HB 973 — Special Districts

notice of general election;

notice of special election to fill any vacancy in office;

notice of special election or referendum;

testing of tabulating equipment;

polling place;

election emergency and contingency plan;

county canvassing board and duties;

exceptions and special requirements Page 4 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 and general areas;

Senior Management Service Class;

notices;

establishment of district;

method of fixing millage;

proceedings for forfeiture and notice of seizure and order to show cause;

district school board meetings;

and public hearings and budget to be submitted to the Department of Education, respectively, to incorporate the amendment made to s.

50.0311, F.S., in references thereto;

SectionPage 1.3 of 21 CODING:

EffectiveWords Decemberstricken 31, 2025, the following soil and water conservation districts are abolished,deletions; and all assets and liabilities of each district are transferred to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

words underlined are additions.

hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 973 2025 77 Section 1.

Effective December 31, 2025, and notwithstanding ss.

582.31 and 582.32, Florida Statutes, the following soil and water conservation districts are abolished, and all assets and liabilities of each district are transferred to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

Page(7) 5Franklin ofSoil 56and CODING:Water Conservation District.

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 (7) Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District.

(12) LafayetteDixie Soil and Water Conservation District.

(13) DixieSanta Fe Soil and Water Conservation District.

(14) SantaLevy Fe Soil and Water Conservation District.

(15) LevyBradford Soil and Water Conservation District.

(16) BradfordAlachua Soil and Water Conservation District.

(17) AlachuaNassau Soil and Water Conservation District.

(18) NassauDuval Soil and Water Conservation District.

(19) DuvalClay Soil and Water Conservation District.

(20)Page Clay4 Soilof and21 WaterCODING: Conservation District.

(21) St.

Johns Soil and Water Conservation District.

(22) Volusia Soil and Water Conservation District.

(23) Lake Soil and Water Conservation District.

(24) Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District.

(25) Orange Soil and Water Conservation District.

(26) Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District.

(27) Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District.

(28) Peace River Soil and Water Conservation District.

(29) Sarasota Soil and Water Conservation District.

(30) Charlotte Soil and Water Conservation District.

(31) Osceola Soil and Water Conservation District.

Page 6 of 56 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 (32)(20) CollierSt. Soil and Water Conservation District.

(33)Johns St.Soil and Water Conservation District.

(21) Volusia Soil and Water Conservation District.

(22) Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District.

(23) Orange Soil and Water Conservation District.

(24) Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District.

(25) Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District.

(26) Peace River Soil and Water Conservation District.

(27) Sarasota Soil and Water Conservation District.

(28) Charlotte Soil and Water Conservation District.

(29) Osceola Soil and Water Conservation District.

(30) Collier Soil and Water Conservation District.

(31) St.

(34)(32) Broward Soil and Water Conservation District.

(35)(33) South Dade Soil and Water Conservation District.

(36)(34) Hendry Soil and Water Conservation District.

(37)(35) Union Soil and Water Conservation District.

Subsections (1), (2), (3), and (5) of section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

50.0311 Publication of advertisements and public notices on a publicly accessible website and governmental access channels.— (1) For purposes of this chapter, the term "governmental agency" means a county, municipality, school board, special district, or other unit of local government or political subdivision in this state.

The term "special district" has the same meaning as in s.

189.012.

(2) For purposes of notices and advertisements required under s.

50.011, the term "publicly accessible website" means a county's official website, a governmental agency's official website, or other private website designated by the county for the publication of legal notices and advertisements that is accessible via the Internet.

All advertisements and public notices published on a website as provided in this chapter must be in searchable form and indicate the date on which the advertisement or public notice was first published on the Page 7 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 website.

(3) A governmental agency may use the publicly accessible website of the county or the governmental agency's official website in which it lies to publish legally required advertisements and public notices if the cost of publishing advertisements and public notices on such website is less than the cost of publishing advertisements and public notices in a newspaper.

(5) A special district spanning the geographic boundaries of more than one county that satisfies the criteria for publishing and chooses to publish legally required advertisements and public notices on a publicly accessible website must publish such advertisements and public notices on the publicly accessible website of each county it spans.

For purposes of this subsection, the term "special district" has the same meaning as in s.

189.012.

Section 3.

