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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-105-3210 Energy DistrictRESOLUTION NO. 2017 - 105 -3210 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST TO RESPECTIVELY THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF LAKE CLARKE SHORES AND THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH FOR THE FLORIDA RESILIENCE AND ENERGY DISTRICT, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A ", PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, in 2010, the Florida Legislature adopted House Bill 7179 (Section 163.08, Florida Statutes), which allows local governments to create Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, in order to provide financing for energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, wind resistance and other improvement projects consistent with state law, and WHEREAS, Florida Statutes Section 163.08 also authorizes local governments to levy non -ad valorem assessments to fund financing for certain energy conservation and efficiency improvements, and WHEREAS, in January 2017, the Florida Resilience and Energy District (FRED District) was established by the Town of Lake Clarke Shores and the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida, in order to provide municipalities with affordable financing opportunities for qualifying improvements, and WHEREAS, on January 28, 2015, and on or about May 10, 2017, the City Council for the City of Miami Gardens adopted Resolutions authorizing the City Manager to enter into Interlocal Agreements with the Clean Energy Coastal Corridor and the Florida Green Finance Authority respectively, both of which are PACE Districts operating in Miami -Dade County, and WHEREAS, by joining the FRED District, City of Miami Gardens business and residential property owners can pay for energy upgrades over time using long -term, low- interest financing, and WHEREAS, the projects are repaid through an annual assessment on the property tax bill, and WHEREAS, the PACE program will increase the sustainability and aesthetics of properties within the City, thereby increasing property value, efficiency and usability, and WHEREAS, City Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the Town of Lake Clarke Shores and the City of Fernandina Beach for the Florida Resilience and Energy District (FRED District), NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS: The foregoing Whereas paragraphs are hereby ratified and confirmed as being true, and the same are hereby made a specific part of this Resolution. Section 2: AUTHORIZATION: The City Council of the City of Miami Gardens hereby authorizes the authorizing the City Manager and the City Clerk to Execute and attest to respectively that certain Agreement with the Town of Lake Clarke Shores and the City of Fernandina Beach for the Florida Resilience and Energy District, attached hereto as Exhibit "A ". Section 3: EFFECTIVE DATE: This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its final passage. Resolution No. 2017 - 105 -3210 PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS AT ITS REGULAR MEETING HELD ON JUNE 14, 2017. OLIVER GILBERT, III, MAYOR ATTEST: � tt j'ez� RONETTA TAYLOR, MM O/, CITY CLERK PREPARED BY: SONJA KNIGHTON DICKENS, CITY ATTORNEY SPONSORED BY: CAMERON D. BENSON, CITY MANAGER Moved by: Co s c4'1) Seconded by: O do rn VOTE: 7 —U Mayor Oliver Gilbert, III ✓ (Yes) (No) Vice Mayor Erhabor Ighodaro, Ph.D. 1/ (Yes) (No) Councilwoman Lisa C. Davis (Yes) (No) Councilman Rodney Harris ✓ (Yes) (No) Councilwoman Lillie Q. Odom ✓ (Yes) (No) Councilwoman Felicia Robinson ✓ (Yes) (No) Councilman David Williams Jr (Yes) (No) Resolution No. 2017 - 105 -3210 CIA MI G 04 �I W200 ! City of Miami Gardens Agenda Cover Memo 18605 NW 27 Avenue Miami Gardens, Florida 33056 Council Meeting Date: Item Type: Resolution Ordinance Other June 14, 2017 X EnterX in box Fiscal Impact: Ordinance Reading: 1st Reading god Reading (Enter X in box) Yes No (Enter X in box) Public Hearing: Yes No Yes No X (Enter X in box) X Funding Source: N/A Advertising Requirement: Yes No (Enter X in box) X Contract /P.O. Required: Yes No RFP /RFQ /Bid #: (EnterX in box) N/A X Strategic Plan Related Yes No Strategic Plan Priority Area: Strategic Plan Obj. /Strategy: Gist the (Enter X in box) specific objective /strategy this item will address) Enhance Organizational 0 Bus. & Economic Dev X Quality of Life and City Image X Public Safety Q Quality of Education 0 Qual. of Life & City Image X Communication E::] Sponsor Name Cameron D. Benson, Department: C City Manager City Manager Short Title: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AND ATTEST TO RESPECTIVELY THAT CERTAIN AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF LAKE CLARKE SHORES AND THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH FOR THE FLORIDA RESILIENCE AND ENERGY DISTRICT, ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT "A ", PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Staff Summary: Background In 2010, the Florida Legislature adopted House Bill 7179 (Section 163.08, F.S.), which allows local governments to create Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs in order to provide financing for energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, wind resistance and other improvement projects consistent with state law. 18605 NW 27 Avenue Miami Gardens, Florida 33056 House Bill 7179 authorizes local governments to levy non -ad valorem assessments to fund certain energy conservation and efficiency improvements. The Bill allows business and residential property owners to apply for funding and enter into agreements with local governments to finance these improvements. In January 2017, the Florida Resiliency and Energy District (FRED District) was established by the Town of Lake Clarke Shores and City of Fernandina Beach, Florida in order to provide municipalities with affordable financing opportunities for qualifying improvements. Through an Interlocal Agreement, several municipalities have joined including, the Cities of North Miami Beach, Miami Springs, Hialeah, Palm