reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.436 - Remedial measures.

373.436 Remedial measures.—
(1) Upon completion of any inspection provided for by s. 373.423(3), the executive director or the department shall determine what alterations or repairs are necessary and order that such alterations and repairs shall be made within a time certain, which shall be a reasonable time. The owner of such stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works may file a written petition for hearing before the governing board or the department no later than 14 days after such order is served. If, after such order becomes final, the owner shall fail to make the specified alterations or repairs, the governing board or the department may, in its discretion, cause such alterations or repairs to be made.
(2) Any cost to the district or the department of alterations or repairs made by it under the provisions of subsection (1) shall be a lien against the property of the landowner on whose lands the alterations or repairs are made until the governing board or department is reimbursed, with reasonable interest and attorney’s fees, for its costs.
History.—s. 11, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 14, ch. 78-95; s. 21, ch. 89-279.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.439 - Emergency measures.

373.439 Emergency measures.—
(1) The executive director, with the concurrence of the governing board, or the department shall immediately employ any remedial means to protect life and property if either:
(a) The condition of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works is so dangerous to the safety of life or property as not to permit time for the issuance and enforcement of an order relative to maintenance or operation.
(b) Passing or imminent floods threaten the safety of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works.
(2) In applying the emergency measures provided for in this section, the executive director or the Department of Environmental Protection may in an emergency do any of the following:
(a) Lower the water level by releasing water from any impoundment or reservoir.
(b) Completely empty the impoundment or reservoir.
(c) Take such other steps as may be essential to safeguard life and property.
(3) The executive director or the Department of Environmental Protection shall continue in full charge and control of such stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, and its appurtenant works until they are rendered safe or the emergency occasioning the action has ceased.
History.—s. 12, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 49, ch. 79-65; s. 22, ch. 89-279; s. 270, ch. 94-356.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.4415 - Role of Miami-Dade County in processing permits for limerock mining in Miami-Dade County Lake Belt.

373.4415 Role of Miami-Dade County in processing permits for limerock mining in Miami-Dade County Lake Belt.—The department and Miami-Dade County shall cooperate to establish and fulfill reasonable requirements for the departmental delegation to the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resource Management of authority to implement the permitting program under ss. 373.403-373.439 for limerock mining activities within the geographic area of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt which was recommended for mining in the report submitted to the Legislature in February 1997 under s. 373.4149. The delegation of authority must be consistent with s. 373.441 and chapter 62-344, Florida Administrative Code. To further streamline permitting within the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt, the department and Miami-Dade County are encouraged to work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to establish a general permit under s. 404 of the Clean Water Act for limerock mining activities within the geographic area of the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt consistent with the report submitted in February 1997. Miami-Dade County is further encouraged to seek delegation from the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the implementation of any such general permit. This section does not limit the authority of the department to delegate other responsibilities to Miami-Dade County under this part.
History.—s. 3, ch. 97-222; s. 3, ch. 99-298; s. 4, ch. 2001-172.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.443 - Immunity from liability.

373.443 Immunity from liability.—No action shall be brought against the state or district, or any agents or employees of the state or district, for the recovery of damages caused by the partial or total failure of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works upon the ground that the state or district is liable by virtue of any of the following:
(1) Approval of the permit for construction or alteration.
(2) The issuance or enforcement of any order relative to maintenance or operation.
(3) Control or regulation of stormwater management systems, dams, impoundments, reservoirs, appurtenant work, or works regulated under this chapter.
(4) Measures taken to protect against failure during emergency.
History.—s. 13, part IV, ch. 72-299; s. 23, ch. 89-279.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.451 - Short title; legislative findings and intent.