Following an annexation pursuant to this Page 85 of 5621 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 chapter, an independent special fire control district shall remain the service provider in the annexed area, the geographical boundaries of the district must continue to include the annexed area, and the district may continue to levy ad valorem taxes, impact fees, and user fees and assessments on the real property located within the annexed area.

Section 4.3.

Section 5.4.

(a) "District lands or water areas" includes, but is not Page 96 of 5621 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 limited to, all district lands, rights-of-way, and water areas that an independent special district controls, possesses, or maintains, or in which the independent special district has a property or other interest, whether in fee simple, easement, leasehold, contract, memorandum of understanding, or otherwise.

Page 107 of 5621 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 (b) An independent special district does not incur any duty of care toward a person who goes on the district lands or water areas.

(3) The protections, immunities, and limitations of liability provided in this section to independent special districts apply regardless of whether any claimant or person was engaged in an outdoor recreational purpose at the time of an accident or occurrence and apply to district lands or water areas used by the public for recreational activities regardless of whether the district lands or water areas were made available Page 118 of 5621 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 to the public at the time of the accident or occurrence.

Section 6.5.

189.053 Purchases from contractspurchasing agreements of other entitiesgovernmental purchasingentities agreements of special districts, municipalities, or counties.—Special districts may purchase commodities and contractual services, other than services the acquisition of which is governed by s.

287.055, from the purchasing agreements of other special districts, municipalities, or counties, otheror this Page 129 of 5621 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 political subdivisions, educational institutions, this state, other states, nonprofit entities, purchasing cooperatives, or the Federal Government which have been procured pursuant to competitive bid, requests for proposals, requests for qualifications, competitive selection, or competitive negotiations, and which are otherwise in compliance with general law if the purchasing agreement of the other entity special district, municipality, or countycounty, or this state was procured by a process that would have met the procurement requirements of the purchasing special district.

Section 7.6.

The independent entity must have at least 5 years of experience conducting comparable reviews of organizations similar in size and function to the independent special district under review, must conduct the review according to applicable industry best practices, and must have no affiliation with or financial involvement in the Pagereviewed 13district. of 56 CODING:

(b) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability must conduct a performance review of each Page 10 of 21 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 reviewedindependent district.special district as described in subparagraph (d)1.

(b) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability must conduct a performance review of each independent special district as described in subparagraph (d)1.

189.012 or by the board of trustees of a public health Pagetrust 14created ofunder 56s. CODING:

154.07 must have a performance review conducted.

(3) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Page 11 of 21 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 trustAccountability createdmust underconduct a performance review of all independent special districts classified as safe neighborhood improvement districts as defined in s.

154.07 must have a performance review conducted.

(3) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability must conduct a performance review of all independent special districts classified as safe neighborhood improvement districts as defined in s.

Section 8.7.

189.0699 Criminal history record checks for certain independent special district employees and appointees.— (1) Notwithstanding chapter 435, an independent special district, by resolution, may require a state and national criminal history screening Pagefor 15all of 56the CODING:following:

(a) Any position of independent special district employment or appointment, whether paid, unpaid, or contractual, Page 12 of 21 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 andwhich fingerprinting through the Departmentgoverning body of Lawthe Enforcementindependent andspecial thedistrict Federalfinds Bureauis ofcritical Investigationto forsecurity allor ofpublic thesafety. following:

(a) Any position of independent special district employment or appointment, whether paid, unpaid, or contractual, which the governing body of the independent special district finds is critical to security or public safety.

(2) The informationresolution obtainedmust fromrequire theeach criminalperson historyapplying recordfor, checksor conductedcontinuing pursuantemployment toor theappointment resolutionin, mayany besuch usedposition, byapplying thefor independentinitial specialor districtcontinuing tolicensing determineor aregulation, person'sor eligibilityhaving for such employmentcontact or appointmentaccess or to determinebe afingerprinted. person's eligibility for continued employment or appointment.

ThisThe sectionfingerprints isshall notbe intendedsubmitted to preemptthe orDepartment preventof anyLaw otherEnforcement backgroundfor screening,a including,state butcriminal nothistory limitedrecord to,check criminaland Pageto 16the Federal Bureau of 56Investigation CODING:for a national criminal history record check.

The information obtained from the criminal history record checks conducted pursuant to the resolution may be used by the independent special district to determine a person's eligibility for such employment or appointment or to determine a Page 13 of 21 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 historyperson's backgroundeligibility checks,for whichcontinued anemployment independentor specialappointment. district may lawfully undertake.

