Commissioners renew electrical franchise framework, set 6% fee for utility right‑of‑way use

The Board of County Commissioners approved a package to renew and standardize electrical franchise agreements with the county's three electric providers and established a negotiated franchise fee of 6% of gross revenues. Staff said the fee revenue will be restricted for right-of-way enhancements and utility-related infrastructure, including projects in the State Road 200 master plan.

Utility staff explained these are renewals of agreements first established in 1987 and that the fees are intended to cover right-of-way uses and support projects such as undergrounding and resilience measures. "That fee is, was negotiated at 6% of gross revenues earned by the utilities," staff said.

Board action: Commissioners adopted the framework ordinance (2026-058) and then adopted three separate franchise ordinances for Florida Power & Light, Florida Public Utilities and Okefenokee REMC in subsequent hearings; votes were recorded as 5–0 on each item.

Implication: Staff said franchise-fee revenue will fund right-of-way improvements and help offset maintenance costs otherwise paid by property taxes. The county attorney and staff noted each ordinance contains similar language but may vary slightly by utility.