SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT

ST. LUCIE COUNTY Regular Board Meeting & Public Hearing’s
JULY 15, 2026
10:00 A.M.

Special District Services, Inc.
The Oaks Center 2501A Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

www.serenoacdd.org 561.630.4922 Telephone 877.SDS.4922 Toll Free 561.630.4923 Facsimile

AGENDA
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Special District Services, Inc.
10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203 Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987
REGULAR BOARD MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING’S
July 15, 2026
10:00 A.M.
Call to Order
Proof of Publication…	Page 1
Establish Quorum
Additions or Deletions to Agenda
Comments from the Public for Items Not on the Agenda
Approval of Minutes
May 8, 2026 Organizational Meeting Minutes…	Page 2
Public Hearing – Rules of Procedure
Proof of Publication…	Page 14
Receive Public Comments on Adopting Rules of Procedure
Consider Resolution No. 2026-26 – Adopting Rules of Procedure…	Page 16
Public Hearing – Authorizing Uniform Method of Collection
Proof of Publication…	Page 92
Receive Public Comment on the Use of the Uniform Method of Collection
Consider Resolution No. 2026-27 – Adopting the Uniform Method of Collection…	Page 93
Public Hearing – Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Final Budget
Proof of Publication…	Page 95
Receive Public Comments on Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Final Budget
Consider Resolution No. 2026-28 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Final Budget…	Page 96
Public Hearing – Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Final Budget
Proof of Publication…	Page 101
Receive Public Comments on Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Final Budget
Consider Resolution No. 2026-29 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Final Budget…	Page 102
Old Business
New Business
Consider Selection of a District Engineer…	Page 107
Consider Resolution No. 2026-30 – Adopting a Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Meeting Schedule.Page 119
2026 Legislative Memo…	Page 121
Administrative Matters
Board Member Comments
Adjourn

Publication Date 2026-07-02

Subcategory Miscellaneous Notices

NOTICE OF SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PUBLIC HEARINGS AND REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The Board of Supervisors (the Board) of the Serenoa Community Development District (District) will hold public hearings on July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Special District Services, Inc. located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987 for the purpose of hearing comments and objections on the adoption of the budgets of the District for Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027. A regular board meeting of the District will also be held at that time where the Board may consider agenda items and any other business that may properly come before it.
A copy of the agenda and budgets may be obtained from the Districts website (www.serenoacdd.org) or at the offices of the District Manager, Special District Services, Inc., located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987 during normal business hours.
The public hearings and meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. The public hearings and meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. There may be occasions when staff or Supervisors may participate by speaker telephone.
Any person requiring special accommodations at these meetings because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (772) 345-5119 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770, for aid in contacting the District Office.
Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearings or meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
Meetings may be cancelled from time to time without advertised notice. District Manager
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
www.serenoacdd.org
PUBLISH: ST. LUCIE NEWS TRIBUNE 06/25/26 & 07/02/26 #TCN12422035

Page 1

SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
MAY 8, 2026

CALL TO ORDER
District Manager Stephanie Brown called the May 8, 2026, Special Organizational Meeting of the Serenoa Community Development District (the “District”) to order at 3:38 p.m. at the offices of Special District Services located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203 Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987.

PROOF OF PUBLICATION
Proof of publication was presented which showed that notice of the Special Organizational Meeting had been published in the St. Lucie News Tribune on April 17, 2026, and April 24, 2026, as legally required.
SEAT NEW BOARD MEMBERS (FROM ORDINANCE)
Michael DeBock, Amy Dolbow and Vince Musso were in attendance and were recognized as having taken their seats as Members of the Board of Supervisors designated by the St. Lucie County Ordinance No. 26-002.

ADMINISTER	OATHS	OF	OFFICE	&	REVIEW	BOARD	MEMBERS RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Ms. Brown administered the Oaths of Office to Michael DeBock, Amy Dolbow and Vince Musso.

Ms. Brown, with the assistance of attorney Ginger Wald, explained to the newly sworn in Board Members that they were public officials and were subject to State Ethics Laws, Sunshine Laws, and public records requests. She also provided New Supervisor Packages to each Board Member, providing further information on their roles and responsibilities.

DISCUSSION REGARDING REQUIRED ETHICS TRAINING

Ms. Brown advised the Board that there was a 4 hour of annually required ethics training. She stated that the initial deadline for the ethics training was December 31, 2026, and annually thereafter.

ESTABLISH QUORUM
A quorum was established with the following Supervisors in attendance: Michael DeBock, Amy Dolbow and Vince Musso.
Also in attendance were Jason Pierman, Frank Sakuma, Stephanie Brown, and Megan Bowden of Special District Services, Inc.; and Attorney Ginger Wald of Billing Cochran P.A.

CERTIFYING RESULTS OF THE LANDOWNERS’ ELECTION

Consider Resolution No. 2026-01 Canvassing and Certifying Results of the Landowners’ Election of Supervisors Held Pursuant to Section 190.006(2), FL Statutes

Ms. Brown presented Resolution No. 2026-01, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-01

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT CANVASSING AND CERTIFYING THE RESULTS OF THE LANDOWNERS ELECTION OF SUPERVISORS HELD PURSUANT TO SECTION 190.006(2), FLORIDA STATUTES, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution No. 2026-01 Canvassing and Certifying the Results of the Landowners Election, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Consider Resolution No. 2026-02 Election of Officers
Ms. Brown presented Resolution No. 2026-02, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-02

A RESOLUTION ELECTING THE OFFICERS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution No. 2026-02 electing the slate of officers, as stated below. The motion passed 3-0.
Chairman:	Vince Musso
Vice Chair:	 Amy Dolbow Secretary/Treasurer:	 Stephanie Brown Assistant Secretary:	 Micheal DeBock Assistant Secretary:	Jon Cherry Assistant Secretary:	 Elisa Burch

ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

There were no comments from the public.

NEW BUSINESS
Consider Resolution Appointment of District Manager

Ms. Brown presented a proposed District Management Agreement with Special District Services, Inc.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow approving the proposed Special District Services, Inc. District Management Agreement for Services, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Appointment of District General Counsel

Ms. Brown presented a proposal to serve as District Counsel from Billing Cochran.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow approving the appointment of Billing Cochran as District Counsel. The motion passed unanimously.

Consider Appointment of Interim District Engineer

Ms. Brown presented a proposal to serve as interim District Engineer from Michael B. Schorah and Associates, Inc.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow approving the appointment of Michael
B. Schorah and Associates, Inc. as interim District Engineer. The motion passed 3-0.

Authorization to Issue RFQ for Engineering Services

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow authorizing District management to issue an RFQ for engineering services. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-03 – Designating a Registered Agent and Primary Administrative Office

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-03, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DESIGNATING A REGISTERED AGENT AND REGISTERED OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. Debock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-03, designating Ginger Wald of Billing Cochran P.A. as the Registered Agent and Billing Cochran, 515 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 600 Tallahassee, FL 33301, as the registered agent’s office. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-04 – Designating Local Records Office

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-04, entitled:
RESOLUTION 2026-04

A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DESIGNATING THE LOCATION OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT RECORDS OFFICE AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. Debock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-04 Designating the Local Records Office as the Special District Services, Inc. Tradition office located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-05 – Adopting Records Retention Policy
Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-05, entitled:
RESOLUTION 2026-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A RECORDS MANAGEMENT LIAISON OFFICER; PROVIDING THE DUTIES OF THE RECORDS MANAGEMENT LIAISON OFFICER; ADOPTING A RECORDS RETENTION POLICY; DETERMINING THE ELECTRONIC RECORD TO BE THE OFFICIAL RECORD; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. Debock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-05 Records Retention Policy, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-06 – Adopting a Public Comment Policy

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-06, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-06

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC COMMENT POLICY, PROVIDING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD AT DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 286.0114, FLORIDA STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. Debock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-06 Public Comment Policy, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-07 – Adopting Legal Defense Policy

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-07, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-07

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT SETTING FORTH THE POLICY OF THE DISTRICT WITH REGARD TO THE SUPPORT AND LEGAL DEFENSE OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-07 Legal Defense Policy, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Authorization to Obtain General Liability and Public Officers Liability Insurance

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow authorizing District management to obtain general liability and public officers insurance, and authorizing the Chair to approve binding. The motion passed 3-0.
Consider Resolution No. 2026-08 – Setting the FY 2025-2026 Regular Meeting Schedule Location and Notice Thereof

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-08, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-08

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, ESTABLISHING A REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026

AND SETTING THE TIME AND LOCATION OF SAID DISTRICT MEETINGS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-08 Setting the FY 2025/2026 Regular Meeting Schedule, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-09 – Approving Proposed FY 2025/2026 Annual Budget and Setting a Public Hearing Date for Final Adoption

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-09, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-09

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPROVING A PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON PURSUANT TO FLORIDA LAW AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. Debock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-09 Approving Proposed FY 2025/2026 Annual Budget and Setting a Public Hearing for Final Adoption for July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-10 – Approving Proposed FY 2026/2027 Annual Budget and Setting a Public Hearing Date for Final Adoption

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-10, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-10

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPROVING A PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON PURSUANT TO FLORIDA LAW AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. Debock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-10 Approving Proposed FY 2026/2027 Annual Budget and Setting a Public Hearing for Final Adoption for July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Developer’s Funding Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 & 2026/2027

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow approving the Developer’s Funding Agreement for Fiscal Years 2025/2026 & 2026/2027, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-11 – Setting Public Hearing for Intent to Use Uniform Method of Collection

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-11, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-11

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (“DISTRICT”) EXPRESSING THE INTENT OF THE DISTRICT TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF LEVY, COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS AS AUTHORIZED AND PERMITTED BY SECTION 197.3632, FLORIDA STATUTES; EXPRESSING THE NEED FOR THE LEVY OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS AND SETTING FORTH THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE DISTRICT'S JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES THAT MAY OR SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE LEVY OF DISTRICT NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-11 Setting Public Hearing for Intent to Use Uniform Method of Collection, setting the Public Hearing for July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-12 – Designating a Qualified Public Depository

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-12, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-12

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, DESIGNATING A QUALIFIED PUBLIC DEPOSITORY, PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 280, FLORIDA STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-12 Designating Seacoast Bank as the Qualified Public Depository. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-13 – Establishing Checking Account Signatories

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-13, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-13

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY	DEVELOPMENT	DISTRICT,	AUTHORIZING	THE

ESTABLISHMENT OF A DISTRICT CHECKING/OPERATING ACCOUNT, DESIGNATING DISTRICT OFFICIALS AND/OR AUTHORIZED STAFF TO REVIEW, APPROVE AND ISSUE PAYMENT OF EXPENDITURES, SELECTING THE SIGNATORIES THEREOF; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion was made by Mr. Debock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-13 Establishing CDD Checking Account Signers, which are listed below. The motion passed 3-0.

Todd Wodraska Jason Pierman
Patricia LasCasas Stephanie Brown
Vince Musso

Consider Resolution No. 2026-14 – Adopting a Records Retention Policy
Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-14, entitled:
RESOLUTION 2026-14

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PROVIDING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A RECORDS MANAGEMENT LIAISON OFFICER; PROVIDING THE DUTIES OF THE RECORDS MANAGEMENT LIAISON OFFICER; ADOPTING A RECORDS RETENTION POLICY; DETERMINING THE ELECTRONIC RECORD TO BE THE OFFICIAL RECORD; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-14 Records Retention Policy, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.
Consider Resolution No. 2026-15 – Adopting Alternative Investment Guidelines

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-15, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-15

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, ADOPTING THE ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT GUIDELINES FOR INVESTING PUBLIC FUNDS IN EXCESS OF AMOUNTS NEEDED TO MEET CURRENT OPERATING EXPENSES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 218.415(17), FLORIDA STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-15 Alternative Investment Guidelines, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-16 – Adopting Prompt Payment Policy

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-16, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-16

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADOPTING PROMPT PAYMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 218, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-16 Prompt Payment Policy, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-17 – Approving Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement

Ms. Brown presented a Resolution 2026-17, entitled:
RESOLUTION 2026-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, ST. LUCIE COUNTY, STATE OF FLORIDA, APPROVING THE FLORIDA STATEWIDE MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-17 Approving Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.
Consider Resolution No. 2026-18 – Adopting Travel Reimbursement Policy
Resolution No. 2026-18 was presented, entitled:
RESOLUTION 2026-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADOPTING A POLICY FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF DISTRICT TRAVEL EXPENSES; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-18 Travel Reimbursement Policy, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-19 – Adopting Internal Control Policy

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-19, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-19

A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADOPTING AN INTERNAL CONTROLS POLICY CONSISTENT WITH SECTION 218.33, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

A motion was made by Mr. Debock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-19 Internal Control Policy, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-20 – Adopting Goals and Objectives

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-20, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-20

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADOPTING GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND STANDARDS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-20 Adopting Goals, Objectives and Performance Measures and Standards, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-21 – Authorizing the Disbursement of Funds

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-21, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-21

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AUTHORIZING THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR PAYMENT OF CERTAIN CONTINUING EXPENSES WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS; AUTHORIZING THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS FOR PAYMENT OF CERTAIN NON-CONTINUING EXPENSES WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS; PROVIDING FOR A MONETARY THRESHOLD; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-21 Authorizing the Disbursement of Funds, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Memorandum to District Manager Regarding E-Verify Requirements

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow accepting the Memorandum to the District Manager regarding E-Verify requirements. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-22 – Authorizing Direct Purchase of Materials

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-22, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-22

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AUTHORIZING A DIRECT PURCHASING AGENT AND RELATED WORK AUTHORIZATION; APPROVING THE FORM OF A PURCHASE REQUISITION REQUEST; APPROVING THE FORM OF A PURCHASE ORDER; APPROVING THE FORM OF A CERTIFICATE OF ENTITLEMENT; AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF INSURANCE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-22 Authorizing Direct Purchase of Materials, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-23 – Setting Public Hearing on the Rules of Procedure
Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-23, entitled:

RESOLUTION 2026-23

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT TO DESIGNATE DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND AUTHORIZATION TO PUBLISH NOTICE OF SUCH HEARING FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING RULES OF PROCEDURE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-23 Setting Public Hearing on the Rules of Procedure, as presented, setting the public hearing for July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-24 – E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding

Ms. Brown presented Resolution 2026-24, entitled:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-24

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DIRECTING THE DISTRICT MANAGER TO REGISTER THE DISTRICT WITH AND USE THE E-VERIFY SYSTEM PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 448.095, FLORIDA STATUTES; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE E-VERIFY MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR EMPLOYERS BETWEEN THE DISTRICT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS); PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow adopting Resolution 2026-24 E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

Consider Resolution No. 2026-25 – Adopting Compensation for Board Members

There was a consensus of the Board to defer this agenda item.
Ratify and Approve Recorded Notice of Establishment
A motion was made by Mr. DeBock, seconded by Ms. Dolbow approving the Recorded Notice of Establishment, as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

There were no Administrative Matters to come before the Board.

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
There were no further comments from the Board.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. DeBock adjourned the meeting at 4:09
p.m. There were no objections.

Chairperson	Secretary

Publication Date 2026-06-10

Subcategory Miscellaneous Notices

RULE 2026-01
NOTICE OF RULE DEVELOPMENT BYTHE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
In accord with Chapters 120 and 190, Florida Statutes, the Serenoa Community Development District (District) hereby gives notice of its intention to develop Rules of Procedure to govern the operations of the District.
The Rules of Procedure address such areas as the Board of Supervisors, officers and voting, district offices, public information and inspection of records, policies, public meetings, hearings and workshops, rulemaking proceedings and competitive purchase including procedure under the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act, procedure regarding auditor selection, purchase of insurance, pre-qualification, construction contracts, goods, supplies and materials, maintenance services, contractual services and protests with respect to proceedings, as well as any other area of the general operation of the District.
The purpose and effect of the Rules of Procedure is to provide for efficient and effective District operations. The legal authority for the adoption of the proposed Rules of Procedure includes Sections 190.011(5), 190.011(15) and 190.035, Florida Statutes. The specific laws implemented in the Rules of Procedure include, but are not limited to, Sections 112.08, 112.3143, 119.07, 189.053, 190.006, 190.007, 190.008, 190.011(3),
190.011(5), 190.011(15), 190.033, 190.035, 218.931, 255.05, 255.0518, 255.0525, 255.20, 286.0105, 286.011,
287.017, 287.055 and 287.084, Florida Statutes, and Ch. 2013-227, Laws of Florida.
A copy of the proposed Rules of Procedure may be obtained by contacting the District Manager at Special District Services, Inc., located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, or by calling (561) 630-4922 and/or toll free at 1-877-737-4922.
Stephanie Brown District Manager
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
www.serenoacdd.org
PUBLISH: ST. LUCIE NEWS TRIBUNE 06/10/26 TCN12393943

Publication Date 2026-06-17

Subcategory Miscellaneous Notices

NOTICE OF RULEMAKING AND PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
A public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Supervisors of the Serenoa Community Development District (District) on July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Special District Services, Inc. located at 10521 SW Village Center Dr Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987.
In accordance with Chapters 120 and 190, Florida Statutes, the District hereby gives the public notice of its intent to adopt its proposed Rules of Procedure, Rule 2026-01. The purpose and effect of the proposed Rules of Procedure is to provide for efficient and effective District operations and to ensure compliance with recent changes to Florida law. Prior notice of rule development was published in the St. Lucie News Tribune on June 10, 2026.
The Rules of Procedure may address such areas as the Board of Supervisors, officers and voting, district offices, public information and inspection of records, policies, public meetings, hearings and workshops, rulemaking proceedings and competitive purchase including procedure under the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act, procedure regarding auditor selection, purchase of insurance, pre-qualification, construction contracts, goods, supplies and materials, maintenance services, contractual services and protests with respect to proceedings, as well as any other area of the general operation of the District.
Specific legal authority for the adoption of the proposed Rules of Procedure includes Sections 190.011(5), 190.011(15) and 190.035, Florida Statutes. The specific laws implemented in the Rules of Procedure include, but are not limited to, Sections 112.08, 112.3143, 112.31446, 112.3145, 119.07, 119.0701, 120.54, 120.542,
120.5435, 120.56, 120.69, 120.81, 189.053, 189.069, 190.006, 190.007, 190.008, 190.011, 190.033, 190.035,
218.33, 218.391, 255.05, 255.0518, 255.0525, 255.20, 286.0105, 286.011, 286.012, 286.0113, 286.0114,
287.017, 287.055, and 287.084, Florida Statutes.
A copy of the proposed Rules of Procedure may be obtained by contacting the District Managers Office at Special District Services, Inc., 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, or by calling (561) 630-4922 and/or toll free at 1-877-737-4922. (District Managers Office).
Any person who wishes to provide the District with a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative as provided by Section 120.541(1), Florida Statutes, must do so in writing within twenty one (21) days after publication of this notice to the District Managers Office.
This public hearing may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the hearing without additional notice. If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the Board with respect to any matter considered at a public hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and should accordingly ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based. At the hearing, staff or Supervisors may participate in the public hearing by speaker telephone.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Managers Office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 or 1 800-955-8770 for aid in contacting the District Office.
District Manager
Serenoa Community Development District SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
www.serenoacdd.org
PUBLISH: ST. LUCIE NEWS TRIBUNE 06/17/26 TCN12393881

RESOLUTION 2026-26

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT ADOPTING RULES OF PROCEDURE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Serenoa Community Development District (“District”) is a local unit of special purpose government created and existing pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, authorizes the District to adopt rules to govern the administration of the District and to adopt resolutions as may be necessary for the conduct of District business; and

WHEREAS, to provide for efficient and effective District operations and to maintain compliance with recent changes to Florida law, the Board of Supervisors finds that it is in the best interests of the District to adopt by resolution the Rules of Procedure attached hereto as Exhibit A for immediate use and application; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors has complied with applicable Florida law concerning rule development and adoption.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT:

SECTION 1. The attached Rules of Procedure are hereby adopted pursuant to this resolution as necessary for the conduct of District business. These Rules of Procedure replace all prior versions of the Rules of Procedure, and shall stay in full force and effect until such time as the Board of Supervisors may amend these rules in accordance with Chapter 190, Florida Statutes.
SECTION 2. If any provision of this resolution is held to be illegal or invalid, the other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 3. This resolution shall become effective upon its passage and shall remain in effect unless rescinded or repealed.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of July, 2026.

ATTEST:	SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Secretary/Assistant Secretary	Chair/Vice Chair, Board of Supervisors

Exhibit A:	Rules of Procedure

EXHIBIT A:
RULES OF PROCEDURE

RULES OF PROCEDURE SERENOA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT EFFECTIVE AS OF May 8, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Rule 1.0	General.	2
Rule 1.1	Board of Supervisors; Officers and Voting.	3
Rule 1.2	District Offices; Public Information and Inspection of Records; Policies; Service Contract Requirements; Financial Disclosure Coordination.	7
Rule 1.3	Public Meetings, Hearings, and Workshops.	10
Rule 1.4	Internal Controls to Prevent Fraud, Waste and Abuse	15
Rule 2.0	Rulemaking Proceedings	16
Rule 3.0	Competitive Purchase.	31
Rule 3.1	Procedure Under the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiations Act.	36
Rule 3.2	Procedure Regarding Auditor Selection.	40
Rule 3.3	Purchase of Insurance.	44
Rule 3.4	Pre-qualification	46
Rule 3.5	Construction Contracts, Not Design-Build.	51
Rule 3.6	Construction Contracts, Design-Build.	56
Rule 3.7	Payment and Performance Bonds.	61
Rule 3.8	Goods, Supplies, and Materials.	62
Rule 3.9	Maintenance Services.	66
Rule 3.10	Contractual Services.	70
Rule 3.11	Protests with Respect to Proceedings under Rules 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5,
3.6, 3.8, and 3.9.	71
Rule 4.0	Effective Date.	74

Rule 1.0	General.

The Serenoa Community Development District (the “District”) was created pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes, and was established to provide for the ownership, operation, maintenance, and provision of various capital facilities and services within its jurisdiction. The purpose of these rules (the “Rules”) is to describe the general operations of the District.

Definitions located within any section of these Rules shall be applicable within all other sections, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Unless specifically permitted by a written agreement with the District, the District does not accept documents filed by e-mail or facsimile transmission. Filings are only accepted during normal business hours.

