Agenda 09/09/2025 Item #11A (Proposed Collier County State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for 2026)9/9/2025
Item # 11.A
ID# 2025-2727
Executive Summary
Recommendation to approve the proposed Collier County State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for
2026.
OBJECTIVE: To approve Collier County’s State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for 2026.
CONSIDERATIONS: Each year, prior to the convening of the State Legislature in Regular Session, staff prepares a
proposed list of State and Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for the upcoming year for consideration and
subsequent endorsement by the Board of County Commissioners (Board).
Each member of the Board has previously been provided with the 2026 Priorities document for review and input.
The Collier County Legislative Delegation will conduct its public hearing for local bills and local budget requests on
Monday, September 15, 2025. This year, Chairman Saunders will present the Board's priorities to the delegation.
The full Legislature will begin its official interim committee weeks on October 6, and will begin moving bills through
the committee process in advance of the 2026 Regular Session, which, this cycle, will convene on January 13, 2026, and
conclude on March 13.
The Board Priorities support aspects of each category of the Strategic Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT: This executive summary has no immediate fiscal impact.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: This executive summary has no immediate growth management impact.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, raises no legal issues and
requires a majority vote for approval. -JAK
RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Board of County Commissioners approve the proposed Collier County State and
Federal Legislative and Administrative Priorities for 2026.
PREPARED BY: Bridget Corcoran - Legislative Affairs Coordinator
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2026 Priority Doc 9.3.25
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STATE AND FEDERAL
LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE
PRIORITIES
2026
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repared by: Bridget Corcoran, Legislative Affairs Coordinator
Division of Communications, Government and Public A
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Burt Saunders
Chairman - District 3
Dan Kowal
Vice Chairman - District 4
Rick LoCastro
Commissioner - District 1
Chris Hall
Commissioner - District 2
Bill McDaniel
Commissioner - District 5
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Vision: To be the best
community in America
to live, work, and play.
Mission: To deliver
high quality, best value
public services,
programs, and
facilities to meet the
needs of our residents
and businesses today
and tomorrow.
Values: Leadership,
Ethics, Accountability,
Dedication, and
Service.
Motto: Exceed
expectations, every
day!
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INTRODUCTION
This document was produced based on prior
Board direction, legislative and project
needs identified by County staff in support
of Board-approved programs and projects,
ongoing or unresolved legislative and
administrative issues from 2025, and
legislative priorities shared with the Florida
Association of Counties (FAC) and the
National Association of Counties (NACo).
Our state and federal contract lobbyists
provide valuable input throughout this
process and work very hard to continually
identify and monitor legislative trends,
issues, administrative activity, and funding
opportunities.
Once reviewed and approved by the Board
of County Commissioners, the County’s
legislative and administrative priorities guide
all advocacy efforts in Tallahassee, FL, and
Washington, DC, for the upcoming year.
For more information, contact Bridget Corcoran at:
dget.corcoran@colliercountyfl.gov
Bridget.Corcoran@colliercountyfl.gov
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Contents
Animal Control ...................................................................................................................................................................................7
Affordable Housing ...........................................................................................................................................................................7
Build America Bonds ........................................................................................................................................................................8
County Funding Streams ..................................................................................................................................................................9
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review ...........................................................................................................9
Frs Special Risk Classification for Helicopter Pilots ...................................................................................................................10
Hands-Free Phone Use While Driving ...........................................................................................................................................10
I-75 Interchanges .............................................................................................................................................................................11
Low-Cost Energy .............................................................................................................................................................................11
Property Insurance Stabilization ....................................................................................................................................................12
Resilience / Coastal Protection ......................................................................................................................................................13
State Veterans Nursing Home ........................................................................................................................................................13
Water Quality and Quantity Management .....................................................................................................................................14
State Appropriation Project Requests ...........................................................................................................................................15
Golden Gate Water Reclamation Facility .......................................................................................................................................15
Isles Of Capri Joint Stormwater - Sewer Project (City Of Marco Island & Collier County) .............................................................15
Naples Bay and Haldeman Creek Area Wastewater Inflow and Infiltration ...................................................................................16
Wastewater Air Release Valve (ARV) Replacement .....................................................................................................................16
Issues to Monitor .............................................................................................................................................................................17
Agriculture, Environment, and Water .............................................................................................................................................17
Big Cypress Basin ......................................................................................................................................................................17
Big Cypress National Preserve ..................................................................................................................................................17
Harmful Algal Blooms .................................................................................................................................................................17