SectionThis 9.section is not intended to preempt or prevent any other background screening, including, but not limited to, criminal history background checks, which an independent special district may lawfully undertake.

SubsectionSection (5)8. is added to section 582.15, Florida Statutes, to read:

582.15 Organization of district, etc.— (5) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall monitor the districts to ensure continued compliance with statutory requirements.

To ensure efficiencies in the services that are provided by the districts, the department shall coordinate with all supervisors of active independent special districts and the districts' councils.

Section 10.

(a) To qualify to serve on the governing body of a district, a supervisor must be a registered an eligible voter in this state who resides in the district and who meets allany of the following criteria:

AIs persona wholandowner residesof withinland thezoned boundariesas ofagricultural or classified as agricultural lands by the district.applicable property appraiser;

2.a.2.

Is a landowner of land zoned as agricultural or classified as agricultural lands by the applicable property Page 17 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 appraiser;

b.

c.3.

d.Page 14 of 21 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 973 2025 4.

e.5.

f.6.

g.7.

or h.8.

Has retired from such work or previously owned land as described in sub-subparagraphssubparagraphs a.-g.,1.-7., provided the person performed such work or owned such land for a minimum of 5 years.

(c) Any personcandidate servingrunning to serve as a supervisor pursuant to this section must provide supporting documentation to the supervisor of elections at the time of qualification to verify his or her eligibility to serve pursuant to the criteria listed in paragraph (a).

Such proof may include, but need not be limited Pageto, 18a copy of 56a CODING:property tax bill;

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 to, a copy of a property tax bill;

(d) The Commission on Ethics mayshall removeinvestigate aalleged supervisorviolations ifof thethis commissionsection receivesupon receipt of a written complaint andPage determines,15 subsequentof to21 anCODING: investigation conducted in accordance with chapter 112, that such supervisor does not meet the eligibility criteria provided for in this section 1.

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 973 2025 based upon personal knowledge or information other than hearsay and signed under oath or affirmation that a supervisor does not meet the eligibility criteria provided for in this section.

1.

Section 11.9.

(1) To conduct surveys, studies, and research relating to Pagesoil 19and water resources and to publish and disseminate the results of 56such CODING:surveys, studies, research, and related information;

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 soil and water resources and to publish and disseminate the results of such surveys, studies, research, and related information;

(b)Page Within16 anotherof district's21 boundaries,CODING: subject to the other district's approval;

(c) In areas not contained within any district's boundaries on lands owned or controlled by this state or any of its agencies, with the cooperation of the agency administering and having jurisdiction thereof;

or (d) On any other lands within the district's boundaries, within another district's boundaries subject to the other district's approval, or not contained within any district's boundaries upon obtaining the consent of the owner or occupier of the lands or the necessary rights or interests in such lands;

(3) To cooperate, or enter into agreements with, any special district, municipality, county, water management district, state or federal agency, governmental or otherwise, or owner or occupier of lands within the district's boundaries, within another district's boundaries subject to the other district's approval, or not contained within any district's boundaries in furtherance of the purposes and provisions of this Page 20 of 56 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 chapter;(b) Within another district's boundaries, subject to the other district's approval;

(c) In areas not contained within any district's boundaries on lands owned or controlled by this state or any of its agencies, with the cooperation of the agency administering and having jurisdiction thereof;

or (d) On any other lands within the district's boundaries, within another district's boundaries subject to the other district's approval, or not contained within any district's boundaries upon obtaining the consent of the owner or occupier of the lands or the necessary rights or interests in such lands;

(3) To cooperate, or enter into agreements with, any special district, municipality, county, water management district, state or federal agency, governmental or otherwise, or owner or occupier of lands within the district's boundaries, within another district's boundaries subject to the other district's approval, or not contained within any district's boundaries in furtherance of the purposes and provisions of this chapter;

and to sell,Page lease,17 or otherwise dispose of any21 ofCODING: its property or interests therein in furtherance of the purposes and provisions of this chapter;

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 973 2025 sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any of its property or interests therein in furtherance of the purposes and provisions of this chapter;

Page(8) 21To sue and be sued in the name of 56the CODING:district;

