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HB1451

Utility Services: Public Meetings and Rate Rules

Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:35 AM

In one sentence

This law requires cities to hold public meetings before sharing utility services with other areas, sets rules for charging customers outside city limits, creates a new reporting system, and gives the state control over regional utilities.

Requires written agreements when a municipality provides water, sewer, electric, or gas service at retail to people in other towns or unincorporated areas.
Mandates public meetings before any new utility agreement takes effect so residents can ask questions and give input on rates and services.
Sets limits on how much more cities can charge customers outside their borders compared to those living inside the city for water or sewer services.
Requires municipalities that provide these services to report specific information annually to the Florida Public Service Commission.
Gives the state control over creating regional utility authorities instead of allowing local groups to create them.

Municipalities in Florida that operate water, sewer, electric, or gas utilities.
Residents living outside city limits who receive utility services from a nearby municipality.
The Florida Public Service Commission, which must collect reports and send them to the Governor and Legislature.

The text does not specify exact dollar amounts for utility rates.
The law mentions penalties for failing to report information but does not list what those specific punishments are in this excerpt.

Plain language

Appointed representative: An executive-level employee of a city or its utility authority specifically chosen by local leaders to speak for the city at public meetings about utility services.
Governing body: The group that runs a city, such as a city council, or a board of county commissioners if the area is unincorporated.

Official record

Source attached

Utility Services

Official activity