PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

PALM BEACH COUNTY REGULAR BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 17, 2025
4:00 P.M.

Special District Services, Inc.
The Oaks Center 2501A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

www.palmbeachplantationcdd.org 561.630.4922 Telephone 877.SDS.4922 Toll Free 561.630.4923 Facsimile

AGENDA
PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Palm Beach Plantation Clubhouse 8751 Palm Beach Plantation Boulevard Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411 REGULAR BOARD MEETING
September 17, 2025
4:00 p.m.

Call to Order
Proof of Publication…	Page 1
Establish Quorum
Additions or Deletions to Agenda
Comments from the Public for Items Not on the Agenda
Approval of Minutes
May 21, 2025 Regular Board Meeting & Public Hearing…	Page 2
Old Business
New Business
Consider Resolution No. 2025-05 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Amended Budget…	Page 6
Consider Resolution No. 2025-06 – Goals and Objectives Annual Report…	Page 11
Administrative Matters
2025 Legislative Update Memo – BCLMR…	Page 14
Board Member Comments
Adjourn

LOCALiQ
The Gainesville Sun I The Ledger Daily Commercial I Ocala StarBanner
News Chief I Herald-Tribune News Herald I The Palm Beach Post
Northwest Florida Daily News

PO Box 631244 Cincinnati, OH 45263-1244

AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
Palm Beach Plantation Cdd

PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Boord of Supervisors of the Polm Beach Plantation Community Development District will hold Regular Meet­ ings for Fiscal Yeor 2024/2025 ot 4:00 p.m. at the Polm Beach Plantation Clubhouse located at 8751 Palm Beach Plantation Boulevard, Raval Palm

Palm Beach Plantation Cdd 2501 BURNS RD
STEA

PALM BEACH GARDENS FL 334105207

Beach, Florido 33411, on:

October 16, 2024
November 20, 2024
December 18, 2024
January 15, 2025
February 19, 2025
Morch 19, 2025
April 16, 2025
Moy 21, 2025
June 18, 2025
July 16, 2025
August 20, 2025
September 17, 2025

STATE OF WISCONSIN, COUNTY OF BROWN

Before the undersigned authority personally appeared, who on oath says that he or she is the Legal Coordinator of the Palm Beach Post, published in Palm Beach County, Florida; that the attached copy of advertisement, being a Govt Public Notices, was published on the publicly accessible website of Palm Beach County, Florida, or in a newspaper by print in the issues of, on:

09/30/2024

Affiant further says that the website or newspaper complies with all legal requirements for publication in chapter 50, Florida Statutes.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, by the legal clerk, who

The purpose of the meetings is to conduct any business coming before the Boord. Meetings are open to the public and will be conducted in occardance with the provisions of Florida law. Copies of agendas for any of the meetings may be obtained on the District's website or by contacting the District Manager at (561) 630-4922 and/or toll-free at l-877-737-4922 prior to the dote of the Particular meeting.
From time to time one or more Supervisors may participate by telephone; therefore a speaker telephone will be present at the meeting locotion so tt,at Supervisors may be fully informed of the discussions taking place. Meetings may be continued as found necessary ta a time ond place specified on the record.
If any person decides to appeal any decision mode wi1h respect to any
matter considered at these meetings, such person will need a record of the proceedings and such person may need ta ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made at his or her own expense and which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is based.
In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ony person requiring special accommodations or an interpreter to partici• pate at any of these meetings should contact the District Manager at (561) 630-4922 and/or toll free 1-877-737-4922 at least seven (7) days prior to lhe dote of the particular meeting.
Meetings may be cancelled from time to time without advertised notice.
PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
www.Palmbeachplontationcdd.org
No.10605915	Sepl. 30, 202d

9/30/2024

Legal Clerk

Notary, State of WI, County of Brown
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Publication Cost:	$273.92	
Tax Amount:	$0.00	
Payment Cost:	$273.92	
Order No:	10605915	
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My commission expires

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Page 1 of 1

PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING MAY 21, 2025

CALL TO ORDER

District Manager Michael McElligott called to order the Regular Board Meeting of the Palm Beach Plantation Community Development District of May 21, 2025, at 4:06 p.m. in the Palm Beach Plantation Clubhouse located at 8751 Palm Beach Plantation Boulevard, Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411.