Lake Okeechobee and Everglades Restoration .........................................................................................................................17
Budget And Policy ..........................................................................................................................................................................18
AI Technology ............................................................................................................................................................................18
Clerk of the Circuit Court Funding ..............................................................................................................................................18
Cybersecurity .............................................................................................................................................................................18
Hazardous Waste Disposal Funding / Collection Bills ................................................................................................................18
Home Rule .................................................................................................................................................................................18
Licensing & Permitting ................................................................................................................................................................18
Medical or Recreational Marijuana Dispensaries .......................................................................................................................18
Mental Health & Substance Abuse .............................................................................................................................................18
Millage Rates ..............................................................................................................................................................................18
School Resource Officer / Guardian Program Funding ..............................................................................................................19
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Sovereign Immunity ....................................................................................................................................................................19
Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Exemptions ..........................................................................................................................19
Term Limits .................................................................................................................................................................................19
Energy ............................................................................................................................................................................................19
Inland Oil Drilling & High-Pressure Well Stimulation (Fracking) .................................................................................................19
Offshore Drilling ..........................................................................................................................................................................19
Solar, Wind, Fuel Cells, and Biomass ........................................................................................................................................19
Economic Development and Tourism ............................................................................................................................................19
Community Redevelopment Agencies .......................................................................................................................................19
Southwest Florida Promise Zone / Opportunity Zones ...............................................................................................................20
Short Term Rentals ....................................................................................................................................................................20
Tourist Development Tax ...........................................................................................................................................................20
Transportation ................................................................................................................................................................................20
Autonomous Vehicles .................................................................................................................................................................20
Electric And Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles ..........................................................................................................................................20
FAA Air Traffic Control Privatization ...........................................................................................................................................20
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PRIORITIES: LEGISLATIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE
ANIMAL CONTROL
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners requests fines be increased under state statutes regarding animal
control and the statutory provisions that govern the County’s ability to enforce animal control ordinances.
Collier County Ordinances assign adjudication of animal control violations to the Office of the Special
Magistrate. The decision on imposition of the fines is at the discretion of the Special Magistrate based on the
circumstances of the case. The proposed amendments would create guidelines for the Special Magistrate to
follow under Fla. Stat. Section 828.27 (6).
Action
➢ Advocate to amend Florida Statute Section 828.27 (2)(b) to increase the penalty.
➢ Section 828.27 (6) to increase the penalty at the Special Magistrate’s discretion.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Summary
Collier County has some of the highest median home prices in Florida, making it a struggle for hardworking
individuals and families to find affordable housing. This situation has forced many middle- and working-class
families to either live here at a significant financial strain or move to other counties. By living elsewhere,
they spend their money on homes, groceries, and other expenses in neighbouring communities instead of in
Collier County. They also commute to their jobs here, which not only increases traffic congestion but also
negatively impacts their quality of life and the county's economic development.
Furthermore, a 2024 report by the University of Florida's Shimberg Center for Housing Studies highlights the
particular challenges faced by an older population. The report found that 50% of low-income, cost-burdened
renter households in Collier County are headed by someone age 55 or older, meaning they spend more
than 30% of their monthly income on housing.
Collier County supports proposals, tax incentives, and funding that would increase home ownership and
rental housing opportunities for low-to-moderate-income (LMI) individuals and families and works with state
and federal partners on policies that broadly address the supply and demand for affordable housing in
Southwest Florida.
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Action
STATE:
➢ Advocate for solutions to utilize State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds for very low-income
residents in high-cost areas throughout the state. Adjustments are needed to more accurately reflect
the current housing market and associated challenges in administering the existing program.
FEDERAL:
➢ HOME– Advocate for an increase in funding levels. Currently, there is a mandatory set-aside of 15%
of HOME funding for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO). Collier County does
not have a CHDO and requests a permanent waiver from CHDO requirements due to this fact.