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 (8) To sue and be sued in the name of the district;

upon a majority vote of the supervisors of the district, to borrow money and to execute promissory notes and other evidences of indebtednessPage in18 connection therewith, and to pledge, mortgage, and assign the income of the21 districtCODING: and its personal property as security therefor, the notes and other evidences of indebtedness to be general obligations only of the district and in no event to constitute an indebtedness for which the faith and credit of the state or any of its revenues are pledged;

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 973 2025 indebtedness in connection therewith, and to pledge, mortgage, and assign the income of the district and its personal property as security therefor, the notes and other evidences of indebtedness to be general obligations only of the district and in no event to constitute an indebtedness for which the faith and credit of the state or any of its revenues are pledged;

The supervisors shall furnish to the department, upon request, copies of rules, orders, contracts, forms, and other documents that the district has adopted or used, and any other information concerning the district's activities, that the Pagedepartment 22may require in the performance of 56its CODING:duties under this chapter;

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 department may require in the performance of its duties under this chapter;

If the district believes there isPage a19 need for a review of the21 request,CODING: the district may request that the council, by resolution, review its request to the Governor and provide the Governor with a recommendation.

Any provision with respect to the acquisition, operation, or disposition of property by public bodies of this state does not apply to a district organized under this chapter unless specifically so stated by the Legislature.

The property and property rights of every kind and nature acquired by any district organized under the provisions of this chapter are exempt from state, county, and other taxation.

Section 12.

Effective upon this act becoming a law, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall monitor all soil and water conservation districts being abolished in accordance with this act for statutory compliance through the repeal on December 31, 2025, and to ensure that the district is winding up administrative and fiscal matters related to the district in a timely manner while using best practices through Page 23 of 56 CODING:

hb973-00hb973-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HBCS/HB 973 2025 theis dissolutiona need for a review of the district.request, the district may request that the council, by resolution, review its request to the Governor and provide the Governor with a recommendation.

SectionAny 13.provision with respect to the acquisition, operation, or disposition of property by public bodies of this state does not apply to a district organized under this chapter unless specifically so stated by the Legislature.

ForThe theproperty purposeand ofproperty incorporatingrights theof amendmentevery madekind byand thisnature actacquired toby sectionany 50.0311,district Floridaorganized Statutes,under inthe aprovisions referenceof thereto,this sectionchapter 11.02,are Floridaexempt Statutes,from isstate, reenactedcounty, toand read:other taxation.

11.02Section Notice10. of special or local legislation or certain relief acts.—The notice required to obtain special or local legislation or any relief act specified in s.

11.065Effective shallupon bethis byact publishingbecoming thea identicallaw, noticethe asDepartment providedof inAgriculture chapterand 50Consumer orServices circulatedshall throughoutmonitor theall countysoil orand countieswater whereconservation thedistricts matterbeing orabolished thingin toaccordance bewith affectedthis byact suchfor legislationstatutory shallcompliance bethrough situatedthe onerepeal timeon atDecember least31, 302025, daysand beforeto introductionensure ofthat the proposeddistrict lawis intowinding theup Legislatureadministrative or,and iffiscal thematters noticerelated isto notthe publisheddistrict onin a publiclytimely accessiblemanner websitewhile asusing providedbest inpractices s.through the dissolution of the district.

50.0311Section and11. there is no newspaper circulated throughout or published in the county, by posting for at least 30 days at not fewer than three public places in the county or each of the counties, one of which places shall be at the courthouse in the county or counties where the matter or thing to be affected by such legislation shall be situated.

Notice of special or local legislation shall state the substance of the contemplated law, as required by s.

10, Art.

III of the State Constitution.

Notice of any relief act specified in s.

11.065 shall state the name of the claimant, the nature of the injury or loss for which the claim is made, and the amount of the claim against the affected Page 24 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 municipality's revenue-sharing trust fund.

Section 14.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 45.031, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

45.031 Judicial sales procedure.—In any sale of real or personal property under an order or judgment, the procedures provided in this section and ss.

45.0315-45.035 may be followed as an alternative to any other sale procedure if so ordered by the court.

(2) PUBLICATION OF SALE.—Notice of sale shall be published on a publicly accessible website as provided in s.

50.0311 for at least 2 consecutive weeks before the sale or once a week for 2 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation, as provided in chapter 50, published in the county where the sale is to be held.

The second publication by newspaper shall be at least 5 days before the sale.

The notice shall contain:

(a) A description of the property to be sold.

(b) The time and place of sale.

(c) A statement that the sale will be made pursuant to the order or final judgment.