PROOF OF PUBLICATION

Mr. McElligott presented proof of publication that notice of the Regular Board Meeting had been published in The Palm Beach Post on September 30, 2024, as legally required.

ESTABLISH A QUORUM

Present and constituting a quorum were Vice Chairman Richard Feltz and Supervisors Rebeca Delgado, and Robert Vey.

Staff in attendance were District Managers Michael McElligott of Special District Services, Inc., and District Counsel Scott Cochran of Billing, Cochran, Lyles, Mauro & Ramsey, P.A.
Also in attendance was resident Peter Holbrook.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
There was Board consensus to add to New Business “Consider Appointment to Vacant Board Seat”.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
There were no comments from the public for items not on the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 19, 2025, Regular Board Meeting
Mr. McElligott presented the minutes of the March 19, 2025, Regular Board Meeting and asked if there were any changes or corrections. It was pointed out that in section K, Mr. McElligott needed to change “May 12” to “May 21”.

A motion was then made by Mrs. Delgado, seconded by Mr. Vey, that the minutes of the March 19, 2025, Regular Board Meeting be approved as amended. Upon being put to a vote, the motion carried 3 to 0.

PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING MAY 21, 2025

PUBLIC HEARING

The public hearing was opened at 4:11 p.m.

Proof of Publication

Mr. McElligott presented proof of publication that notice of the Public Hearing had been published in The Palm Beach Post on May 1, 2025, and May 8, 2025, as legally required.

Receive Public Comment on Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Final Budget

There was no public comment on the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Final Budget.
Consider Resolution No. 2025-03 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Final Budget
Mr. McElligott presented Resolution No. 2025-03, entitled:
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADOPTING A FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET.

Mr. McElligott presented the budget and explained that this is the same budget the Board had approved as a proposed budget. After some discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Vey, seconded by Mrs. Delgado and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2025- 03, as presented.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old buiness.

NEW BUSINESS

Consider Resolution No. 2025-04 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Meeting Schedule

PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING MAY 21, 2025

Mr. McElligott presented Resolution No. 2025-04, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-04

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, ESTABLISHING A REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 AND SETTING THE TIME AND LOCATION OF SAID DISTRICT MEETINGS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Mr. McElligott presented the meeting schedule which is similar to the current meeting schedule.

After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Mrs. Delgado, seconded by Mr. Vey, and passed unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 2025-04, as presented.
Consider Appointment to Vacant Seat #4
Mr. McElligott reminded the Board that Mr. Brackett had resigned, leaving Seat 4 Vacant. A Mr. Peter Holbrook was present and interested in filling the seat. Mr. Holbrook introduced himself and gave his resume.
After some questions and Board discussion, a motion was made by Mrs. Delgado, seconded by Mr. Vey, and passed unanimously to appoint Mr. Holbrook to Seat #4.
Mr. McElligott proceeded to administer the Oat of Office to Mr. Holbrook.

Mr. Cochran and Mr. McElligott went over Board Member duties and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, ethics, Form 1 submissions, and Sunshine Law requirements.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Financial Report
Mr. McElligott presented the financial report in the meeting package.

Other Updated

Mr. McElligott also reminded the Board that Form 1s are coming due soon and reminded them of the new online version that is required.

PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
REGULAR BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING MAY 21, 2025

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

There were no Board Member comments.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made by Mr. Vey, seconded by Mrs. Delgado, to adjourn the Regular Board Meeting at 4:27 p.m. That motion carried 4 to 0.

Secretary/Asst. Secretary	Chair/Vice Chair

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-05

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AUTHORIZING AND ADOPTING AN AMENDED FINAL FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET (“AMENDED BUDGET”), PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 189, FLORIDA STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the Palm Beach Plantation Community Development District (“District”) is empowered to provide a funding source and to impose special assessments upon the properties within the District; and,

WHEREAS, the District has prepared for consideration and approval an Amended Budget.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, THAT:

Section 1.  The Amended Budget for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 attached hereto as Exhibit “A” is hereby approved and adopted.
Section 2.  The Secretary/Assistant Secretary of the District is authorized to execute any and all necessary transmittals, certifications or other acknowledgements or writings, as necessary, to comply with the intent of this Resolution.