373.451 Short title; legislative findings and intent.—
(1) Sections 373.451-373.4595 may be cited as the “Surface Water Improvement and Management Act.”
(2) Legislative intent.—The Legislature finds that the water quality of many of the surface waters of the state has been degraded, or is in danger of becoming degraded, and that the natural systems associated with many surface waters have been altered so that these surface waters no longer perform the important functions that they once performed. These functions include:
(a) Providing aesthetic and recreational pleasure for the people of the state;
(b) Providing habitat for native plants, fish, and wildlife, including endangered and threatened species;
(c) Providing safe drinking water to the growing population of the state; and
(d) Attracting visitors and accruing other economic benefits.
(3) The Legislature finds that the declining quality of the state’s surface waters has been detrimental to the public’s right to enjoy these surface waters and that it is the duty of the state, through the state’s agencies and subdivisions, to enhance the environmental and scenic value of surface waters.
(4) The Legislature finds that factors contributing to the decline in the ecological, aesthetic, recreational, and economic value of the state’s surface waters include:
(a) Point and nonpoint source pollution; and
(b) Destruction of the natural systems which purify surface waters and provide habitats.
(5) The Legislature finds that many surface water problems can be and have been corrected and prevented through plans and programs for surface water improvement and management that are developed and implemented by the water management districts, the department, and local governments.
(6) It is therefore the intent of the Legislature that each water management district develop plans and programs for the improvement and management of surface waters within its boundaries.
(7) It is also the intent of the Legislature that the department, the water management districts, and others conduct research to provide a better scientific understanding of the causes and effects of surface water pollution and of the destruction of natural systems in order to improve and manage surface waters and associated natural systems.
History.—s. 1, ch. 87-97; s. 24, ch. 89-279; s. 41, ch. 96-321; s. 4, ch. 2003-265.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.459 - Funds for surface water improvement and management.

373.459 Funds for surface water improvement and management.—
(1) Legislative appropriations provided to the water management districts for surface water improvement and management activities shall be available for detailed planning and plan and program implementation.
(2) An entity that receives state funding for the implementation of programs specified in ss. 373.451-373.459, including a water management district, federal, local, or regional agency, university, or nonprofit or private organization, shall provide a 50-percent match of cash or in-kind services towards the implementation of the specific project for which it is contracting.
(3) The department shall administer all funds appropriated to or received for surface water improvement and management activities. Expenditure of the moneys shall be limited to the costs of detailed planning and plan and program implementation for priority surface water bodies. Moneys may not be expended for planning for, or construction or expansion of, treatment facilities for domestic or industrial waste disposal.
(4) The department shall authorize the release of money in accordance with s. 373.501(2).
(5) The match requirement of subsection (2) does not apply to the Suwannee River Water Management District, the Northwest Florida Water Management District, or a financially disadvantaged small local government as defined in former s. 403.885(3).
History.—s. 5, ch. 87-97; s. 29, ch. 89-279; s. 9, ch. 91-79; s. 11, ch. 91-305; s. 11, ch. 94-115; s. 504, ch. 94-356; s. 44, ch. 96-321; s. 6, ch. 2003-265; s. 8, ch. 2005-291; s. 33, ch. 2006-26; ss. 39, 54, ch. 2007-73; s. 3, ch. 2007-191; s. 17, ch. 2008-5; s. 40, ch. 2015-229.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.4591 - Improvements on private agricultural lands.

373.4591 Improvements on private agricultural lands.—
(1) The Legislature encourages public-private partnerships to accomplish water storage, groundwater recharge, and water quality improvements on private agricultural lands. Priority consideration shall be given to public-private partnerships that:
(a) Store or treat water on private lands for purposes of enhancing hydrologic improvement, improving water quality, or assisting in water supply;
(b) Provide critical groundwater recharge; or
(c) Provide for changes in land use to activities that minimize nutrient loads and maximize water conservation.
(2)(a) When an agreement is entered into between the department, a water management district, or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and a private landowner to establish a public-private partnership that may create or impact wetlands or other surface waters, a baseline condition determining the extent of wetlands and other surface waters on the property shall be established and documented in the agreement before improvements are constructed.
(b) When an agreement is entered into between the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and a private landowner to implement best management practices pursuant to s. 403.067(7)(c), a baseline condition determining the extent of wetlands and other surface water on the property may be established at the option and expense of the private landowner and documented in the agreement before improvements are constructed. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall submit the landowner’s proposed baseline condition documentation to the lead agency for review and approval, and the agency shall use its best efforts to complete the review within 45 days.
(3) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the department, and the water management districts shall provide a process for reviewing these requests in the timeframe specified. The determination of a baseline condition shall be conducted using the methods set forth in the rules adopted pursuant to s. 373.421. The baseline condition documented in an agreement shall be considered the extent of wetlands and other surface waters on the property for the purpose of regulation under this chapter for the duration of the agreement and after its expiration.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2012-187; s. 7, ch. 2014-150; s. 14, ch. 2016-1.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.45922 - South Florida Water Management District; permit for completion of Everglades Construction Project; report.

