24 Jun 2022 – Our bill, HB651 has signed into law by the Governor. It becomes effective upon passing majority vote of district voters. https://myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=74685
NEXT EVENT
8 Nov 22 - Binding referendum on Navarre Beach district ballot.
Approved 2020 Non-Binding Referendum
“Shall an independent special district be created to provide fire, rescue and emergency medical services to the Navarre Beach community, operating pursuant to chapter 191, Florida Statutes, including an initial Non-Ad Valorem Assessment not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) for residential properties, sixty-three dollars ($63.00) for vacant land and forty-one cents ($0.41) per square foot for commercial properties. Future assessment increases shall be limited by chapter 191.009, Florida Statutes.”
About the Referendum Language
The language “initial Non-Ad Valorem Assessment” was required because the proposed legislation would establish a new state fire district on Navarre Beach. The rates listed in the referendum are what Navarre Beach leaseholders are currently charged via approved Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) fee on annual tax assessments. Once the special fire district is approved, the MSBU will be terminated and leaseholders can expect to see an identical Non-Ad Valorem Assessment in its place. Any future Non-Ad Valorem Assessment increases would be limited to no higher than the Florida 5-year average annual personal income growth rate (currently 5%); any requested higher increase would require a ballot measure approved by leaseholders. This is the same language voters can expect to see when the final binding referendum is submitted for voter approval.
NEXT EVENT
8 Nov 22 - Binding referendum on Navarre Beach district ballot.
Approved 2020 Non-Binding Referendum
“Shall an independent special district be created to provide fire, rescue and emergency medical services to the Navarre Beach community, operating pursuant to chapter 191, Florida Statutes, including an initial Non-Ad Valorem Assessment not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) for residential properties, sixty-three dollars ($63.00) for vacant land and forty-one cents ($0.41) per square foot for commercial properties. Future assessment increases shall be limited by chapter 191.009, Florida Statutes.”
About the Referendum Language
The language “initial Non-Ad Valorem Assessment” was required because the proposed legislation would establish a new state fire district on Navarre Beach. The rates listed in the referendum are what Navarre Beach leaseholders are currently charged via approved Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) fee on annual tax assessments. Once the special fire district is approved, the MSBU will be terminated and leaseholders can expect to see an identical Non-Ad Valorem Assessment in its place. Any future Non-Ad Valorem Assessment increases would be limited to no higher than the Florida 5-year average annual personal income growth rate (currently 5%); any requested higher increase would require a ballot measure approved by leaseholders. This is the same language voters can expect to see when the final binding referendum is submitted for voter approval.
Campaign Timeline
| Proposed Timeline | Requirement | Required by | Prerequisite | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing. Providing updates on process. | Local support for NBFR ISFD | NBFR proposal to community for ISFD status | Voters' support to pursue ISFD via Legislative approval. Navarre Beach Leaseholders & Renters Association (NBLRA) leadership supportive of pursuing Independent Special Fire District (ISFD). Further actions include monthly interaction with NBLRA via meetings/newsletter, notification to all leaseholders of ISFD intent, supporting documents, and request for support during referendum votes. | ||
| Ongoing. Providing updates on process. | Meet with Navarre Beach HOAs | HOA scheduled meetings dates | Request ability for Board member(s), Chief (and FFs), and NBLRA rep to meet with HOAs to discuss ISFD purpose, benefits, and answer questions | ||
| Approved 28 May 2020 |
BOCC Support for NBFR ISFD | SRC Supervisor Of Elections | NBLRA support for NBFR ISFD | Request Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) support to pursue ISFD via Legislative approval. Need BOCC approval to place ISFD ballot referendum language onto an official election ballot. Deadline 21 Aug 20 for 3 Nov 2020 general election ballot. | |
| Passed 3 Nov 2020 | Non-binding Referendum for NBFR ISFD | Rep Williamson | BOCC approval to place referendum on election ballot | Rep Williamson requires State Div of Elections certified non-binding referendum, vote must be conducted during general election, and requires 60% approval. Per SRC Sup. of Elections, ISFD referendum ineligible for special election consideration (special election cost ~$20K). Rep Williamson's office has stated there is no flexibility with the non-binding referendum requirement. (Refence Rep Williamson's Local Bill Process) | |
| Approved 21 Jan 2021 | Local Delegation Approval to Sponsor ISFD legislation | FL House policy | Local electorate support for NBFR ISFD | Complete all FL Statute required documentation IAW 189.031 with support of Tallahassee based law firm. Must include public hearing in district subject to legislation. Local delegation votes to support proposed local bill and once approved, member of delegation sponsors bill to FL House. | |
| Bill failed: did not pass Committee May 2021 | FL House Establishment of NBFR ISFD | FL Statues Title XIII Ch 189 | 1) FL House delegate sponsor
2) Bill filed w/House of Rep Clerk NLT noon 1st day of regular session |
Utilization of Tallahassee based Lewis, Longman, and Walker law firm to shepard bill through legislative process. | |
| Approved 26 Oct 2021 | Local Delegation Approval to Sponsor ISFD legislation | FL House policy | Local electorate support for NBFR ISFD | Complete all FL Statute required documentation IAW 189.031 with support of Tallahassee based law firm. Must include public hearing in district subject to legislation. Local delegation votes to support proposed local bill and once approved, member of delegation sponsors bill to FL House. | |