PASSED, ADOPTED and EFFECTIVE this 17th day of September, 2025.

ATTEST:	PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

By:			By:		 Secretary/Assistant Secretary			Chairperson/Vice Chairperson

Palm Beach Plantation Community Development District

Amended Final Budget For Fiscal Year 2024/2025
October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025

CONTENTS

AMENDED FINAL OPERATING FUND BUDGET

AMENDED FINAL DEBT SERVICE FUND BUDGET

AMENDED FINAL BUDGET
PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OPERATING FUND
FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 OCTOBER 1, 2024 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

REVENUES	FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET 10/1/24 - 9/30/25	AMENDED FINAL BUDGET
10/1/24 - 9/30/25	YEAR TO DATE ACTUAL
10/1/24 - 8/31/25	
O & M Assessments	163,668	164,219	164,219	
Debt Assessments	479,724	479,906	479,906	
Other Income	0	0	0	
Interest Income	600	6,800	6,592	
				
TOTAL REVENUES	$	643,992	$	650,925	$	650,717	
				
EXPENDITURES				
Supervisor Fees	7,000	5,400	4,400	
Payroll Taxes	560	317	237	
Reserve/Contingency	51,300	51,300	0	
Maintenance/Contingency (EMC Divers, Etc.)	7,500	3,750	0	
Engineering/Inspections	10,000	5,000	0	
Management	38,136	38,136	34,958	
Secretarial	4,200	4,200	3,850	
Legal	8,500	8,500	6,320	
Assessment Roll	3,000	3,000	0	
Audit Fees	3,500	3,500	3,500	
Arbitrage Calculation Report Fee	650	650	650	
Insurance	7,400	7,202	7,202	
Legal Advertisements	1,200	1,200	414	
Miscellaneous	850	750	414	
Postage	275	70	50	
Office Supplies	625	250	179	
Dues & Subscriptions	175	175	175	
Trustee Fee	4,100	4,080	4,080	
:ebsite Management	1,250	1,250	1,146	
County Appraiser & Tax Collector Fee	7,500	7,397	7,397	
TOTAL EXPENDITURES	$	157,721	$	146,127	$	74,972	
				
REVENUES LESS EXPENDITURES	$	486,271	$	504,798	$	575,745	
				
Bond Payments	(460,535)	(460,535)	(460,535)	
				
BALANCE	$	25,736	$	44,263	$	115,210	
				
Discounts For Early Payments	(25,736)	(24,087)	(24,087)	
				
EXCESS/ (SHORTFALL)	$	-	$	20,176	$	91,123	
				
Carryover From Prior Year	0	0	0	
				
NET EXCESS/ (SHORTFALL)	$	-	$	20,176	$	91,123	

Notes
Fund Balance Includes Reserve/Contingency ($54,600).
Funds To Be Added To Reserve/Contingency In September 2025. Additional Funds To Be Added To Reserve/Contingency In October 2025.

FUND BALANCE AS OF 9/30/24	
RESERVE/CONTIN*ENCY BALANCE AS OF 9/30/24	
AVAILABLE FUNDS AS OF 9/30/24	
FY 2024/2025 FUND BALANCE ACTIVITY	
FUND BALANCE AS OF 9/30/25	
RESERVE/CONTIN*ENCY BALANCE AS OF 9/30/25	
AVAILABLE FUNDS AS OF 9/30/25	

$140,901	
$54,600	
$86,301	
$20,176	
$161,077	
$105,900	
$55,177	

AMENDED FINAL BUDGET
PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DEBT SERVICE FUND
FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 OCTOBER 1, 2024 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

REVENUES	FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET
10/1/24 - 9/30/25	AMENDED FINAL BUDGET
10/1/24 - 9/30/25	YEAR TO DATE ACTUAL
10/1/24 - 8/31/25	
Interest Income	400	12,000	11,345	
NAV Tax Collection	460,535	453,302	453,302	
Prepaid Bond Collection	0	4,924	4,924	
Total Revenues	$	460,935	$	470,226	$	469,571	
				
EXPENDITURES				
Principal Payments	345,000	345,000	345,000	
Interest Payments	115,935	122,731	122,731	
Extraordinary Principal Payments	0	0	0	
Total Expenditures	$	460,935	$	467,731	$	467,731	
				
