Senate approves bill preventing annexation requirement for out‑of‑city utility connections

Tallahassee — The Florida Senate passed SB 1014 to restrict when municipalities may deny water and wastewater services to properties outside city limits. Sponsor Senator Mayfield said the bill targets municipalities that require annexation as a condition for service even when utility mains and capacity are available nearby.

Under the bill, a municipality cannot refuse to extend water or wastewater service solely because the property owner declines annexation. Service must be offered if the property is within one mile of the municipal mainline, capacity exists to treat and dispose of wastewater, the property owner agrees to pay all connection and infrastructure costs and the municipality receives legally enforceable assurances for required capital improvements. If a municipality declines service despite meeting requirements, a property owner may bring a civil action to enforce the subsection.

Senator Mayfield said the bill has been amended during the process and thanked colleagues for input. The measure was moved for third reading and passed by a recorded vote of 37 yays, 0 nays.

The sponsor said the bill preserves property‑owner access to utility service while protecting municipal infrastructure interests through payment and assurance requirements.