373.45922 South Florida Water Management District; permit for completion of Everglades Construction Project; report.—Within 60 days after receipt of any permit issued pursuant to s. 404 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. s. 1344, for the completion of the Everglades Construction Project, as defined by s. 373.4592(2)(g), the South Florida Water Management District shall submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives that details the differences between the permit and the Everglades Program as defined by s. 373.4592(2)(h) and identifies any changes to the schedule or funding for the Everglades Program that result from the permit. The South Florida Water Management District shall include in the report a complete chronological record of any negotiations related to conditions included in the permit. Such record shall be documented by inclusion of all relevant correspondence in the report. If any condition of the permit affects the schedule or costs of the Everglades Construction Project, the South Florida Water Management District shall include in the report a detailed explanation of why the condition was imposed and a detailed analysis of whether the condition would promote or hinder the progress of the project.
History.—s. 3, ch. 97-258; s. 37, ch. 2004-5.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.45931 - Alligator Alley tolls; Everglades and Florida Bay restoration.

373.45931 Alligator Alley tolls; Everglades and Florida Bay restoration.—The South Florida Water Management District is authorized to expend funds from Alligator Alley tolls which have been deposited in the Everglades Fund of the South Florida Water Management District to fund restoration activities for the Everglades and Florida Bay.
History.—s. 8, ch. 94-115.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.4596 - State compliance with stormwater management programs.

373.4596 State compliance with stormwater management programs.—The state, through the Department of Management Services, the Department of Transportation, and other agencies, shall construct, operate, and maintain buildings, roads, and other facilities it owns, leases, or manages to fully comply with state, water management district, and local government stormwater management programs.
History.—s. 40, ch. 89-279; s. 298, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.4597 - The Geneva Freshwater Lens Protection Act.

373.4597 The Geneva Freshwater Lens Protection Act.—
(1) The Legislature finds that the Geneva Freshwater Lens, a single source water supply, is a unique and valuable water resource for the citizens of northeast Seminole County and, in general, to the citizens of this state and that the lens is a precious natural resource system vital to the health and diversity of the regional ecosystem. It is the intent of the Legislature that this resource be protected for future generations of citizens of this state and that the St. Johns River Water Management District implement the laws of this state and administrative rules of the district to that end.
(2) The recharge area of the Geneva Freshwater Lens shall be delineated by rule by the St. Johns River Water Management District, to be based on the 20-foot (NGVD) contour of the recharge area prior to development, using a static line and based on the quadrangle maps referenced in the United States Geological Survey Report titled “Water Resources Investigation 86-4078.”
History.—s. 2, ch. 95-377; s. 4, ch. 2020-144.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.462 - Legislative findings and intent.