(d) The caption of the action.

(e) The name of the clerk making the sale.

(f) A statement that any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner Page 25 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

The court, in its discretion, may enlarge the time of the sale.

Notice of the changed time of sale shall be published as provided herein.

Section 15.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 50.011, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

50.011 Publication of legal notices.—Whenever by statute an official or legal advertisement or a publication or notice in a newspaper or on a governmental agency website has been or is directed or permitted in the nature of or in lieu of process, or for constructive service, or in initiating, assuming, reviewing, exercising, or enforcing jurisdiction or power, or for any purpose, including all legal notices and advertisements of sheriffs and tax collectors, such legislation, whether existing or repealed, means either of the following:

(2) A publication on a publicly accessible website under s.

50.0311.

Section 16.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, section 50.021, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

Page 26 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 50.021 Publication when no newspaper in county.—When any law, or order or decree of court, directs advertisements to be made in a county and there is no newspaper published in the county, the advertisement may be published on a publicly accessible website as provided in s.

50.0311 or made by posting three copies thereof in three different places in the county, one of which shall be at the front door of the courthouse, and by publication in the nearest county in which a newspaper qualified under this chapter is published.

Section 17.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, section 50.031, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

50.031 Newspapers in which legal notices and process may be published.—If a governmental agency publishes a legal notice in a newspaper, no notice or publication required to be published in the nature of or in lieu of process of any kind, nature, character, or description provided for under any law of the state, whether heretofore or hereafter enacted, and whether pertaining to constructive service, or the initiating, assuming, reviewing, exercising, or enforcing jurisdiction or power, by any court in this state, or any notice of sale of property, real or personal, for taxes, state, county, or municipal, or sheriff's, guardian's, or administrator's or any sale made pursuant to any judicial order, decree, or statute or any other Page 27 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 publication or notice pertaining to any affairs of the state, or any county, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof, shall be deemed to have been published in accordance with the statutes providing for such publication, unless the same shall have been published for the prescribed period of time required for such publication, in a newspaper which at the time of such publication shall have been in existence for 2 years and meets the requirements set forth in s.

50.011, or in a newspaper which is a direct successor of a newspaper which has been so published;

provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall apply where in any county there shall be no newspaper in existence which shall have been published for the length of time above prescribed.

No legal publication of any kind, nature, or description, as herein defined, shall be valid or binding or held to be in compliance with the statutes providing for such publication unless the same shall have been published in accordance with this section or s.

50.0311.

Proof of such publication shall be made by uniform affidavit.

Section 18.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (12) of section 90.902, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

90.902 Self-authentication.—Extrinsic evidence of authenticity as a condition precedent to admissibility is not required for:

Page 28 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 (12) A legal notice published in accordance with the requirements of chapter 50 in the print edition of a qualified newspaper or on a publicly accessible website as provided in s.

50.0311.

Section 19.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (7) of section 98.075, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

98.075 Registration records maintenance activities;

ineligibility determinations.— (7) PROCEDURES FOR REMOVAL.— (a) If the supervisor receives notice or information pursuant to subsections (4)-(6), the supervisor of the county in which the voter is registered must:

1.

Notify the registered voter of his or her potential ineligibility by mail within 7 days after receipt of notice or information.

The notice must include:

a.

A statement of the basis for the registered voter's potential ineligibility and a copy of any documentation upon which the potential ineligibility is based.

Such documentation must include any conviction from another jurisdiction determined to be a similar offense to murder or a felony sexual offense, as those terms are defined in s.

98.0751.

b.

A statement that failure to respond within 30 days after receipt of the notice may result in a determination of Page 29 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 ineligibility and in removal of the registered voter's name from the statewide voter registration system.

c.

A return form that requires the registered voter to admit or deny the accuracy of the information underlying the potential ineligibility for purposes of a final determination by the supervisor.

d.

A statement that, if the voter is denying the accuracy of the information underlying the potential ineligibility, the voter has a right to request a hearing for the purpose of determining eligibility.

e.

Instructions for the registered voter to contact the supervisor of elections of the county in which the voter is registered if assistance is needed in resolving the matter.

f.

Instructions for seeking restoration of civil rights pursuant to s.

8, Art.

IV of the State Constitution and information explaining voting rights restoration pursuant to s.

4, Art.

VI of the State Constitution following a felony conviction, if applicable.

g.

