to be inspected and examined by any member of such cooperative desiring to do so, at any reasonable time, under reasonable conditions, and under supervision by the custodian of the records or the custodian’s designee. The custodian shall furnish a copy of the records upon payment of the actual cost of duplication of the records. This section shall not apply to records which constitute proprietary confidential business information as defined in s. 366.093.
(3) If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are declared severable.
History.—s. 17, ch. 89-292; s. 24, ch. 95-144; s. 91, ch. 97-103.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.05 - Name.

425.05 Name.—The name of each cooperative shall include the words “electric” and “cooperative” and the abbreviation “inc.”; provided, however, such limitation shall not apply if, in an affidavit made by the president or vice president of a cooperative and filed with the Department of State, it shall appear that the cooperative desires to transact business in another state and is precluded therefrom by reason of its name. The name of a cooperative shall distinguish it from the name of any other corporation organized under the laws of, or authorized to transact business in, this state. The words “electric” and “cooperative” shall not both be used in the name of any corporation organized under the laws of, or authorized to transact business in, this state, except a cooperative or a corporation transacting business in this state pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
History.—s. 4, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(47); ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.06 - Incorporators.

425.06 Incorporators.—Five or more natural persons or two or more cooperatives, may organize a cooperative in the manner hereinafter provided.
History.—s. 5, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(48).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.07 - Articles of Incorporation.

425.07 Articles of incorporation.—
(1) The articles of incorporation of a cooperative shall recite in the caption that they are executed pursuant to this chapter, shall be signed and acknowledged by each of the incorporators, and shall state:
(a) The name of the cooperative;
(b) The address of its principal office;
(c) The names and addresses of the incorporators;
(d) The names and addresses of the persons who shall constitute its first board of trustees; and
(e) Any provisions not inconsistent with this chapter deemed necessary or advisable for the conduct of its business and affairs.
It shall not be necessary to set forth in the articles of incorporation of a cooperative the purpose for which it is organized or any of the corporate powers vested in a cooperative under this chapter.
(2) Such articles of incorporation shall be submitted to the Department of State for filing as provided in this chapter.
History.—s. 6, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(49); ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.08 - Bylaws.

425.08 Bylaws.—The original bylaws of a cooperative, and the first bylaws for a corporation after the effective date of the conversion thereof into a cooperative, pursuant to s. 425.17, shall be adopted by its board of trustees. Thereafter, bylaws shall be adopted, amended or repealed by its members. The bylaws shall set forth the rights and duties of members and trustees and may contain other provisions for the regulation and management of the affairs of the cooperative not inconsistent with this chapter or with its articles of incorporation.
History.—s. 7, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(50).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.11 - Voting Districts.

425.11 Voting districts.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the bylaws may provide that the territory in which a cooperative supplies electric energy to its members shall be divided into two or more voting districts and that, in respect of each such voting district:
(1) A designated number of trustees shall be elected by the members residing therein; or
(2) A designated number of delegates shall be elected by such members; or
(3) Both such trustees and delegates shall be elected by such members.
In any such case the bylaws shall prescribe the manner in which such voting districts and the members thereof, and the delegates and trustees, if any, elected therefrom shall function and the powers of the delegates, which may include the power to elect trustees. No member at any voting district meeting and no delegate at any meeting shall vote by proxy or by mail.
History.—s. 10, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(53).
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.12 - Officers.

425.12 Officers.—The officers of a cooperative shall consist of a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, who shall be elected annually by and from the board of trustees. No person shall continue to hold any of the above offices after ceasing to be a trustee. The offices of secretary and of treasurer may be held by the same person. The board of trustees may also elect or appoint such other officers, agents, or employees as it shall deem necessary or advisable and shall prescribe the powers and duties thereof. Any officer may be removed from office and a successor elected in the manner prescribed in the bylaws.
History.—s. 11, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(54); s. 94, ch. 97-103.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.13 - Amendment of Articles of Incorporation.

425.13 Amendment of articles of incorporation.—A cooperative may amend its articles of incorporation by complying with the following requirements:
(1) The proposed amendment shall first be approved by the board of trustees and shall then be submitted to a vote of the members at any annual or special meeting thereof, the notice of which shall set forth the proposed amendment. The proposed amendment, with such changes as the members shall choose to make therein, shall be deemed to be approved on the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of those members voting thereon at such meeting; and
(2) Upon such approval by the members, articles of amendment shall be executed and acknowledged on behalf of the cooperative by its president or vice president and its corporate seal shall be affixed thereto and attested by its secretary. The articles of amendment shall recite in the caption that they are executed pursuant to this chapter and shall state:
(a) The name of the cooperative;
(b) The address of its principal office;
(c) The date of the filing of its articles of incorporation with the Department of State; and
(d) The amendment to its articles of incorporation.
The president or vice president executing such articles of amendment shall also make and annex thereto an affidavit stating that the provisions of this section were duly complied with. Such articles of amendment and affidavit shall be submitted to the Department of State for filing as provided in this chapter.
(3) A cooperative may, without amending its articles of incorporation, upon authorization of its board of trustees, change the location of its principal office by filing a certificate of change of principal office executed and acknowledged by its president or vice president under its seal attested by its secretary, with the Department of State and also in each county office in which its articles of incorporation or any prior certificate of change of principal office of such cooperative has been filed. Such cooperative shall also, within 30 days after the filing of such certificate of change of principal office in any county office, file therein certified copies of its articles of incorporation and all amendments thereto, if the same are not already on file therein.
History.—s. 12, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(55); ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.14 - Consolidation.

