Committee clears bill letting Highlands County Hospital District evaluate sale, lease or management options

Tallahassee — The Health Care Facilities & Systems Committee on Friday reported HB 4087 favorably, advancing a local bill that authorizes the Highlands County Hospital District to begin evaluating options to sell, lease or otherwise manage the county hospital.

Representative Tuck, the bill sponsor, told the committee HB 4087 directs the district to commence an evaluation of options and to adopt standards of review and procedures for any sale, lease or management arrangement. No amendments were offered and no members requested debate.

There was no in-person public testimony; the chair recorded several listed opponents who did not appear. After the sponsor waived closing, the committee voted to report the bill favorably.

The clerk announced a 14–0 vote in favor. The committee’s action sends the local enabling bill forward for further consideration.

The transcript does not record any detail about the district’s timeline for a potential sale or lease, any appraisals, or required approvals beyond the standards the bill would direct the district to adopt.