| Completed 17 Nov 2021 | HB 651 Filed with FL House | FL Statues Title XIII Ch 189 |
Local Delegation Approve
Sponsorship of ISFD Legislation |
||
| Approved 23 Feb 2022 | HB 651 Approved by Committee for Full House Vote | FL House policy | Legislation filed with Clerk of House and scheduled for required committee action and approval | HB 651 assigned to committee:
Local Admin & Veterans Affairs – Approved 14 Feb w/changes Ways & Means – Approved 17 Feb 22 State Affairs – Approved 23 Feb 22 |
|
| Approved 2 Mar 2022 | FL House Establishment of NBFR ISFD | FL Statues Title XIII Ch 189 | 1) FL House delegate sponsor 2) Bill filed w/House of Rep Clerk NLT noon 1st day of regular session |
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| Approved 10 Mar 2022 | FL Senate Establishment of NBFR ISFD | FL Statues Title XIII Ch 189 | Legislation clears Senate committee action and approval | ||
| Approved 24 Jun 2022 | Governor Approval | Ch 189 | FL House & Senate approval forwarded to Governor | ||
| 8 Nov 2022 | Binding Referendum for NBFR ISFD | Ch 189/191 | Signed House bill approving ISFD establishment | Rep Williamson policy that any local bill he sponsors takes effect only upon approval through binding referendum during general election. | |
| Passed 8 Nov 2022 | Binding Referendum for NBFR ISFD | FL Statute Ch 189 | Referendum placed on general election ballot | NBFR referendum passed in general election by 71.81% (surpassing the requirement of 51%). |
NBFR ISFD Campaign Background
How does Navarre Beach currently get emergency services?
Navarre Beach fire and rescue protection is provided by a private non-profit fire company Navarre Beach Fire Rescue Inc. (NBFR) which is funded through Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners (SRC BOCC) approved Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) and paid by the Navarre Beach leaseholders.
Navarre Beach has been protected by an independent fire department since 1990. NBFR (previously Navarre Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated) was established by members of the Navarre Beach community in 1990 to ensure Navarre Beach had quality responsive fire and emergency services readily available inside the district. The department began as an all-volunteer force and transitioned to a combined career professional firefighter and volunteer department in 2004.
How would ISFD approval change Navarre Beach emergency services?
Transition to an Independent Special Fire District (ISFD) makes no changes to the protection services you currently receive nor the amount you pay for those services. The ISFD would be an administrative change, shifting the fire department from a private corporation to a state established self-governing fire district like our neighboring fire departments.
Navarre Beach fire/rescue protection would transition administratively from a private corporation to a State approved and recognized independent government organization separate from SRC oversight with the ability to execute full local control of Navarre Beach fire and emergency services. This control includes the authority to levy assessments, fees, and charges within the proposed Navarre Beach district, as well as the enforcement of fire codes and ordinances. The ISFD will receive oversight from the state of FL, primarily through the FL Dept of Economic Opportunity. This organizational change mirrors our local south SRC districts, Holley-Navarre Fire Department and Midway Fire Department, and maintains all current mutual fire protection agreements in place.
What are the benefits of an ISFD on Navarre Beach?
Moving to an ISFD places budgetary control in the hands of the local leaseholders, opens additional federal and state resources and grants to the district, and most importantly takes care of our firefighter by opening district firefighters to the State retirement programs.
Currently, all budgetary oversight of NBFR, Inc is through the SRC BOCC. Under ISFD statues, budgetary control moves to Navarre Beach fire commissioners, elected from the community by the leaseholders. This includes the setting of fire tax assessments, issuing/enforcement of impact fees, and the establishment and enforcement of local ordinances related to beach safety. ISFD status offers potential monetary savings by opening access to existing state contracts and resources. Additionally, transition to an ISFD opens access to federal, state, and other grant opportunity not open to the current private fire company. Most importantly, transition to an ISFD makes district career and volunteer firefighters eligible for the state retirement system and gives the district access to premium tax dollars already collected from the district by the State for use in supporting firefighter retirement programs.
What are the costs of an ISFD on Navarre Beach?
An ISFD will increase the department’s administrative costs, but within the current budget available. There is no planned change to flat fee assessment amounts currently collected from leaseholders via MSBU, only how it is collected, changing from a MSBU to a tax assessment on your annual county tax notices. Any future changes to fees would have to be approved by the leaseholders via vote.
The process of pursuing ISFD status is estimated to cost the department approximately $35,000 in legal processing fees to draft appropriate documents and guide the effort through the state legislative process. The increased reporting and oversight requirement under the Florida Statues for ISFD would also drive the need for new administrative support. All these increased costs associated with transitioning to an ISFD are estimated to be covered within current budget constraints. Leaseholders will see a change on their annual SRC tax notices; the MSBU will be gone and a new ISFD tax assessment will take its place at the same rate. Any future pursuit by the elected ISFD fire commissioners to raise the annual tax assessment greater than the five-year average cost of living adjustment must be approved by leaseholders via official ballot vote.