373.462 Legislative findings and intent.—
(1) The Legislature recognizes that by law in 1979, portions of Lake and Polk Counties were designated as the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern in acknowledgment of its regional and statewide importance in maintaining the quality and quantity of Florida’s water supply and water resources for the public and the environment.
(2) The Legislature also recognizes the Green Swamp, which encompasses approximately 560,000 acres, is located in a regionally significant high recharge area of the Floridan Aquifer system, and it helps protect coastal communities from saltwater intrusion.
(3) The Legislature finds that the Green Swamp or Polk County make up the headwaters or portions of the headwaters of six major river systems in the state, which are the Alafia, Hillsborough, Kissimmee, Ocklawaha, Peace, and Withlacoochee Rivers. In addition, due to the area’s unique topography and geology which receives no other water inputs other than rainfall, the area is essential in maintaining the potentiometric head of the Floridan Aquifer system that directly influences the aquifer’s productivity for water supply.
(4) The Legislature also finds that the Green Swamp and the surrounding areas are economically, environmentally, and socially defined by some of the most important and vulnerable water resources in the state.
(5) The Legislature recognizes that the Central Florida Water Initiative Guiding Document dated January 30, 2015, and the Southern Water Use Caution Area Recovery Strategy dated March 2006 recognized the fact that the surface water and groundwater resources in the heartland counties of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk are integral to the health, public safety, and economic future of those regions.
(6) The Legislature declares that there is an important state interest in partnering with regional water supply authorities and local governments, in accordance with s. 373.705, to protect the water resources of the headwaters of the Alafia, Hillsborough, Kissimmee, Ocklawaha, Peace, and Withlacoochee Rivers and the surrounding areas. The Legislature further declares that funding consideration be given to regional collaborative solutions, including, but not limited to, the heartland counties, to manage the water resources of the state.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2017-111.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.463 - Heartland headwaters annual report.

373.463 Heartland headwaters annual report.—
(1) The Polk Regional Water Cooperative, in coordination with all of its member county and municipal governments, shall prepare a comprehensive annual report for water resource projects identified for state funding consideration within its members’ jurisdictions. The report must include, at a minimum:
(a) A list of projects identified by the cooperative for state funding consideration for each of the following categories. A project may be listed in more than one category.
1. Drinking water supply.
2. Wastewater.
3. Stormwater and flood control.
4. Environmental restoration.
5. Conservation.
(b) A priority ranking for each listed project that will be ready to proceed in the upcoming fiscal year, identified by the categories specified in paragraph (a).
(c) The estimated cost of each listed project.
(d) The estimated completion date of each listed project.
(e) The source and amount of financial assistance to be provided by the cooperative, the member county or municipal governments, or other entities for each listed project.
(2) By December 1, 2017, and each year thereafter, the cooperative shall submit the comprehensive annual report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the department, and the appropriate water management districts.
(3) The cooperative shall also annually coordinate with the appropriate water management district to submit a status report on projects receiving priority state funding for inclusion in the consolidated water management district annual report required by s. 373.036(7).
History.—s. 3, ch. 2017-111.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part IV - Management and Storage of Surface Waters (Ss. 373.403-373.469) › 373.468 - The Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program.

373.468 The Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program.—
(1) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the St. Johns River Water Management District, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection and pertinent local governments, shall review existing restoration proposals to determine which ones are the most environmentally sound and economically feasible methods of improving the fish and wildlife habitat and natural systems of the Harris Chain of Lakes.
(2) To initiate the Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with assistance from the St. Johns River Water Management District and in consultation and by agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection and pertinent local governments, shall develop tasks to be undertaken by those entities for the enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat. These agencies shall evaluate different methodologies for removing the extensive tussocks and buildup of organic matter along the shoreline and of the aquatic vegetation in the lake.
(3) Contingent on the Legislature’s appropriating funds for the Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program and in conjunction with financial participation by federal, other state, and local governments, the appropriate agencies shall, through competitive bid, award contracts to implement the activities of the Harris Chain of Lakes restoration program.
(4) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is authorized to conduct a demonstration restoration project on the Harris Chain of Lakes for the purpose of creating better habitat for fish and wildlife.
History.—ss. 2, 3, ch. 2001-246; s. 2, ch. 2020-52.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.472 - Save Our Everglades Trust Fund.