The following statement:

"If you attempt to vote at an early voting site or your normal election day polling place, you will be required to vote a provisional ballot.

If you vote by mail, your ballot will be treated as a provisional ballot.

In either case, your ballot may not be counted until a final determination of eligibility is made.

If you wish for your ballot to be counted, you must contact the supervisor of Page 30 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 elections office within 2 days after the election and present evidence that you are eligible to vote." 2.

If the mailed notice is returned as undeliverable, the supervisor must, within 14 days after receiving the returned notice, either publish notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the voter was last registered or publish notice on the county's website as provided in s.

50.0311 or on the supervisor's website, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

The notice must contain the following:

a.

The voter's name and address.

b.

A statement that the voter is potentially ineligible to be registered to vote.

c.

A statement that failure to respond within 30 days after the notice is published may result in a determination of ineligibility by the supervisor and removal of the registered voter's name from the statewide voter registration system.

d.

An instruction for the voter to contact the supervisor no later than 30 days after the date of the published notice to receive information regarding the basis for the potential ineligibility and the procedure to resolve the matter.

e.

An instruction to the voter that, if further assistance is needed, the voter should contact the supervisor of elections of the county in which the voter is registered.

f.

A statement that, if the voter denies the accuracy of the information underlying the potential ineligibility, the Page 31 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 voter has a right to request a hearing for the purpose of determining eligibility.

g.

The following statement:

"If you attempt to vote at an early voting site or your normal election day polling place, you will be required to vote a provisional ballot.

If you vote by mail, your ballot will be treated as a provisional ballot.

In either case, your ballot may not be counted until a final determination of eligibility is made.

If you wish for your ballot to be counted, you must contact the supervisor of elections office within 2 days after the election and present evidence that you are eligible to vote." 3.

If a registered voter fails to respond to a notice pursuant to subparagraph 1.

or subparagraph 2., the supervisor must make a final determination of the voter's eligibility within 7 days after expiration of the voter's timeframe to respond.

If the supervisor determines that the voter is ineligible, the supervisor must remove the name of the registered voter from the statewide voter registration system within 7 days.

The supervisor shall notify the registered voter of the supervisor's determination and action.

4.

If a registered voter responds to the notice pursuant to subparagraph 1.

or subparagraph 2.

and admits the accuracy of the information underlying the potential ineligibility, the supervisor must, as soon as practicable, make a final determination of ineligibility and remove the voter's name from Page 32 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 the statewide voter registration system.

The supervisor shall notify the registered voter of the supervisor's determination and action.

5.

If a registered voter responds to the notice issued pursuant to subparagraph 1.

or subparagraph 2.

and denies the accuracy of the information underlying the potential ineligibility but does not request a hearing, the supervisor must review the evidence and make a determination of eligibility no later than 30 days after receiving the response from the voter.

If the supervisor determines that the registered voter is ineligible, the supervisor must remove the voter's name from the statewide voter registration system upon such determination and notify the registered voter of the supervisor's determination and action and that the removed voter has a right to appeal a determination of ineligibility pursuant to s.

98.0755.

If such registered voter requests a hearing, the supervisor must send notice to the registered voter to attend a hearing at a time and place specified in the notice.

The supervisor shall schedule and issue notice for the hearing within 7 days after receiving the voter's request for a hearing and shall hold the hearing no later than 30 days after issuing the notice of the hearing.

A voter may request an extension upon showing good cause by submitting an affidavit to the supervisor as to why he or she is unable to attend the scheduled hearing.

Upon hearing all evidence presented at the hearing, the supervisor shall make a Page 33 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 determination of eligibility within 7 days.

If the supervisor determines that the registered voter is ineligible, the supervisor must remove the voter's name from the statewide voter registration system and notify the registered voter of the supervisor's determination and action and that the removed voter has a right to appeal a determination of ineligibility pursuant to s.

98.0755.

(b) The following apply to this subsection:

1.

All determinations of eligibility must be based on a preponderance of the evidence.

2.

All proceedings are exempt from chapter 120.

3.

Any notice must be sent to the registered voter by certified mail, return receipt requested, or other means that provides a verification of receipt or must be published in a newspaper of general circulation where the voter was last registered, on the county's website as provided in s.

50.0311, or on the supervisor's website, whichever is applicable.

4.