A Rule of the District shall be effective upon adoption by affirmative vote of the District Board. After a Rule becomes effective, it may be repealed or amended only through the rulemaking procedures specified in these Rules. Notwithstanding, the District may immediately suspend the application of a Rule if the District determines that the Rule conflicts with Florida law. In the event that a Rule conflicts with Florida law and its application has not been suspended by the District, such Rule should be interpreted in the manner that best effectuates the intent of the Rule while also complying with Florida law. If the intent of the Rule absolutely cannot be effectuated while complying with Florida law, the Rule shall be automatically suspended.
Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat. Law Implemented: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.

Rule 1.1	Board of Supervisors; Officers and Voting.

Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors of the District (the “Board”) shall consist of five (5) members. Members of the Board (“Supervisors”) appointed by ordinance or rule or elected by landowners must be citizens of the United States of America and residents of the State of Florida. Supervisors elected or appointed by the Board to elector seats must be citizens of the United States of America, residents of the State of Florida and of the District and registered to vote with the Supervisor of Elections of the county in which the District is located and for those elected, shall also be qualified to run by the Supervisor of Elections. The Board shall exercise the powers granted to the District under Florida law.

Supervisors shall hold office for the term specified by Section 190.006 of the Florida Statutes. If, during the term of office, any Board member(s) vacates their office, the remaining member(s) of the Board shall fill the vacancies by appointment for the remainder of the term(s). If three or more vacancies exist at the same time, a quorum, as defined herein, shall not be required to appoint replacement Board members.

Three (3) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business, exercising powers and all other purposes. A Board member shall be counted toward the quorum if physically present at the meeting, regardless of whether such Board member is prohibited from, or abstains from, participating in discussion or voting on a particular item.
Action taken by the Board shall be upon a majority vote of the members present, unless otherwise provided in the Rules or required by law. Subject to Rule 1.3(10), a Board member participating in the Board meeting by teleconference or videoconference shall be entitled to vote and take all other action as though physically present.

Unless otherwise provided for by an act of the Board, any one Board member may attend a mediation session on behalf of the Board. Any agreement resulting from such mediation session must be approved pursuant to subsection (1)(c) of this Rule.
Officers. At the first Board meeting held after each election where the newly elected members take office, the Board shall select a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Treasurer.

The Chairperson must be a member of the Board. If the Chairperson resigns from that office or ceases to be a member of the Board, the Board shall select a Chairperson. The Chairperson serves at the pleasure of the Board. The Chairperson shall be authorized to execute resolutions and contracts on the District’s behalf. The Chairperson shall convene and conduct all meetings of the Board. In the event the Chairperson is unable to attend a

meeting, the Vice-Chairperson shall convene and conduct the meeting. The Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson may delegate the responsibility of conducting the meeting to the District’s manager (“District Manager”) or District Counsel, in whole or in part.

The Vice-Chairperson shall be a member of the Board and shall have such duties and responsibilities as specifically designated by the Board from time to time. The Vice-Chairperson has the authority to execute resolutions and contracts on the District’s behalf in the absence of the Chairperson. If the Vice-Chairperson resigns from office or ceases to be a member of the Board, the Board shall select a Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson serves at the pleasure of the Board.

The Secretary of the Board serves at the pleasure of the Board and need not be a member of the Board. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining the minutes of Board meetings and may have other duties assigned by the Board from time to time. An employee of the District Manager may serve as Secretary. The Secretary shall be bonded by a reputable and qualified bonding company in at least the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000), or have in place a fidelity bond, employee theft insurance policy, or a comparable product in at least the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) that names the District as an additional insured.

The Treasurer need not be a member of the Board but must be a resident of the State of Florida. The Treasurer shall perform duties described in Section 190.007(2) and (3) of the Florida Statutes, as well as those assigned by the Board from time to time. The Treasurer shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Treasurer shall either be bonded by a reputable and qualified bonding company in at least the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000), or have in place a fidelity bond, employee theft insurance policy, or a comparable product in at least the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) that names the District as an additional insured.
In the event that both the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are absent from a Board meeting and a quorum is present, the Board may designate one of its members or a member of District staff to convene and conduct the meeting. In such circumstances, any of the Board members present are authorized to execute agreements, resolutions, and other documents approved by the Board at such meeting. In the event that the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are both unavailable to execute a document previously approved by the Board, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary may execute such document.

The Board may assign additional duties to District officers from time to time, which include, but are not limited to, executing documents on behalf of the District.

The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and any other person authorized by District Resolution may sign checks and warrants for the District, countersigned by the Treasurer or other persons authorized by the Board.

Committees. The Board may establish committees of the Board, either on a permanent or temporary basis, to perform specifically designated functions. Committees may include individuals who are not members of the Board. Such functions may include, but are not limited to, review of bids, proposals, and qualifications, contract negotiations, personnel matters, and budget preparation.

Record Book. The Board shall keep a permanent record book entitled “Record of Proceedings,” in which shall be recorded minutes of all meetings, resolutions, proceedings, certificates, and corporate acts. The Records of Proceedings shall be located at a District office and shall be available for inspection by the public.

Meetings. For each fiscal year, the Board shall establish a schedule of regular meetings, which shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located and filed with the local general-purpose governments within whose boundaries the District is located. All meetings of the Board and committees serving an advisory function shall be open to the public in accord with the provisions of Chapter 286 of the Florida Statutes.

Votes Required. No Board member who is present at any meeting of the District Board at which an official decision, ruling, or other official act is to be taken or adopted may abstain from voting in regard to any such decision, ruling, or act; and a vote shall be recorded or counted for each such Board member present, except when, with respect to any such member, there is, or appears to be, a possible conflict of interest under the provisions of s. 112.311, s. 112.313, or s. 112.3143 of the Florida Statutes.
Voting Conflict of Interest. The Board shall comply with Section 112.3143 of the Florida Statutes, so as to ensure the proper disclosure of conflicts of interest on matters coming before the Board for a vote. For the purposes of this section, “voting conflict of interest” shall be governed by the Florida Constitution and Chapters 112 and 190 of the Florida Statutes, as amended from time to time. Generally, a voting conflict exists when a Board member is called upon to vote on an item which would inure to the Board member’s special private gain or loss or the Board member knows would inure to the special private gain or loss of a principal by whom the Board member is retained, the parent organization or subsidiary of a corporate principal, a business associate, or a relative including only a father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law.

When a Board member knows the member has a conflict of interest on a matter coming before the Board, the member should notify the Board’s

Secretary prior to participating in any discussion with the Board on the matter. The member shall publicly announce the conflict of interest at the meeting. This announcement shall appear in the minutes.

If the Board member was elected at a landowner’s election or appointed to fill a vacancy of a seat last filled at a landowner’s election, the Board member may vote or abstain from voting on the matter at issue. If the Board member was elected by electors residing within the District, the Board member is prohibited from voting on the matter at issue. In the event that the Board member intends to abstain or is prohibited from voting, such Board member shall not participate in the discussion on the item subject to the vote.

The Board’s Secretary shall prepare a Memorandum of Voting Conflict (Form 8B) which shall then be signed by the Board member, filed with the Board’s Secretary, and provided for attachment to the minutes of the meeting within fifteen (15) days of the meeting.

If a Board member inadvertently votes on a matter and later learns he or she has a conflict on the matter, the member shall immediately notify the Board’s Secretary. Within fifteen (15) days of the notification, the member shall file the appropriate Memorandum of Voting Conflict, which will be attached to the minutes of the Board meeting during which the vote on the matter occurred. The Memorandum of Voting Conflict shall immediately be provided to other Board members and shall be read publicly at the next meeting held subsequent to the filing of the Memorandum of Voting Conflict. The Board member’s vote is unaffected by this filing.
It is not a conflict of interest for a Board member, the District Manager, or an employee of the District to be a stockholder, officer or employee of a landowner or of an entity affiliated with a landowner.

In the event that a Board member elected at a landowner’s election or appointed to fill a vacancy of a seat last filled at a landowner’s election, has a continuing conflict of interest, such Board member is permitted to file a Memorandum of Voting Conflict at any time in which it shall state the nature of the continuing conflict. Only one such continuing Memorandum of Voting Conflict shall be required to be filed for each term the Board member is in office.
Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.
Law Implemented: §§ 112.3143, 190.006, 190.007, 286.012, Fla. Stat.

Rule 1.2	District Offices; Public Information and Inspection of Records; Policies; Service Contract Requirements; Financial Disclosure Coordination.

District Offices. Unless otherwise designated by the Board, the official District office shall be the District Manager’s office identified by the District Manager. If the District Manager’s office is not located within the county in which the District is located, the Board shall designate a local records office within such county which shall at a minimum contain, but not be limited to, the following documents:

Agenda packages for prior 24 months and next meeting;

Official minutes of meetings, including adopted resolutions of the Board;

Names and addresses of current Board members and District Manager, unless such addresses are protected from disclosure by law;

Adopted engineer’s reports;

Adopted assessment methodologies/reports;

Adopted disclosure of public financing;
Limited Offering Memorandum for each financing undertaken by the District;
Proceedings, certificates, bonds given by all employees, and any and all corporate acts;

District policies and rules;

Fiscal year end audits; and

Adopted budget for the current fiscal year.
The District Manager shall ensure that each District records office contains the documents required by Florida law.
Public Records. District public records include all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received in connection with the transaction of official business of the District. All District public records not otherwise restricted by law may be copied or inspected at the District Manager’s office during regular business hours. Certain District records can also be inspected and copied at the District’s local records office during regular business hours. All written public records requests shall be directed to the Secretary who by these rules is appointed as the

District’s records custodian. Regardless of the form of the request, any Board member or staff member who receives a public records request shall immediately forward or communicate such request to the Secretary for coordination of a prompt response. The Secretary, after consulting with District Counsel as to the applicability of any exceptions under the public records laws, shall be responsible for responding to the public records request. At no time can the District be required to create records or summaries of records, or prepare opinions regarding District policies, in response to a public records request.

Service Contracts. Any contract for services, regardless of cost, shall include provisions required by law that require the contractor to comply with public records laws. The District Manager shall be responsible for initially enforcing all contract provisions related to a contractor’s duty to comply with public records laws.

Fees; Copies. Copies of public records shall be made available to the requesting person at a charge of $0.15 per page for one-sided copies and $0.20 per page for two-sided copies if not more than 8 ½ by 14 inches. For copies of public records in excess of the sizes listed in this section and for outside duplication services, the charge shall be equal to the actual cost of reproduction. Certified copies of public records shall be made available at a charge of one dollar ($1.00) per page. If the nature or volume of records requested requires extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance, the District may charge, in addition to the duplication charge, a special service charge that is based on the cost the District incurs to produce the records requested. This charge may include, but is not limited to, the cost of information technology resource, employee labor, and fees charged to the District by consultants employed in fulfilling the request. In cases where the special service charge is based in whole or in part on the costs incurred by the District due to employee labor, consultant fees, or other forms of labor, those portions of the charge shall be calculated based on the lowest labor cost of the individual(s) who is/are qualified to perform the labor, taking into account the nature or volume of the public records to be inspected or copied. The charge may include the labor costs of supervisory and/or clerical staff whose assistance is required to complete the records request, in accordance with Florida law. For purposes of this Rule, the word “extensive” shall mean that it will take more than 15 minutes to locate, review for confidential information, copy and re-file the requested material. In cases where extensive personnel time is determined by the District to be necessary to safeguard original records being inspected, the special service charge provided for in this section shall apply. If the total fees, including but not limited to special service charges, are anticipated to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00), then, prior to commencing work on the request, the District will inform the person making the public records request of the estimated cost, with the understanding that the final cost may vary from that estimate. If the person making the public records request decides to proceed with the request, payment of the estimated cost is required in advance. Should the person fail to pay the estimate, the District is under no duty to produce the requested records. After the request has been fulfilled, additional payments or credits may be

due. The District is under no duty to produce records in response to future records requests if the person making the request owes the District for past unpaid duplication charges, special service charges, or other required payments or credits.

Records Retention. The Secretary of the District shall be responsible for retaining the District’s records in accordance with applicable Florida law.

Policies. The Board may adopt policies related to the conduct of its business and the provision of services either by resolution or motion.

Financial Disclosure Coordination. Unless specifically designated by Board resolution otherwise, the Secretary shall serve as the Financial Disclosure Coordinator (“Coordinator”) for the District as required by the Florida Commission on Ethics (“Commission”). The Coordinator shall create, maintain and update a list of the names, e-mail addresses, physical addresses, and names of the agency of, and the office or position held by, all Supervisors and other persons required by Florida law to file a statement of financial interest due to his or her affiliation with the District (“Reporting Individual”). The Coordinator shall provide this list to the Commission by February 1 of each year, which list shall be current as of December 31 of the prior year. Each Supervisor and Reporting Individual shall promptly notify the Coordinator in writing if there are any changes to such person’s name, e-mail address, or physical address. Each Supervisor and Reporting Individual shall promptly notify the Commission in the manner prescribed by the Commission if there are any changes to such person’s e-mail address.
Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.
Law Implemented: §§ 112.31446(3), 112.3145(8)(a)1., 119.07, 119.0701, 190.006, Fla. Stat.

Rule 1.3	Public Meetings, Hearings, and Workshops.

Notice. Except in emergencies, or as otherwise authorized or required by statute or these Rules, at least seven (7) days’, but not more than thirty (30) days’ public notice shall be given of any public meeting, hearing or workshop of the Board. Public notice shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located. A newspaper is deemed to be a newspaper of “general circulation” in the county in which the District is located if such newspaper has been in existence for two (2) years at the time of publication of the applicable notice (unless no newspaper within the county has been published for such length) and satisfies the criteria of section 50.011(1) of the Florida Statutes, or if such newspaper is a direct successor of a newspaper which has been so published, as such provisions may be amended from time to time by law. The annual meeting notice required to be published by Section 189.015 of the Florida Statutes, shall be published as provide in Chapter 50 of the Florida Statutes, and such notice published consistent therewith shall satisfy the requirement to give at least seven (7) days’ public notice as required herein. Each Notice shall state, as applicable:

The date, time and place of the meeting, hearing or workshop;

A brief description of the nature, subjects, and purposes of the meeting, hearing, or workshop;
The District office address for the submission of requests for copies of the agenda, as well as a contact name and telephone number for verbal requests for copies of the agenda; and
The following or substantially similar language: “Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting/hearing/workshop is asked to advise the District Office at least forty-eight (48) hours before the meeting/hearing/workshop by contacting the District Manager at (561) 630-4922. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1 (800) 955-8770 or 1 (800) 955-8771, who can aid you in contacting the District Office.”

The following or substantially similar language: “A person who decides to appeal any decision made at the meeting/hearing/workshop with respect to any matter considered at the meeting/hearing/workshop is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.”

The following or substantially similar language: “The meeting [or hearing or workshop] may be continued in progress without additional notice to a time, date, and location stated on the record.”

The date, time, and place of each meeting, hearing, or workshop of the Board shall additionally be posted on the District’s website at least seven (7) days prior to such meeting, hearing, or workshop.

Mistake. In the event that a meeting is held under the incorrect assumption that notice required by law and these Rules has been given, the Board at its next properly noticed meeting shall cure such defect by considering the agenda items from the prior meeting individually and anew.

Agenda. The District Manager, under the guidance of District Counsel and the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson, shall prepare an agenda of the meeting/hearing/workshop. The agenda and any meeting materials available in an electronic format, excluding any i) confidential and ii) confidential and exempt information, shall be available to the public at least seven (7) days before the meeting/hearing/workshop, except in an emergency. Meeting materials shall be defined as, and limited to, the agenda, meeting minutes, resolutions, and agreements of the District that District staff deems necessary for Board approval. Inclusion of additional materials for Board consideration other than those defined herein as “meeting materials” shall not convert such materials into “meeting materials.” For good cause, the agenda may be changed after it is first made available for distribution, and additional materials may be added or provided under separate cover at the meeting. The requirement of good cause shall be liberally construed to allow the District to efficiently conduct business and to avoid the expenses associated with special meetings.
The District may, but is not required to, use the following format in preparing its agenda for its regular meetings:

Call to order Roll call
Public comments Organizational matters Review of minutes
Specific items of old business Specific items of new business Staff reports
District Counsel
District Engineer
District Manager
Financial Report
Approval of Expenditures Supervisor’s requests and comments

Adjournment

Minutes. The Secretary shall be responsible for preparing and keeping the minutes of each meeting of the Board. Minutes shall be corrected and approved by the Board at a subsequent meeting. The Secretary may work with other staff members in preparing draft minutes for the Board’s consideration.

Special Requests. Persons wishing to receive, by mail, notices or agendas of meetings, may so advise the District Manager or Secretary at the District Office. Such persons shall furnish a mailing address in writing and shall be required to pre-pay the cost of the copying and postage.

Emergency Meetings. The Chairperson, or Vice-Chairperson if the Chairperson is unavailable, upon consultation with the District Manager and District Counsel, if available, may convene an emergency meeting of the Board without first having complied with sections (1) and (3) of this Rule, to act on emergency matters that may affect the public health, safety, or welfare. Whenever possible, the District Manager shall make reasonable efforts to provide public notice and notify all Board members of an emergency meeting twenty-four (24) hours in advance. Reasonable efforts may include telephone notification. Notice of the emergency meeting must be provided both before and after the meeting on the District’s website, if it has one. Whenever an emergency meeting is called, the District Manager shall be responsible for notifying at least one newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the District is located. After an emergency meeting, the Board shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the District is located, the time, date and place of the emergency meeting, the reasons why an emergency meeting was necessary, and a description of the action taken. Actions taken at an emergency meeting may be ratified by the Board at a regularly noticed meeting subsequently held.
Public Comment. The Board shall set aside a reasonable amount of time at each meeting for public comment and members of the public shall be permitted to provide comment on any proposition before the Board. The portion of the meeting generally reserved for public comment shall be identified in the agenda. Policies governing public comment may be adopted by the Board in accordance with Florida law.
Budget Hearing. Notice of hearing on the annual budget(s) shall be in accord with Section 190.008 of the Florida Statutes. Once adopted in accord with Section
190.008 of the Florida Statutes, the annual budget(s) may be amended from time to time by action of the Board or as otherwise provided in the resolution approving the annual budget(s). Approval of invoices by the Board in excess of the funds allocated to a particular budgeted line item shall serve to amend the budgeted line item.

Public Hearings. Notice of required public hearings shall contain the information required by applicable Florida law and by these Rules applicable to meeting notices and shall be mailed and published as required by Florida law. The District Manager shall ensure that all such notices, whether mailed or published, contain the information required by Florida law and these Rules and are mailed and published as required by Florida law. Public hearings may be held during Board meetings when the agenda includes such public hearing.

Participation by Teleconference/Videoconference. District staff may participate in Board meetings by teleconference or videoconference. Board members may also participate in Board meetings by teleconference or videoconference if in the good judgment of the Board extraordinary circumstances exist; provided however, at least three Board members must be physically present at the meeting location to establish a quorum. Such extraordinary circumstances shall be presumed when a Board member participates by teleconference or videoconference, unless a majority of the Board members physically present determines that extraordinary circumstances do not exist.

Board Authorization. The District has not adopted Robert’s Rules of Order. For each agenda item, there shall be discussion permitted among the Board members during the meeting. Unless such procedure is waived by the Board, approval or disapproval of resolutions and other proposed Board actions shall be in the form of a motion by one Board member, a second by another Board member, and an affirmative vote by the majority of the Board members present. Any Board member, including the Chairperson, can make or second a motion.
Continuances. Any meeting or public hearing of the Board may be continued without re-notice or re-advertising provided that:

The Board identifies on the record at the original meeting a reasonable need for a continuance;

The continuance is to a specified date, time, and location publicly announced at the original meeting; and
The public notice for the original meeting states that the meeting may be continued to a date and time and states that the date, time, and location of any continuance shall be publicly announced at the original meeting and posted at the District Office immediately following the original meeting.

Attorney-Client Sessions. An Attorney-Client Session is permitted when the District’s attorneys deem it necessary to meet in private with the Board to discuss pending litigation to which the District is a party before a court or administrative agency or as may be authorized by law. The District’s attorney must request such session at a public meeting. Prior to holding the Attorney-Client Session, the District must give reasonable public notice of the time and date of the session and

the names of the persons anticipated to attend the session. The session must commence at an open meeting in which the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson announces the commencement of the session, the estimated length of the session, and the names of the persons who will be attending the session. The discussion during the session is confined to settlement negotiations or strategy related to litigation expenses or as may be authorized by law. Only the Board, the District’s attorneys (including outside counsel), the District Manager, and the court reporter may attend an Attorney-Client Session. During the session, no votes may be taken and no final decisions concerning settlement can be made. Upon the conclusion of the session, the public meeting is reopened, and the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson must announce that the session has concluded. The session must be transcribed by a court-reporter and the transcript of the session filed with the District Secretary within a reasonable time after the session. The transcript shall not be available for public inspection until after the conclusion of the litigation.

Security and Firesafety Board Discussions. Portions of a meeting which relate to or would reveal a security or firesafety system plan or portion thereof made confidential and exempt by section 119.071(3)(a), Florida Statutes, are exempt from the public meeting requirements and other requirements of section 286.011, Florida Statutes, and section 24(b), Article 1 of the State Constitution. Should the Board wish to discuss such matters, members of the public shall be required to leave the meeting room during such discussion. Any records of the Board’s discussion of such matters, including recordings or minutes, shall be maintained as confidential and exempt records in accordance with Florida law.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.
Law Implemented: §§ 189.069(2)(a)16, 190.006, 190.007, 190.008, 286.0105, 286.011, 286.0113, 286.0114, Fla. Stat.

Rule 1.4	Internal Controls to Prevent Fraud, Waste and Abuse

Internal Controls.	The District shall establish and maintain internal controls designed to:

Prevent and detect “fraud,” “waste” and “abuse” as those terms are defined in section 11.45(1),

Florida Statutes; and

Promote and encourage compliance with applicable laws, rules contracts, grant agreements, and best practices; and

Support economical and efficient operations; and

Ensure reliability of financial records and reports; and

Safeguard assets.

Adoption. The internal controls to prevent fraud, waste and abuse shall be adopted and amended by the District in the same manner as District policies.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat. Law Implemented: § 218.33(3), Fla. Stat.

Rule 2.0	Rulemaking Proceedings.

Commencement of Proceedings. Proceedings held for adoption, amendment, or repeal of a District rule shall be conducted according to these Rules. Rulemaking proceedings shall be deemed to have been initiated upon publication of a Notice of Rule Development by the District as required by Section 2 of this Rule. A “rule” is a District statement of general applicability that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the procedure or practice requirements of the District. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the District to consider or adopt rules unless required by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes. Policies adopted by the District which do not consist of rates, fees, rentals or other monetary charges may be, but are not required to be, implemented through rulemaking proceedings.

