SESSION WATCH
Became law HOUSE · SESSION 2026 · CHAPTER 2026-218

No. CS/HB 4081

Eastpoint Water and Sewer District, Franklin County
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SPONSOR
Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee; Shoaf
FILED BY
Jason Shoaf — District 7, Republican [search donations]
EFFECTIVE
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this act, this act shall take effect June 8, 2026.

Filed under Environment & Water.

PROVIDED SUMMARY

Eastpoint Water and Sewer District, Franklin County; Modifies boundaries of district to include additional lands; provides additional powers of board; provides for referenda; provides construction.

Full bill text →

Plain English Summary

AI-GENERATED
Lets voters expand the water district onto St. George Island.

The bill adds several mainland sections plus all of St. George Island to the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District's boundaries, but neither expansion takes effect until its own area's voters approve it.

Voters in the mainland expansion area decide on November 3, 2026; voters on St. George Island don't vote until the district has locked in a deal to buy the island's water utility.

Separate from any vote, the district's board immediately gains the power to inspect septic tanks within its existing boundaries for permit compliance and to fine violators.

KEY PROVISIONS
§ 1 Adds several mainland sections to the district's boundaries majors. Ch. 2023-7, Laws of Fla

AIThe district's boundary description now includes Sections 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 28, plus Fractional Section 27, in Township 8 South Range 6 West, alongside the land already in the district.

“Sections 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, and 30 and all of Fractional Sections 27, 29, 31, and 32 in Township 8 South”
§ 2 Adds all of St. George Island to the district, pending a vote majors. Ch. 2023-7, Laws of Fla

AIThe district's boundary description is expanded to include all of St. George Island in its entirety, though this expansion only takes effect if island voters approve it in a future referendum.

“AND All of St. George Island.” bill text, line 43 →
§ 3 Lets the board inspect septic tanks and fine violators majors. Ch. 2023-7, Laws of Fla

AIThe district's board may inspect septic tanks within its existing boundaries to check compliance with their permits and impose reasonable penalties for violations, effective regardless of how either boundary referendum turns out.

“Inspect septic tanks within the district to ensure the septic tanks are being operated in compliance with applicable permits and provide reasonable penalties for violations.” bill text, line 50 →
§ 4 Sets the mainland expansion vote for November 2026 moderates. Ch. 2023-7, Laws of Fla

AIThe referendum on the mainland boundary expansion is scheduled for November 3, 2026, held concurrently with the 2026 general election and run by Franklin County's Supervisor of Elections.

“A referendum of those qualified electors within the area proposed to be annexed into the district as described in section 1 of this act” bill text, line 55 →
§ 5 Ties the island vote to a future water utility purchase moderates. Ch. 2023-7, Laws of Fla

AIThe St. George Island referendum isn't scheduled for a fixed date; it happens at the first general election after the district reaches an irrevocable deal to buy the island's water utility, or the second election if that deal closes within 120 days of one.

“shall be held at the first general election after the district reaches an irrevocable agreement to acquire the water utility serving St. George Island” bill text, line 80 →
TIMELINE
7/1/2026
Chapter No. 2026-218
6/8/2026
Approved by Governor
5/27/2026
Signed by Officers and presented to Governor
3/11/2026
Ordered enrolled
3/11/2026
In Messages
3/11/2026
CS passed; YEAS 36 NAYS 0 -SJ 793
3/11/2026
Read 3rd time -SJ 793
3/11/2026
Read 2nd time -SJ 793
3/11/2026
Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
3/11/2026
Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 785
3/9/2026
Placed on Local Calendar, 03/11/26
3/3/2026
Received
3/3/2026
Referred to Rules
3/3/2026
In Messages
3/3/2026
CS passed; YEAS 110, NAYS 0
3/3/2026
Read 3rd time
3/3/2026
Added to Third Reading Calendar
3/3/2026
Read 2nd time
2/26/2026
Bill added to Special Order Calendar (3/3/2026)
2/24/2026
Added to Second Reading Calendar
2/24/2026
Bill released to House Calendar
2/24/2026
Reported out of State Affairs Committee
2/24/2026
Favorable by State Affairs Committee
2/20/2026
Added to State Affairs Committee agenda
2/10/2026
Now in State Affairs Committee
2/10/2026
Reported out of Ways & Means Committee
2/10/2026
Favorable by Ways & Means Committee
2/6/2026
Added to Ways & Means Committee agenda
2/6/2026
Now in Ways & Means Committee
2/6/2026
Referred to State Affairs Committee
2/6/2026
Referred to Ways & Means Committee
2/5/2026
1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)
2/5/2026
CS Filed
2/5/2026
Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)
2/5/2026
Reported out of Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
2/5/2026
Favorable with CS by Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
2/3/2026
PCS added to Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee agenda
1/15/2026
Now in Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
1/15/2026
Referred to State Affairs Committee
1/15/2026
Referred to Ways & Means Committee
1/15/2026
Referred to Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
1/13/2026
1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
1/8/2026
Filed
37 EARLIER →
STAFF ANALYSES