The supervisor shall remove the name of any registered voter from the statewide voter registration system only after the supervisor makes a final determination that the voter is ineligible to vote.

5.

Any voter whose name has been removed from the statewide voter registration system pursuant to a determination of ineligibility may appeal that determination under s.

98.0755.

6.

Any voter whose name was removed from the statewide Page 34 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 voter registration system on the basis of a determination of ineligibility who subsequently becomes eligible to vote must reregister in order to have his or her name restored to the statewide voter registration system.

Section 20.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (3) of section 98.077, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

98.077 Update of voter signature.— (3) At least once during each general election year before the presidential preference primary or the primary election, whichever occurs first, the supervisor shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation or other newspaper in the county, on the county's website as provided in s.

50.0311, or on the supervisor's website, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor, a notice specifying when, where, or how a voter can update his or her signature that is on file and how a voter can obtain a voter registration application from a voter registration official.

Section 21.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, section 100.021, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

100.021 Notice of general election.—The Department of State shall, in any year in which a general election is held, Page 35 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 make out a notice stating what offices and vacancies are to be filled at the general election in the state, and in each county and district thereof.

During the 30 days before the beginning of qualifying, the department shall have the notice published two times in a newspaper of general circulation in each county;

and, in counties in which there is no newspaper of general circulation, it shall send to the sheriff a notice of the offices and vacancies to be filled at such general election by the qualified voters of the sheriff's county or any district thereof, and the sheriff shall have at least five copies of the notice posted in conspicuous places in the county.

Notice may be provided alternatively by publishing notice on the division's website, on the county's website as provided in s.

50.0311, or on the supervisor's website, as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

Section 22.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (3) of section 100.141, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

100.141 Notice of special election to fill any vacancy in office.— (3) The department shall deliver a copy of such notice to the supervisor of elections of each county in which the special election is to be held.

The supervisor shall have the notice published two times in a newspaper of general circulation in the Page 36 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 county at least 10 days before the first day set for qualifying for office or, for at least 10 days before the first day set for qualifying for office, publish notice on the county's website as provided in s.

50.0311 or on the supervisor's website.

Section 23.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, section 100.342, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

100.342 Notice of special election or referendum.—In any special election or referendum not otherwise provided for, there must be at least 30 days' notice of the election or referendum by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, district, or municipality, or publication on the county's website as provided in s.

50.0311, the municipality's website, or the supervisor's website, as applicable.

The publication must be made at least twice, once in the fifth week and once in the third week before the week in which the election or referendum is to be held.

If the applicable website becomes unavailable or there is no newspaper of general circulation in the county, district, or municipality, the notice must be posted in no less than five places within the territorial limits of the county, district, or municipality.

Section 24.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 101.5612, Florida Page 37 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

101.5612 Testing of tabulating equipment.— (2) On any day not more than 25 days before the commencement of early voting as provided in s.

101.657, the supervisor of elections shall have the automatic tabulating equipment publicly tested to ascertain that the equipment will correctly count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures.

If the ballots to be used at the polling place on election day are not available at the time of the testing, the supervisor may conduct an additional test not more than 10 days before election day.

Public notice of the time and place of the test shall be given at least 48 hours prior thereto by publication on the county website as provided in s.

50.0311, on the supervisor of elections' website, or once in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county.

If the applicable website becomes unavailable or if there is no newspaper of general circulation in the county, the notice must be posted in at least four conspicuous places in the county.

The supervisor or the municipal elections official may, at the time of qualifying, give written notice of the time and location of the public preelection test to each candidate qualifying with that office and obtain a signed receipt that the notice has been given.

The Department of State shall give written notice to each statewide candidate at the time of qualifying, or immediately at the end of qualifying, that the voting equipment will be tested Page 38 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 and advise each candidate to contact the county supervisor of elections as to the time and location of the public preelection test.

The supervisor or the municipal elections official shall, at least 30 days before the commencement of early voting as provided in s.

101.657, send written notice by certified mail to the county party chair of each political party and to all candidates for other than statewide office whose names appear on the ballot in the county and who did not receive written notification from the supervisor or municipal elections official at the time of qualifying, stating the time and location of the public preelection test of the automatic tabulating equipment.

The canvassing board shall convene, and each member of the canvassing board shall certify to the accuracy of the test.

For the test, the canvassing board may designate one member to represent it.

The test shall be open to representatives of the political parties, the press, and the public.