Excess/ (Shortfall)	$	-	$	2,495	$	1,840	

FUND BALANCE AS OF 9/30/24	
FY 2024/2025 ACTIVITY	
FUND BALANCE AS OF 9/30/25	

$353,441	
$2,495	
$355,936	

Notes
Reserve Fund Balance = $236,567*. Revenue Fund Balance = $112,249*. Prepayment Account Balance = $7,120*.
Revenue Fund Balance To Be Used To Make 11/1/2025 Interest Payment Of $54,569 and Extraordinary Principal Payment of $20,000.
Prepayment Fund Balance To Be Used To Make 11/1/2025 Extraordinary Principal Payment of $5,000.
* Approximate Amounts

Series 2014 Bond Refunding Information		
Original Par Amount =	$5,940,000	Annual Principal Payments Due:	
Interest Rate =	3.940%	May 1st	
Issue Date =	March 2014	Annual Interest Payments Due:	
Maturity Date =	May 2029*	May 1st & November 1st	
Par Amount As Of 9/30/25 =	$2,770,000		

* Principal Payment Amount Due In May 2029 = $1,655,000

II

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-06

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADOPTING AN ANNUAL REPORT OF GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND STANDARDS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the PALM BEACH PLANTATION Community Development District (the “District”) is a local unit of special-purpose government organized and existing under and pursuant to Chapters 189 and 190, Florida Statutes, as amended; and

WHEREAS, effective July 1, 2024, the Florida Legislature adopted House Bill 7013, codified as Chapter 2024-136, Laws of Florida, and creating Section 189.0694, Florida Statutes; and

WHEREAS, the District adopted Resolution 2024-06 on October 16, 2024, establishing goals and objectives for the District and creating performance measures and standards to evaluate the District’s achievement of those goals and objectives; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 189.0694, Florida Statutes, the District must adopt and publish on its website an annual report prior to December 1st of each year, describing the goals and objectives achieved by the district, as well as the performance measures and standards used by the district to make this determination, and any goals or objectives the district failed to achieve.
WHEREAS, the District Manager has the annual report of the District’s goals, objectives, and performance measures and standards attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit A (the “Annual Report”) and presented the Annual Report to the Board of the District; and

WHEREAS, the District’s Board of Supervisors (“Board”) finds that it is in the best interests of the District to adopt by resolution the attached annual report of the goals, objectives and performance measures and standards.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, THAT:
SECTION 1. The recitals so stated are true and correct and by this reference are incorporated into and form a material part of this Resolution.

SECTION 2. The District Board of Supervisors hereby adopts the Annual Report regarding the District’s success or failure in achieving the adopted goals and objectives and directs the District Manager to take all necessary actions to comply with Section 189.0694, Florida Statutes.

SECTION 3. If any provision of this Resolution is held to be illegal or invalid, the other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 4. This Resolution shall become effective upon its passage and shall remain in effect unless rescinded or repealed.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of September, 2025.

ATTEST:	PALM BEACH PLANTATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Print name: 		Print name: 	 Secretary/Assistant Secretary			Chairman, Board of Supervisors

Exhibit A: Annual Report of Performance Measures/Standards

Exhibit A

Program/Activity:	District Administration
Goal:	Remain compliant with Florida Law for all district meetings
Objectives:
Notice all District regular, special, and public hearing meetings
Conduct all post-meeting activities
District records retained in compliance with Florida Sunshine Laws
Performance Measures:
All Meetings publicly noticed as required (YES)
Meeting minutes and post-meeting action completed (YES)
District records retained as required by law (YES)

Program/Activity:	District Finance
Goal:	Remain Compliant with Florida Law for all district financing activities
Objectives:
District adopted fiscal year budget
District amended budget at end of fiscal year
Process all District finance accounts receivable and payable
Support District annual financial audit activities
Performance Measures:
District adopted fiscal year budget (YES)
District amended budget at end of fiscal year (YES)
District accounts receivable/payable processed for the year (YES)
“No findings” for annual financial audit (NO)
If “yes” explain

Program/Activity:	District Operations
Goal:	Insure, Operate and Maintain District owned Infrastructure & assets
Objectives:
Annual renewal of District insurance policy(s)
Contracted Services for District operations in effect
Compliance with all required permits
Performance Measures:
District insurance renewed and in force (YES)
Contracted Services in force for all District operations (YES)
Permits in compliance (YES)

