State Representative Felicia S. Robinson’s (D-Miami Gardens) sponsored HB 11 – Municipal Water and Sewer Utility Rates passed unanimously in the Florida House of Representatives. This legislation corrects an unintended consequence of current Florida law, ensuring fairness and transparency in municipal water and sewer surcharges for residents across the state.
Under existing law, municipalities that provide water or sewer services to another municipality can impose a surcharge of up to 25 percent on those outside their jurisdiction. However, in unique cases where a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, residents in the host city are unfairly burdened with higher utility costs — even though they support the facility’s infrastructure and services.
HB 11 mandates that the owner municipality or the host city charge residents the same rates for water and sewer services, regardless of where the facility is physically located. By eliminating unjustified financial burdens on communities that house utility plants, this bill upholds principles of equity, transparency, and good governance.
“I am proud to champion this legislation to ensure that no Florida resident is unfairly charged for essential services simply because of where they live,” said Representative Felicia Robinson in a press release. “This bill represents a step toward fairer pricing, responsible municipal management, and putting the needs of Floridians first.”
HB 11 successfully passed through the Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee, and Commerce Committee before receiving final approval in the Florida House. The bill now continues to work its way through the Florida Senate.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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