What is the process for gaining ISFD status for Navarre Beach?
The lengthy process follows FL Statues requirements, as well as additional requirements of local FL House of Representatives delegate Representative Jayer Williamson. Once local support is confirmed through a local non-binding referendum vote, an approved local bill sponsored by Representative Jayer Williamson will navigate through the FL House for approval and final signature by the Governor. A final local binding referendum vote will be required to enact the signed legislative bill establishing the Navarre Beach ISFD. The process laid out in FL Statute Title XIII Chapter 189, Chapter 191, and Representative Jayer Williamson’s Local Bill Process memo.
Navarre Beach fire and rescue protection is provided by a private non-profit fire company Navarre Beach Fire Rescue Inc. (NBFR) which is funded through Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners (SRC BOCC) approved Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) and paid by the Navarre Beach leaseholders.
Navarre Beach has been protected by an independent fire department since 1990. NBFR (previously Navarre Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated) was established by members of the Navarre Beach community in 1990 to ensure Navarre Beach had quality responsive fire and emergency services readily available inside the district. The department began as an all-volunteer force and transitioned to a combined career professional firefighter and volunteer department in 2004.
How would ISFD approval change Navarre Beach emergency services?
Transition to an Independent Special Fire District (ISFD) makes no changes to the protection services you currently receive nor the amount you pay for those services. The ISFD would be an administrative change, shifting the fire department from a private corporation to a state established self-governing fire district like our neighboring fire departments.
Navarre Beach fire/rescue protection would transition administratively from a private corporation to a State approved and recognized independent government organization separate from SRC oversight with the ability to execute full local control of Navarre Beach fire and emergency services. This control includes the authority to levy assessments, fees, and charges within the proposed Navarre Beach district, as well as the enforcement of fire codes and ordinances. The ISFD will receive oversight from the state of FL, primarily through the FL Dept of Economic Opportunity. This organizational change mirrors our local south SRC districts, Holley-Navarre Fire Department and Midway Fire Department, and maintains all current mutual fire protection agreements in place.
What are the benefits of an ISFD on Navarre Beach?
Moving to an ISFD places budgetary control in the hands of the local leaseholders, opens additional federal and state resources and grants to the district, and most importantly takes care of our firefighter by opening district firefighters to the State retirement programs.
Currently, all budgetary oversight of NBFR, Inc is through the SRC BOCC. Under ISFD statues, budgetary control moves to Navarre Beach fire commissioners, elected from the community by the leaseholders. This includes the setting of fire tax assessments, issuing/enforcement of impact fees, and the establishment and enforcement of local ordinances related to beach safety. ISFD status offers potential monetary savings by opening access to existing state contracts and resources. Additionally, transition to an ISFD opens access to federal, state, and other grant opportunity not open to the current private fire company. Most importantly, transition to an ISFD makes district career and volunteer firefighters eligible for the state retirement system and gives the district access to premium tax dollars already collected from the district by the State for use in supporting firefighter retirement programs.
What are the costs of an ISFD on Navarre Beach?
An ISFD will increase the department’s administrative costs, but within the current budget available. There is no planned change to flat fee assessment amounts currently collected from leaseholders via MSBU, only how it is collected, changing from a MSBU to a tax assessment on your annual county tax notices. Any future changes to fees would have to be approved by the leaseholders via vote.
The process of pursuing ISFD status is estimated to cost the department approximately $35,000 in legal processing fees to draft appropriate documents and guide the effort through the state legislative process. The increased reporting and oversight requirement under the Florida Statues for ISFD would also drive the need for new administrative support. All these increased costs associated with transitioning to an ISFD are estimated to be covered within current budget constraints. Leaseholders will see a change on their annual SRC tax notices; the MSBU will be gone and a new ISFD tax assessment will take its place at the same rate. Any future pursuit by the elected ISFD fire commissioners to raise the annual tax assessment greater than the five-year average cost of living adjustment must be approved by leaseholders via official ballot vote.
What is the process for gaining ISFD status for Navarre Beach?
The lengthy process follows FL Statues requirements, as well as additional requirements of local FL House of Representatives delegate Representative Jayer Williamson. Once local support is confirmed through a local non-binding referendum vote, an approved local bill sponsored by Representative Jayer Williamson will navigate through the FL House for approval and final signature by the Governor. A final local binding referendum vote will be required to enact the signed legislative bill establishing the Navarre Beach ISFD. The process laid out in FL Statute Title XIII Chapter 189, Chapter 191, and Representative Jayer Williamson’s Local Bill Process memo.
Links To additional Related Information
Representative Williamson Local Bill Process Requirements PDF LINK
Link to Independent Special Fire Control District http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter191/All
Link to Uniform Special District Requirements http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter189/All
Link to Firefighter Pension Requirements http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter175/All
Link to Independent Special Fire Control District http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter191/All
Link to Uniform Special District Requirements http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter189/All
Link to Firefighter Pension Requirements http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter175/All