373.472 Save Our Everglades Trust Fund.—
(1) There is created within the Department of Environmental Protection the Save Our Everglades Trust Fund. Funds in the trust fund shall be expended to implement the comprehensive plan as defined in s. 373.470(2); the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Protection Plan as defined in s. 373.4595(2); the Caloosahatchee River Watershed Protection Plan as defined in s. 373.4595(2); the St. Lucie River Watershed Protection Plan as defined in s. 373.4595(2); the Long-Term Plan as defined in s. 373.4592(2); and the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern protection program under ss. 380.05 and 380.0552 to restore and conserve natural systems through the implementation of water management projects, including wastewater management projects identified in the “Keys Wastewater Plan” dated November 2007 and submitted to the Florida House of Representatives on December 4, 2007. The trust fund shall serve as the repository for state, local, and federal project contributions in accordance with s. 373.470(4).
(2) The trust fund is not subject to the service charge described in s. 215.20(1). All income of a revenue nature, including interest or other earnings received or credited by the trust fund, shall be credited to the fund.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, any balance in the trust fund at the end of any fiscal year shall remain in the trust fund at the end of the year and shall be available for carrying out the purposes of the trust fund.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2000-132; s. 5, ch. 2002-261; s. 23, ch. 2003-394; s. 5, ch. 2007-253; s. 89, ch. 2008-4; s. 3, ch. 2008-49; s. 45, ch. 2008-153; s. 11, ch. 2010-4; s. 23, ch. 2013-41; s. 44, ch. 2015-229.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.501 - Appropriation of funds to water management districts.

373.501 Appropriation of funds to water management districts.—
(1) The department shall transfer to the water management districts funds appropriated to the districts through the department in such sums as deemed necessary to defray the costs of the administrative, regulatory, and other operational activities of the districts. The governing boards shall submit annual budget requests for such purposes to the department, and the department shall consider such budgets in preparing its budget request for the Legislature. The districts shall annually report to the department on the use of the funds.
(2) Funds appropriated by the Legislature for the purpose of funding a specific water management district project shall be transferred to the water management district when the proposed project has been reviewed by the secretary of the pertinent state agency and upon receipt of a governing board resolution requesting such funds.
History.—s. 11, part I, ch. 72-299; ss. 5, 25, ch. 73-190; s. 22, ch. 2001-256; s. 6, ch. 2023-169.
Note.—Former s. 373.066.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.506 - Costs of district.

373.506 Costs of district.—If it should appear necessary to procure funds with which to pay the expenses of a district, or to meet emergencies, before a sufficient sum can be obtained from the collection of the tax, the board may borrow a sufficient amount of money to pay expenses and to meet emergencies and may issue interest-bearing negotiable notes therefor and pledge the proceeds of the tax imposed under the provisions of this chapter for the repayment thereof. Said board may issue to any person performing work or services or furnishing anything of value interest-bearing negotiable evidence of debt.
History.—s. 19, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 15, ch. 76-243.
Note.—Former s. 378.19.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.5071 - Audit report; furnishing to governing board and clerks of circuit courts.

373.5071 Audit report; furnishing to governing board and clerks of circuit courts.—The audit report required in s. 218.39 shall be furnished to the governing board of the district and the clerks of the circuit courts of each county within or partly within the district.
History.—s. 109, ch. 2001-266.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.539 - Imposition of taxes.

373.539 Imposition of taxes.—
(1) Each year the governing board of the district shall certify to the property appraiser of the county in which the property is situate, timely for the preparation of the tax roll, the tax rate to be applied in determining the amount of the district’s annual tax, and the property appraiser shall extend on his or her county tax roll the amount of such tax, determined at the rate certified to the property appraiser by the governing board, and shall certify the same to the tax collector at the same time and in like manner as for county taxes.
(2) Collection of district taxes, the issuance of tax sale certificates for nonpayment thereof, the redemption or sale of said certificates, the vesting of title by tax forfeiture, and the sale of the land and other real estate so forfeited shall be at the same time, in conjunction with, and by like procedure and of like effect as is provided by law with respect to county taxes, nor may either the county or the district taxes be paid or redemption effected without the payment or redemption of both. The title to district tax forfeited land shall vest in the county on behalf of said district along with that of the county for county tax forfeited land, said district tax forfeited land to be held, sold, or otherwise disposed of by said county for the benefit of said district. The proceeds therefrom, after deducting costs, shall be paid to the district in amounts proportionate to the respective tax liens thereon.
(3) The district tax liens shall be of equal dignity with those of the county.
(4) The tax officers of the county are hereby authorized and directed to perform the duties devolving upon them under this chapter, and to receive compensation therefor at such rates or charges as are provided by law with respect to similar services or charges in other cases.
History.—s. 29, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 77-102; s. 608, ch. 95-148.
Note.—Former s. 378.29.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.543 - Land held by Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund; areas not taxed.