Requirements of a Rule. All District rules as drafted shall:

Contain only one subject;

Include readable language, meaning it avoids i) the use of obscure words and unnecessarily long or complicated constructions, and ii) the use of unnecessary technical or specialized language that is understood only by members of particular trades or professions;

Be indefinite such that the rule does not include a provision whereby the rule, or a portion thereof, automatically expires or is repealed on a specific date or at the end of a specified period, unless otherwise expressly authorized by law; and
Only incorporate material by reference in compliance with Section 120.54(1)(i) of the Florida Statutes.

Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs. Before adopting, amending, or repealing any rule, other than an emergency rule, the District may prepare a statement of estimated regulatory costs (“SERC”) based on the factors set forth in Section 120.541(2) of the Florida Statutes. The District shall prepare a SERC for a proposed rule if in accordance with the requirements of Section 120.541(2) of the Florida Statutes if: i) the proposed rule will have an adverse economic impact on small business; or ii) the proposed rule is likely to directly or indirectly increase regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate in the state within one (1) year after implementation of the rule.

Notice of Rule Development.

Except when the intended action is the repeal of a rule, the District shall provide notice of the development of a proposed rule (“Notice of Rule Development”) setting forth the following:

the subject area to be addressed by rule development;

A short, plain explanation of the purpose and effect of the proposed rule;

The grant of rulemaking authority for the proposed rule;

The law being implemented;

The proposed rule number; and
If available, either the preliminary text of the proposed rule and any incorporated documents, or a statement of how a person may promptly obtain, without cost, a copy of any preliminary draft of such rule or documents.

The Notice of Rule Development shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located at least seven (7) days prior to the Notice of Rulemaking required by Section 5 of this Rule, and at least thirty-five (35) days prior to the intended action.

Notice of Rulemaking.
Prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rule other than an emergency rule, the District shall provide notice of its intended action (the “Notice of Rulemaking”) setting forth the following:
The proposed rule number;

The full text of the proposed rule or amendment and a summary thereof;1

The grant of rulemaking authority for the proposed rule;
The law being implemented or interpreted;
The name, e-mail address, and telephone number of the agency employee who may be contacted regarding the intended action;
A concise summary of the District’s statement of the estimated regulatory costs, if one has been prepared, based on the factors set forth in Section 120.541(2) of the Florida Statutes, that describes the regulatory impact of the rule in readable language;

1 Only for special districts located in more than one county.

The District’s website where the statement of estimated regulatory costs can be viewed, in its entirety, if one has been prepared;

A statement that any person who wishes to provide the District with a lower cost regulatory alternative as provided by Section 120.541(1), must do so in writing within twenty-one (21) days after publication of the notice;

A statement as to whether, based on the SERC or other information expressly relied upon and described by the District if no statement of regulatory costs is required, the proposed rule is expected to require legislative ratification pursuant to Section 120.541(3) of the Florida Statutes;

The date, time, and location of the public hearing on the proposed rule;

The name, address, and telephone number of the District contact person who can provide information about the public hearing; and

A reference to both the date on which and the place where the Notice of Rule Development required by Section 4 of this Rule appeared, except when the intended action is the repeal of a rule.
The Notice of Rulemaking shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located at least seven (7) days after the Notice of Rule Development required by Section 4 of this Rule, and at least twenty-eight (28) days prior to the intended action. If the Notice of Rulemaking is not published within one-hundred eighty (180) days of the publication of the Notice of Rule Development, then the District’s Board shall approve a concise statement at least seven (7) days prior to the conclusion of the one-hundred eighty
(180) day timeframe identifying the reason for the delay, which may be supplemented quarterly until the District has adopted the proposed rule.
The Notice of Rulemaking shall be mailed or delivered electronically to all persons named in the proposed rule and to all persons who, at least fourteen
(14) days before publication of the notice, have made requests of the District for advance notice of its rulemaking proceedings. Any person may file a written request with the District Manager to receive notice of the District’s rulemaking proceedings. Such persons must furnish a mailing address or e-mail address, and may be required to pay the cost of copying and mailing as applicable.

As of the date of publication of the Notice of Rulemaking, the Board shall make available for public inspection and shall provide, upon request and payment of the cost of copies, the proposed rule, including all material proposed to be incorporated by reference.
Modification of Rules.
Technical Changes.
Prior to rule adoption, the District shall publish a notice of correction (“Notice of Correction”) if any of the information that is required to be included in the Notice of Rulemaking, including technical changes that correct citations or grammatical, typographical or similar errors that do not otherwise affect the substance of the rule, is omitted or is incorrect. A Notice of Correction cannot be used to make substantive changes to the rule text. The Notice of Correction shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located at least seven (7) days prior to the intended action.

After rule adoption, a technical change to a rule may be approved at any time by the District. Promptly thereafter, a Notice of Correction shall be published by the District in the manner set forth in Section 6(a)(i) of this Rule.

Substantive Changes.

Prior to rule adoption, any substantive change must be either be:

Supported by the record of the public hearing held on the proposed rule;

In response to written materials submitted to the District; or

In response to an objection with the proposed rule by the District Board.

After rule adoption, a substantive change to a rule shall be effectuated by initiating rulemaking as set forth in this Rule.

Withdrawal of Proposed Rules.

Prior to the adoption of a rule, the District may elect to withdraw the proposed rule in whole or in part. After a rule has become effective, the District may only amend or repeal the rule through initiating the rulemaking procedures set forth in this Rule.

Prior to the adoption of a rule, the District shall withdraw the proposed rule if the District has either failed to adopt such rule within one-hundred eighty
(180) days of the publication of the Notice of Rule Development required by Section 4 of this Rule or to approve a concise statement at least seven
(7) days prior to the conclusion of the one-hundred eighty (180) day timeframe identifying the reason for the delay, which may be supplemented quarterly until the District has adopted the proposed rule.

In the event of a withdrawal of a proposed rule, the District shall publish a notice (“Notice of Rule Withdrawal”) in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located, and shall provide notice to those persons set forth in Section 5(c) of this Rule that have made requests of the District for advance notice of its rulemaking proceedings.

Within fifteen (15) days after the end of each calendar quarter, the District shall compile and post on its website a list of each failure to publish a Notice of Rulemaking within the timeframe prescribed by Section 5(b) of this Rule, which list shall include the information set forth in Section 120.54(3)(d)(7) of the Florida Statutes. The District is only required to provide such posting in any calendar quarter(s) in which there is an actual failure to timely publish a Notice of Rulemaking, if any.

Rule Development Workshops.
Whenever requested in writing by any affected person, the District must conduct a rule development workshop prior to proposing rules for adoption for the purposes of rule development or information gathering for the preparation of the SERC, unless the Chairperson explains in writing why a workshop is unnecessary. The District may initiate a rule development workshop, but is not required to do so.

If a workshop is held, the District must ensure that the person(s) responsible for preparing the rule and the SERC, if applicable, are available to explain the District’s proposed rule and to respond to questions or comments regarding the rule being developed.
The notice of any workshop shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located at least fourteen (14) days prior to the workshop setting forth the following:

The place, date, and time of the workshop;

The subject area that will be addressed; and

The District Manager’s contact information.

Petitions to Initiate Rulemaking.

All Petitions to Initiate Rulemaking Proceedings must contain the name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner, the specific action requested, the specific reason for adoption, amendment, or repeal, the date submitted, the text of the proposed rule, and the facts showing that the petitioner is regulated by the District or has a substantial interest in the rulemaking. District staff shall forward a copy of the petition to the District’s Board within seven (7) days of its receipt.

If the petition is directed to an adopted rule, within thirty (30) days following the date of filing a petition, the District shall either i) initiate rulemaking proceedings, ii) otherwise comply with the requested action, or
iii) deny the petition with a written statement of its reasons for the denial.

If the petition is directed to an unadopted rule, within thirty (30) days following the date of filing a petition, the District shall either i) initiate rulemaking, or ii) set a public hearing to consider whether the public interest is served adequately by the application of the proposed rule on a case-by-case basis, as contrasted with its formal adoption as a rule.

If the District elects to hold a public hearing, notice of the public hearing (“Notice of Rulemaking Petition Public Hearing”) shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located. The public hearing shall be held by the District within thirty (30) days after publication of the Notice of Rulemaking Petition Public Hearing.
Not later than thirty (30) days following the date of the public hearing held pursuant to Section 9(c)(i) of this Rule, the District shall either i) initiate rulemaking proceedings, ii) otherwise comply with the requested action, or iii) deny the petition with a written statement of its reasons for the denial.

If the District decides to initiate rulemaking it shall proceed with the rulemaking process as set forth in this Rule.
If the District decides to not initiate rulemaking or otherwise comply with the requested action, the District shall publish a statement of its reasons for not initiating rulemaking or otherwise complying with the requested action and of any changes it will make in the scope or application of the unadopted rule (the “Notice of Denial of Rulemaking Petition”).  The Notice of Denial of Rulemaking Petition

shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located.

Nothing in this Rule shall be construed as requiring the District to adopt, amend, or repeal a rule as initiated by petition.

Public Hearing.

The District may, or, upon the written request of any affected person received within twenty-one (21) days after the date of publication of the Notice of Rulemaking, shall, provide a public hearing for the presentation of evidence, argument, and oral statements, within the reasonable conditions and limitations imposed by the District to avoid duplication, irrelevant comments, unnecessary delay, or disruption of the proceedings. When a public hearing is held, the District shall ensure that staff is available to explain the proposed rule and to respond to questions or comments regarding the proposed rule. Written statements may be submitted by any person prior to or at the public hearing. All timely submitted written statements shall be considered by the District and made part of the rulemaking record.

The District shall publish notice of the public hearing (“Notice of Public Hearing”) in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located, either in the text of the Notice of Rulemaking or in a separate publication at least seven (7) days before the scheduled public hearing. The Notice of Public Hearing shall include the following information:
The date, time, and location of the public hearing; and

The name, address, and telephone number of the District contact person who can provide information about the public hearing.
Emergency Rule Adoption.
The Board may adopt an emergency rule if it finds that immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare exists which requires immediate action or if the Legislature authorizes the District to adopt emergency rules. The District may use any procedure which is fair under the circumstances in the adoption of an emergency rule as long as it protects the public interest as determined by the District.

At the time or prior to the adoption of an emergency rule, the District shall post on its website a notice regarding its adoption of the emergency rule (the “Notice of Emergency Rule”) which includes the specific facts and reasons for finding an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare and

its reasons for concluding that procedure used is fair under the circumstances. The Notice of Emergency Rule shall thereafter be promptly published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located, and shall include the following information:

The full text of the rule(s); and

The District’s findings of immediate danger, necessity, and procedural fairness or a citation to the grant of emergency rulemaking authority.

An emergency rule shall be effective immediately upon adoption by the District, or on a date less than twenty (20) days thereafter if specified in the emergency rule if the District finds that a later effective date is necessary because of immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare. An emergency rule may not be effective for a period of more than ninety (90) days after adoption and may not be renewable, unless the District has initiated rulemaking to adopt rules addressing the subject of the emergency rule and either i) a challenge to the proposed rules has been filed and remains pending or ii) the proposed rules are awaiting ratification by the Legislature, if applicable. Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the District from adopting a rule identical to the emergency rule through the non-emergency rulemaking procedures set forth in this Rule.
If an emergency rule is being renewed in accordance with Section 11(d) of this Rule, notice of the renewal of the emergency rule (the “Notice of Renewal of Emergency Rule”) shall be published before the expiration of the existing emergency rule. The Notice of Renewal of Emergency Rule shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located and shall include the specific facts and reasons for such renewal.

For emergency rules with an effective period of longer than ninety
(90) days which are intended to replace an existing rule, the Rulemaking Record for the existing rule, as required by Section 13 of this Rule, shall specifically identify the emergency rule that is intended to supersede the existing rule as well as the date that the emergency rule was adopted by the District.

The District may supersede an emergency rule in effect through the adoption of another emergency rule before the superseded rule expires. The District shall post on its website and publish a Notice of Emergency Rule, in accordance with Section 11(b) of this Rule, identifying the reason for

adopting the superseding rule. The superseding rule shall not be in effect longer than the duration of the effective period of the superseded rule.

The District may make technical changes to an emergency rule within the first seven (7) days after the rule is adopted, and such changes shall be published in a Notice of Correction as set forth in Section 6(a) of this Rule.

The District may repeal an emergency rule before it expires by publishing a notice (“Notice of Repeal of Emergency Rule”) in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located. The Notice of Repeal of Emergency Rule shall include the following information:

The full text of the emergency rule and a summary thereof;

The rule number; and

A short and plain explanation as to why the conditions specified in the Notice of Emergency Rule no longer require the emergency rule.

Negotiated Rulemaking. The District may use negotiated rulemaking in developing and adopting rules pursuant to Section 120.54(2)(d) of the Florida Statutes, except that any notices required under Section 120.54(2)(d) of the Florida Statutes, may be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located.
Rulemaking Record. In all rulemaking proceedings, the District shall compile and maintain a rulemaking record (“Rulemaking Record”) which shall be on file with the District at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the proposed adoption date of the rule. The Rulemaking Record shall include, as applicable:

A copy of the rule;
Any material incorporated by reference in the rule;
A detailed written statement of the facts and circumstances justifying the proposed rule;
Any SERC for the rule, if required by Section 120.54(3)(b)1. of the Florida Statutes or otherwise prepared, and any information created or used by the District in determining whether a SERC is required;

A statement of the extent to which the proposed rule relates to federal standards on rules on the same subject;

The Notice of Rule Development, Notice of Rulemaking, and notice(s) of any workshops held pursuant to Section 8 of this Rule; and

If an emergency rule is intended to supersede an existing rule, the emergency rule number and the date that the emergency rule was adopted by the District.

Petitions to Challenge Rules.

Any person substantially affected by a proposed or existing rule may seek an administrative determination of the invalidity of the rule on the ground that the rule is an invalid exercise of the District’s authority.

A petition alleging the invalidity of a proposed rule shall be filed within twenty-one (21) days after the date of publication of Notice of Rulemaking, within ten (10) days after the final public hearing is held on the proposed rule; within twenty (20) days after the SERC or revised SERC has been prepared and made available as provided in Section 120.541(1)(d) of the Florida Statutes, if applicable; or within twenty (20) days after the date of publication of the Notice of Rule Withdrawal required by Section 7(c) of this Rule.

A petition alleging the invalidity of an existing rule may be filed at any time during which the rule is in effect.

The petition seeking an administrative determination must state with particularity the provisions alleged to be invalid with sufficient explanation of the facts or grounds for the alleged invalidity and facts sufficient to show that the person challenging a proposed or existing rule is substantially affected by it. A person who is not substantially affected by the proposed rule as initially noticed, but who is substantially affected by the rule as a result of a change, may challenge any provision of the resulting proposed rule.

The petition shall be filed with the District. Within ten (10) days after receiving the petition, or seven (7) days if the challenge relates to an emergency rule, the Chairperson shall, if the petition complies with the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, designate any member of the Board (including the Chairperson), District Manager, District Counsel, or other person as a hearing officer who shall conduct a hearing within thirty
(30) days thereafter, or fourteen (14) days if the challenge relates to an emergency rule, unless the petition is withdrawn or a continuance is granted by agreement of the parties. The failure of the District to follow the applicable rulemaking procedures or requirements in this Rule shall be presumed to be material; however, the District may rebut this presumption

by showing that the substantial interests of the petitioner and the fairness of the proceedings have not been impaired.

At the hearing, the petitioner and the District shall be adverse parties. Other substantially affected persons may join the proceedings as intervenors on appropriate terms which shall not unduly delay the proceedings.

Hearings held under this section shall be de novo in nature. For proposed rules, the petitioner has the burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that it would be substantially affected by the proposed rule, and the District has the burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the proposed rule is not an invalid exercise of delegated legislative authority as to the objections raised. For existing rules, the petitioner has a burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the existing rule is an invalid exercise of District authority as to the objections raised. During the hearing, the hearing officer may:

Administer oaths and affirmations;

Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

Regulate the course of the hearing, including any pre-hearing matters;
Enter orders; and
Make or receive offers of settlement, stipulation, and adjustment.

Within thirty (30) days after the hearing, or fourteen (14) days of the challenge relate to an emergency rule, the hearing officer shall render a decision and state the reasons therefor in writing. The hearing officer’s order shall be considered final agency action. The hearing officer may declare all or part of a proposed or existing rule invalid. For a proposed rule, the proposed rule or provision thereof declared invalid shall not be adopted unless the decision of the hearing officer is reversed on appeal. In the event part of a proposed rule is declared invalid, the District may, in its sole discretion, withdraw the proposed rule in its entirety. For an existing rule, the rule or part thereof declared invalid shall become void when the time for filing an appeal expires. In the event that a proposed or existing rule has been declared invalid in whole or part, the District shall promptly publish notice of such occurrence published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located.

Variances and Waivers. A “variance” means a decision by the District to grant a modification to all or part of the literal requirements of a rule to a person who is subject to the rule. A “waiver” means a decision by the District not to apply all or

part of a rule to a person who is subject to the rule. Variances and waivers from District rules may be granted subject to the following:

Variances and waivers shall be granted when the person subject to the rule demonstrates that the purpose of the underlying statute will be or has been achieved by other means by the person, and when application of the rule would create a substantial hardship or would violate principles of fairness. For purposes of this section, “substantial hardship” means a demonstrated economic, technological, legal, or other type of hardship to the person requesting the variance or waiver. For purposes of this section, “principles of fairness” are violated when the literal application of a rule affects a particular person in a manner significantly different from the way it affects other similarly situated persons who are subject to the rule.

A person who is subject to regulation by a District rule may file a petition with the District, requesting a variance or waiver from the District’s rule. Each petition shall specify:

The rule from which a variance or waiver is requested;

The type of action requested;
The specific facts that would justify a waiver or variance for the petitioner; and
The reason why the variance or the waiver requested would serve the purposes of the underlying statute.

The District shall review the petition and may request only that information needed to clarify the petition or to answer new questions raised by or directly related to the petition. If the petitioner asserts that any request for additional information is not authorized by law or by rule of the District, the District shall proceed, at the petitioner’s written request, to process the petition.

The Board shall grant or deny a petition for variance or waiver and shall announce such disposition at a publicly held meeting of the Board, within ninety (90) days after receipt of the original petition, the last item of timely requested additional material, or the petitioner’s written request to finish processing the petition. The District’s statement granting or denying the petition shall contain a statement of the relevant facts and reasons supporting the District’s action. The District shall maintain a record of the type and disposition of each petition filed.

Review of Adopted Rules.

By January 1, 2026, District staff shall prepare a report that summarizes the District’s existing rules anticipated to be reviewed during the current fiscal year, if any, and the recommended action on each rule (the “Existing Rule Review Report”). The Existing Rule Review Report shall be presented to the District’s Board at a noticed Board meeting as soon as practicable after preparation by District staff. District staff shall continue to annually prepare an updated Existing Rule Review Report by January 1 of each year until all District rules have been reviewed. The District is not bound to review its existing rules in accordance with the schedule set forth in an Existing Rule Review Report, but is required to complete the review of at least twenty (20%) percent of its existing rules per year until all existing rules have been reviewed in accordance with this Section. In any event, all existing rules of the District shall be reviewed by July 1, 2030.

Any new rule adopted after July 1, 2025, must be reviewed in the fifth year following adoption. Such review must be completed before the day that marks the sixth year since the adoption of the rule.

In conducting its rule review process, the District shall determine whether each rule:

Is a valid exercise of delegated legislative authority;
Has current statutory authority;
Reiterates or paraphrases statutory material;

Is in proper form;

Is consistent with expressed legislative intent pertaining to the specific provisions of law which the rule implements;

Requires a technical or substantive update to reflect current use; and
Requires updated references to statutory citations and incorporated materials.
By April 1 of each year in which a rule review is being undertaken, the District shall adopt a resolution evidencing the completion of rule review and authorizing one of the following actions relative to its rule review (the “Rule Review Resolution”):

If the District determines that no change is necessary, the District Rule Review Resolution shall include the following information:

A copy of the reviewed rule;

A written statement of its intended action; and

Its assessment of factors specified in Section 16(c) of this Rule.

If the District determines that one or more technical changes are necessary, the District Rule Review Resolution shall include the following information:

A copy of the reviewed rule and the recommended technical change or changes coded by underlining new text and striking through deleted text;

A written statement of its intended action;

Its assessment of the factors specified in Section 16(c) of this Rule; and

The facts and circumstances justifying the technical change or changes to the reviewed rule.

If the District determines that the rule requires a substantive change, the District shall promptly initiate rulemaking in accordance with this Rule to make all changes, including any technical changes, and the District Rule Review Resolution shall include the following information:
A copy of the reviewed rule;

The recommended change or changes coded by underlining new text and striking through deleted text;

A written statement of its intended action; and
Its assessment of factors specified in Section 16(c) of this Rule.
If the District determines that the rule should be repealed, the District shall promptly initiate the repeal the rule in accordance with this Rule, and the District Rule Review Resolution shall include the following information:

A written statement of its intended action; and

Its assessment of factors specified in subsection 16(c) of this Rule.

The rule review is completed upon the District’s adoption of the Rule Review Resolution and, if there is a substantive change or repeal of a rule approved the Board, the timely commencement of the rulemaking or rule repeal process set forth in this Rule. Promptly after completion of the rule review, the District shall publish a notice of the completed rule review (“Notice of Completed Rule Review”) in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located. The Notice of Completed Rule Review shall identify the action taken by the District with respect to the reviewed rule.

Rates, Fees, Rentals and Other Charges. All rates, fees, rentals, or other charges shall be subject to rulemaking proceedings.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), 190.035, Fla. Stat.
Law Implemented: §§ 120.54, 120.542, 120.5435, 120.56, 120.81(2)(b), 190.011(5), 190.035(2), Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.0	Competitive Purchase.

Purpose and Scope.  In order to comply with Sections 190.033(1) through (3),
287.055 and 287.017 of the Florida Statutes, the following provisions shall apply to the purchase of Professional Services, insurance, construction contracts, design-build services, goods, supplies, and materials, Contractual Services, and maintenance services.

Board Authorization. Except in cases of an Emergency Purchase, a competitive purchase governed by these Rules shall only be undertaken after authorization by the Board.