Beach Shores, Golf, Boynton Beach, Orlando, Winter Park, Longwood, and Satellite Beach, and Broward, Charlotte, Hillsborough, Pasco and Leon Counties, with Palm Beach County, City of West Palm Beach, Miami -Dade County and Collier County in the process. On January 28, 2015 via resolution no. 2015 -16 -2213, and on May 10, 2017 via resolution no. 2017 -90- 3195, the City entered into an Interlocal Agreement with the Clean Energy Coastal Corridor and the Florida Green Finance Authority, respectively; both are PACE Districts operating in Miami -Dade County. Current Situation The upfront cost of energy conservation improvements limit property owners from investing in these projects. By joining the Florida Resiliency and Energy District (FRED District), City of Miami Gardens business and residential property owners can pay for energy upgrades over time using long -term, low - interest financing. The projects are repaid through an annual assessment on the property tax bill. The PACE program will increase the sustainability and aesthetics of properties within the City, thereby increasing property value, efficiency and usability. Residents and business owners will be assisted in reducing their carbon footprint and energy costs. Furthermore, by entering into another Interlocal Agreement with the FRED District, the addition of competition will benefit the business owners and residents. The program will also stimulate the local economy through the creation of construction jobs. Fiscal Impact There is no fiscal impact. Entering into the Interlocal Agreement does not obligate the City in anyway financially. Proposed Action: That the City Council approves the attached resolution. Attachments: • Florida Resiliency and Energy District Membership Agreement • Section 163.01 and 163.08, Florida Statutes This instrument was prepared by or under the supervision of (and after recording should be returned to): Joseph P. Stanton Broad & Cassel Bank of America Center 390 North Orange Avenue Suite 1400 Orlando, FL 32801 -4961 SPACE reserved for Clerk of Court LIMITED PURPOSE PARTY MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FLORIDA RESILIENCY AND ENERGY DISTRICT AND [NAME OF LOCALITY] This Limited Purpose Party Membership Agreement (the "Agreement ") is entered into this day of , 20 by and between the FLORIDA RESILIENCY AND ENERGY DISTRICT ( "FRED "), a public body corporate and politic created as a separate legal entity pursuant to Section 163.01(7), Florida Statutes, and [NAME OF LOCALITY], a political subdivision of the State of Florida (the "[TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] ") (collectively, the "Parties ") for the purpose of providing a Property Assessed Clean Energy ( "PACE ") program within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY]. WITNESSETH WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 163.08(1), Florida Statutes, the legislature determined that access to financing for certain renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation and wind resistance improvements ( "Qualifying Improvements ") through voluntary assessment programs such as the PACE program provides a special benefit to real property by alleviating the property's burden from energy consumption and/or reducing the property's burden from potential wind damage; and WHEREAS, in order to make such Qualifying Improvements more affordable and assist property owners who wish to undertake such improvements, the legislature also determined that there is a compelling state interest in enabling property owners to voluntarily finance such Qualifying Improvements with the assistance of local governments, through the execution of financing agreements and the related imposition of voluntary, non -ad valorem special assessments; and WHEREAS, an Interlocal Agreement, dated September 6, 2016, as amended and supplemented from time to time (the "Interlocal Agreement ") was entered into between the Town of Lake Clarke Shores, the City of Fernandina Beach, and any subsequent parties thereto (the "Public Agencies ") and, in the limited capacity described therein, the Florida Development Finance Corporation ( "FDFC" and, together with the Public Agencies, the "Parties "), for the purpose of facilitating the financing of Qualifying 1 FDFC 12 -21 -16 Improvements for properties located within FRED's aggregate legal boundaries via the levy and collection of voluntary non -ad valorem special assessments on improved property; and WHEREAS, the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] agrees with such legislative determinations and finds that the financing of Qualifying Improvements through the PACE program provides a special benefit to participating real property within its legal boundaries; and WHEREAS, the Parties to this Agreement desire to supplement the Interlocal Agreement to include the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] as a Limited Member, as such term is defined in the Interlocal Agreement, on the date last signed below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals, terms and conditions, promises and covenants hereinafter set forth, the Parties agree as follows: SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. Any capitalized terms used in this Agreement, but not otherwise defined herein, shall have the meaning specified for such term in the Interlocal Agreement. SECTION 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Agreement is to facilitate the financing of Qualifying Improvements through a PACE program, in accordance with Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, and provide an efficient process for real property owners within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] to access the PACE program and permit FRED to administer the PACE program within such legal boundaries. SECTION 3. RIGHTS OF PARTIES. FRED, together with its member Parties, and the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], with the intent to be bound thereto, hereby agree that the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] shall become a Party to the Interlocal Agreement together with only those