373.543 Land held by Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund; areas not taxed.—
(1) Land comprising part of the principal of the State School Trust Fund declared by the constitution to be “sacred and inviolate,” or other real estate, title to which is in the State Board of Education, shall not be subject to the district tax nor shall there be liability therefor upon any state agency.
(2) There shall be excluded from district taxes all bodies of navigable water and unreclaimed water areas meandered by the public surveys, all rights-of-way of said district, all areas devoted or dedicated to the use of and for the works of the district, rights-of-way of state and county highways, and streets within the limits of incorporated towns, and property owned by a public agency open to the use of the public or for the public benefit not leased to or operated by a private agency.
History.—s. 30, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 2, ch. 61-119; ss. 27, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 77-102; s. 231, ch. 81-259.
Note.—Former s. 378.30.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.546 - Unit areas.

373.546 Unit areas.—The governing board may, in its discretion, adopt and effectuate unit areas embracing separate or combined drainage basins, or parts thereof, or areas of related lands and works, for convenience or economy in constructing, maintaining and operating the works of the district, and for the purpose of imposing taxes within each area to meet these requirements of the said area.
History.—s. 31, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190.
Note.—Former s. 378.31.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.553 - Treasurer of the board; payment of funds; depositories.

373.553 Treasurer of the board; payment of funds; depositories.—
(1) The governing board shall designate a treasurer who shall be custodian of all funds belonging to the board and to the district, and such funds shall be disbursed upon the order of, or in the manner prescribed by, the governing board by warrant or check signed by the treasurer or assistant treasurer and countersigned by the chair or vice chair of the board. The board is authorized to establish procedures for disbursement of funds in such amounts and in such manner as the board may prescribe, except that disbursement of funds prior to specific board approval may only be authorized upon certification by its chief executive officer or his or her designated assistant to the treasurer or assistant treasurer and to the chair or vice chair of the board that such disbursement is proper and in order and is within budgetary limits. Any such disbursements shall be reported to the board at its next regular meeting. The board may establish, by rule, a procedure for the disbursement of funds of the district by means of wire or electronic transfers.
(2) The board is authorized to select as depositories in which the funds of the board and of the district shall be deposited in any qualified public depository as defined in s. 280.02, and such deposits shall be secured in the manner provided in chapter 280.
History.—s. 33, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 3, ch. 63-224; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 1, ch. 73-213; s. 115, ch. 77-104; s. 13, ch. 82-101; s. 10, ch. 91-288; s. 609, ch. 95-148.
Note.—Former s. 378.33.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.559 - May borrow money temporarily.

373.559 May borrow money temporarily.—In order to provide for the works described by this chapter, the governing board is hereby authorized and empowered to borrow money temporarily, from time to time, for a period not to exceed 1 year at any one time, not including renewals thereof, and to issue its promissory notes therefor upon such terms and at such rates of interest as the said board may deem advisable, payable from the taxes herein levied and imposed, and the increment thereof. Any of such notes may be used in payment of amounts due, or to become due, upon contracts made or to be made by said board for carrying on the work authorized and provided for herein, and the said board may, to secure the payment of any of such notes, hypothecate bonds herein authorized to be issued, and may thereafter redeem such hypothecated bonds. Any of the notes so issued may be paid out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued by this chapter.
History.—s. 34, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190.
Note.—Former s. 378.34.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.566 - Refunding bonds.

373.566 Refunding bonds.—The governing board shall have authority to issue refunding bonds to take up any outstanding bonds of said district falling due and becoming payable, when, in the judgment of said board, it shall be for the best interests of said district so to do. The said board is hereby authorized and empowered to issue refunding bonds to take up and refund all bonds of said district outstanding that are subject to call and termination, and all bonds of said district that are not subject to call or redemption, where the surrender of said bonds can be procured from the holder thereof at prices satisfactory to the board. Such refunding bonds may be issued at any time when in the judgment of said board it will be to the interest of the district financially or economically by securing a lower rate of interest on said bonds or by extending the time of maturity of said bonds, or for any other reason in the judgment of said board advantageous to said district.
History.—s. 36, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190.
Note.—Former s. 378.36.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.569 - Bond election.