Definitions.

“Competitive Solicitation” means a formal, advertised procurement process, other than an Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, or Invitation to Negotiate, approved by the Board to purchase commodities and/or services which affords vendors fair treatment in the competition for award of a District purchase contract.

“Continuing Contract” means a contract for Professional Services entered into in accordance with Section 287.055 of the Florida Statutes, between the District and a firm, whereby the firm provides Professional Services to the District for projects in which the costs do not exceed two million dollars ($2,000,000), for a study activity when the fee for such Professional Services to the District does not exceed two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000), or for work of a specified nature as outlined in the contract with the District, with no time limitation except that the contract must provide a termination clause (for example, a contract for general District engineering services). Firms providing Professional Services under Continuing Contracts shall not be required to bid against one another.
“Contractual Service” means the rendering by a contractor of its time and effort rather than the furnishing of specific commodities. The term applies only to those services rendered by individuals and firms who are independent contractors. Contractual Services do not include auditing services, Maintenance Services, or Professional Services as defined in Section 287.055(2)(a) of the Florida Statutes, and these Rules. Contractual Services also do not include any contract for the furnishing of labor or materials for the construction, renovation, repair, modification, or demolition of any facility, building, portion of building, utility, park, parking lot, or structure or other improvement to real property entered into pursuant to Chapter 255 of the Florida Statutes, and Rules 3.5 or 3.6.

“Design-Build Contract” means a single contract with a Design-Build Firm for the design and construction of a public construction project.

“Design-Build Firm” means a partnership, corporation or other legal entity that:

Is certified under Section 489.119 of the Florida Statutes, to engage in contracting through a certified or registered general contractor or a certified or registered building contractor as the qualifying agent; or

Is certified under Section 471.023 of the Florida Statutes, to practice or to offer to practice engineering; certified under Section 481.219 of the Florida Statutes, to practice or to offer to practice architecture; or certified under Section 481.319 of the Florida Statutes, to practice or to offer to practice landscape architecture.

“Design Criteria Package” means concise, performance-oriented drawings or specifications for a public construction project. The purpose of the Design Criteria Package is to furnish sufficient information to permit Design-Build Firms to prepare a bid or a response to the District’s Request for Proposals, or to permit the District to enter into a negotiated Design-Build Contract. The Design Criteria Package must specify performance-based criteria for the public construction project, including the legal description of the site, survey information concerning the site, interior space requirements, material quality standards, schematic layouts and conceptual design criteria of the project, cost or budget estimates, design and construction schedules, site development requirements, provisions for utilities, stormwater retention and disposal, and parking requirements applicable to the project. Design Criteria Packages shall require firms to submit information regarding the qualifications, availability, and past work of the firms, including the partners and members thereof.
“Design Criteria Professional” means a firm who holds a current certificate of registration under Chapter 481 of the Florida Statutes, to practice architecture or landscape architecture, or a firm who holds a current certificate as a registered engineer under Chapter 471 of the Florida Statutes, to practice engineering, and who is employed by or under contract to the District to provide professional architect services, landscape architect services, or engineering services in connection with the preparation of the Design Criteria Package.

“Emergency Purchase” means a purchase necessitated by a sudden unexpected turn of events (for example, acts of God, riot, fires, floods, hurricanes, accidents, or any circumstances or cause beyond the control of the Board in the normal conduct of its business), where the Board finds that the delay incident to competitive purchase would be detrimental to the interests of the District. This includes, but is not limited to, instances where

the time to competitively award the project will jeopardize the funding for the project, will materially increase the cost of the project, or will create an undue hardship on the public health, safety, or welfare.

“Invitation to Bid” is a written solicitation for sealed bids with the title, date, and hour of the public bid opening designated specifically and defining the commodity or service involved. It includes printed instructions prescribing conditions for bidding, qualification, evaluation criteria, and provides for a manual signature of an authorized representative. It may include one or more bid alternates.

“Invitation to Negotiate” means a written solicitation for competitive sealed replies to select one or more vendors with which to commence negotiations for the procurement of commodities or services.

“Negotiate” means to conduct legitimate, arm’s length discussions and conferences to reach an agreement on a term or price.

“Professional Services” means those services within the scope of the practice of architecture, professional engineering, landscape architecture, or registered surveying and mapping, as defined by the laws of Florida, or those services performed by any architect, professional engineer, landscape architect, or registered surveyor and mapper, in connection with the firm’s or individual’s professional employment or practice.
“Proposal (or Reply or Response) Most Advantageous to the District” means, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board, the proposal, reply, or response that is:

Submitted by a person or firm capable and qualified in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements, who has the integrity and reliability to assure good faith performance;

The most responsive to the Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation as determined by the Board; and
For a cost to the District deemed by the Board to be reasonable.

“Purchase” means acquisition by sale, rent, lease, lease/purchase, or installment sale. It does not include transfer, sale, or exchange of goods, supplies, or materials between the District and any federal, state, regional or local governmental entity or political subdivision of the State of Florida.

“Request for Proposals” or “RFP” is a written solicitation for sealed proposals with the title, date, and hour of the public opening designated and

requiring the manual signature of an authorized representative. It may provide general information, applicable laws and rules, statement of work, functional or general specifications, qualifications, proposal instructions, work detail analysis, and evaluation criteria as necessary.

“Responsive and Responsible Bidder” means an entity or individual that has submitted a bid that conforms in all material respects to the Invitation to Bid and has the capability in all respects to fully perform the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance. “Responsive and Responsible Vendor” means an entity or individual that has submitted a proposal, reply, or response that conforms in all material respects to the Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation and has the capability in all respects to fully perform the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance. In determining whether an entity or individual is a Responsive and Responsible Bidder (or Vendor), the District may consider, in addition to factors described in the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation, the following:

The ability and adequacy of the professional personnel employed by the entity/individual;
The past performance of the entity/individual for the District and in other professional employment;
The willingness of the entity/individual to meet time and budget requirements;

The geographic location of the entity’s/individual’s headquarters or office in relation to the project;

The	recent,	current,	and	projected	workloads	of	the entity/individual;
The volume of work previously awarded to the entity/individual;
Whether the cost components of the bid or proposal are appropriately balanced; and
Whether the entity/individual is a certified minority business enterprise.

“Responsive Bid,” “Responsive Proposal,” “Responsive Reply,” and “Responsive Response” all mean a bid, proposal, reply, or response which conforms in all material respects to the specifications and conditions in the

Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitations to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation document and these Rules, and the cost components of which, if any, are appropriately balanced. A bid, proposal, reply or response is not responsive if the person or firm submitting it fails to meet any material requirement relating to the qualifications, financial stability, or licensing of the bidder.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat. Law Implemented: §§ 190.033, 255.20, 287.055, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.1	Procedure Under the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiations Act.

Scope. The following procedures are adopted for the selection of firms or individuals to provide Professional Services exceeding the thresholds herein described, for the negotiation of such contracts, and to provide for protest of actions of the Board under this Rule. As used in this Rule, “Project” means that fixed capital outlay study or planning activity when basic construction cost is estimated by the District to exceed the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017 of the Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY FIVE, or for a planning study activity when the fee for Professional Services is estimated by the District to exceed the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017 for CATEGORY TWO, as such categories may be amended or adjusted from time to time.

Qualifying Procedures. In order to be eligible to provide Professional Services to the District, a consultant must, at the time of receipt of the firm’s qualification submittal:

Hold all required applicable state professional licenses in good standing;

Hold all required applicable federal licenses in good standing, if any;

Hold a current and active Florida corporate charter or be authorized to do business in the State of Florida in accordance with Chapter 607 of the Florida Statutes, if the consultant is a corporation; and
Meet any qualification requirements set forth in the District’s Request for Qualifications.

Evidence of compliance with this Rule may be submitted with the qualifications, if requested by the District. In addition, evidence of compliance must be submitted any time requested by the District.

Public Announcement. Except in cases of valid public emergencies as certified by the Board, the District shall announce each occasion when Professional Services are required for a Project or a Continuing Contract by publishing a notice providing a general description of the Project, or the nature of the Continuing Contract, and the method for interested consultants to apply for consideration. The notice shall appear in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located and in such other places as the District deems appropriate. The notice must allow at least fourteen (14) days for submittal of qualifications from the date of publication. The District may maintain lists of consultants interested in receiving such notices. These consultants are encouraged to submit annually statements of qualifications and performance data. The District shall make reasonable efforts to provide copies of any notices to such consultants, but the failure to do so shall not give such consultants any bid protest or other rights or otherwise disqualify any otherwise valid procurement process. The Board has

the right to reject any and all qualifications, and such reservation shall be included in the published notice. Consultants not receiving a contract award shall not be entitled to recover from the District any costs of qualification package preparation or submittal.

Competitive Selection.

The Board shall review and evaluate the data submitted in response to the notice described in section (3) of this Rule regarding qualifications and performance ability, as well as any statements of qualifications on file. The Board shall conduct discussions with, and may require public presentation by consultants regarding their qualifications, approach to the Project, and ability to furnish the required services. The Board shall then select and list the consultants, in order of preference, deemed to be the most highly capable and qualified to perform the required Professional Services, after considering these and other appropriate criteria:

The ability and adequacy of the professional personnel employed by each consultant;

Whether a consultant is a certified minority business enterprise;
Each consultant’s past performance;
The willingness of each consultant to meet time and budget requirements;
The geographic location of each consultant’s headquarters, office and personnel in relation to the project;

The recent, current, and projected workloads of each consultant; and

The volume of work previously awarded to each consultant by the District.
Nothing in these Rules shall prevent the District from evaluating and eventually selecting a consultant if less than three (3) Responsive qualification packages, including packages indicating a desire not to provide Professional Services on a given Project, are received.
If the selection process is administered by any person or committee other than the full Board, the selection made will be presented to the full Board with a recommendation that competitive negotiations be instituted with the selected firms in order of preference listed.

Notice of the rankings adopted by the Board, including the rejection of some or all qualification packages, shall be provided in writing to all proposers by e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery service. The District may alternatively post the notice of intent to award on its website at the conclusion of the Board meeting where the proposals were evaluated if so provided for in the Request for Qualifications. The notice shall include the following statement: “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Rule 3.11 of the Rules of the District shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under those Rules,” or wording to that effect. Protests of the District’s ranking decisions under this Rule shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule 3.11.

Competitive Negotiation.

After the Board has authorized the beginning of competitive negotiations, the District may begin such negotiations with the firm listed as most qualified to perform the required Professional Services at a rate or amount of compensation which the Board determines is fair, competitive, and reasonable.

In negotiating a lump-sum or cost-plus-a-fixed-fee professional contract for more than the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017 of the Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY FOUR, the firm receiving the award shall be required to execute a truth-in-negotiation certificate stating that “wage rates and other factual unit costs supporting the compensation are accurate, complete and current at the time of contracting.” In addition, any professional service contract under which such a certificate is required, shall contain a provision that “the original contract price and any additions thereto, shall be adjusted to exclude any significant sums by which the Board determines the contract price was increased due to inaccurate, incomplete, or noncurrent wage rates and other factual unit costs.”
Should the District be unable to negotiate a satisfactory agreement with the firm determined to be the most qualified at a price deemed by the District to be fair, competitive, and reasonable, then negotiations with that firm shall be terminated and the District shall immediately begin negotiations with the second most qualified firm. If a satisfactory agreement with the second firm cannot be reached, those negotiations shall be terminated and negotiations with the third most qualified firm shall be undertaken.

Should the District be unable to negotiate a satisfactory agreement with one of the top three (3) ranked consultants, additional firms shall be selected by the District, in order of their competence and qualifications. Negotiations shall continue, beginning with the first-named firm on the list, until an agreement is reached or the list of firms is exhausted.

Contracts; Public Records. In accordance with Florida law, each contract entered into pursuant to this Rule shall include provisions required by law that require the contractor to comply with public records laws.

Continuing Contract. Nothing in this Rule shall prohibit a Continuing Contract between a consultant and the District.

Emergency Purchase. The District may make an Emergency Purchase without complying with these Rules. The fact that an Emergency Purchase has occurred or is necessary shall be noted in the minutes of the next Board meeting.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.
Law Implemented: §§ 119.0701, 190.011(3), 190.033, 287.055, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.2	Procedure Regarding Auditor Selection.

In order to comply with the requirements of Section 218.391 of the Florida Statutes, the following procedures are outlined for selection of firms or individuals to provide Auditing Services and for the negotiation of such contracts. “Auditing Services” means those services within the scope of the practice of a certified public accounting firm licensed under Chapter 473 of the Florida Statutes, and qualified to conduct audits in accordance with government auditing standards as adopted by the Florida Board of Accountancy. For audits required under Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes but not meeting the thresholds of Chapter 218 of the Florida Statutes, the District need not follow these procedures but may proceed with the selection of a firm or individual to provide Auditing Services and for the negotiation of such contracts in the manner the Board determines is in the best interests of the District.

Establishment of Auditor Selection Committee. Prior to a public announcement under section (3) of this Rule that Auditing Services are required, the Board shall establish an auditor selection committee (“Committee”), the primary purpose of which is to assist the Board in selecting an auditor to conduct the annual financial audit required by Section 218.39 of the Florida Statutes. The Committee shall include at least three individuals, at least one of which must also be a member of the Board. The establishment and selection of the Committee must be conducted at a publicly noticed and held meeting of the Board. The Chairperson of the Committee must be a member of the Board. An employee, a chief executive officer, or a chief financial officer of the District may not serve as a member of the Committee; provided however such individual may serve the Committee in an advisory capacity.
Establishment of Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Criteria. Prior to a public announcement under section (3) of this Rule that Auditing Services are required, the Committee shall meet at a publicly noticed meeting to establish minimum qualifications and factors to use for the evaluation of Auditing Services to be provided by a certified public accounting firm licensed under Chapter 473 of the Florida Statutes, and qualified to conduct audits in accordance with government auditing standards as adopted by the Florida Board of Accountancy.

Minimum Qualifications. In order to be eligible to submit a proposal, a firm must, at all relevant times including the time of receipt of the proposal by the District:

Hold all required applicable state professional licenses in good standing;

Hold all required applicable federal licenses in good standing, if any;

Hold a current and active Florida corporate charter or be authorized to do business in the State of Florida in accordance with Chapter 607 of the Florida Statutes, if the proposer is a corporation; and

Meet any pre-qualification requirements established by the Committee and set forth in the RFP or other specifications.

If requested in the RFP or other specifications, evidence of compliance with the minimum qualifications as established by the Committee must be submitted with the proposal.

Evaluation Criteria. The factors established for the evaluation of Auditing Services by the Committee shall include, but are not limited to:

Ability of personnel;

Experience;

Ability to furnish the required services; and

Such other factors as may be determined by the Committee to be applicable to its particular requirements.

The Committee may also choose to consider compensation as a factor. If the Committee establishes compensation as one of the factors, compensation shall not be the sole or predominant factor used to evaluate proposals.

Public Announcement. After identifying the factors to be used in evaluating the proposals for Auditing Services as set forth in section (2) of this Rule, the Committee shall publicly announce the opportunity to provide Auditing Services. Such public announcement shall include a brief description of the audit and how interested firms can apply for consideration and obtain the RFP. The notice shall appear in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located. The public announcement shall allow for at least seven (7) days for the submission of proposals.

Request for Proposals. The Committee shall provide interested firms with a Request for Proposals (“RFP”). The RFP shall provide information on how proposals are to be evaluated and such other information the Committee determines is necessary for the firm to prepare a proposal. The RFP shall state the time and place for submitting proposals, which may be submitted either electronically or via hard copy as determined by the District and provided for in the RFP. For the avoidance of doubt, the Proposals shall not be required to be publicly opened at the date, time, and place provided for in the RFP relative to the submission of Proposals.

Committee’s Evaluation of Proposals and Recommendation. The Committee shall meet at a publicly held meeting that is publicly noticed for a reasonable time in advance of the meeting to evaluate all qualified proposals and may, as part of the evaluation, require that each interested firm provide a public presentation where the Committee may conduct discussions with the firm, and where the firm may present information, regarding the firm’s qualifications. At the public meeting, the Committee shall rank and recommend in order of preference no fewer than three firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to perform the required services after considering the factors established pursuant to subsection (2)(b) of this Rule. If fewer than three firms respond to the RFP or if no firms respond to the RFP, the Committee shall recommend such firm as it deems to be the most highly qualified. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may recommend that any and all proposals be rejected.

Board Selection of Auditor.

Where compensation was not selected as a factor used in evaluating the proposals, the Board shall negotiate with the firm ranked first and inquire of that firm as to the basis of compensation. If the Board is unable to negotiate a satisfactory agreement with the first ranked firm at a price deemed by the Board to be fair, competitive, and reasonable, then negotiations with that firm shall be terminated and the Board shall immediately begin negotiations with the second ranked firm. If a satisfactory agreement with the second ranked firm cannot be reached, those negotiations shall be terminated and negotiations with the third ranked firm shall be undertaken. The Board may reopen formal negotiations with any one of the three top-ranked firms, but it may not negotiate with more than one firm at a time. If the Board is unable to negotiate a satisfactory agreement with any of the selected firms, the Committee shall recommend additional firms in order of the firms’ respective competence and qualifications. Negotiations shall continue, beginning with the first-named firm on the list, until an agreement is reached or the list of firms is exhausted.
Where compensation was selected as a factor used in evaluating the proposals, the Board shall select the highest-ranked qualified firm or document in its public records the reason for not selecting the highest-ranked qualified firm.

In negotiations with firms under this Rule, the Board may allow the District Manager, District Counsel, or other designee to conduct negotiations on its behalf.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may reject any or all proposals. The Board shall not consider any proposal, or enter into any contract for Auditing Services, unless the proposed agreed-upon compensation is

reasonable to satisfy the requirements of Section 218.39 of the Florida Statutes, and the needs of the District.

Contract. Any agreement reached under this Rule shall be evidenced by a written contract, which may take the form of an engagement letter signed and executed by both parties. The written contract shall include all provisions and conditions of the procurement of such services and shall include, at a minimum, the following:

A provision specifying the services to be provided and fees or other compensation for such services;

A provision requiring that invoices for fees or other compensation be submitted in sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with the terms of the contract;

A provision setting forth deadlines for the auditor to submit a preliminary draft audit report to the District for review and to submit a final audit report no later than June 30 of the fiscal year that follows the fiscal year for which the audit is being conducted;

A provision specifying the contract period, including renewals, and conditions under which the contract may be terminated or renewed. The maximum contract period including renewals shall be five (5) years. A renewal may be done without the use of the auditor selection procedures provided in this Rule but must be in writing.
Provisions required by law that require the auditor to comply with public records laws.

Notice of Award. Once a negotiated agreement with a firm or individual is reached, or the Board authorizes the execution of an agreement with a firm where compensation was a factor in the evaluation of proposals, notice of the intent to award, including the rejection of some or all proposals, shall be provided in writing to all proposers by e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery service. The District may alternatively post the notice of intent to award on its website at the conclusion of the Board meeting where the proposals were evaluated if so provided for in the RFP. The notice shall include the following statement: “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Rule 3.11 of the Rules of the District shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under those Rules,” or wording to that effect. Protests regarding the award of contracts under this Rule shall be as provided for in Rule 3.11. No proposer shall be entitled to recover any costs of proposal preparation or submittal from the District.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat. Law Implemented: §§ 119.0701, 218.33, 218.391, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.3	Purchase of Insurance.

Scope. The purchases of life, health, accident, hospitalization, legal expense, or annuity insurance, or all of any kinds of such insurance for the officers and employees of the District, and for health, accident, hospitalization, and legal expenses upon a group insurance plan by the District, shall be governed by this Rule. This Rule does not apply to the purchase of any other type of insurance by the District, including but not limited to liability insurance, property insurance, and directors and officers insurance. Nothing in this Rule shall require the District to purchase insurance.

Procedure. For a purchase of insurance within the scope of these Rules, the following procedure shall be followed:

The Board shall cause to be prepared a Notice of Invitation to Bid.

Notice of the Invitation to Bid shall be advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located. The notice shall allow at least fourteen (14) days for submittal of bids.

The District may maintain a list of persons interested in receiving notices of Invitations to Bid. The District shall make reasonable efforts to provide copies of any notices to such persons, but the failure to do so shall not give such consultants any bid protest or other rights or otherwise disqualify any otherwise valid procurement process.
Bids shall be opened at the time and place noted in the Invitation to Bid.

If only one (1) response to an Invitation is received, the District may proceed with the purchase. If no response to an Invitation to Bid is received, the District may take whatever steps are reasonably necessary in order to proceed with the purchase.

The Board has the right to reject any and all bids and such reservations shall be included in all solicitations and advertisements.
Simultaneously with the review of the submitted bids, the District may undertake negotiations with those companies that have submitted reasonable and timely bids and, in the opinion of the District, are fully qualified and capable of meeting all services and requirements. Bid responses shall be evaluated in accordance with the specifications and criteria contained in the Invitation to Bid; in addition, the total cost to the District, the cost, if any, to the District officers, employees, or their dependents, the geographic location of the company’s headquarters and offices in relation to the District, and the ability of the company to guarantee

premium stability may be considered. A contract to purchase insurance shall be awarded to that company whose response to the Invitation to Bid best meets the overall needs of the District, its officers, employees, and/or dependents.

Notice of the intent to award, including rejection of some or all bids, shall be provided in writing to all proposers by e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery service. The District may alternatively post the notice of intent to award on its website at the conclusion of the Board meeting where the proposals were evaluated if so provided for in the Invitation to Bid. The notice shall include the following statement: “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Rule 3.11 of the Rules of the District shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under those Rules,” or wording to that effect. Protests of the District’s procurement of insurance under this Rule shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule 3.11.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat. Law Implemented: § 112.08, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.4	Pre-qualification

Scope. In its discretion, the District may undertake a pre-qualification process in accordance with this Rule for vendors to provide construction services, goods, supplies, and materials, Contractual Services, and maintenance services.

Procedure. When the District seeks to pre-qualify vendors, the following procedures shall apply:

The Board shall cause to be prepared a Request for Qualifications.

For construction services exceeding the thresholds described in Section
255.20 of the Florida Statutes, the Board must advertise the proposed pre-qualification criteria and procedures and allow at least seven (7) days’ notice of the public hearing for comments on such pre-qualification criteria and procedures. At such public hearing, potential vendors may object to such pre-qualification criteria and procedures. Following such public hearing, the Board shall formally adopt pre-qualification criteria and procedures prior to the advertisement of the Request for Qualifications for construction services.