MEMORANDUM
TO:	District Manager

FROM:	Billing, Cochran, Lyles, Mauro & Ramsey, P.A. District Counsel

DATE:	June 30, 2025

RE:	2025 Legislative Update

As District Counsel, throughout the year we continuously monitor pending legislation that may be applicable to the governance and operation of our Community Development District and other Special District clients. It is at this time of year that we summarize those legislative acts that have become law during the most recent legislative session, as follows:

Chapter 2025 – 195, Laws of Florida (SB 268). The legislation creates a new public records exemption under section 119.071(4)(d)6., F.S., for certain personal identifying and locating information of specified state and local officials, members of Congress, and their family members. Specifically, the exemption applies to the partial home addresses and telephone numbers of current congressional members, public officers, their adult children and spouses. To assert the exemption, the public officer or congressional member, their family members, or employing agencies must submit a written, notarized request to each agency holding the information, along with documentation verifying the individual’s eligibility. Custodians of records must maintain the exemption until the qualifying condition no longer exists.

The legislation narrows the definition of “public officer” to include only the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, or Commissioner of Agriculture; as well as a state senator or representative, property appraiser, supervisor of elections, school superintendent, city or county commissioner, school board member, or mayor. This exemption applies to information held before, on, or after July 1, 2025. It is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act and will automatically repeal on October 2, 2030, unless reenacted by the Legislature. The effective date of this act is July 1, 2025.

While the new exception is not specifically applicable to a member of a Community Development District (“CDD”) board of supervisors, if any board members or related officials fall within this definition of a “public officer” who has asserted the exception, the CDD must protect the partial home addresses and telephone numbers of these individuals, as well as similar information about their spouses and adult children. CDDs will need to update their public records procedures to verify and process these requests to ensure exempt information is withheld.

Chapter 2025 – 174, Laws of Florida (HB 669). The legislation prohibits a local government’s1 investment policy from requiring a minimum bond rating for any category of bond that is explicitly authorized in statute to include unrated bonds. Current law permits local governments to invest in unrated bonds issued by the government of Israel. The bill ensures that investment policies do not impose additional rating requirements that conflict with this statutory authorization. The effective date of this act is July 1, 2025.

This law prevents a CDD from imposing stricter bond rating requirements in their investment policies than those allowed by state law. Specifically, if state law authorizes investment in certain unrated bonds, such as those issued by the government of Israel, a CDD cannot require a minimum bond rating for these bonds in its investment guidelines. CDDs must align their investment policies with statutory permissions, allowing investment in authorized unrated bonds without additional rating restrictions.

Chapter 2025 – 189, Laws of Florida (SB 108). The legislation makes significant amendments to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), revising rulemaking procedures, establishing a structured rule review process, and changing public notice requirements.

New Timelines and Notice Requirements:
Agencies must publish a notice of intended agency action within 90 days of the effective date of legislation delegating rulemaking authority.
Notices of proposed rulemaking must now include the proposed rule number, and at least seven days must separate the notice of rule development from proposed rule publication.
Agencies must electronically publish the full text of any incorporated material in a text-searchable format and use strikethrough/underline formatting to show changes.
This legislation applies to CDDs that exercise rulemaking authority under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. Under the new requirements, CDDs must publish a notice of intended agency action within 90 days after the effective date of any legislation granting them rulemaking authority. When proposing new rules, CDDs must now include the proposed rule number in the notice, allow at least seven (7) days between publishing the notice of rule development and the proposed rule itself, and electronically publish the full text of any incorporated materials in a searchable format. All changes must be shown using strikethrough and underline formatting. CDDs subject to the APA should review their procedures to ensure timely and compliant publication moving forward.

Section 120.5435, F.S., governing the rule review process sunsets on July 1, 2032, unless reenacted. The effective date of this act is July 1, 2025.