rights and obligations of Parties to the Interlocal Agreement as are necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Agreement, including access to financing and processing of non -ad valorem special assessments by FRED, within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], as more specifically described below, and in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and all operational program standards of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY]. SECTION 4. INCORPORATION OF RECITALS AND LEVY OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS. The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree with each recital to this Agreement and incorporate such findings herein as their own. The non -ad valorem special assessments arising from a property owner's voluntary participation in the PACE program shall be levied by FRED on properties within the legal boundaries the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] and the receipt and distribution of any non -ad valorem special assessments imposed by FRED are purely ministerial acts. 2 FDFC 12 -21 -16 SECTION 5. QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS. FRED may provide access to financing for Qualifying Improvements to real property within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], in accordance with Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, and subject to the terms of this Agreement, as well as applicable federal, state, and [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] law. SECTION 6. FINANCING AGREEMENT. Before extending any financing or subjecting any participating real property within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] to the non -ad valorem special assessment authorized therein, FRED and FDFC, through their designees, shall, on a non - exclusive basis pursuant to the Section 163.08, Florida Statutes and this Agreement, enter into a financing agreement (the "Financing Agreement ") with property owner(s) within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] who qualify for financing through FRED. The Financing Agreement shall include a thorough explanation of the PACE financing process and specify at what point in the process the special assessment will be added to the real property's owner's property tax bills (after completion of the project(s), permit approval, and approval by the property owner). SECTION 7. BOUNDARIES OF THE PACE PROGRAM. For the limited purposes of administering the PACE program and imposing non -ad valorem special assessments as described in this Agreement, the legal boundaries of FRED shall include the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], which legal boundaries may be limited, expanded to reflect annexation, or more specifically designated from time to time by the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] by providing written notice to FRED. Upon execution of this Agreement and written request thereafter, the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] agrees to provide FRED the current legal description of the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY]. SECTION 8. ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES. Within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], improved real property, including any residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial use may be eligible for participation in the PACE program within the limits otherwise prescribed in Section 163.08, Florida Statutes. SECTION 9. SURVIVAL OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS. During the term of this Agreement, FRED may levy voluntary non -ad valorem special assessments on participating properties within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] to help secure the financing of costs of Qualifying Improvements constructed or acquired on such properties based on the finding of special benefit by the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] incorporated into Section 3 hereof. Those properties receiving financing for Qualifying Improvements shall be assessed by FRED until such time as the financing for such Qualified Improvement is repaid in full, in accordance with Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, and other applicable law. Notwithstanding termination of this Agreement or notice of a change in the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] as provided for herein, those properties that have received 3 FDFC 12 -21 -16 financing for Qualifying Improvements shall continue to be a part of FRED, until such time that all outstanding debt has been satisfied. SECTION 10. TERM. This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect from the date of its execution by both Parties. Any Party may terminate this Agreement for convenience upon ninety (90) days' prior written notice ( "Termination Notice ") in accordance with the terms of the Interlocal Agreement. Beginning on the date FRED receives a Termination Notice from the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] ( "Termination Date "), FRED shall not approve any new applications affecting property within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] referenced in the Termination Notice. Notwithstanding termination of this Agreement, however, property owners whose applications were approved prior to the Termination Date, and who received funding through the PACE program, shall continue to be a part of FRED, for the sole purpose of FRED imposing assessments for the repayment of such property's outstanding debt, until such time that all outstanding debt has been satisfied. SECTION 11. CONSENT. This Agreement, together with the resolution by the governing board of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] approving this Agreement, shall be considered the Parties' consent to authorize FRED to administer the PACE program within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], as required by Section 163.08, Florida Statutes. SECTION 12. [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] COORDINATOR. The [DEPARTMENT /OFFICE] within