➢ Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)
o Advocate for the permanent usage of a high-cost jurisdiction multiplier for rental assistance
calculations. Units in which ESG assistance is provided will still be required to meet the rent
reasonableness standard. Currently, Collier County must annually apply for the waiver.
o Increase the allocation of administration to 10% to mirror the HOME program, as the small
allocation of funds limits Collier to less than $17,000 per year and makes it very difficult to
administer this program.
o Increase program funding and remove the 60% shelter cap to allow flexibility for funds to be
utilized to make the greatest impact.
➢ Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)- Advocate for increase in funding and remove the
restriction for the utilization of funds to “go vertical” to build multiple-family units.
BUILD AMERICA BONDS
Summary
Build America Bonds (BABs) were a type of taxable municipal bond introduced in 2009 as part of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This program was designed to help state and local governments finance
capital projects, stimulate the economy, and create jobs. The federal government provided either a direct
subsidy payment to the issuer or a tax credit to the bondholder, effectively reducing the cost of borrowing. The
program expired on December 31, 2010, but existing BABs remain active and are still traded in the market.
There have been ongoing efforts to create similar programs. For example, in May 2023, the American
Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2023 (S.1480) was introduced as a bipartisan effort to establish a new taxable,
direct-pay bond program to finance infrastructure projects.
Action
FEDERAL:
➢ Support legislation that would maximize local government access to these lending tools.
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COUNTY FUNDING STREAMS
Summary
Full funding of grants and continued appropriations for programs or funds applicable to Collier County,
including but not limited to Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG),
Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), Airport
Improvement Program (AIP), Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG), Stafford Act, Fire
Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP), FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), FEMA
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, Rainy Day Fund, Local Housing Trust
Fund, Sadowski Act-funded programs including the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) and State
Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, the
Land Acquisition Trust Fund (LATF), and the Rural Development Grant Program.
Action
STATE/FEDERAL:
➢ Advocate for full funding of grants and continued appropriations for programs or funds applicable to
Collier County and oppose state or federal actions that would utilize moneys for other purposes than
originally intended.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) REVIEW
Summary
On January 24, 2025, the President established the Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) via Executive Order 14180. The council's goal is to advise the President on FEMA's current
ability to handle disasters across the nation impartially and effectively, and to recommend changes that best
serve the national interest.
Collier County collaborates closely with FEMA and local partners to help the community withstand, adapt to,
and recover from various challenges like natural disasters and other disruptions. FEMA provides invaluable
training for preparing and responding to incidents, as well as resources for remediation and recovery. Collier
County residents expect all levels of government to respond immediately and work together seamlessly.
Action
STATE:
➢ Advocate for Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) to work with the FEMA Review
Council to ensure there are no gaps in disaster response resources available to local governments and
residents.
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FEDERAL:
➢ Advocate to ensure there are no gaps in disaster response to local governments and residents with the
revamped version of FEMA.
➢ Advocate for continuation of FEMA training programs.
➢ Advocate for adequate funding of the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) or comparable program.
➢ Advocate for a simplified process for counties to file for and capture direct payments for relief efforts.
➢ Advocate for continued funding for beach renourishment.
FRS SPECIAL RISK CLASSIFICATION FOR HELICOPTER PILOTS
Summary
The Florida Legislature created the Special Risk Class within the Florida Retirement System (FRS) to
acknowledge that certain positions are physically and mentally demanding, requiring extraordinary agility
and acuity. Recognizing the physical limitations that come with age, the Legislature made these members
eligible to retire earlier than regular members.
Collier County seeks to include its EMS helicopter pilots in the Special Risk Class due to the significant
physical and mental demands of the position, along with the inherent risks of navigating a helicopter in
unpredictable conditions during a trauma response.
Action
STATE:
➢ Advocate for the inclusion of EMS helicopter pilots in the FRS Special Risk Classification.
HANDS-FREE PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING
Summary
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes in the United States, contributing to thousands
of injuries and fatalities each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that
phone interactions while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times. The NHTSA also reports phone
interaction while driving is six times more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. A study from
Cambridge Mobile Telematics reported an increase in screen interaction time while driving of 17.8% from 2020
to 2023. The use of hand-held devices while driving significantly impairs a driver’s ability to safely operate a
vehicle, diverting attention from the road and increasing reaction times.