373.569 Bond election.—When required by the State Constitution, the governing board shall call an election of the freeholders in said district, in which said election the matter of whether or not said bonds shall be issued shall be decided as provided by law with respect to bond elections.
History.—s. 37, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190.
Note.—Former s. 378.37.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.573 - Bonds to be validated.

373.573 Bonds to be validated.—Whenever the governing board shall have authorized the issuance of bonds under the provisions of this chapter, the said board may, if it shall so elect, have said bonds validated in the manner provided by chapter 75, and to that end the said board may adopt a suitable resolution for the issuance of said bonds.
History.—s. 38, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190.
Note.—Former s. 378.38.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.576 - Sale of bonds.

373.576 Sale of bonds.—All of said bonds shall be executed and delivered to the treasurer of said district, who shall sell the same in such quantities and at such rates as the board may deem necessary to meet the payments for the works and improvements in the district. Said bonds shall not be sold for less than 95 cents on the dollar, with accrued interest.
History.—s. 39, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190.
Note.—Former s. 378.39.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.579 - Proceeds from taxes for bond purposes.

373.579 Proceeds from taxes for bond purposes.—It shall be the duty of the treasurer as custodian of the funds belonging to the said board and to the district, out of the proceeds of the taxes levied and imposed by this chapter and out of any other moneys in the treasurer’s possession belonging to the district, which moneys so far as necessary shall be set apart and appropriated for the purpose, to apply said moneys and to pay the interest upon the said bonds as the same shall fall due and at the maturity of the said bonds to pay the principal thereof.
History.—s. 40, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 611, ch. 95-148.
Note.—Former s. 378.40.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.583 - Registration of bonds.

373.583 Registration of bonds.—
(1) Whenever the owner of any coupon bond issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall present such bond and all unpaid coupons thereof to the treasurer of the district with request for the conversion of such bond into a registered bond, such treasurer shall cut off and cancel the coupons of any such coupon bond so presented, and shall stamp, print or write upon such coupon bond so presented either upon the back or the face thereof as may be convenient, a statement to the effect that said bond is registered in the name of the owner and that thereafter the interest and principal of said bond are payable to the registered owner. Thereafter and from time to time any such bond may be transferred by such registered owner in person or by attorney duly authorized on presentation of such bond to the treasurer, and the bond again registered as before, a similar statement being stamped or written thereon.
(2) Such statement stamped, printed or written upon any such bond may be in substantially the following form:
(Date, giving month, year and day.)
This bond is to be registered pursuant to the statutes in such case made and provided in the name of (here insert name of owner), and the interest and principal thereof are hereafter payable to such owner.
(Treasurer)
(3) If any bond shall have been registered as aforesaid, the principal and interest of said bond shall be payable to the registered owner. The treasurer shall enter in the register of said bonds to be kept by him or her, or in a separate book, the fact of the registration of such bonds, and in whose names respectively, so that said register or book shall at all times show what bonds are registered and the name of the registered owner thereof.
History.—s. 41, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 612, ch. 95-148.
Note.—Former s. 378.41.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.586 - Unpaid warrants to draw interest.

373.586 Unpaid warrants to draw interest.—If any warrant issued under this chapter is not paid when presented to the treasurer of the district because of lack of funds in the treasury, such fact shall be endorsed on the back of such warrant, and such warrant shall draw interest thereafter at a rate not exceeding 6 percent per annum, until such time as there is money on hand to pay the amount of such warrant and the interest then accumulated; but no interest shall be allowed on warrants after notice to the holder or holders thereof that sufficient funds are in the treasury to pay said endorsed warrants and interest.
History.—s. 42, ch. 25209, 1949; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 116, ch. 77-104.
Note.—Former s. 378.42.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.5905 - Reinstatement of payments in lieu of taxes; duration.