The Request for Qualifications shall be advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the project is located. The notice shall allow at least seven (7) days for submittal of qualifications for goods, supplies and materials, Contractual Services, maintenance services, and construction services under two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000). The notice shall allow at least twenty-one (21) days for submittal of qualifications for construction services estimated to cost over two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) and thirty (30) days for construction services estimated to cost over five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
The District may maintain lists of persons interested in receiving notices of Requests for Qualifications. The District shall make a good faith effort to provide written notice, by e-mail, United States Mail, hand delivery, to persons who provide their name and address to the District Manager for inclusion on the list. However, failure of a person to receive the notice shall not invalidate any pre-qualification determination or contract awarded in accordance with these Rules and shall not be a basis for a protest of any pre-qualification determination or contract award.

If the District has pre-qualified vendors for a particular category of purchase, at the option of the District, only those persons who have been pre-qualified will be eligible to submit bids, proposals, replies or responses in response to the applicable Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation.

In order to be eligible to submit qualifications, a firm or individual must, at the time of receipt of the qualifications:

Hold all required applicable state professional licenses in good standing;

Hold all required applicable federal licenses in good standing, if any;

Hold a current and active Florida corporate charter or be authorized to do business in the State of Florida in accordance with Chapter 607 of the Florida Statutes, if the vendor is a corporation; and

Meet any special pre-qualification requirements set forth in the Request for Qualifications.

Evidence of compliance with these Rules must be submitted with the qualifications if required by the District. Failure to submit evidence of compliance when required may be grounds for rejection of the qualifications.

Qualifications shall be presented to the Board, or a committee appointed by the Board, for evaluation in accordance with the Request for Qualifications and this Rule. Minor variations in the qualifications may be waived by the Board. A variation is minor if waiver of the variation does not create a competitive advantage or disadvantage of a material nature.
All vendors determined by the District to meet the pre-qualification requirements shall be pre-qualified. To assure full understanding of the responsiveness to the requirements contained in a Request for Qualifications, discussions may be conducted with qualified vendors. Vendors shall be accorded fair treatment prior to the submittal date with respect to any opportunity for discussion and revision of qualifications. For construction services, any contractor pre-qualified and considered eligible by the Department of Transportation to bid to perform the type of work the project entails shall be presumed to be qualified to perform the project.

The Board shall have the right to reject all qualifications if there are not enough to be competitive or if rejection is determined to be in the best interest of the District. No vendor shall be entitled to recover any costs of qualification preparation or submittal from the District.

If the selection process is administered by any person or committee other than the full Board, the selection made will be presented to the full Board with a recommendation that competitive negotiations be instituted with the selected firms in order of preference listed.

Notice of intent to pre-qualify, including rejection of some or all qualifications, shall be provided in writing to all proposers by e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery service. The District may alternatively post the notice of intent to award on its website at the conclusion of the Board meeting where the proposals were evaluated if so provided for in the Request for Qualifications. The notice shall include the following statement: “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Rule 3.11 of the Rules of the District shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under those Rules,” or wording to that effect. Protests of the District’s pre-qualification decisions under this Rule shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule
3.11; provided however, protests related to the pre-qualification criteria and procedures for construction services shall be resolved in accordance with section (2)(b) of this Rule and Section 255.20(1)(b) of the Florida Statutes.

Suspension, Revocation, or Denial of Qualification
The District, for good cause, may deny, suspend, or revoke a prequalified vendor’s pre-qualified status. A suspension, revocation, or denial for good cause shall prohibit the vendor from bidding on any District construction contract for which qualification is required, shall constitute a determination of non-responsibility to bid on any other District construction or maintenance contract, and shall prohibit the vendor from acting as a material supplier or subcontractor on any District contract or project during the period of suspension, revocation, or denial. Good cause shall include the following:
One of the circumstances specified under Section 337.16(2), Fla. Stat., has occurred.

Affiliated contractors submitted more than one proposal for the same work. In this event the pre-qualified status of all of the affiliated bidders will be revoked, suspended, or denied. All bids of affiliated bidders will be rejected.

The vendor made or submitted false, deceptive, or fraudulent statements, certifications, or materials in any claim for payment or any information required by any District contract.

The vendor or its affiliate defaulted on any contract or a contract surety assumed control of financial responsibility for any contract of the vendor.

The vendor’s qualification to bid is suspended, revoked, or denied by any other public or semi-public entity, or the vendor has been the

subject of a civil enforcement proceeding or settlement involving a public or semi-public entity.

The vendor failed to comply with contract or warranty requirements or failed to follow District direction in the performance of a contract.

The vendor failed to timely furnish all contract documents required by the contract specifications, special provisions, or by any state or federal statutes or regulations. If the vendor fails to furnish any of the subject contract documents by the expiration of the period of suspension, revocation, or denial set forth above, the vendor’s pre-qualified status shall remain suspended, revoked, or denied until the documents are furnished.

The vendor failed to notify the District within 10 days of the vendor, or any of its affiliates, being declared in default or otherwise not completing work on a contract or being suspended from qualification to bid or denied qualification to bid by any other public or semi-public agency.

The vendor did not pay its subcontractors or suppliers in a timely manner or in compliance with contract documents.
The vendor has demonstrated instances of poor or unsatisfactory performance, deficient management resulting in project delay, poor quality workmanship, a history of payment of liquidated damages, untimely completion of projects, uncooperative attitude, contract litigation, inflated claims or defaults.
An affiliate of the vendor has previously been determined by the District to be non-responsible, and the specified period of suspension, revocation, denial, or non-responsibility remains in effect.

The vendor or affiliate(s) has been convicted of a contract crime.
The term “contract crime” means any violation of state or federal antitrust laws with respect to a public contract or any violation of any state or federal law involving fraud, bribery, collusion, conspiracy, or material misrepresentation with respect to a public contract.

The term “convicted” or “conviction” means a finding of guilt or a conviction of a contract crime, with or without an adjudication of guilt, in any federal or state trial court of

record as a result of a jury verdict, nonjury trial, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere.

A denial, suspension, or revocation shall prohibit the vendor from being a subcontractor on District work during the period of denial, suspension, or revocation, except when a prime contractor’s bid has used prices of a subcontractor who becomes disqualified after the bid, but before the request for authorization to sublet is presented.
The District shall inform the vendor in writing of its intent to deny, suspend, or revoke its pre-qualified status and inform the vendor of its right to a hearing, the procedure which must be followed, and the applicable time limits. If a hearing is requested within 10 days after the receipt of the notice of intent, the hearing shall be held within 30 days after receipt by the District of the request for the hearing. The decision shall be issued within 15 days after the hearing.
Such suspension or revocation shall not affect the vendor’s obligations under any preexisting contract.
In the case of contract crimes, the vendor’s pre-qualified status under this Rule shall be revoked indefinitely. For all violations of Rule 3.4(3)(a) other than for the vendor’s conviction for contract crimes, the revocation, denial, or suspension of a vendor’s pre-qualified status under this Rule shall be for a specific period of time based on the seriousness of the deficiency.
Examples of factors affecting the seriousness of a deficiency are:
Impacts on project schedule, cost, or quality of work;
Unsafe conditions allowed to exist;
Complaints from the public;
Delay or interference with the bidding process;
The potential for repetition;
Integrity of the public contracting process;
Effect on the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat. Law Implemented: §§ 190.033, 255.0525, 255.20, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.5	Construction Contracts, Not Design-Build.

Scope. All contracts for the construction or improvement of any building, structure, or other public construction works authorized by Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes, the costs of which are estimated by the District in accordance with generally accepted cost accounting principles to be in excess of the threshold amount for applicability of Section 255.20 of the Florida Statutes, as that amount may be indexed or amended from time to time, shall be let under the terms of these Rules and the procedures of Section 255.20 of the Florida Statutes, as the same may be amended from time to time. A project shall not be divided solely to avoid the threshold bidding requirements.

Procedure. When a purchase of construction services is within the scope of this Rule, the following procedures shall apply:

The Board shall cause to be prepared an Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation.

Notice of the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation shall be advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located. The notice shall also include the amount of the bid bond, if one is required. The notice shall allow at least twenty-one (21) days for submittal of sealed bids, proposals, replies, or responses, unless the Board, for good cause, determines a shorter period of time is appropriate. Any project projected to cost more than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) must be noticed at least thirty (30) days prior to the date for submittal of bids, proposals, replies, or responses. If the Board has previously pre-qualified contractors pursuant to Rule 3.4 and determined that only the contractors that have been pre-qualified will be permitted to submit bids, proposals, replies, and responses, the Notice of Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation need not be published. Instead, the Notice of Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation shall be sent to the pre-qualified contractors by e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery service.

The District may maintain lists of persons interested in receiving notices of Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposals, Invitations to Negotiate, and Competitive Solicitations. The District shall make a good faith effort to provide written notice, by e-mail, United States Mail, hand delivery, or to persons who provide their name and address to the District Manager for inclusion on the list. However, failure of a person to receive the notice shall not invalidate any contract awarded in accordance with this Rule and shall not be a basis for a protest of any contract award.

If the District has pre-qualified providers of construction services, then, at the option of the District, only those persons who have been pre-qualified will be eligible to submit bids, proposals, replies, or responses to Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposals, Invitations to Negotiate, and Competitive Solicitations.

In order to be eligible to submit a bid, proposal, reply, or response, a firm or individual must, at the time of receipt of the bids, proposals, replies, or responses:

Hold all required applicable state professional licenses in good standing;

Hold all required applicable federal licenses in good standing, if any;

Hold a current and active Florida corporate charter or be authorized to do business in the State of Florida in accordance with Chapter 607 of the Florida Statutes, if the bidder is a corporation; and

Meet any special pre-qualification requirements set forth in the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation.
Any contractor that has been found guilty by a court of any violation of federal labor or employment tax laws regarding subjects including but not limited to, reemployment assistance, safety, tax withholding, worker’s compensation, unemployment tax, social security and Medicare tax, wage or hour, or prevailing rate laws within the past 5 years may be considered ineligible by the District to submit a bid, response, or proposal for a District project.

Evidence of compliance with these Rules must be submitted with the bid, proposal, reply, or response, if required by the District. Failure to submit evidence of compliance when required may be grounds for rejection of the bid, proposal, reply, or response.
Bids, proposals, replies, and responses, or the portions of which that include the price, shall be publicly opened at a meeting noticed in accordance with Rule 1.3, and at which at least one district representative is present. The name of each bidder and the price submitted in the bid shall be announced at such meeting and shall be made available upon request. Minutes should be taken at the meeting and maintained by the District. Bids, proposals, replies, and responses shall be evaluated in accordance with the respective Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or

Competitive Solicitation and these Rules. Minor variations in the bids, proposals, replies, or responses may be waived by the Board. A variation is minor if waiver of the variation does not create a competitive advantage or disadvantage of a material nature. Mistakes in arithmetic extension of pricing may be corrected by the Board. Bids and proposals may not be modified or supplemented after opening; provided however, additional information may be requested and/or provided to evidence compliance, make non-material modifications, clarifications, or supplementations, and as otherwise permitted by Florida law.

The lowest Responsive Bid submitted by a Responsive and Responsible Bidder in response to an Invitation to Bid shall be accepted. In relation to a Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation, the Board shall select the Responsive Proposal, Reply, or Response submitted by a Responsive and Responsible Vendor which is most advantageous to the District. To assure full understanding of the responsiveness to the solicitation requirements contained in a Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation, discussions may be conducted with qualified vendors. Vendors shall be accorded fair treatment prior to the submittal date with respect to any opportunity for discussion, preparation, and revision of bids, proposals, replies, and responses.

The Board shall have the right to reject all bids, proposals, replies, or responses because they exceed the amount of funds budgeted for the purchase, if there are not enough to be competitive, or if rejection is determined to be in the best interest of the District. No contractor shall be entitled to recover any costs of bid, proposal, response, or reply preparation or submittal from the District.
The Board may require potential contractors to furnish bid bonds, performance bonds, and/or other bonds with a responsible surety to be approved by the Board.
If less than three (3) Responsive Bids, Proposals, Replies, or Responses are received, the District may purchase construction services or may reject the bids, proposals, replies, or responses for a lack of competitiveness. If no Responsive Bid, Proposal, Reply, or Response is received, the District may proceed with the procurement of construction services, in the manner the Board determines is in the best interests of the District, which may include but is not limited to a direct purchase of the construction services without further competitive selection processes.

If the selection process is administered by any person or committee other than the full Board, the selection made will be presented to the full Board

with a recommendation that competitive negotiations be instituted with the selected firms in order of preference listed.

Notice of intent to award, including rejection of some or all bids, proposals, replies, or responses, shall be provided in writing to all proposers by e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery service. The District may alternatively post the notice of intent to award on its website at the conclusion of the Board meeting where the proposals were evaluated if so provided for in the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation. The notice shall include the following statement: “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Rule 3.11 of the Rules of the District shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under those Rules,” or wording to that effect. Protests of the District’s purchase of construction services under this Rule shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule 3.11.

Sole Source; Government. Construction services that are only available from a single source are exempt from this Rule. Construction services provided by governmental agencies are exempt from this Rule. This Rule shall not apply to the purchase of construction services, which may include goods, supplies, or materials, that are purchased under a federal, state, or local government contract that has been competitively procured by such federal, state, or local government in a manner consistent with the material procurement requirements of these Rules. A contract for construction services is exempt from this Rule if state or federal law prescribes with whom the District must contract or if the rate of payment is established during the appropriation process.
Contracts; Public Records. In accordance with Florida law, each contract entered into pursuant to this Rule shall include provisions required by law that require the contractor to comply with public records laws.

Emergency Purchases. The District may make an Emergency Purchase without complying with these rules. The fact that an Emergency Purchase has occurred or is necessary shall be noted in the minutes of the next Board Meeting.
Exceptions. This Rule is inapplicable when:
The project is undertaken as repair or maintenance of an existing public facility;

The funding source of the project will be diminished or lost because the time required to competitively award the project after the funds become available exceeds the time within which the funding source must be spent;

The District has competitively awarded a project and the contractor has abandoned the project or the District has terminated the contract; or

The District, after public notice, conducts a public meeting under Section
286.011 of the Florida Statutes, and finds by a majority vote of the Board that it is in the public’s best interest to perform the project using its own services, employees, and equipment.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.
Law Implemented: §§ 119.0701, 189.053, 190.033, 255.0518, 255.0525, 255.20, 287.055, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.6	Construction Contracts, Design-Build.

Scope. The District may utilize Design-Build Contracts for any public construction project for which the Board determines that use of such contract is in the best interest of the District. When letting a Design-Build Contract, the District shall use the following procedure:

Procedure.

The District shall utilize a Design Criteria Professional meeting the requirements of Section 287.055(2)(k) of the Florida Statutes, when developing a Design Criteria Package, evaluating the proposals and qualifications submitted by Design-Build Firms, and determining compliance of the project construction with the Design Criteria Package. The Design Criteria Professional may be an employee of the District, may be the District Engineer selected by the District pursuant to Section 287.055 of the Florida Statutes, or may be retained pursuant to Rule 3.1. The Design Criteria Professional is not eligible to render services under a Design-Build Contract executed pursuant to the Design Criteria Package.

A Design Criteria Package for the construction project shall be prepared and sealed by the Design Criteria Professional. If the project utilizes existing plans, the Design Criteria Professional shall create a Design Criteria Package by supplementing the plans with project specific requirements, if any.
The Board may either choose to award the Design-Build Contract pursuant to the competitive proposal selection process set forth in Section 287.055(9) of the Florida Statutes, or pursuant to the qualifications-based selection process pursuant to Rule 3.1.

Qualifications-Based Selection. If the process set forth in Rule 3.1 is utilized, subsequent to competitive negotiations, a guaranteed maximum price and guaranteed completion date shall be established.
Competitive Proposal-Based Selection. If the competitive proposal selection process is utilized, the Board, in consultation with the Design Criteria Professional, shall establish the criteria, standards and procedures for the evaluation of Design-Build Proposals based on price, technical, and design aspects of the project, weighted for the project. After a Design Criteria Package and the standards and procedures for evaluation of proposals have been developed, competitive proposals from qualified firms shall be solicited pursuant to the design criteria by the following procedure:

A Request for Proposals shall be advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the project is located. The notice shall allow at least twenty-one (21) days for submittal of sealed proposals, unless the Board, for good cause, determines a shorter period of time is appropriate. Any project projected to cost more than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) must be noticed at least thirty (30) days prior to the date for submittal of proposals.

The District may maintain lists of persons interested in receiving notices of Requests for Proposals. The District shall make a good faith effort to provide written notice, by e-mail, United States Mail, hand delivery, to persons who provide their name and address to the District Manager for inclusion on the list. However, failure of a person to receive the notice shall not invalidate any contract awarded in accordance with this Rule and shall not be a basis for a protest of any contract award.

In order to be eligible to submit a proposal, a firm must, at the time of receipt of the proposals:
Hold the required applicable state professional licenses in good standing, as defined by Section 287.055(2)(h) of the Florida Statutes;
Hold all required applicable federal licenses in good standing, if any;

Hold a current and active Florida corporate charter or be authorized to do business in the State of Florida in accordance with Chapter 607 of the Florida Statutes, if the proposer is a corporation;

Meet any special pre-qualification requirements set forth in the Request for Proposals and Design Criteria Package.

Any contractor that has been found guilty by a court of any violation of federal labor or employment tax laws regarding subjects including but not limited to reemployment assistance, safety, tax withholding, worker’s compensation, unemployment tax, social security and Medicare tax, wage or hour, or prevailing rate laws within the past 5 years may

be considered ineligible by the District to submit a bid, response, or proposal for a District project.

Evidence of compliance with these Rules must be submitted with the proposal if required by the District. Failure to submit evidence of compliance when required may be grounds for rejection of the proposal.

The proposals, or the portions of which that include the price, shall be publicly opened at a meeting noticed in accordance with Rule 1.3, and at which at least one district representative is present. The name of each bidder and the price submitted in the bid shall be announced at such meeting and shall be made available upon request. Minutes should be taken at the meeting and maintained by the District. In consultation with the Design Criteria Professional, the Board shall evaluate the proposals received based on evaluation criteria and procedures established prior to the solicitation of proposals, including but not limited to qualifications, availability, and past work of the firms and the partners and members thereof. The Board shall then select no fewer than three (3) Design-Build Firms as the most qualified.

The Board shall have the right to reject all proposals if the proposals are too high, or rejection is determined to be in the best interest of the District. No vendor shall be entitled to recover any costs of proposal preparation or submittal from the District.
If less than three (3) Responsive Proposals are received, the District may purchase design-build services or may reject the proposals for lack of competitiveness. If no Responsive Proposals are received, the District may proceed with the procurement of design-build services in the manner the Board determines is in the best interests of the District, which may include but is not limited to a direct purchase of the design-build services without further competitive selection processes.

Notice of the rankings adopted by the Board, including the rejection of some or all proposals, shall be provided in writing to all proposers by e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery service. The District may alternatively post the notice of intent to award on its website at the conclusion of

the Board meeting where the proposals were evaluated if so provided for in the Design Criteria Package. The notice shall include the following statement: “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Rule 3.11 of the Rules of the District shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under those Rules,” or wording to that effect. Protests of the District’s rankings under this Rule shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule 3.11.

The Board shall negotiate a contract with the firm ranking the highest based on the evaluation standards and shall establish a price which the Board determines is fair, competitive and reasonable. Should the Board be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm considered to be the most qualified at a price considered by the Board to be fair, competitive, and reasonable, negotiations with that firm must be terminated. The Board shall then undertake negotiations with the second most qualified firm, based on the ranking by the evaluation standards. Should the Board be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm considered to be the second most qualified at a price considered by the Board to be fair, competitive, and reasonable, negotiations with that firm must be terminated. The Board shall then undertake negotiations with the third most qualified firm. Should the Board be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm considered to be the third most qualified at a price considered by the Board to be fair, competitive, and reasonable, negotiations with that firm must be terminated. Should the Board be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the selected firms, the Board shall select additional firms in order of their rankings based on the evaluation standards and continue negotiations until an agreement is reached or the list of firms is exhausted.
After the Board contracts with a firm, the firm shall bring to the Board for approval, detailed working drawings of the project.

The Design Criteria Professional shall evaluate the compliance of the detailed working drawings and project construction with the Design Criteria Package and shall provide the Board with a report of the same.

Contracts; Public Records. In accordance with Florida law, each contract entered into pursuant to this Rule shall include provisions required by law that require the contractor to comply with public records laws.

Emergency Purchase. The Board may, in case of public emergency, declare an emergency and immediately proceed with negotiations with the best qualified Design-Build Firm available at the time. The fact that an Emergency Purchase has occurred shall be noted in the minutes of the next Board meeting.

Exceptions. This Rule is inapplicable when:

The project is undertaken as repair or maintenance of an existing public facility;

The funding source of the project will be diminished or lost because the time required to competitively award the project after the funds become available exceeds the time within which the funding source must be spent;

The District has competitively awarded a project and the contractor has abandoned the project or the District has terminated the contractor; or

The District, after public notice, conducts a public meeting under Section
286.011 of the Florida Statutes, and finds by a majority vote of the Board that it is in the public’s best interest to perform the project using its own services, employees, and equipment.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.
Law Implemented: §§ 119.0701, 189.053, 190.033, 255.0518, 255.0525, 255.20, 287.055, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.7	Payment and Performance Bonds.

Scope. This Rule shall apply to contracts for the construction of a public building, for the prosecution and completion of a public work, or for repairs upon a public building or public work and shall be construed in addition to terms prescribed by any other Rule that may also apply to such contracts.

Required Bond. Upon entering into a contract for any of the services described in section (1) of this Rule in excess of $200,000, the Board shall require that the contractor, before commencing the work, execute and record a payment and performance bond, or other acceptable surety, in an amount equal to the contract price. Notwithstanding the terms of the contract or any other law, the District may not make payment to the contractor until the contractor has provided to the District a certified copy of the recorded bond.

Discretionary Bond. At the discretion of the Board, upon entering into a contract for any of the services described in section (1) of this Rule for an amount not exceeding $200,000, the contractor may be exempted from executing a payment and performance bond.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat. Law Implemented: § 255.05, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.8	Goods, Supplies, and Materials.

