Hillsborough County land district manages infrastructure and development services

The act establishes the Land Reserve Stewardship District as an independent special-purpose local government in Hillsborough County. The district covers about 3,707 acres described in the act and has a five-member governing board. The district may not adopt a countywide-style comprehensive plan, zoning rules, or development permits. Hillsborough County's comprehensive plan, zoning rules, development orders, and other land-use laws continue to control development. The district may use powers outside its boundaries in Hillsborough County only with an interlocal agreement, a development order, or applicable county land-use rules. The act takes effect when it becomes law, and a landowner election for the first five board members must be held within 90 days after that effective date.

The district board may plan, build, own, operate, and finance public infrastructure and services, and may charge fees or impose certain taxes and assessments. The powers cover district projects such as roads, water and sewer systems, drainage, parks, schools, transit, environmental work, and communications infrastructure. The district's work must follow general law and applicable county plans, permits, regulations, and agency authority. Special assessments must be tied to benefits received and become liens when levied. Ad valorem property taxes may be used only after all board members are elected by district voters and after the required constitutional referendum. The district's debts are not debts of Hillsborough County or another general-purpose local government. The district may use its general and special powers after the act takes effect; ad valorem taxing authority begins only after the stated board and referendum conditions are met.

A seller must place a prominent disclosure in each contract for an initial sale of property or a residential unit within the district. The requirement applies to initial sales of parcels and residential units after the district is created. The disclosure must be immediately before the purchaser's signature space. It must be bold, conspicuous, and larger than the rest of the contract text. The notice must state that the district may impose taxes or assessments in addition to county and other local charges. The requirement applies to contracts made after creation of the district.