425.14 Consolidation.—Any two or more cooperatives, each of which is hereinafter designated a “consolidating cooperative,” may consolidate into a new cooperative, hereinafter designated the “new cooperative,” by complying with the following requirements:
(1) The proposition for the consolidation of the consolidating cooperatives into the new cooperative and proposed articles of consolidation to give effect thereto shall be first approved by the board of trustees of each consolidating cooperative. The proposed articles of consolidation shall recite in the caption that they are executed pursuant to this chapter and shall state:
(a) The name of each consolidating cooperative, the address of its principal office, and the date of the filing of its articles of incorporation with the Department of State;
(b) The name of the new cooperative and the address of its principal office;
(c) The names and addresses of the persons who shall constitute the first board of trustees of the new cooperative;
(d) The terms and conditions of the consolidation and the mode of carrying the same into effect, including the manner and basis of converting membership in each consolidating cooperative into memberships in the new cooperative and the issuance of certificates of membership in respect of such converted memberships; and
(e) Any provisions not inconsistent with this chapter deemed necessary or advisable for the conduct of the business and affairs of the new cooperative;
(2) The proposition for the consolidation of the consolidating cooperatives into the new cooperative and the proposed articles of consolidation approved by the board of trustees of each consolidating cooperative shall then be submitted to a vote of the members thereof at any annual or special meeting thereof, the notice of which shall set forth full particulars concerning the proposed consolidation. The proposed consolidation and the proposed articles of consolidation shall be deemed to be approved upon the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of those members of each consolidating cooperative voting thereon at such meeting; and
(3) Upon such approval by the members of the respective consolidating cooperatives, articles of consolidation in the form approved shall be executed and acknowledged on behalf of each consolidating cooperative by its president or vice president and its seal shall be affixed thereto and attested by its secretary. The president or vice president of each consolidating cooperative executing such articles of consolidation shall also make and annex thereto an affidavit stating that the provisions of this section were duly complied with by such cooperative. Such articles of consolidation and affidavits shall be submitted to the Department of State for filing as provided in this chapter.
History.—s. 13, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(56); ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXX - Social Welfare › Chapter 425 - Rural Electric Cooperatives › 425.15 - Merger.

425.15 Merger.—Any one or more cooperatives, each of which is hereinafter designated a “merging cooperative,” may merge into another cooperative, hereinafter designated the “surviving cooperative,” by complying with the following requirements:
(1) The proposition for the merger of the merging cooperatives into the surviving cooperative and proposed articles of merger to give effect thereto shall be first approved by the board of trustees of each merging cooperative and by the board of trustees of the surviving cooperative. The proposed articles of merger shall recite in the caption that they are executed pursuant to this chapter and shall state:
(a) The name of each merging cooperative, the address of its principal office, the date of the filing of its articles of incorporation with the Department of State;
(b) The name of the surviving cooperative and the address of its principal office;
(c) A statement that the merging cooperatives elect to be merged into the surviving cooperative;
(d) The names and addresses of the persons who shall constitute the board of trustees of the surviving cooperative until the next following annual meeting of the members thereof;
(e) The terms and conditions of the merger and the mode of carrying the same into effect, including the manner and basis of converting the memberships in the merging cooperative or cooperatives into memberships in the surviving cooperative and the issuance of certificates of membership in respect of such converted memberships; and
(f) Any provisions not inconsistent with this chapter deemed necessary or advisable for the conduct of the business and affairs of the surviving cooperatives;
(2) The proposition for the merger of the merging cooperatives into the surviving cooperative and the proposed articles of merger approved by the board of trustees of the respective cooperatives, parties to the proposed merger, shall then be submitted to a vote of the members of each such cooperative at any annual or special meeting thereof, the notice of which shall set forth full particulars concerning the proposed merger. The proposed merger and the proposed articles of merger shall be deemed to be approved upon the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of those members of each cooperative voting thereon at such meeting; and
(3) Upon such approval by the members of the respective cooperatives, parties to the proposed merger, articles of merger in the form approved shall be executed and acknowledged on behalf of each such cooperative by its president or vice president and its seal shall be affixed thereto and attested by its secretary. The president or vice president of each cooperative executing such articles of merger shall also make and annex thereto an affidavit stating that the provisions of this section were duly complied with by such cooperative. Such articles of merger and affidavits shall be submitted to the Department of State for filing as provided in this chapter.
History.—s. 14, ch. 19138, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 6494(57); ss. 10, 35, ch. 69-106.