Purpose and Scope. All purchases of goods, supplies, or materials exceeding the amount provided in Section 287.017 of the Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY FOUR, shall be purchased under the terms of this Rule. Contracts for purchases of “goods, supplies, and materials” do not include printing, insurance, advertising, or legal notices. A contract involving goods, supplies, or materials plus maintenance services may, in the discretion of the Board, be treated as a contract for maintenance services. However, a purchase shall not be divided solely in order to avoid the threshold bidding requirements.

Procedure. When a purchase of goods, supplies, or materials is within the scope of this Rule, the following procedures shall apply:

The Board shall cause to be prepared an Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation.

Notice of the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation shall be advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the District and within the county or counties in which the District is located. The notice shall also include the amount of the bid bond, if one is required. The notice shall allow at least seven (7) days for submittal of bids, proposals, replies, or responses.

The District may maintain lists of persons interested in receiving notices of Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposals, Invitations to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitations. The District shall make a good faith effort to provide written notice, by e-mail, United States Mail, hand delivery, to persons who provide their name and address to the District Manager for inclusion on the list. However, failure of a person to receive the notice shall not invalidate any contract awarded in accordance with this Rule and shall not be a basis for a protest of any contract award.
If the District has pre-qualified suppliers of goods, supplies, and materials, then, at the option of the District, only those persons who have been pre-qualified will be eligible to submit bids, proposals, replies, or responses.
In order to be eligible to submit a bid, proposal, reply, or response, a firm or individual must, at the time of receipt of the bids, proposals, replies, or responses:

Hold all required applicable state professional licenses in good standing;

Hold all required applicable federal licenses in good standing, if any;

Hold a current and active Florida corporate charter or be authorized to do business in the State of Florida in accordance with Chapter 607 of the Florida Statutes, if the vendor is a corporation; and

Meet any special pre-qualification requirements set forth in the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation.

Evidence of compliance with these Rules must be submitted with the bid, proposal, reply or response if required by the District. Failure to submit evidence of compliance when required may be grounds for rejection of the bid, proposal, reply, or response.

Any firm or individual whose principal place of business is outside the State of Florida must also submit a written opinion of an attorney at law licensed to practice law in that foreign state, as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of that foreign state to business entities whose principal places of business are in that foreign state, in the letting of any or all public contracts. Failure to submit such a written opinion or submission of a false or misleading written opinion may be grounds for rejection of the bid, proposal, reply, or response.

Bids, proposals, replies, and responses shall be publicly opened at the time and place noted on the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation. Bids, proposals, replies, and responses shall be evaluated in accordance with the respective Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation, and this Rule. Minor variations in the bids, proposals, replies, or responses may be waived by the Board. A variation is minor if waiver of the variation does not create a competitive advantage or disadvantage of a material nature. Mistakes in arithmetic extension of pricing may be corrected by the Board. Bids and proposals may not be modified or supplemented after opening; provided however, additional information may be requested and/or provided to evidence compliance, make non-material modifications, clarifications, or supplementations, and as otherwise permitted by Florida law.
The lowest Responsive Bid, after taking into account the preferences provided for in this subsection, submitted by a Responsive and Responsible Bidder in response to an Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation shall be accepted. If the lowest Responsive Bid is submitted by a Responsive and Responsible Bidder whose principal place of business is located in a foreign state which does not grant a preference in competitive purchase to businesses whose principal place of business are in that foreign state, the lowest Responsible and Responsive Bidder whose principal place of business is in the State of

Florida shall be awarded a preference of five (5) percent. If the lowest Responsive Bid is submitted by a Responsive and Responsible Bidder whose principal place of business is located in a foreign state which grants a preference in competitive purchase to businesses whose principal place of business are in that foreign state, the lowest Responsible and Responsive Bidder whose principal place of business is in the State of Florida shall be awarded a preference equal to the preference granted by such foreign state.

To assure full understanding of the responsiveness to the solicitation requirements contained in an Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation, discussions may be conducted with qualified vendors. Vendors shall be accorded fair treatment prior to the submittal date with respect to any opportunity for discussion, preparation, and revision of bids, proposals, replies, and responses.

The Board shall have the right to reject all bids, proposals, replies, or responses because they exceed the amount of funds budgeted for the purchase, if there are not enough to be competitive, or if rejection is determined to be in the best interest of the District. No vendor shall be entitled to recover any costs of bid, proposal, reply, or response preparation or submittal from the District.

The Board may require bidders and proposers to furnish bid bonds, performance bonds, and/or other bonds with a responsible surety to be approved by the Board.
Notice of intent to award, including rejection of some or all bids, proposals, replies, or responses shall be provided in writing to all proposers by e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery service. The District may alternatively post the notice of intent to award on its website at the conclusion of the Board meeting where the proposals were evaluated if so provided for in the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation. The notice shall include the following statement: “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Rule 3.11 of the Rules of the District shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under those Rules,” or wording to that effect. Protests of the District’s purchase of goods, supplies, and materials under this Rule shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule 3.11.

If less than three (3) Responsive Bids, Proposals, Replies, or Responses are received, the District may purchase goods, supplies, or materials, or may reject the bids, proposals, replies, or responses for a lack of competitiveness. If no Responsive Bid, Proposal, Reply, or Response is received, the District may proceed with the procurement of goods, supplies, and materials, in the manner the Board determines is in the best interests of the District, which

may include but is not limited to a direct purchase of the goods, supplies, and materials without further competitive selection processes.

Goods, Supplies, and Materials included in a Construction Contract Awarded Pursuant to Rule 3.5 or 3.6. There may be occasions where the District has undergone the competitive purchase of construction services which contract may include the provision of goods, supplies, or materials. In that instance, the District may approve a change order to the contract and directly purchase the goods, supplies, and materials. Such purchase of goods, supplies, and materials deducted from a competitively purchased construction contract shall be exempt from this Rule.

Exemption. Goods, supplies, and materials that are only available from a single source are exempt from this Rule. Goods, supplies, and materials provided by governmental agencies are exempt from this Rule. A contract for goods, supplies, or materials is exempt from this Rule if state or federal law prescribes with whom the District must contract or if the rate of payment is established during the appropriation process. This Rule shall not apply to the purchase of goods, supplies or materials that are purchased under a federal, state, or local government contract that has been competitively procured by such federal, state, or local government in a manner consistent with the material procurement requirements of these Rules.

Renewal. Contracts for the purchase of goods, supplies, and/or materials subject to this Rule may be renewed for a maximum period of five (5) years.
Emergency Purchases. The District may make an Emergency Purchase without complying with these rules. The fact that an Emergency Purchase has occurred or is necessary shall be noted in the minutes of the next Board meeting.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.
Law Implemented: §§ 189.053, 190.033, 287.017, 287.084, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.9	Maintenance Services.

Scope. All contracts for maintenance of any District facility or project shall be set under the terms of this Rule if the cost exceeds the amount provided in Section
287.017 of the Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY FOUR. A contract involving goods, supplies, and materials plus maintenance services may, in the discretion of the Board, be treated as a contract for maintenance services. However, a purchase shall not be divided solely in order to avoid the threshold bidding requirements.

Procedure. When a purchase of maintenance services is within the scope of this Rule, the following procedures shall apply:

The Board shall cause to be prepared an Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation.

Notice of the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation shall be advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or counties in which the District is located. The notice shall also include the amount of the bid bond, if one is required. The notice shall allow at least seven (7) days for submittal of bids, proposals, replies, or responses.

The District may maintain lists of persons interested in receiving notices of Invitations to Bid, Requests for Proposals, Invitations to Negotiate, and Competitive Solicitations. The District shall make a good faith effort to provide written notice, by e-mail, United States Mail, hand delivery, to persons who provide their name and address to the District Manager for inclusion on the list. However, failure of a person to receive the notice shall not invalidate any contract awarded in accordance with this Rule and shall not be a basis for a protest of any contract award.
If the District has pre-qualified suppliers of maintenance services, then, at the option of the District, only those persons who have been pre-qualified will be eligible to submit bids, proposals, replies, and responses.
In order to be eligible to submit a bid, proposal, reply, or response, a firm or individual must, at the time of receipt of the bids, proposals, replies, or responses:

Hold all required applicable state professional licenses in good standing;

Hold all required applicable federal licenses in good standing, if any;

Hold a current and active Florida corporate charter or be authorized to do business in the State of Florida in accordance with Chapter 607 of the Florida Statutes, if the vendor is a corporation; and

Meet any special pre-qualification requirements set forth in the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation.

Evidence of compliance with these Rules must be submitted with the bid, proposal, reply, or response if required by the District. Failure to submit evidence of compliance when required may be grounds for rejection of the bid, proposal, reply, or response.

Bids, proposals, replies, and responses shall be publicly opened at the time and place noted on the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation. Bids, proposals, replies, and responses shall be evaluated in accordance with the respective Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation, and these Rules. Minor variations in the bids, proposals, replies, and responses may be waived by the Board. A variation is minor if waiver of the variation does not create a competitive advantage or disadvantage of a material nature. Mistakes in arithmetic extension of pricing may be corrected by the Board. Bids and proposals may not be modified or supplemented after opening; provided however, additional information may be requested and/or provided to evidence compliance, make non-material modifications, clarifications, or supplementations, and as otherwise permitted by Florida law.
The lowest Responsive Bid submitted in response to an Invitation to Bid by a Responsive and Responsible Bidder shall be accepted. In relation to a Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate or Competitive Solicitation the Board shall select the Responsive Proposal, Reply, or Response submitted by a Responsive and Responsible Vendor which is most advantageous to the District. To assure full understanding of the responsiveness to the solicitation requirements contained in a Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation, discussions may be conducted with qualified vendors. Vendors shall be accorded fair treatment prior to the submittal date with respect to any opportunity for discussion, preparation, and revision of bids, proposals, replies, or responses.

The Board shall have the right to reject all bids, proposals, replies, or responses because they exceed the amount of funds budgeted for the purchase, if there are not enough to be competitive, or if rejection is determined to be in the best interest of the District. No Vendor shall be

entitled to recover any costs of bid, proposal, reply, or response preparation or submittal from the District.

The Board may require bidders and proposers to furnish bid bonds, performance bonds, and/or other bonds with a responsible surety to be approved by the Board.

Notice of intent to award, including rejection of some or all bids, proposals, replies, or responses shall be provided in writing to all proposers by e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, hand delivery, or overnight delivery service. The District may alternatively post the notice of intent to award on its website at the conclusion of the Board meeting where the proposals were evaluated if so provided for in the Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation. The notice shall include the following statement: “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Rule 3.11 of the Rules of the District shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under those Rules,” or wording to that effect. Protests of the District’s procurement of maintenance services under this Rule shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in Rule 3.11.

If less than three (3) Responsive Bids, Proposals, Replies, or Responses are received, the District may purchase the maintenance services or may reject the bids, proposals, replies, or responses for a lack of competitiveness. If no Responsive Bid, Proposal, Reply, or Response is received, the District may proceed with the procurement of maintenance services, in the manner the Board determines is in the best interests of the District, which may include but is not limited to a direct purchase of the maintenance services without further competitive selection processes.
Exemptions. Maintenance services that are only available from a single source are exempt from this Rule. Maintenance services provided by governmental agencies are exempt from this Rule. A contract for maintenance services is exempt from this Rule if state or federal law prescribes with whom the District must contract or if the rate of payment is established during the appropriation process.

Renewal. Contracts for the purchase of maintenance services subject to this Rule may be renewed for a maximum period of five (5) years.

Contracts; Public Records. In accordance with Florida law, each contract entered into pursuant to this Rule shall include provisions required by law that require the contractor to comply with public records laws.

Emergency Purchases. The District may make an Emergency Purchase without complying with these rules. The fact that an Emergency Purchase has occurred or is necessary shall be noted in the minutes of the next Board meeting.
Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), 190.033, Fla. Stat.

Law Implemented: §§ 119.0701, 190.033, 287.017, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.10	Contractual Services.

Exemption from Competitive Purchase. Pursuant to Section 190.033(3) of the Florida Statutes, Contractual Services shall not be subject to competitive purchasing requirements. If an agreement is predominantly for Contractual Services, but also includes maintenance services or the purchase of goods and services, the contract shall not be subject to competitive purchasing requirements. Regardless of whether an advertisement or solicitation for Contractual Services is identified as an Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Negotiate, or Competitive Solicitation, no rights or remedies under these Rules, including but not limited to protest rights, are conferred on persons, firms, or vendors proposing to provide Contractual Services to the District.

Contracts; Public Records. In accordance with Florida law, each contract for Contractual Services shall include provisions required by law that require the contractor to comply with public records laws.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.
Law Implemented: §§ 119.0701, 190.011(3), 190.033, Fla. Stat.

Rule 3.11	Protests with Respect to Proceedings under Rules 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8,
and 3.9.

The resolution of any protests with respect to proceedings under Rules 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, and 3.9 shall be in accordance with this Rule.

Filing.

With respect to a protest regarding qualifications, specifications, documentation, or other requirements contained in a Request for Qualifications, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Bid, or Competitive Solicitation issued by the District, the notice of protest shall be filed in writing within seventy-two (72) calendar hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays) after the first advertisement of the Request for Qualifications, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Bid, or Competitive Solicitation. A formal protest setting forth with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based shall be filed within seven (7) calendar days (including Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays) after the initial notice of protest was filed. For purposes of this Rule, wherever applicable, filing will be perfected and deemed to have occurred upon receipt by the District. Failure to file a notice of protest shall constitute a waiver of all rights to protest the District’s intended decision. Failure to file a formal written protest shall constitute an abandonment of the protest proceedings and shall automatically terminate the protest proceedings.
Except for those situations covered by subsection (1)(a) of this Rule, any firm or person who is affected adversely by a District’s ranking or intended award under Rules 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, or 3.9 and desires to contest the District’s ranking or intended award, shall file with the District a written notice of protest within seventy-two (72) calendar hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays) after receipt of the notice of the District’s ranking or intended award or after posting on the District’s website if so provided for in the Request for Qualifications, Request for Proposals, Invitation to Bid, or Competitive Solicitation. A formal protest setting forth with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based shall be filed within seven (7) calendar days (including Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays) after the initial notice of protest was filed. For purposes of this Rule, wherever applicable, filing will be perfected and deemed to have occurred upon receipt by the District. Failure to file a notice of protest shall constitute a waiver of all rights to protest the District’s ranking or intended award. Failure to file a formal written protest shall constitute an abandonment of the protest proceedings and shall automatically terminate the protest proceedings.

If the requirement for the posting of a protest bond and the amount of the protest bond, which may be expressed by a percentage of the contract to be

awarded or a set amount, is disclosed in the District’s competitive solicitation documents for a particular purchase under Rules 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, or 3.9, any person who files a notice of protest must post the protest bond. The amount and form of the protest bond shall be determined by District staff after consultation with the Board and within the limits, if any, imposed by Florida law. In the event the protest is successful, the protest bond shall be refunded to the protestor. In the event the protest is unsuccessful, the protest bond shall be applied towards the District’s costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees associated with hearing and defending the protest. In the event the protest is settled by mutual agreement of the parties, the protest bond shall be distributed as agreed to by the District and protestor.

The District does not accept documents filed by e-mail or facsimile transmission. Filings are only accepted during normal business hours.

Contract Execution. Upon receipt of a notice of protest which has been timely filed, the District shall not execute the contract under protest until the subject of the protest is resolved. However, if the District sets forth in writing particular facts and circumstances showing that delay incident to protest proceedings will jeopardize the funding for the project, will materially increase the cost of the project, or will create an immediate and serious danger to the public health, safety, or welfare, the contract may be executed.

Informal Proceeding. If the Board determines a protest does not involve a disputed issue of material fact, the Board may, but is not obligated to, schedule an informal proceeding to consider the protest. Such informal proceeding shall be at a time and place determined by the Board. Notice of such proceeding shall be sent via e-mail (with a delivery and read receipt), United States Mail, or hand delivery to the protestor and any substantially affected persons or parties not less than three (3) calendar days prior to such informal proceeding. Within thirty (30) calendar days following the informal proceeding, the Board shall issue a written decision setting forth the factual, legal, and policy grounds for its decision.
Formal Proceeding. If the Board determines a protest involves disputed issues of material fact or if the Board elects not to use the informal proceeding process provided for in section (3) of this Rule, the District shall schedule a formal hearing to resolve the protest. The Chairperson shall designate any member of the Board (including the Chairperson), District Manager, District Counsel, or other person as a hearing officer to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer may:

Administer oaths and affirmations;

Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;

Regulate the course of the hearing, including any pre-hearing matters;

Enter orders; and

Make or receive offers of settlement, stipulation, and adjustment.

The hearing officer shall, within thirty (30) days after the hearing or receipt of the hearing transcript, whichever is later, file a recommended order which shall include a caption, time and place of hearing, appearances entered at the hearing, statement of the issues, findings of fact and conclusions of law, separately stated, and a recommendation for final District action. The District shall allow each party fifteen
(15) days in which to submit written exceptions to the recommended order. The District shall issue a final order within sixty (60) days after the filing of the recommended order.

Rejection of all Qualifications, Bids, Proposals, Replies and Responses after Receipt of Notice of Protest. If the Board determines there was a violation of law, defect, or an irregularity in the competitive solicitation process, the Bids, Proposals, Replies, and Responses are too high, or if the Board determines it is otherwise in the District’s best interest, the Board may reject all qualifications, bids, proposals, replies, and responses and start the competitive solicitation process anew. If the Board decides to reject all qualifications, bids, proposals, replies, and responses and start the competitive solicitation process anew, any pending protests shall automatically terminate.

Judicial Review. A party who is adversely affected by final District action is entitled to judicial review. Judicial review shall be sought in the county where the District is located. All proceedings shall be instituted by filing a notice of appeal or petition for review in accordance with the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure within thirty (30) calendar days after the rendition of the decision being appealed. The filing of an appeal does not itself stay enforcement of the final District decision. Judicial review of any District action shall be confined to the record transmitted. The record for judicial review shall be compiled in accordance with the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure. Failure to file a notice of appeal or petition for review within the time prescribed herein shall constitute a waiver of judicial review proceedings.
Intervenors. Other substantially affected persons may join the proceedings as intervenors on appropriate terms which shall not unduly delay the proceedings.

Settlement. Nothing herein shall preclude the settlement of any protest under this Rule at any time.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat. Law Implemented: §§ 120.69(2)(a), 190.033, Fla. Stat.

Rule 4.0	Effective Date.

These Rules shall be effective April 20, 2026, except that no election of officers required by these Rules shall be required until after the next regular election for the Board.

Specific Authority: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat. Law Implemented: §§ 190.011(5), 190.011(15), Fla. Stat.

Publication Date 2026-07-01

Subcategory Miscellaneous Notices

SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
NOTICE OF THE DISTRICTS INTENT TO USE THE UNIFORM METHODOF COLLECTION OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS
Notice is hereby given that the Serenoa Community Development District (the District") intends to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments to be levied by the District pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. The Board of Supervisors of the District will conduct a public hearing on July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of the District Manager, Special District Services, Inc., located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987
The purpose of the public hearing is for the Board to consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing the District to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments to be levied by the District on properties located on land included in, or to be added to, the District.
The District may levy non-ad valorem assessments for the purpose of financing, acquiring, maintaining and/or operating community development facilities, services and improvements within and without the boundaries of the District, to consist of, among other things, wastewater systems, water supply systems, surface water management facilities, roadways, offsite improvements, sidewalks, landscaping and irrigation, entrance features, fences and gates, and other improvements and any other lawful projects or services of the District.
Owners of the properties to be assessed and other interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard regarding the use of the uniform method of collecting such non-ad valorem assessments. This hearing is open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. The public hearing may be continued to a date, time and location to be specified on the record at the hearing. There may be occasions when Supervisors or staff may participate by speaker telephone.
Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the hearing and/or meeting is asked to contact the District Office at (561) 630-4922 and/or toll free at 1-877-737-4922, at least 48 hours before the hearing and/or meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8770, who can aid you in contacting the District Office.
Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
Stephanie Brown District Manager
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
www.serenoacdd.org
PUBLISH: ST. LUCIE NEWS TRIBUNE 06/17/26, 06/24/26, 07/01/26 & 07/08/26 #TCN12394477

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-27

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE UNIFORM METHOD FOR THE LEVY, COLLECTION AND ENFORCEMENT OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS, PERMITTED BY SECTION 197.3632, FLORIDA STATUTES; EXPRESSING THE NEED FOR THE LEVY OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS AND SETTING FORTH THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE DISTRICT'S JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES THAT MAY OR SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE LEVY OF DISTRICT NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, Chapter 197, Florida Statutes, provides for the usage by the Serenoa Community Development District (the “District”) of a uniform method of levying, collecting and enforcing its non-ad valorem assessments; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 197, Florida Statutes, sets forth certain requirements and procedures which have been implemented by the District in order to use said uniform method of levying, collecting and enforcing its non-ad valorem assessments; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 197.3632. Florida Statutes, the District has caused notice of a public hearing to be advertised weekly in a newspaper of general circulation within St. Lucie County, Florida for four (4) consecutive weeks prior to such hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) of the District, have determined that it is in the best interest of the District, for the District, to elect to use the uniform method for levying, collecting and enforcing non-ad valorem assessments as provided in Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, THAT:
The above recitals are hereby incorporated and adopted as the findings of fact of the Board.
That the uniform method for levying, collecting and enforcing non-ad valorem assessments as authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, is hereby adopted for usage by the District.
That non-ad valorem assessments will in the future be required to be assessed and levied by the District in order to provide necessary funds for one or more of the following reasons:
Satisfying the lawful debt obligations of the District, and/or
Financing, constructing, maintaining and servicing the Improvements within the District, and/or
The administrative operation of the District, and/or

Such other lawful purposes which the District is empowered to provide as authorized by law.
That the uniform method for the levying, collecting and enforcing of non-ad valorem assessments now and in the future, shall, to the extent authorized by law, apply to all assessable lands in the District, and said boundaries of the District are described in attached Exhibit "A" which is incorporated herein and made a part hereof.

This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

THIS RESOLUTION PASSED AND WAS ADOPTED this 15th day of July, 2026.