the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] shall serve as the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY]'s primary point of contact and coordinator. The [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] will advise FRED of any changes to the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY]'s primary contact and coordinator within 30 days of such changes. SECTION 13. CARBON OR SIMILAR CREDITS. To the extent permitted by law, in the event that the Financing Agreement or any other PACE agreement with the property owner provides for the transfer of any carbon or similar mitigation credits derived from Qualifying Improvements to FRED, any such carbon or similar mitigation credits derived from properties within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], shall be shared in equal parts between FRED and the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY]. SECTION 14. LIMITED OBLIGATIONS. Neither FRED nor FDFC is authorized to issue bonds, or any other form of debt, on behalf of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] without a separate interlocal agreement or other authority provided by State law. To the extent that FRED or FDFC issues PACE - related bonds under its own authority in connection with this Agreement, the security for such bonds may be secured by non -ad valorem special assessments imposed by FRED on participating properties within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY]. 4 FDFC-12-21-16 The issuance of such bonds shall not directly or indirectly or contingently obligate the [TOWN /CITY /COLJNTY] to levy or to pledge any form of taxation whatever, or to levy ad valorem taxes on any property within their territorial limits to pay the bonds, and the bonds shall not constitute a lien upon any property owned by the [TOWN /CITY /COLJNTY]. For any such bonds, the bond disclosure document, if any, shall include references to the fact that the [TOWN /CITY /COLJNTY] is not an obligated party, and also adequately disclose material attendant risks with PACE programs. SECTION 15. LIABILITY, INDEMNIFICATION AND SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY. (A) [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] and FRED are and shall be subject to Sections 768.28 and 163.01(9)(c), Florida Statutes, and any other provisions of Florida law governing sovereign immunity. Pursuant to Section 163.01(5)(0), Florida Statutes, and this covenant of the parties hereto, the local governments who are either or both the founders or members of FRED shall not be held jointly liable for the torts of the officers or employees of the FRED, or any other tort attributable to FRED, and that FRED alone shall be liable for any torts attributable to it or for torts of its officers, employees or agents, and then only to the extent of the waiver of sovereign immunity or limitation of liability as specified in Section 768.28, Florida Statutes. [TOWN /CITY /COLJNTY] and FRED acknowledge and agree that FRED shall have all of the applicable privileges and immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances, rules and common law which apply to the municipalities and counties of the State. [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] is completely independent of FRED. To the extent provided by law, FRED shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] from any and all damages, claims, and liability arising from the negligence or intentional misconduct of FRED relating to operation of the PACE program. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to inure to the benefit of any third -party for the purpose of allowing any claim, which would otherwise be barred under the doctrine of sovereign immunity or by operation of law. (B) Neither [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], nor the local governments who are ei- ther or both the founders or members of the Agency, nor any subsequently joining or par- ticipating local government as members of FRED shall in any manner be obligated to pay any debts, obligations or liabilities arising as a result of any actions of FRED, the govern- ing board of FRED or any other agents, employees, officers or officials of FRED, except to the extent otherwise mutually and expressly agreed upon, and neither FRED, the gov- erning board of FRED or any other agents, employees, officers or officials of FRED have any authority or power to otherwise obligate either [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], the local governments who are either or both the founders or members of FRED, nor any subse- quently subscribing or participating local government in the business of FRED in any manner. 5 FDFC 12 -21 -16 (C) All of the privileges and immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances and rules which apply to the activity of officials, officers, agents or employees of the parties shall apply to the officials, officers, agents or employees thereof when performing their respective functions and duties under the provisions of this Agreement. SECTION 16. AGREEMENTS WITH TAX COLLECTOR AND PROPERTY APPRAISER. This Agreement shall be subject to the express condition precedent that FRED enter into separate agreement(s) with the tax collector and the property appraiser having jurisdiction over the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], which shall provide for the collection of any non -ad valorem special assessments imposed by FRED within the legal boundaries of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY]. If required by the tax collector and property appraiser, the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] agrees to enter into those agreements as a third -party to facilitate the collection of the non -ad valorem special assessments imposed by FRED. SECTION 17. OPINION OF BOND COUNSEL. FRED warrants, based on counsel's review of the bond validation judgment and the underlying bond documents that the FDFC PACE program's structure complies with the bond validation judgment and the underlying bond documents. SECTION 18. AGENTS OF FRED. FRED shall ensure that its agents, administrators, subcontractors, successors