Collier County supported hands-free legislation during the 2025 legislative session and will continue to
advocate for the passage of legislation due to an increase in traffic crashes attributed to distracted driving,
affecting the safety of men, women, and children who reside in and visit the county.
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Action
STATE:
➢ Advocate for the passage of legislation mandating the use of hands-free devices while driving to
enhance road safety.
I-75 INTERCHANGES
Summary
To address the rapid growth in eastern Collier County, an I-75 interchange at Everglades Boulevard is
needed. Currently, residents lack direct interstate access and must use multiple local roads. Opening this
interchange would provide southern access to eastern Collier County, significantly reducing vehicle miles
travelled, traffic congestion, and air pollution. This new access would also serve as a crucial evacuation
route, especially important for an area that has experienced some of Florida's largest wildfires in recent
years.
Action
FEDERAL:
➢ Advocate for final passage of funding to study the proposed opening of the existing interchange at I-75
and Everglades Boulevard in two phases: (1) feasibility analysis; and (2) Interchange Justification Report,
Project Development and Environmental Study. Phase 1 will include a planning level analysis of the
operating conditions of I-75 (regionally known as Alligator Alley), planning level analysis of operating
conditions of the existing interchange at Everglades Boulevard, and planning level analysis of the existing
non-interstate roadway network. The study should include a toll feasibility component. Planning level
concept alternatives will be developed and included in the feasibility analysis as part of Phase 1. A
Planning Screen of the feasibility analysis will be performed through the Efficient Transportation Decision
Making (ETDM) process.
LOW-COST ENERGY
Summary
Collier County supports a balanced approach to energy planning that maintains cost-effective, dependable
electricity while fostering economic resilience and protecting ratepayers from unnecessary cost escalation.
Proposed rate increases to fund solar capital projects conflict with the 2025 federal policy directive of
“Unleashing American Energy”, which prioritizes affordable, reliable, and domestically sourced energy
production while avoiding unnecessary burdens on consumers. Collier County recognizes the need for
renewable energy but encourages energy investment in sources that are proven and reliable such as oil,
natural gas, coal, hydropower, biofuels, critical mineral, and nuclear resources.
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Action
STATE:
➢ Advocate for review of the 1973 Power Plant Siting Act (PPSA) law, Sections 403.501-.518, Florida
Statute (F.S.); allowing for the development of solar farms of 680 acres or less to be done without site
permitting, environmental permits or a competitive process for energy development.
➢ Advocate for the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to require that any approved
projects demonstrate clear and measurable benefits to consumers, including ensuring
reliable energy supply and maintaining affordable rates that won’t impose disproportionate
financial burdens on Collier County residents and businesses.
PROPERTY INSURANCE STABILIZATION
Summary
Citizens Insurance was created by the Florida Legislature in 2002 as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt government
entity to serve as the state’s insurer of last resort by providing property insurance to eligible Florida property
owners unable to find insurance coverage in the private market. At one point during 2023 the number of
policies held by Citizens ballooned to a high of 1.4 million, becoming the largest property insurer in the state
of Florida. Legislative reforms aimed at mitigating litigation abuse combined with depopulation efforts has
resulted in less than 800,000 policies as of July 2025.
On the federal side, long-term reauthorization of the federal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is
needed to provide housing market stability while ensuring transparency and fairness in rate setting.
Currently, NFIP authorization is set to expire on September 30, 2025. Future market stability calls for longer
reauthorization of at least five years.
Action
STATE:
➢ Advocate for continued reforms to stabilize the property insurance market, monitor carriers’ financials
and reserve funds, prevent further insolvencies, add growth in market competition, fair and transparent
premiums for policyholders, and reduce dependency on the State’s insurer of last resort.
➢ Advocate for continued funding of My Safe Florida Homes and My Safe Florida Condominium programs
to assist Floridians with improvements to strengthen their homes and condominiums against hurricane
winds.
