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FloridaHB 40712026HouseWALLET

Palm Beach County

Sponsored By: John Snyder (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationIntergovernmental Affairs SubcommitteeWays & Means CommitteeState Affairs CommitteeHouse CalendarRules

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

County keeps fire services for annexed neighborhoods

The law takes effect upon becoming law and covers property annexed into Palm Beach County municipalities after January 1, 2027. The county’s fire and emergency medical service unit keeps serving that property for a default six-year period, despite other laws or municipal charters. Statutory enclaves of 10 acres or less are excluded. Services transfer automatically after six years unless the municipality formally declines service responsibility or an agreement sets different terms. The county and municipality must negotiate in good faith over the transition, related assets, and avoiding duplicate spending or impact fees. A written agreement approved by both governments can shorten or extend the period based on data showing measurable public benefits. Their review must cover operating and capital costs, pre-annexation service levels, total response times, depth of service, fire suppression outcomes, and first-alarm staffing. Transfer occurs earlier when both agree the data show the municipality can match or improve service at the same or lower cost. Otherwise, county service continues for the agreed period. Either government can use Florida’s local-government dispute process; after 120 days without resolution, either can sue in circuit court.

Annexed homeowners avoid county fire property taxes

For qualifying annexations after January 1, 2027, Palm Beach County cannot charge the county fire-service unit’s property tax on annexed land. The unit’s boundaries shrink to exclude that property, even while county services continue during the transition. This applies only when no charter provision, ordinance, or county agreement includes the entire municipality in the unit. Statutory enclaves of 10 acres or less are excluded. The law does not state how much property owners save.

County fire fees continue on annexed property

For qualifying property annexed after January 1, 2027, Palm Beach County may keep collecting the same fire rescue impact fees. The county also keeps fire-related oversight authority during the transition. Its fee authority ends when services transfer, normally after six years, unless a declined transfer or approved agreement changes the terms. Statutory enclaves of 10 acres or less are excluded. The law states no fee amount and does not raise the fees.

Annexing towns must pay county service costs

For qualifying property annexed after January 1, 2027, the annexing municipality must pay Palm Beach County annually for continued services. Payments benefit the county’s fire and emergency medical service unit and equal the actual cost of serving the property. The default payment period lasts up to six years, and payments stop when services transfer. A formally declined transfer or an approved service or transition agreement can change these terms. Statutory enclaves of 10 acres or less are excluded, and the law sets no fixed dollar amount.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • John Snyder

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • State Affairs Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 152 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 2/25/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 116 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-216

    7/1/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    6/10/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    6/9/2026

  4. Ordered enrolled

    3/11/2026House

  5. In Messages

    3/11/2026House

  6. CS passed; YEAS 36 NAYS 0 -SJ 792

    3/11/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time -SJ 792

    3/11/2026Senate

  8. Read 2nd time -SJ 792

    3/11/2026Senate

  9. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/11/2026Senate

  10. Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 785

    3/11/2026Senate

  11. Placed on Local Calendar, 03/11/26

    3/9/2026Senate

  12. Received

    2/26/2026Senate

  13. Referred to Rules

    2/25/2026Senate

  14. In Messages

    2/25/2026Senate

  15. CS passed as amended; YEAS 116, NAYS 0

    2/25/2026House

  16. Read 3rd time

    2/25/2026House

  17. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    2/25/2026House

  18. Amendment 830687 adopted

    2/25/2026House

  19. Read 2nd time

    2/25/2026House

  20. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/25/2026)

    2/19/2026House

  21. Added to Second Reading Calendar

    2/11/2026House

  22. Bill referred to House Calendar

    2/11/2026House

  23. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)

    2/10/2026House

  24. CS Filed

    2/10/2026House

  25. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

    2/10/2026House

Bill Text

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