Chapter 2025 – 85, Laws of Florida (SB 348). The legislation amends the Code of Ethics to establish a new “stolen valor” provision and expands enforcement mechanisms for collecting unpaid ethics penalties. The bill creates section 112.3131, F.S., which prohibits candidates, elected or appointed public officers, and public employees from knowingly making

1 A “unit of local government” is defined any county, municipality, special district, school district, county constitutional officer, authority, board, public corporation, or any other political subdivision of the state. Section 218.403(11), F.S.

fraudulent representations relating to military service for the purpose of material gain. Prohibited conduct includes falsely claiming military service, honors, medals, or qualifications, or unauthorized wearing of military uniforms or insignia. An exception is provided for individuals in the theatrical profession during a performance. Violations are subject to administrative penalties under section 112.317, F.S., and may also be prosecuted under other applicable laws.

In addition, the legislation amends section 112.317(2), F.S., to authorize the Attorney General to pursue wage garnishment for unpaid civil or restitution penalties arising from ethics violations. A penalty becomes delinquent if unpaid 90 days after imposition. If the violator is a current public officer or employee, the Attorney General must notify the Chief Financial Officer or applicable governing body to initiate withholding from salary-related payments, subject to a 25 percent cap or the maximum allowed by federal law. Agencies may retain a portion of withheld funds to cover administrative costs. The act also authorizes the referral of delinquent penalties to collection agencies and establishes a 20-year statute of limitations for enforcement. The effective date of this act is July 1, 2025.

This law applies directly to CDDs because CDD board members and employees are classified as public officers and public employees under Florida law. As such, CDD officials are prohibited from knowingly making fraudulent claims regarding military service or honors for material gain under the new “stolen valor” provision. Additionally, the law enhances enforcement tools for unpaid ethics penalties, allowing for wage garnishment, salary withholding, and referrals to collection agencies. CDDs must ensure that their officials and staff comply with these ethics requirements and be prepared to cooperate with enforcement actions beginning July 1, 2025.

Chapter 2025 – 164, Laws of Florida (SB 784). The legislation amends section 177.071, F.S., to require that local governments review and approve plat and replat submittals through an administrative process, without action by the governing body. Local governments must designate by ordinance an administrative authority to carry out this function. The administrative authority must (1) acknowledge receipt of a submittal in writing within seven days, identify any missing documentation and provide details on the applicable requirements and review timeframe. Unless the applicant requests an extension, the authority must approve, approve with conditions, or deny the submittal within the timeframe provided in the initial notice. Any denial must include a written explanation citing specific unmet requirements. The authority or local government may not request or require an extension of time. The effective date of this act is July 1, 2025.

While this law does not apply directly to CDDs, as they do not have plat approval authority, it is relevant to developer-controlled CDD boards involved in the land entitlement process. Plat and replat approvals will now be handled through an administrative process by the city or county, rather than by governing body action. Local governments must designate an administrative authority by ordinance and follow strict requirements for written acknowledgment, completeness review, and decision-making timelines. Any denial must include a written explanation citing specific deficiencies, and extensions cannot be requested by the reviewing authority.

Chapter 2025 – 140, Laws of Florida (HB 683). The legislation includes several revisions related to local government contracting, public construction bidding, building permitting, and professional certification. It also requires the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt

minimum standards for the installation of synthetic turf on residential properties. Upon adoption, the law prohibits local governments from enforcing ordinances or policies that are inconsistent with those standards.

The act requires local governments to approve or deny a contractor’s change order price quote within 35 days of receipt. If denied, the local government must identify the specific deficiencies in the quote and the corrective actions needed. These provisions may not be waived or modified by contract. The law prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from penalizing or rewarding a bidder for the volume of construction work previously performed for the same governmental entity. With respect to building permits, the act prohibits local building departments from requiring a copy of the contract between a builder and a property owner or any related documentation, such as cost breakdowns or profit statements, as a condition for applying for or receiving a permit. The act also allows private providers to use software to review certain building plans and reduces the timeframe within which building departments must complete the review of certain permit applications.

CDDs must follow the new requirements for contractor’s change order timelines, restrictions on permit-related documentation, and procurement practices.

For convenience, we have included copies of the legislation referenced in this memorandum. We request that you include this memorandum as part of the agenda packages for upcoming meetings of the governing boards of those special districts in which you serve as the District Manager and this firm serves as District Counsel. For purposes of the agenda package, it is not necessary to include the attached legislation, as we can provide copies to anyone requesting the same. Copies of the referenced legislation are also accessible by visiting this link: http://laws.flrules.org/.