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HB0273

Special District Funding and Payment Rules

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:35 AM

In one sentence

This law requires state agencies to include rules in their agreements that allow direct invoice payments to eligible rural counties, municipalities, and special districts when they show financial hardship.

Requires agency agreements providing state or federal assistance to include a provision allowing the payment of invoices directly to eligible entities for verified work completed under the agreement.
Mandates that agencies expedite payment requests from qualifying rural counties, municipalities, and special districts when they demonstrate financial hardship.
Updates the legal definition of 'rural community' to specifically include independent special districts that provide water and wastewater services within a rural area of opportunity.
States that these direct payments must be exercised only if federal or state laws allow them.

State agencies managing financial assistance agreements with local governments.
Counties and municipalities located in 'rural communities' or 'rural areas of opportunity'.
Special districts located entirely within those rural counties or municipalities.
Independent special districts that provide water and wastewater services within a rural area of opportunity.

The bill does not require reimbursement to the local entity, but rather allows agencies to pay invoices directly.
Agencies must only use this payment method if federal or state laws allow it; the law cannot override other regulations.
The text requires entities to 'demonstrate financial hardship' but does not list specific proof required for that demonstration.

Plain language

Rural Community: A county with 75,000 people or fewer; a contiguous county with up to 125,000 people; municipalities or special districts within those counties; certain rural cities with specific economic factors; and independent water/wastewater special districts in rural areas of opportunity.
Rural Area of Opportunity: A geographic area defined by state law (s. 288.0656) that qualifies for specific economic development programs and funding rules.

Official record

Source attached

Special District Funding

Official activity