ATTEST:	SERENOA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

By:			By:		 Secretary/Assistant Secretary			Chairperson/Vice Chairperson

Publication Date 2026-07-02

Subcategory Miscellaneous Notices

NOTICE OF SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PUBLIC HEARINGS AND REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The Board of Supervisors (the Board) of the Serenoa Community Development District (District) will hold public hearings on July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Special District Services, Inc. located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987 for the purpose of hearing comments and objections on the adoption of the budgets of the District for Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027. A regular board meeting of the District will also be held at that time where the Board may consider agenda items and any other business that may properly come before it.
A copy of the agenda and budgets may be obtained from the Districts website (www.serenoacdd.org) or at the offices of the District Manager, Special District Services, Inc., located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987 during normal business hours.
The public hearings and meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. The public hearings and meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. There may be occasions when staff or Supervisors may participate by speaker telephone.
Any person requiring special accommodations at these meetings because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (772) 345-5119 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770, for aid in contacting the District Office.
Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearings or meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
Meetings may be cancelled from time to time without advertised notice. District Manager
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
www.serenoacdd.org
PUBLISH: ST. LUCIE NEWS TRIBUNE 06/25/26 & 07/02/26 #TCN12422035

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-28

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPROVING AND ADOPTING A FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 FINAL BUDGET PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 190, FLORIDA STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) of the Serenoa Community Development District (“District”) has prepared a Proposed Operating Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026, and the Board is empowered to provide a funding source to operate the District and to impose special assessments upon the properties within the District, as required; and

WHEREAS, the District has held a duly advertised Public Hearing to receive public comments on the Proposed Operating Fund Budget, has considered and adopted the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Operating Fund Budget; and is now authorized to levy non-ad valorem assessments upon the assessable properties within the District.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, THAT:

Section 1.  The Operating Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 attached hereto as Exhibit “A” is accepted, approved and adopted.
Section 2.  The Secretary and/or Assistant Secretary of the District is authorized to execute any and all necessary transmittals, certifications or other acknowledgements or writings, as necessary, to comply with the intent of this Resolution.

PASSED, ADOPTED and EFFECTIVE this 15th day of July, 2026.

ATTEST:	SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

By:			By:		 Secretary/Assistant Secretary			Chairperson/Vice Chairperson

Serenoa
Community Development District

Final Budget For Fiscal Year 2025/2026
May 8, 2026 - September 30, 2026

CONTENTS

FINAL BUDGET

DETAILED FINAL BUDGET

FINAL BUDGET
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
MAY 8, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

REVENUES	
FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET	
O&M (Operation & Maintenance) Assessments	0	
Developer Contribution	66,075	
Debt Assessments	0	
Interest Income	100	
		
TOTAL REVENUES	$	66,175	
		
EXPENDITURES		
Administrative Expenditures		
Supervisor Fees	0	
Payroll Taxes (Employer)	0	
Management	12,000	
Legal	20,000	
Assessment Roll	0	
Audit Fees	0	
Arbitrage Rebate Fee	0	
Insurance	5,000	
Legal Advertisements	20,000	
Miscellaneous	2,500	
Postage	300	
Office Supplies	1,200	
Dues & Subscriptions	175	
Website Management & ADA Compliance	1,000	
Trustee Fees	0	
Continuing Disclosure Fee	0	
Total Administrative Expenditures	$	62,175	
		
Maintenance Expenditures		
Engineering/Inspections	2,000	
Miscellaneous Maintenance	1,000	
Maintenance/Contingency	1,000	
Total Maintenance Expenditures	$	4,000	
		
Total O&M Expenditures	$	66,175	
		
REVENUES LESS EXPENDITURES	$	-	
		
Bond Payments	0	
		
BALANCE	$	-	
		
County Appraiser & Tax Collector Fee	0	
Discounts For Early Payments	0	
		
EXCESS/ (SHORTFALL)	$	-	

DETAILED FINAL BUDGET
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
MAY 8, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

REVENUES	
FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 ACTUAL	
FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET	
FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET	

COMMENTS	
O&M (Operation & Maintenance) Assessments	0	0	0		
Developer Contribution	0	0	66,075	Developer Contribution	
Debt Assessments	0	0	0		
Interest Income	0	0	100		
					
TOTAL REVENUES	$	-	$	-	$	66,175		
					
EXPENDITURES					
Administrative Expenditures					
Supervisor Fees	0	0	0		
Payroll Taxes (Employer)	0	0	0		
Management	0	0	12,000	Four Months X $3,000	
Legal	0	0	20,000	High Legal Costs In Initial Months	
Assessment Roll	0	0	0	Will Commence After Bond Is Issued	
Audit Fees	0	0	0	Will Commence In 2026/2027	
Arbitrage Rebate Fee	0	0	0	Will Commence After Bond Is Issued	
Insurance	0	0	5,000	Insurance Estimate	
Legal Advertisements	0	0	20,000	High Legal Advertising Costs In Initial Months	
Miscellaneous	0	0	2,500		
Postage	0	0	300		
Office Supplies	0	0	1,200	High Office Supplies Costs In Initial Months	
Dues & Subscriptions	0	0	175	Annual Fee Due Department Of Economic Opportunity	
Website Management & ADA Compliance	0	0	1,000	Four Months X $250	
Trustee Fees	0	0	0	Will Commence After Bond Is Issued	
Continuing Disclosure Fee	0	0	0	Will Commence After Bond Is Issued	
Total Administrative Expenditures	$	-	$	-	$	62,175		
					
Maintenance Expenditures					
Engineering/Inspections	0	0	2,000	Engineers Report To Be Included In Bond Cost Of Issuance	
Miscellaneous Maintenance	0	0	1,000	Miscellaneous Maintenance	
Maintenance/Contingency	0	0	1,000	Maintenance/Contingency	
Total Maintenance Expenditures	$	-	$	-	$	4,000		
					
Total O&M Expenditures	$	-	$	-	$	66,175		
					
REVENUES LESS EXPENDITURES	$	-	$	-	$	-		
					
Bond Payments	0	0	0		
					
BALANCE	$	-	$	-	$	-		
					
County Appraiser & Tax Collector Fee	0	0	0		
Discounts For Early Payments	0	0	0		
					
EXCESS/ (SHORTFALL)	$	-	$	-	$	-		

Publication Date 2026-07-02

Subcategory Miscellaneous Notices

NOTICE OF SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PUBLIC HEARINGS AND REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The Board of Supervisors (the Board) of the Serenoa Community Development District (District) will hold public hearings on July 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Special District Services, Inc. located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987 for the purpose of hearing comments and objections on the adoption of the budgets of the District for Fiscal Years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027. A regular board meeting of the District will also be held at that time where the Board may consider agenda items and any other business that may properly come before it.
A copy of the agenda and budgets may be obtained from the Districts website (www.serenoacdd.org) or at the offices of the District Manager, Special District Services, Inc., located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987 during normal business hours.
The public hearings and meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. The public hearings and meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. There may be occasions when staff or Supervisors may participate by speaker telephone.
Any person requiring special accommodations at these meetings because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (772) 345-5119 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770, for aid in contacting the District Office.
Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearings or meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
Meetings may be cancelled from time to time without advertised notice. District Manager
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
www.serenoacdd.org
PUBLISH: ST. LUCIE NEWS TRIBUNE 06/25/26 & 07/02/26 #TCN12422035

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-29

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT APPROVING AND ADOPTING A FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 FINAL BUDGET PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 190, FLORIDA STATUTES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) of the Serenoa Community Development District (“District”) has prepared a Proposed Operating Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027, and the Board is empowered to provide a funding source to operate the District and to impose special assessments upon the properties within the District, as required; and

WHEREAS, the District has held a duly advertised Public Hearing to receive public comments on the Proposed Operating Fund Budget, has considered and adopted the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Operating Fund Budget; and is now authorized to levy non-ad valorem assessments upon the assessable properties within the District.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, THAT:

Section 1.  The Operating Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 attached hereto as Exhibit “A” is accepted, approved and adopted.
Section 2.  The Secretary and/or Assistant Secretary of the District is authorized to execute any and all necessary transmittals, certifications or other acknowledgements or writings, as necessary, to comply with the intent of this Resolution.

PASSED, ADOPTED and EFFECTIVE this 15th day of July, 2026.

ATTEST:	SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

By:			By:		 Secretary/Assistant Secretary			Chairperson/Vice Chairperson

Serenoa
Community Development District

Final Budget For Fiscal Year 2026/2027
October 1, 2026 - September 30, 2027

CONTENTS

FINAL BUDGET

DETAILED FINAL BUDGET

FINAL BUDGET
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
OCTOBER 1, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2027

REVENUES	
FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET	
O&M (Operation & Maintenance) Assessments	0	
Developer Contribution	119,625	
Debt Assessments	0	
Interest Income	200	
		
TOTAL REVENUES	$	119,825	
		
EXPENDITURES		
Administrative Expenditures		
Supervisor Fees	0	
Payroll Taxes (Employer)	0	
Management	36,000	
Legal	25,000	
Assessment Roll	5,000	
Audit Fees	4,000	
Arbitrage Rebate Fee	650	
Insurance	5,000	
Legal Advertisements	25,000	
Miscellaneous	2,500	
Postage	300	
Office Supplies	1,200	
Dues & Subscriptions	175	
Website Management & ADA Compliance	3,000	
Trustee Fees	4,500	
Dissemination Services	2,500	
Continuing Disclosure Fee	1,000	
Total Administrative Expenditures	$	115,825	
		
Maintenance Expenditures		
Engineering/Inspections	2,000	
Miscellaneous Maintenance	1,000	
Maintenance/Contingency	1,000	
Total Maintenance Expenditures	$	4,000	
		
Total O&M Expenditures	$	119,825	
		
REVENUES LESS EXPENDITURES	$	-	
		
Bond Payments	0	
		
BALANCE	$	-	
		
County Appraiser & Tax Collector Fee	0	
Discounts For Early Payments	0	
		
EXCESS/ (SHORTFALL)	$	-	

DETAILED FINAL BUDGET
SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027
OCTOBER 1, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2027

REVENUES	
FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 ACTUAL	
FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET	
FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET	

COMMENTS	
O&M (Operation & Maintenance) Assessments	0	0	0		
Developer Contribution	0	66,075	119,625	Developer Contribution	
Debt Assessments	0	0	0		
Interest Income	0	100	200		
					
TOTAL REVENUES	$	-	$	66,175	$	119,825		
					
EXPENDITURES					
Administrative Expenditures					
Supervisor Fees	0	0	0		
Payroll Taxes (Employer)	0	0	0		
Management	0	12,000	36,000	Twelve Months X $3,000	
Legal	0	20,000	25,000	High Legal Costs In Initial Months	
Assessment Roll	0	0	5,000	Will Commence After Bond Is Issued	
Audit Fees	0	0	4,000	Will Commence In 2026/2027	
Arbitrage Rebate Fee	0	0	650	Will Commence After Bond Is Issued	
Insurance	0	5,000	5,000	Insurance Estimate	
Legal Advertisements	0	20,000	25,000	High Legal Advertising Costs In Initial Months	
Miscellaneous	0	2,500	2,500		
Postage	0	300	300		
Office Supplies	0	1,200	1,200	High Office Supplies Costs In Initial Months	
Dues & Subscriptions	0	175	175	Annual Fee Due Department Of Economic Opportunity	
Website Management & ADA Compliance	0	1,000	3,000	Twelve Months X $250	
Trustee Fees	0	0	4,500	Will Commence After Bond Is Issued	
Dissemination Services	0	0	2,500	Required By Underwriter	
Continuing Disclosure Fee	0	0	1,000	Will Commence After Bond Is Issued	
Total Administrative Expenditures	$	-	$	62,175	$	115,825		
					
Maintenance Expenditures					
Engineering/Inspections	0	2,000	2,000	Engineers Report To Be Included In Bond Cost Of Issuance	
Miscellaneous Maintenance	0	1,000	1,000	Miscellaneous Maintenance	
Maintenance/Contingency	0	1,000	1,000	Maintenance/Contingency	
Total Maintenance Expenditures	$	-	$	4,000	$	4,000		
					
Total O&M Expenditures	$	-	$	66,175	$	119,825		
					
REVENUES LESS EXPENDITURES	$	-	$	-	$	-		
					
Bond Payments	0	0	0		
					
BALANCE	$	-	$	-	$	-		
					
County Appraiser & Tax Collector Fee	0	0	0		
Discounts For Early Payments	0	0	0		
					
EXCESS/ (SHORTFALL)	$	-	$	-	$	-		

Michael B. Schorah and Associates, Inc.
ENGINEERS • SURVEYORS • DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

1850 FOREST HILL BLVD.
SUITE 206 WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33406 PHONE 561-968-0080
CA 2438	LB 2438

June 26, 2026

Serenoa Community Development District c/o Special District Services, Inc.
10521 SW Village Center Dr., Suite 203 Port St. Lucie, FL 34987

Attn:	Stephanie Brown (sbrown@sdsinc.org)

RE:	REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Ms. Brown:

We are pleased to submit this transmittal letter and the attached information as our statement of qualifications and interest in being considered for selection to provide Professional Engineering Services for the Serenoa Community Development District on a continuing contract basis. Michael B. Schorah and Associates, Inc. has the experience and expertise to provide all categories of services listed in the RFQ document. Michael
B. Schorah and Associates, Inc. (MBSA), founded in 1979, is in its 47th year of service in the Southeast Florida area. The geographic location of our office is at 1850 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 206, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406. We provide a complete range of civil engineering, construction engineering inspection (CEI) and surveying services to both public and private clients throughout St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Broward, Indian River and Martin Counties. The firm is authorized to provide professional Civil Engineering and Surveying services by the State of Florida under Certificates of Authorizations CA2438 and LB2438.
MBSA has a proven track record of providing a wide range of engineering and surveying services required of a District Engineer. Having worked throughout St. Lucie County and the Southeast Florida area for over 40 years, the firm has gained extensive knowledge of the natural and constructed characteristics of the area along with the rules, regulations and permitting criteria of the various local, county and state agencies. The majority of the firm’s personnel have been employed by MBSA for over 15 years, with the senior staff having over 30 years with the firm. This continuity, coupled with local knowledge and professional expertise, enables us to provide a high quality product and efficient project implementation for our clients.
MBSA has served as the Engineer of Record for the Serenoa development since it was first planned in 2024. We have provided both engineering and surveying services for all phases of the site development. Engineering services included the original master planning, master drainage design and permitting, master water and sewer design and overall project coordination. As the project phases were developed we provided the final

Michael B. Schorah and Associates, Inc.

Serenoa Community Development District June 26, 2026
Page 2

design plans, calculations and permitting for each phase of the infrastructure (water, sewer, paving and drainage).

In our capacity as the Interim District Engineer we will prepare the Engineer’s Report that includes cost estimates for the proposed District improvements. We will coordinate with the District Legal Counsel, Board of Supervisors, and District Manager regarding the initial documents and bond issues required by the District for approval.
Our Survey Services for the Serenoa Development have included boundary surveys, topographical surveys and platting. As part of the initial District Legal Documents we will prepare the Boundary Survey outlining the District’s Boundary along with the legal description of the District Boundary.

MBSA has extensive experience working with Community Development Districts. We are currently the District Engineer for eight (8) active Community Development Districts. Note also that we are the Interim District Engineer for the Silver Oaks CDD Development District (SOCCD) located in St. Lucie County. We prepared the initial engineering and survey documents for the SOCCD and were involved in the District formation meetings. The project is active.

MBSA is presently providing general civil engineering and surveying services on an annual contract basis to Palm Beach County, the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District and the City of Boynton Beach. Under our contract with the City of Palm Beach Gardens (PBG), we have provided Surveying Services for various City projects and Civil Engineering and Permitting Services for several small site projects. Services provided to Palm Beach County as part of our annual contract have included projects for the Facilities Development and Operations, Engineering and Public Works, and Parks and Recreation Departments. Our services included development feasibility reports and cost studies for County projects (e.g. Fire Stations, Libraries, Sheriff’s Facilities, and Parks). Pathway projects involved design, permitting and assistance with grant funding. Park projects, such as Mound Circle Dog Park at John Prince Park and Bert Winters Park Dock and Ramps, involved design, permitting and construction phase services. NPDES permitting, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) preparation and compliance monitoring were also provided for these projects.

Our work for Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District (NPBCID) included both Developer and Public funded infrastructure improvements for the Scripps Florida Phase 2 /Briger DRI (Alton) and Unit 53 (Arden) projects. The Alton site, established as NPBCID Unit 2C, is a 683 acre mixed use project. The work included boundary and topographic surveys, platting, sketch and legal descriptions, master planning, utility services (Seacoast Utility Authority) and design, permitting and construction phase services for roadways, water, sewer, reuse water, drainage, landscape, irrigation, electrical/lighting and hardscape improvements. Unit 53/Arden is a 1200 acre mixed use project which also

Michael B. Schorah and Associates, Inc.

Serenoa Community Development District June 26, 2026
Page 3

included master planning, utility services (Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department) and surveying, platting, design, permitting and construction phase services.

Our project load varies. When assigned a specific project, the project requirements and time schedules are evaluated and a work schedule established to provide the necessary services. All staff required to meet the project goals and schedules will be assigned as needed. Even with a varying workload we are able to assign the staff necessary to meet the District’s schedules and project goals. Each project is assigned a company principal as part of MBSA’s management philosophy. Michael J. LaCoursiere, P.E., the firm’s Senior Vice President, will be the principal-in-charge for this contract. He can be reached at the address and phone number shown herein or by e-mail at mlac@schorah.com. Having been with the firm for over 42 years and a State of Florida registered engineer for the past 37 years, Mr. LaCoursiere has the extensive experience necessary to perform duties as District Engineer. Principals in the firm actively participate in the actual design process as team members. This enables us to provide the most economical services while insuring that the project receives the highest priority. Additionally, we recognize the importance of schedule and budget to the viability of a project. We work within these constraints and provide an end product that best accomplishes the intended task.

Our firm utilizes a total of 15 support staff that include registered Professional Engineers, Surveyors, CADD Technicians and Field Personnel to provide survey, planning, design, permitting, and construction administration services for roadways, public facilities, water, sewer, reuse water and surface water management projects. This team gives us the ability and qualifications to apply cost effective techniques to all types of projects. As a small business engineering and surveying firm we pride ourselves in being responsive to our clients’ needs, without the added expense of having to support a large overhead of management personnel. Our firm is not a certified minority business.

The attached documents provide additional information, examples of work, references and qualification forms.

We thank you for the opportunity to present our firm to you. We hope your review will confirm that we have successfully demonstrated our ability, qualifications and knowledge of the services required under this contract and that you will strongly consider selection of our firm as your District Engineer.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael J. LaCoursiere, P.E. Senior Vice President

E. RESUMES OF KEY PERSONNEL PROPOSED FOR THIS CONTRACT
(Complete one Section E for each key person.)
12. NAME

Michael J. LaCoursiere, P.E.	13. ROLE IN THIS CONTRACT

Senior Vice President, Project Manager	14. YEARS EXPERIENCE	
		a. TOTAL
37	b. WITH CURRENT FIRM
42	
FIRM NAME AND LOCATION (City and State)
Michael B. Schorah and Associates, Inc. (West Palm Beach, Florida)

EDUCATION (Degree and Specialization)

University of Florida/ B.S.C.E. / 1984/ Civil Engineering

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION (State and Discipline)

Professional Engineer (Civil) Florida License Number: 41071

OTHER PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Publications, Organizations, Training, Awards, etc.)

Past Mayor, Current Council Member, City of Atlantis, Florida

RELEVANT PROJECTS

a.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Bent Creek CDD Ft. Pierce, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
On-going	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm
CDD Engineer responsible for Annual Reports, Pay Requisitions as applicable, Board of Supervisors meeting attendance, CDD set-up, Engineer’s Report, etc.	

b.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Silver Oaks CDD
St. Lucie County, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
On-going	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm
CDD Engineer responsible for Annual Reports, Pay Requisitions as applicable, Board of Supervisors meeting attendance, CDD set-up, Engineer’s Report, etc.	

c.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Silver Oaks PUD
St. Lucie County, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
On-going	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm
Project Engineering/Surveying consultant providing design, permitting, construction phase services, platting, community outreach, for a 126-acre, 316 dwelling unit subdivision with offsite road and utility improvements.	

d.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Indrio Groves PUD
St. Lucie County, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
On-going	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm Project Engineering/Surveying consultant providing design, permitting, construction phase services, platting, surveys, route surveys, and master planning for a 1,027-acre, 2,978 dwelling unit subdivision with offsite road and utility improvements.	

e.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Serenoa PUD
St. Lucie County, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
On-going	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm Project Engineering/Surveying consultant providing design, permitting, construction phase services, platting, surveys, route surveys, and master planning, for a 113-acre, 558 dwelling unit subdivision with offsite road and utility improvements, linear park, and thoroughfare road dedication.	
STANDARD FORM 330 (REV. 8/2016) PAGE 2

E. RESUMES OF KEY PERSONNEL PROPOSED FOR THIS CONTRACT
(Complete one Section E for each key person.)
12. NAME

Martha H. Carter, P.E.	13. ROLE IN THIS CONTRACT

Vice President, Senior Project Engineer	14. YEARS EXPERIENCE	
		a. TOTAL
37	b. WITH CURRENT FIRM
33	
FIRM NAME AND LOCATION (City and State)
Michael B. Schorah and Associates, Inc. (West Palm Beach, Florida)

EDUCATION (Degree and Specialization)
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, 1988 Georgia Institute of Technology / Atlanta, GA

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION (State and Discipline)

Professional Engineer / Florida #47589

OTHER PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Publications, Organizations, Training, Awards, etc.)

RELEVANT PROJECTS

a.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Serenoa PUD Phase 1 St. Lucie County, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
On-going	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm
Project Engineering/Surveying consultant providing design, permitting, construction phase services, platting, surveys, route surveys, and master planning, for a 113-acre, 218 dwelling unit subdivision with offsite road and utility transmission improvements, linear park, and thoroughfare road dedication.	

b.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Indrio Groves PUD Phase 1 St. Lucie County, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
On-going	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm
Project Engineering/Surveying consultant providing design, permitting, construction phase services, platting, surveys, route surveys, off-site water/force main extensions, and master planning for a 254.55-acre, 647 dwelling unit subdivision with offsite road and utility improvements.	

c.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Bent Creek Parcel C Ft. Pierce, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
Ongoing	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm
Project Engineering/Surveying consultant providing design, permitting, construction phase services, platting, surveys, for a 25.83-acre, 127 dwelling unit subdivision.	

d.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Islepointe PUD Wellington, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
Not Started	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm Project Engineering/Surveying consultant providing design, permitting, construction phase services, platting, surveys, for a 10-acre, 25 dwelling unit subdivision.	

e.	(1) TITLE AND LOCATION (City and State)
Arden PUD
Palm Beach County, Florida	(2) YEAR COMPLETED	
		PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
On-going	CONSTRUCTION (If applicable)
On-going	
	(3) BRIEF DESCRIPTION (Brief scope, size, cost, etc.) AND SPECIFIC ROLE	✓ Check if project performed with current firm Design, permitting, bidding and construction administration services for the residential land development, including water, sanitary, drainage and paving improvements, master water management system and lift station designs. North
Amenity Center infrastructure design and permitting. Public Linear Park pathway improvements design, bidding and
construction administration services.	