FEDERAL:
➢ Support legislation that provides a long-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
for a minimum five-year authorization, and focus on affordability, efficiency, fairness, accountability,
and sustainability of the program. The legislation should also invest in mitigation, modernize flood
mapping, and flood risk accuracy, and increase consumer protections in the NFIP and private insurance
markets.
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RESILIENCE / COASTAL PROTECTION
Summary
The mission of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is to protect, preserve, and enhance Collier County’s pristine
coastal ecosystem and to provide strategic access and complementary facilities to this valuable County
amenity for enjoyment by residents and visitors. Collier County has experienced the most presidentially
declared disasters of any county in the United States since 1978 and must have the ability to plan for actions
to mitigate the impact and restore the more than 30 acres of coastline.
Action
STATE:
➢ Support the pursuit of all legal options the State of Florida may take to appeal the February 15, 2024,
federal court order divesting the Florida Department of Environmental Protection of its authority to issue
State 404 Program permits in Florida. State assumption of the 404 program provides a streamlined
permitting procedure within which both federal and state requirements are addressed by state permits.
on April 2024, the state of Florida formally filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
FEDERAL:
➢ Support federal investments in solutions to mitigate risk and to prepare for the impacts of sea level rise
and seek collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) to do so.
➢ Advocate for a transparent and predictable process regarding the approval or denial of all USACE
permit applications, including 404 permits.
➢ Advocate for updates to FEMA threshold for what is considered repetitive loss. A repetitive loss (RL)
property is a building that has had two or more flood insurance claims of more than $1,000 paid by the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) within a 10-year period since 1978.
➢ Advocate for greater access to storm impact data and coordination with local communities to improve
floodplain management and storm response.
STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME
Summary
In July, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs released the State Home Construction Grant
Program Priority List. As expected, Florida’s application to build a new veterans nursing home in Collier
County was listed in Priority Group 1, Subpriority 3, with congressional funding for FY 25 sufficient to award
the full 65% federal share ($74 million) to the project.
Action
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STATE & FEDERAL: Continue to work with the State and Federal Governments and their contractors by
assisting with any administrative issues as the golf course property is donated to the State, surplus surtax
funds are transferred to the State, and as the project moves toward a 2026 groundbreaking.
WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY MANAGEMENT
Summary
In May 2025, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the agency will keep the current National
Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic
acid (PFOS) which set nationwide limits for “forever chemicals” in drinking water. The EPA plans to develop
a rulemaking to provide additional time for compliance, including a proposal to extend the compliance date to
2031.
Local water, wastewater, and stormwater system water quality improvement projects support the protection
of our drinking water supply as well as our natural environment and fragile ecosystem. Counties and
communities often have budgetary constraints that prevent them from covering the total costs for many needed
improvements to aging water, wastewater, and stormwater system infrastructure.
Aging septic tank systems and their leaching of effluent are a threat to waterways, the habitats they sustain,
and our drinking water quality. Even when conducted in phases, sanitary sewer construction and connection
projects are expensive, whether it is a densely populated area or a small and/or rural community with fiscal
limitations. Residents often incur costly assessments to cover the transition to a sanitary sewer system. The
Clean Waterways Act of 2020 created a septic-to-sewer grant program that requires a 50% local match that
may be waived by DEP only for rural areas of opportunity. More flexibility is needed, including a low-or-no
match septic-to-sewer conversion option to expeditiously connect residents to sanitary sewer systems and
facilitate proper abandonment of the septic tank.
Action
STATE:
➢ Prioritize funding from SB 1638 (2024), Funding for Environmental Resource Management, be directed
to water quality and quantity management programs, including tiered funding opportunities for water
and public utility infrastructure (including fire hydrant systems), funding and incentives for stormwater
system rehabilitation and measurable water quality enhancement, funding for technical and scientific
studies to support water quality improvements, and continued funding of opportunities that reduce
resident cost in moving from well water to potable water systems.
➢ Advocate to expand DEP Water Quality Improvement Grant Program funding. The program received
over 400 applications totalling more than $2.2 billion in funding requests fiscal year 2024-2025. The
grant has been limited to Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay areas for fiscal year 2025-2026.