373.5905 Reinstatement of payments in lieu of taxes; duration.—If a water management district has made a payment in lieu of taxes to a governmental entity and subsequently suspended such payment, the water management district shall reinstate appropriate payments and continue the payments for as long as the county population remains below the population threshold pursuant to s. 373.59(2)(a). This section does not authorize or provide for payments in arrears.
History.—s. 52, ch. 99-247; s. 6, ch. 99-353; s. 13, ch. 2003-394; s. 15, ch. 2009-243; s. 47, ch. 2015-229; s. 50, ch. 2019-3.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part V - Finance and Taxation (Ss. 373.470-373.591) › 373.591 - Management review teams.

373.591 Management review teams.—
(1) To determine whether conservation, preservation, and recreation lands titled in the names of the water management districts are being managed for the purposes for which they were acquired and in accordance with land management objectives, the water management districts shall establish land management review teams to conduct periodic management reviews. The land management review teams shall be composed of the following members:
(a) One individual from the county or local community in which the parcel is located.
(b) One employee of the water management district.
(c) A private land manager mutually agreeable to the governmental agency representatives.
(d) A member of the local soil and water conservation district board of supervisors.
(e) One individual from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
(f) One individual from the Department of Environmental Protection.
(g) One individual representing a conservation organization.
(h) One individual from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service.
(2) The management review team shall use the criteria provided in s. 259.036 in conducting its reviews.
(3) In determining which lands shall be reviewed in any given year, the water management district may prioritize the properties to be reviewed.
(4) If the land management review team finds that the lands reviewed are not being managed in accordance with their management plan, prepared in a manner and form prescribed by the governing board of the district and otherwise meeting the timber resource management requirements of s. 253.036, the land managing agency shall provide a written explanation to the management review team.
(5) Each water management district shall, by October 1 of each year, provide its governing board with a report indicating which properties have been reviewed and the review team’s findings.
History.—s. 15, ch. 97-164; s. 3, ch. 98-332; s. 173, ch. 99-13; s. 192, ch. 99-245; s. 18, ch. 2012-7.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part VI - Miscellaneous Provisions (Ss. 373.603-373.69) › 373.603 - Power to enforce.

373.603 Power to enforce.—The Department of Environmental Protection or the governing board of any water management district and any officer or agent thereof may enforce any provision of this law or any rule or regulation adopted and promulgated or order issued thereunder to the same extent as any peace officer is authorized to enforce the law. Any officer or agent of any such board may appear before any trial court judge empowered to issue warrants in criminal cases and make an affidavit and apply for the issuance of a warrant in the manner provided by law. If such affidavit alleges the commission of an offense, the trial court judge shall issue a warrant directed to any sheriff or deputy for the arrest of any offender. The provisions of this section shall apply to the Florida Water Resources Act of 1972 in its entirety.
History.—s. 14, ch. 57-380; s. 14, ch. 63-336; ss. 25, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 2, part VI, ch. 72-299; s. 25, ch. 73-190; s. 117, ch. 77-104; s. 51, ch. 79-65; s. 278, ch. 94-356; s. 8, ch. 2004-11.
Note.—Former s. 373.201.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part VI - Miscellaneous Provisions (Ss. 373.603-373.69) › 373.604 - Awards to employees for meritorious service.

373.604 Awards to employees for meritorious service.—The governing board of any water management district may adopt and implement a program of meritorious service awards for district employees who make proposals which are implemented and result in reducing district expenditures or improving district operations, who make exceptional contributions to the efficiency of the district, or who make other improvements in the operations of the district. No award granted under the provisions of this section shall exceed $2,000 or 10 percent of the first year’s savings, whichever is less, unless a larger award is made by the Legislature. Awards shall be paid by the district from any available funds.
History.—s. 1, ch. 74-287.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXVIII - Natural Resources; Conservation, Reclamation, and Use › Chapter 373 - Water Resources › Part VI - Miscellaneous Provisions (Ss. 373.603-373.69) › 373.605 - Group insurance for water management districts.

373.605 Group insurance for water management districts.—The governing board of a water management district may provide group insurance for its employees, and the employees of another water management district, in the same manner and with the same provisions and limitations authorized for other public employees under ss. 112.08, 112.09, 112.10, 112.11, and 112.14.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 74-218; s. 21, ch. 97-100; s. 5, ch. 2012-126.