Ron DeSantis, Governor	Melanie S. Griffin, Secretary

STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS
THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER HEREIN IS LICENSED UNDER THE
PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 471, FLORIDA STATUTES

LACOURSIERE, MICHAEL J.
204 WALTON HEATH DRIVE ATLANTIS	FL 33462

LICENSE NUMBER: PE41071

EXPIRATION DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 2027
Always verify licenses online at MyFloridaLicense.com

Do not alter this document in any form.
This is your license. It is unlawful for anyone other than the licensee to use this document.

Page 112

Ron DeSantis, Governor	Melanie S. Griffin, Secretary

STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS
THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER HEREIN IS LICENSED UNDER THE
PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 471, FLORIDA STATUTES

CARTER, MARTHA H
4127 COTTONWOOD AVE PALM BEACH GARDENS FL 33410

LICENSE NUMBER: PE47589

EXPIRATION DATE: FEBRUARY 28, 2027
Always verify licenses online at MyFloridaLicense.com

Do not alter this document in any form.
This is your license. It is unlawful for anyone other than the licensee to use this document.

Page 113

State of Florida
Department of State

I certify from the records of this office that MICHAEL B. SCHORAH & ASSOCIATES, INC. is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Florida, filed on August 23, 1979.

The document number of this corporation is 640568.

I further certify that said corporation has paid all fees due this office through December 31, 2026, that its most recent annual report/uniform business report was filed on February 27, 2026, and that its status is active.

I further certify that said corporation has not filed Articles of Dissolution.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Florida at Tallahassee, the Capital, this the Twenty-seventh day of February, 2026

Tracking Number: 6892468284CC
To authenticate this certificate,visit the following site,enter this number, and then follow the instructions displayed.
https://services.sunbiz.org/Filings/CertificateOfStatus/CertificateAuthentication

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Consumer Services
Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers
2005 Apalachee Pkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-6500
800HELPFLA(435-7352) or (850) 488-2221

February 14, 2025

MICHAEL B SCHORAH & ASSOC INC 1850 FOREST HILL BLVD
WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33406

SUBJECT: Professional Surveyor and Mapper Business Certificate # LB2438
Your application / renewal as a professional surveyor and mapper business as required by Chapter 472, Florida Statutes, has been received and processed.
The license appears below and is valid through February 28, 2027.
You are required to keep your information with the Board current. Please visit our website at
www.800helpfla.com/psm to create your online account. If you have already created your online account, you can use the website to maintain your license. You can also find other valuable information on the website.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Division of Consumer Services, Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers at 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221.

Detach Here

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Consumer Services
Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers 2005 Apalachee Pkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-6500

License No.: LB2438
Expiration Date	February 28, 2027

Professional Surveyor and Mapper Business License
Under the provisions of Chapter 472, Florida Statutes

MICHAEL B SCHORAH & ASSOC INC 1850 FOREST HILL BLVDSUITE 206 WEST PALM BCH, FL 33406

WILTON SIMPSON
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

This is to certify that the professional surveyor and mapper whose name and address are shown above is licensed as required by Chapter 472, Florida Statutes.

ANNE M. GANNON
CONSTITUTIONAL TAX COLLECTOR
Sen,ing Palm Beach County
Serving you.

P.O. Box 3353, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-3353 www.pbctax.gov Tel: (561) 355-2264

**LOCATED AT**
1850 FOREST HILL BLVD STE 206 WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33406-6060

TYPE OF BUSINESS ENGINEER BUSINESS

OWNER MICHAEL B SCHORAH AND
ASSOCIATES INC

CERTIFICATION# 2438

RECEIPT #/DATE PAID 825.675135 09/02/2025

AMT PAID
$66.00

BILL# 840131821

This document is valid only when receipted by the Tax Collector's Office.

MICHAEL B SCHORAH AND ASSOCIATES INC MICHAEL B SCHORAH AND ASSOCIATES INC 1850 FOREST HILL BLVD STE 206
WEST PALM BEACH FL 33406-6060

STATE OF FLORIDA PALM BEACH COUNTY
2025 / 2026 LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT
LBTR Number: 201246803 EXPIRES: 09/30/2026
This receipt MUST be conspicuously displayed at the place of business and in such a manner as to be open to the view of the public.

ANNE M. GANNON
CONSTITUTIONAL TAX COLLECTOR
Serving Palm Beach County
Serving you.

P.O. Box 3353, West Palm Beach, FL 33402-3353 www.pbctax.gov Tel: (561) 355-2264

**LOCATED AT**
1850 FOREST HILL BLVD STE 206 WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33406-6060

TYPE OF BUSINESS	OWNER
LAND SURVEYOR & MAPPER	MICHAEL B SCHORAH AND BUSINESS		ASSOCIATES INC

CERTIFICATION# LB2438

RECEIPT #/DATE PAID B25.675049 09/02/2025

AMT PAID
$66.00

BILL# B40142694

This document is valid only when receipted by the Tax Collector's Office.

MICHAEL B SCHORAH AND ASSOCIATES INC MICHAEL B SCHORAH AND ASSOCIATES INC 1850 FOREST HILL BLVD STE 206
WEST PALM BEACH FL 33406-6060

STATE OF FLORIDA PALM BEACH COUNTY
2025 / 2026 LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT
LBTR Number: 2015086064 EXPIRES: 09/30/2026
This receipt MUST be conspicuously displayed at the place of business and in such a manner as to be open to the view of the public.

	EXPIRES:	SEPTEMBER 30, 2026			
	OFFICE ONLY		BUS TAX		
Address:	1850 FOREST HILL BLVD #206		PENALTY		
	LAKE CLARKE SHORES, FL 33406		TRANSFER		
Activity:	M22 PROF-OTHER				
	OFFICE				
			OCT1	0.00	
Issued to:	MICHAEL B SCHORAH & ASSOCIATES INC		NOV1	0.00	
	FREDERICK ROTH		DEC 1	0.00	
	1850 FOREST HILL BLVD	#206		JAN 1	0.00	

TOWN OF LAKE CLARKE SHORES LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT
1701 Barbados Road Lake Clarke Shores FL 33406

No:	240078
Date:	9/18/25

LAKE CLARKE SHORES, FL 33406
A	Display this form conspicuously at place of business

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-30

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, ESTABLISHING A REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 AND SETTING THE TIME AND LOCATION OF SAID DISTRICT MEETINGS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Serenoa Community Development District (the "District") to establish a regular meeting schedule for fiscal year 2026/2027; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of the District has set a regular meeting schedule, location and time for District meetings for fiscal year 2026/2027 which is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit “A”.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT, ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.   The above recitals are hereby adopted.

Section 2.  The regular meeting schedule, time and location for meetings for fiscal year 2026/2027 which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A” is hereby adopted and authorized to be published.
PASSED, ADOPTED and EFFECTIVE this 15th day of July, 2026.

ATTEST:	SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

By:			By:		 Secretary/Assistant Secretary			Chairperson/Vice Chairperson

SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 MEETING SCHEDULE

The Board of Supervisors of the Serenoa Community Development District will hold regular meetings for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 at the offices of Special District Services, Inc. located at 10521 SW Village Center Drive, Suite 203, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987, at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise indicated as follows:
October 21, 2026
November 18, 2026
December 16, 2026
January 20, 2027
February 17, 2027
March 17, 2027
April 21, 2027
May 19, 2027
June 16, 2027
July 21, 2027
August 18, 2027
September 15, 2027

The meetings may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. A copy of the agenda for these meetings may be obtained from the District Manager, Special District Services, Inc. or by calling (561) 630-4922.
There may be occasions when one or more Supervisors or staff will participate by speaker telephone. Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (561) 630-4922 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Office.
A person who decides to appeal any decision made at the meeting with respect to any matter considered at the meeting is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
Meetings may be cancelled from time to time without advertised notice.

Stephanie Brown, District Manager Special District Services, Inc.

SERENOA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

www.serenoacdd.org

PUBLISH: ST. LUCIE NEWS TRIBUNE

MEMORANDUM
TO:	District Manager

FROM:	Billing Cochran, P.A. District Counsel

DATE:	June 11, 2026

RE:	2026 Legislative Update

As District Counsel, throughout the year we continuously monitor pending legislation that may be applicable to the governance and operation of our Community Development District and other Special District clients. It is at this time of year that we summarize those legislative acts that have become law during the most recent legislative session, as follows:

Chapter [TBD], Laws of Florida (HB 0145). This legislation amends the sovereign‑immunity statute to raise liability caps and change tort‑claim procedures for government entities. The bill revises Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, increasing the statutory limits on damages recoverable against the state and its agencies/subdivisions (including special districts). For causes of action accruing on or after October 1, 2026, the liability caps increase from $200,000 to $350,000 per person and from $300,000 to $500,000 per incident. The bill also authorizes state agencies and subdivisions to settle claims or judgments in excess of those caps, up to available insurance limits, without requiring a legislative claims bill.

The bill authorizes a state subdivision (e.g. counties, municipalities, special districts including CDDs) to settle a claim or judgment in excess of the statutory cap without requiring a separate legislative claim bill, so long as settlement is within insurance coverage limits. The bill prohibits any insurance policy issued on or after October 1, 2026, from conditioning liability coverage or payment on the later enactment of a legislative claim bill.

In addition, the bill shortens the pre-suit notice period by requiring claimants to present a claim to the appropriate agency within 18 months after accrual of the claim, rather than the current three-year period. It also revises the statute of limitations by requiring most negligence actions against governmental entities to be filed within two (2) years, while maintaining existing limitations periods for medical malpractice, wrongful death, and contribution claims. The bill also reduces the time for an agency or the Department of Financial Services to make a final disposition of a claim before it is deemed denied, from six (6) months to four (4) months.

This law applies directly to CDDs because CDDs are among the “subdivisions” of state government covered by section 768.28, Florida Statutes. As such CDDs may now be subject to higher damage awards for tort claims.

Chapter [TBD], Laws of Florida (HB 273). This legislation revises Florida law governing state financial assistance and rural economic development programs to include certain

special districts and improve payment processing for eligible rural entities. The bill amends Section 215.971, Florida Statutes to allow state agencies, under certain conditions, to directly facilitate or expedite payment of invoices for counties, municipalities, and qualifying special districts, particularly those located in rural areas or designated rural areas of opportunity. It authorizes agencies to structure agreements so that eligible rural governments and certain special districts, especially those providing water and wastewater services, receive faster payment processing for verified, completed work. The intent is to reduce financial strain and cash flow challenges that rural entities often face when administering state-funded projects, while preserving existing legal and regulatory requirements. The legislation also amends Section 288.0656, Florida Statutes to expand the definition of “rural community” to explicitly include independent special districts that provide water and wastewater services within rural areas of opportunity. This expansion makes those districts eligible for rural economic development support programs and related state assistance. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

This legislation applies CDDs in a limited and conditional way, depending on the type of CDD and the services it provides. CDDs that are involved in state-funded infrastructure projects, such as water, wastewater, drainage, or utility improvements, may benefit from the amendment to Section 215.971, Florida Statutes. If a CDD is acting as a recipient or sub recipient of state financial assistance, the law allows state agencies to structure agreements so that invoices can be processed and paid more quickly for verified work. This can improve cash flow for CDDs building infrastructure, particularly smaller or rural CDDs that rely on this type of reimbursement funding. Second, the bill’s expansion of the definition of “rural community” under Section 288.0656, Florida Statutes generally does not directly include most CDDs, because eligibility is tied primarily to counties, municipalities, and independent special districts providing water and wastewater services in rural areas of opportunity. A typical CDD would only benefit if it meets those narrow conditions, meaning it operates in a qualifying rural area and functions in a way that aligns with the statutory definition (or is structured similarly to an independent utility-focused district).

Chapter [TBD], Laws of Florida (HB 0655). This legislation creates a new exemption under Florida law (Section 70.90, Florida Statutes) that allows agencies to hold closed attorney-client meetings during the 90-day notice period for claims brought under the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act. These closed meetings are limited to discussions between the agency and its attorney for purposes of settlement strategy or negotiation of private property rights claims. While the meetings are exempt from Florida’s Sunshine Law, they must still be recorded by a certified court reporter, fully transcribed, and later released as a public record once the claim is resolved or the statute of limitations expires if no settlement or litigation occurs.

The law also creates a temporary public records exemption for the transcripts, recordings, minutes, and related materials generated during these closed sessions, ensuring confidentiality during active negotiations. However, this exemption is not permanent; it is subject to future legislative review and sunsets in 2031 unless reenacted. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

The law allows a CDD Board of Supervisors to hold closed attorney-client sessions when the CDD is facing a pre-suit claim under the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act regarding topics such as land use impacts, infrastructure construction, easement disputes, and development-related claims that can trigger property rights assertions under the Bert Harris Act.

During these closed sessions, the CDD can privately discuss settlement strategy with its attorney without public disclosure of sensitive legal positions. However, the exemption is narrow and procedural. The CDD must still provide public notice of the meeting, the session must begin and end in an open meeting, and a certified court reporter must record everything discussed. Although the discussion is confidential at the time, the transcript becomes a public record once the claim is resolved or the statutory timeframe expires if no settlement or lawsuit is filed.

Chapter 2026-115, Laws of Florida (HB 1085). This legislation creates the Local Government Cybersecurity Protection Program within the Florida Digital Service to assist local governments in strengthening cybersecurity defenses, particularly against threats such as ransomware. It establishes a statewide grant and procurement program that allows eligible local governments to access cybersecurity-related information technology commodities and services through contracts managed by the Florida Digital Service, with a preference for fiscally constrained counties. The program also requires data-sharing agreements between the state and participating local governments to support threat detection, prevention, and incident response.

Local governments may either apply for grants or independently purchase cybersecurity services through state-negotiated contracts, though the local government remains responsible for any associated costs. The law further requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on program participation, funding, and outcomes, ensuring oversight and transparency. The program is set to operate through 2031 unless reenacted. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

This law applies to CDDs because CDDs are local governments for many operational purposes, including infrastructure, procurement, and administrative functions, and therefore fall within the category of eligible participants under the Local Government Cybersecurity Protection Program. CDDs would be able to access state-negotiated cybersecurity contracts and services through the Florida Digital Service to improve protection of district systems. Even if a CDD does not apply for a cybersecurity grant, it may still purchase cybersecurity commodities and services through the state contracts, which could help reduce costs and improve security standards. However, participation is optional rather than mandatory, and CDDs remain responsible for all costs associated with any purchases or services obtained under the program.

Chapter [TBD], Laws of Florida (SB 1180). This legislation makes several targeted but significant changes to the law governing CDDs under Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, with the most important impact being the creation of a formal recall process for elected board members. The bill’s primary feature is the creation of a new statutory section establishing a detailed procedure that allows qualified electors within a CDD to remove elected members of the board of supervisors through a recall process. The law limits recall to specific grounds such as malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, incompetence, drunkenness, permanent inability to perform duties, or conviction of certain felonies. It sets out a structured, multi-step process that begins with a petition signed by at least 10 percent of eligible voters, followed by verification of signatures, the preparation of a formal record of recall proceedings, and then a second petition requiring 15 percent of electors to trigger a recall referendum. If the referendum proceeds, a majority vote determines whether the board member is removed from office, and any resulting vacancy is filled according to existing statutory procedures. The legislation also imposes campaign finance requirements on recall efforts, establishes timelines, governs petition form and verification, allows limited

withdrawal of signatures, and creates penalties for fraud or misconduct in the petition process. In addition to the recall framework, the bill clarifies that CDD board members elected by residents are subject to recall, aligning CDD governance more closely with other forms of local government accountability. It also provides that individuals removed by recall, or who resign after a recall petition is filed, are ineligible for reappointment to the board for two years.

The legislation further revises the definition of “compact, urban, mixed-use district” under Section 190.003, Florida Statutes. The revised definition applies to districts consisting of a maximum of 75 acres located within a municipality and within either a qualified opportunity zone or a community redevelopment area. The amendment clarifies qualifying development thresholds by providing that such districts must include either at least 400,000 square feet of retail development and 500 residential units, or at least 250,000 square feet of commercial development and 500 affordable residential rental units for very-low-income, low-income, or moderate-income persons. This revision is significant for developers because it affects eligibility and structuring considerations for the creation of certain community development districts.

The legislation clarifies that restrictions on local regulation of synthetic turf do not prevent a CDD from enforcing private deed restrictions, preserving a CDD’s ability to uphold community standards through covenants. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

This law applies directly to CDDs because it creates, for the first time, a formal statutory process that allows residents to recall elected members of a CDD board of supervisors. It introduces clear procedures, thresholds, and legal standards for removal, thereby increasing accountability of board members to district electors. The law also clarifies that CDDs may continue enforcing deed restrictions despite broader limits on local regulation of synthetic turf and updates certain statutory definitions affecting district formation and development. Overall, the most significant impact is the shift toward greater resident oversight and governance accountability within CDDs.

Chapter 2026-3, Laws of Florida (SB 290). This legislation revises multiple areas of state law, with a primary focus on agriculture, public safety, contractor regulation, and consumer protection. A significant component of the legislation strengthens contractor and vendor accountability by requiring contractors to pay subcontractors and suppliers within 45 days of receiving payment, or in accordance with contractual terms, and authorizing disciplinary action for noncompliance. Additionally, vendors that default on contracts, fail to pay subcontractors, or demonstrate repeated poor performance may be suspended or barred from public contracting for up to five years.

The bill further clarifies and reinforces how public entities may lawfully spend funds and administer contracts for public purposes. The legislation affirms that public funds may be used for core governmental infrastructure and improvements, such as public buildings, emergency shelters, affordable housing, and energy efficiency projects, thereby helping to define the scope of permissible capital projects and expenditures. At the same time, it places limitations on the use of public funds for certain privately owned facilities, reinforcing the principle that expenditures must primarily serve a valid public purpose rather than confer a disproportionate private benefit. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

This law applies directly to CDDs because CDDs function as local units of special-purpose government that procure services, manage infrastructure, and enter into public contracts. Since a CDD regularly contracts for construction, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements, the new requirement that contractors timely pay subcontractors and suppliers directly affects how a CDD administers its contracts. In addition, the provisions allowing suspension or disqualification of nonperforming vendors from public contracting are relevant to CDD procurement practices, especially where the district adopts or mirrors state purchasing standards. CDDs routinely finance and construct infrastructure such as roadways, utilities, stormwater systems, and public facilities. Clarifications regarding allowable public expenditures, such as for government buildings, emergency shelters, and infrastructure, help define the scope of permissible CDD projects and may influence how CDDs’ structure future capital plans and bond-funded improvements.

Portions of the bill related to consumer protection and fraud prevention, including prohibitions on misrepresentation (such as impersonating officials), have indirect relevance. CDDs and District Management interact with residents, property owners, and contractors, so these provisions reinforce broader legal standards around transparency, proper representation, and avoidance of deceptive practices in district operations.

Chapter 2026-7, Laws of Florida (HB 399). This legislation is a comprehensive land use and development reform measure that primarily limits local government discretion in permitting, zoning, and development regulation while promoting consistency, affordability, and predictability in the development process. A central component of the legislation requires that application fees for development permits and orders imposed by counties and municipalities must be directly tied to the actual costs of reviewing and processing applications, must be publicly listed, and may not be based on construction value or project cost, thereby preventing fee structures that scale with development size rather than administrative expense. The act takes effect upon becoming law.
Even though CDDs do not exercise zoning or land use regulatory authority, the law applies to CDDs as infrastructure and service providers within the framework established by counties and municipalities. As a result, the bill’s restrictions on local governments, particularly those related to development permitting, zoning, and land development regulations, will shape the regulatory environment in which CDDs plan, finance, and construct infrastructure.

The provisions limiting development application fees to actual administrative costs may reduce overall project costs for developments within CDD boundaries, which can influence the scope and timing of infrastructure financed by the CDD, including roads, utilities, and stormwater systems. Similarly, the requirement for more objective and clearly defined compatibility standards, along with limits on discretionary denials, may create a more predictable entitlement process, allowing CDDs to better coordinate infrastructure planning with approved development timelines and reduce delays that can affect bond issuances or capital improvement programs.

Although Chapter 2026-7 does not directly regulate CDD powers or governance, it significantly affects the local government land use framework that CDDs rely on, thereby affecting development timing, infrastructure planning, financing, and overall project feasibility within district boundaries.

Chapter [TBD], Laws of Florida (HB 967). This legislation establishes a clear legislative intent that local governments must accept electronic forms of payment, including credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, and electronic funds transfers, and specifically requires units of local government to offer online payment options. This applies broadly to counties, municipalities, special districts, and other local government entities, as well as constitutional officers such as clerks of court and tax collectors, unless another form of payment is required by law.

The legislation also preserves existing authority allowing local governments to pass along processing fees to users who choose electronic payment methods and confirms that governments are not liable for verifying card validity or available funds when processing such transactions. Importantly, it mandates that if a local government accepts electronic payments, it must also maintain an online system for doing so, reinforcing a statewide push toward digital accessibility and standardized payment options.

This legislation requires CDDs that collect any type of payment, such as fees, user charges, amenity payments, permit-related charges, or other CDD revenues, to offer electronic payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and electronic funds transfers. It also specifically requires that if a CDD accepts electronic payments at all, it must maintain a system for accepting those payments online, which may require updates to CDD websites, billing platforms, or third-party payment processors. The legislation also allows CDDs to continue passing through processing fees associated with electronic payments (such as credit card convenience fees), and it preserves their ability to require verification of payment validity and sufficient funds. However, it removes discretion in practice by making online payment capability a mandatory feature for any CDD that accepts electronic payments in any form.

For convenience, we have included copies of the legislation referenced in this memorandum. We request that you include this memorandum as part of the agenda packages for upcoming meetings of the governing boards of those special districts in which you serve as the District Manager and this firm serves as District Counsel. For purposes of the agenda package, it is not necessary to include the attached legislation, as we can provide copies to anyone requesting the same. Copies of the referenced legislation are also accessible by visiting this link: http://laws.flrules.org/.