FEDERAL:
➢ Advocate for resources and guidance for the implementation of EPA drinking water standards for
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
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STATE APPROPRIATION PROJECT REQUESTS
GOLDEN GATE WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY
Construction of 4 MGD water reclamation facility
allows conversion of septic to sewer for approx.
25,000 residents/80% septic parcels in County
Sewer District on lots < 1 acre. 8 miles of area
canals flow into the Golden Gate canal (GGC) and
the Gordon River which is increasingly impaired for
fecal bacteria. GGC is the major source of Naples
Bay's freshwater but also delivers significant
loadings of potential pollutants. The bay abuts
“Outstanding Florida Waters" of Rookery Bay and
the Gulf.
State Request $10,000,000 6.1%
Local Match $154,000,000 93.9%
Project Total $164,000,000
ISLES OF CAPRI JOINT STORMWATER - SEWER PROJECT (CITY OF MARCO
ISLAND & COLLIER COUNTY)
Joint partnership with the City of Marco Island to
convert septic tanks to a sanitary sewer system
while enhancing the stormwater system to reduce
flooding and improve water quality to reduce nutrient
loading in the sensitive Bay waters. This project will
address stormwater flooding concerns and existing
septic system failures during rainfall events. The
project is located in unincorporated Collier County,
but within the sewer service area of the City of
Marco Island.
State Request $250,000 50%
Local Match $250,000 50%
Project Total $500,000
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NAPLES BAY AND HALDEMAN CREEK AREA WASTEWATER INFLOW AND
INFILTRATION
Collier County faces routine threats of severe weather, flooding,
and storm surge. This project requests funds to identify points of
vulnerability in the wastewater collection system to better protect
from inundation. Inflow and infiltration of water into the sanitary
sewer collections system causes undue stress and wear to
infrastructure, reduces the system's ability to transfer wastewater
from residential and commercial sources to treatment facilities, and
risks causing the sewer system to overflow. This project will
systematically identify sources of inflow and infiltration in service
basins near Naples Bay and Haldeman Creek and address those
problems at the source.
State Request $1,000,000 50%
Local Match $1,000,000 50%
Project Total $2,000,000
WASTEWATER AIR RELEASE VALVE (ARV)
REPLACEMENT
The Collier County Water Sewer District’s (CCWSD) wastewater
system covers more than 165 square miles and has more than
1,500 air release valves (ARVs). ARVs release excess air out of
the sewer system for efficient and reliable operation. Air trapped
inside the system causes corrosion, pump failure, flow issues, or
pressure surges. Many of the system's ARVs are inoperable, not
functioning correctly, and require replacement. These problematic
ARVs risk damage to the utility system or failure leading to leaks
in the community or environment. This project will help mitigate
the risks to waterways, communities, and residents impacted by
ARV failures. The scope of work includes replacement of three
groups of ARVs (ARV groups generally consist of six to eight
ARVs).
State Request $650,000 50%
Local Match $650,000 50%
Project Total $1,350,000
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ISSUES TO MONITOR
AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, AND WATER
BIG CYPRESS BASIN
Any proposed legislation that would change the administrative boundaries of the Big Cypress Basin
within the South Florida Water Management District. (STATE)
BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE
Any proposed legislation or wilderness designation at Big Cypress National Preserve. (FEDERAL)
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS
Any proposed legislation, appropriation, or administrative action related to research, prevention, and
mitigation of harmful algal blooms (HABs), including red tide. (STATE/FEDERAL)
LAKE OKEECHOBEE AND EVERGLADES RESTORATION
Any proposed legislation or administrative action that impacts water storage, treatment, and reservoir
conveyance; Everglades restoration and preservation via the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration
Plan (CERP). (STATE/FEDERAL)
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BUDGET AND POLICY
AI TECHNOLOGY
Any potential regulations or implications on county governance, operations, constituent service,
privacy, and/or security related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). (STATE/FEDERAL)
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT FUNDING
Any proposed legislation that will provide a sustainable, full funding solution for the Clerk of the Circuit
Courts and provide for the execution of their extensive statutory and constitutional duties. (STATE)
CYBERSECURITY
Any proposed legislation to strengthen the security and resiliency of local government infrastructure or
funding levels for the Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program. (STATE)
HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL FUNDING / COLLECTION BILLS
Any proposed legislation that limits collecting appropriate fees for services. (STATE)
HOME RULE
Any proposed legislation that seeks to pre-empt or undermine local governmental authority, impose
state pre-emption, creates unfunded mandates, or adversely impacts local funding streams.
