TALLAHASSEE, Florida — A pair of bills designed to increase transparency in Florida land swaps advanced Monday from their first state House and Senate committees.
Details: State Rep. Kim Kendall (R-St. Augustine) told the House Natural Resources and Disasters Subcommittee she introduced her bill, FL HB441 (26R), after the public last year was provided only a one-week notice of a land swap in her district.
Her bill would require 30 days’ notice before a deal is approved by the state land council or by the governor and Cabinet. Appraisals also would be required and disclosed publicly, and there would be a statement of benefit for any parcels to be acquired.
Her bill and the Senate companion measure passed their committees without opposition and with bipartisan praise.