Each political party may designate one person with expertise in the computer field who shall be allowed in the central counting room when all tests are being conducted and when the official votes are being counted.

The designee may not interfere with the normal operation of the canvassing board.

Section 25.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 101.71, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

Page 39 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 101.71 Polling place.— (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), whenever the supervisor of elections of any county determines that the accommodations for holding any election at a polling place designated for any precinct in the county are unavailable, are inadequate for the expeditious and efficient housing and handling of voting and voting paraphernalia, or do not comply with the requirements of s.

101.715, the supervisor shall, not less than 30 days before the holding of an election, provide for the voting place for such precinct to be moved to another site that is accessible to the public on election day in said precinct or, if such is not available, to another site that is accessible to the public on election day in a contiguous precinct.

If such action of the supervisor results in the voting place for two or more precincts being located for the purposes of an election in one building, the supervisor of elections shall provide adequate supplies, equipment, and personnel are available to accommodate the voters for the precincts that are collocated.

When any supervisor moves any polling place pursuant to this subsection, the supervisor shall, not more than 30 days or fewer than 7 days before the holding of an election, give notice of the change of the polling place for the precinct involved, with clear description of the voting place to which changed, by publication on the county's website as provided in s.

50.0311, on the supervisor's website, or at least once in a Page 40 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 newspaper of general circulation in the county.

A notice of the change of the polling place involved shall be mailed at least 14 days before an election to each registered elector or to each household in which there is a registered elector.

Section 26.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 101.733, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

101.733 Election emergency;

purpose;

elections emergency contingency plan.—Because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency or common disaster occurring before or during a regularly scheduled or special election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote, generally to minimize to whatever degree possible a person's exposure to danger during declared states of emergency, and to protect the integrity of the electoral process, it is hereby found and declared to be necessary to designate a procedure for the emergency suspension or delay and rescheduling of elections.

(2) The Governor, upon consultation with the Secretary of State, shall reschedule any election suspended or delayed due to an emergency.

The election shall be held within 10 days after the date of the suspended or delayed election or as soon thereafter as is practicable.

Notice of the election must be Page 41 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 published on the affected county's website as provided in s.

50.0311, on the affected supervisor's website, or at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the affected area and, where practicable, broadcast as a public service announcement on radio and television stations at least 1 week before the date the election is to be held.

Section 27.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section 102.141, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

102.141 County canvassing board;

duties.— (2) (b) Public notice of the canvassing board members, alternates, time, and place at which the county canvassing board shall meet to canvass the absent electors' ballots and provisional ballots must be given at least 48 hours prior thereto by publication on the county's website as provided in s.

50.0311, on the supervisor's website, or in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county.

If the applicable website becomes unavailable or there is no newspaper of general circulation in the county, the notice must be posted in at least four conspicuous places in the county.

The time given in the notice as to the convening of the meeting of the county canvassing board must be specific and may not be a time period during which the board may meet.

Page 42 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 Section 28.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in a reference thereto, paragraph (d) of subsection (1) of section 120.81, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

120.81 Exceptions and special requirements;

general areas.— (1) EDUCATIONAL UNITS.— (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, educational units shall not be required to include the full text of the rule or rule amendment in notices relating to rules and need not publish these or other notices in the Florida Administrative Register, but notice shall be made:

1.

By publication in a newspaper qualified under chapter 50 in the affected area or on a publicly accessible website as provided in s.

50.0311;

2.

By mail to all persons who have made requests of the educational unit for advance notice of its proceedings and to organizations representing persons affected by the proposed rule;

and 3.

By posting in appropriate places so that those particular classes of persons to whom the intended action is directed may be duly notified.

Section 29.

For the purpose of incorporating the amendment made by this act to section 50.0311, Florida Statutes, in references thereto, paragraphs (b) and (h) of subsection (1) of Page 43 of 56 CODING:

Words stricken are deletions;

words underlined are additions.

hb973-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 973 2025 section 121.055, Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read:

121.055 Senior Management Service Class.—There is hereby established a separate class of membership within the Florida Retirement System to be known as the "Senior Management Service Class," which shall become effective February 1, 1987.

(1) (b)1.

Except as provided in subparagraph 2., effective January 1, 1990, participation in the Senior Management Service Class is compulsory for the president of each community college, the manager of each participating municipality or county, and all appointed district school superintendents.