(STATE/FEDERAL)
LICENSING & PERMITTING
Any proposed legislation or administrative action that impacts county licensing and permitting and may
impact cost and/or time in obtaining. (STATE/FEDERAL)
MEDICAL OR RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES
Any proposed legislation that might provide more local discretion in dispensary location. (STATE)
MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Any proposed legislation, appropriation, grant, or program that could enhance Collier County’s mental
health and substance abuse programs, including the expansion of authority of county court judges to
refer defendants for treatment. (STATE/FEDERAL)
MILLAGE RATES
Any proposed legislation that undermines local government discretion in establishing millage rates.
(STATE)
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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER / GUARDIAN PROGRAM FUNDING
Any proposed legislation or administrative action regarding funding of the School Resource Officer
(SRO) and/or Guardian Program. (STATE)
SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY
Any proposed legislation to increase statutory limits on recoveries without having to submit claims to
the Legislature for approval. (STATE)
TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY (TPP) EXEMPTIONS
Any proposed legislation to amend the State Constitution regarding exemptions of tangible personal
property. (STATE)
TERM LIMITS
Any proposed legislation or amendment to State Constitution to limit terms of office for county
commissioners. (STATE)
ENERGY
INLAND OIL DRILLING & HIGH-PRESSURE WELL STIMULATION (FRACKING)
Any proposed legislation that changes the status of inland oil drilling and high-pressure well stimulation.
Currently, high-pressure well stimulation remains essentially unregulated and permissible. (STATE)
OFFSHORE DRILLING
Any proposed legislation or future Executive action regarding the moratorium on offshore oil and gas
drilling within 125 miles of Florida’s Gulf Coast. On September 8, 2020, President Trump signed an
Executive Memorandum effectively extending the moratorium until June 30, 2032. The Memorandum
also expanded protected areas to include the Atlantic Coast of Florida, and the coasts of Georgia and
South Carolina. During the 2019 session, the Florida Legislature passed resolutions calling for an
indefinite extension to the moratorium. (FEDERAL)
SOLAR, WIND, FUEL CELLS, AND BIOMASS
Any proposed legislation regarding the development and implementation of building codes and
inspection services to utilize solar, wind, fuel cells, and/or biomass systems. Any proposal and/or
mandate of new standards that would negatively impact the delivery of power. (STATE/FEDERAL)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCIES
Any legislation that restricts home rule authority to create, operate, or sunset county CRA’s. (STATE)
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PROMISE ZONE / OPPORTUNITY ZONES
Any proposed legislation or initiative that supports the ten-year economic development mission of the
Southwest Florida Promise Zone (SFPZ), originally designated in 2016, or that is helpful in attracting
private capital investments to recently established Opportunity Zones. (FEDERAL)
SHORT TERM RENTALS
Any proposed legislation that pre-empts or otherwise restricts local laws, ordinances, or regulation
regarding vacation rental frequency or duration. Ensuring that any legislation provides for local
registration of vacation rental properties and designation of a local responsible party. (STATE)
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX
Any proposed legislation impacting the usage of funds or local referendum mandates. (STATE)
TRANSPORTATION
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
Any proposed legislation that would impact local regulation of safety standards for autonomous vehicles
and related technology. (STATE/FEDERAL)
ELECTRIC AND PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES
Any proposed legislation that would impact fuel tax or registration fees related to electronic vehicles,
electronic motorcycles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Florida has the second-highest number of
registered electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. The combination of increasing market share of EVs
and hybrid vehicles as well as more fuel-efficient internal combustion engine vehicles is expected to
continue adversely impacting statewide and local fuel tax revenues, which provide funding for
transportation expenditures. (STATE)
FAA AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL PRIVATIZATION
Any introduced legislation during the 119th Congress that would privatize air traffic control services to
airports. (FEDERAL)
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