and assigns are, at all times, in compliance with the terms of this Agreement and applicable [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY], state and federal laws. SECTION 19. NOTICES. Any notices to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given if sent by hand delivery, recognized overnight courier (such as Federal Express), or by written certified U.S. mail, with return receipt requested, or by electronic mail, addressed to the Party for whom it is intended, at the place specified. For the present, the Parties designate the following as the respective places for notice purposes: If to FRED: The Florida Resiliency and Energy District c/o Florida Development Finance Corporation William "Bill" F. Spivey, Jr. Executive Director 800 N. Magnolia Avenue, Suite 1100 Orlando, Florida 32803 407.956.5695 (t) bspivey(j� fdfcbonds.com 6 FDFC 12 -21 -16 and Issuer's Counsel with Broad and Cassel Joseph Stanton, Esq. Bank of America Center 390 North Orange Avenue Suite 1400 Orlando, FL 32801 -4961 407.839.4200 (t) jstanton @broadandcassel.com If to [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY]: [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] Coordinator, [INSERT CONTACT INFORMATION] SECTION 20. AMENDMENTS. No modification, amendment or alteration in the terms or conditions contained herein shall be effective unless contained in a written document prepared with the same or similar formality as this agreement and executed by the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] and FRED or other delegated authority authorized to execute same on their behalf. SECTION 21. JOINT EFFORT. The preparation of this Agreement has been a joint effort of the Parties hereto and the resulting document shall not, solely as a matter of judicial construction, be construed more severely against one of the Parties than the other. SECTION 22. MERGER. This Agreement represents the final and complete understanding of the Parties regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous negotiations, correspondence, agreements, or understandings applicable to the matters contained herein; and the Parties agree that there are no commitments, agreements, or understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement that are not contained in this document. Accordingly, the Parties agree that no deviation from the terms hereof shall be predicated upon any prior representations or agreements, whether oral or written. SECTION 23. ASSIGNMENT. The respective obligations of the Parties set forth in this Agreement shall not be assigned, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the other Party hereto. SECTION 24. THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. None of the Parties intend to directly or substantially benefit a third party by this Agreement. Therefore, the Parties acknowledge that there are no third party beneficiaries to this Agreement and that no third party shall be entitled to assert a right or claim against either of them based upon this Agreement; provided, however, that counsel to the Parties may rely on this 7 FDFC 12 -21 -16 Agreement for purposes of providing any legal opinions required by the issuance of debt to finance the Qualifying Improvements. SECTION 25. RECORDS. The Parties shall each maintain their own respective records and documents associated with this Agreement in accordance with the requirements for records retention set forth in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. SECTION 26. RECORDING. This Limited Purpose Party Membership Agreement shall be filed by FRED with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the Public Records of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] and recorded in the public records of the [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] as an amendment to the lnterlocal Agreement, in accordance with Section 163.01 (11), Florida Statutes. SECTION 27. SEVERABILITY. In the event a portion of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that part shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 28. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution by both Parties hereto. SECTION 29. LAW, JURISDICTION, AND VENUE. This Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the state of Florida. The Parties agree that the exclusive venue for any lawsuit arising from, related to, or in connection with this Agreement shall be in the state courts of the [First... Twentieth] Judicial Circuit in and for [NAME OF COUNTY], Florida, the United States District Court for the [Northern] [Middle] [Southern] District of Florida or United States Bankruptcy Court for the [Northern] [Middle] [Southern] District of Florida, as appropriate. [SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW] 8 FDFC 12 -21 -16 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO LIMITED PURPOSE PARTY MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have made and executed this Agreement on this day of , 2016. [NAME OF LOCALITY], FLORIDA By: Date [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] Mayor or Designee For the [ ] of [TOWN /CITY /COUNTY] [NAME OF LOCALITY], Attest: By: Deputy Clerk Date STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of , 20 , b I of the [INSERT PUBLIC AGENCY], Florida, who is personally known to me/has produced as identification. (SEAL) Printed/Typed Name: Notary Public -State of Florida Commission Number: 9 FDFC 12 -21 -16 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO LIMITED PURPOSE PARTY MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT] WITNESS: WITNESS: STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF The foregoin g ,20 . Development Financ FLORIDA DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION on behalf of FLORIDA RESILIENCY AND ENERGY DISTRICT By: William 'Bill" F. Spivey, Jr. Executive Director instrument was acknowledged before me this day of by William 'Bill" F. Spivey, Jr., Executive Director of the Florida Corporation, who is personally known to me/has produced as identification. e Printed/Typed Name: (SEAL) Notary Public -State of Florida Commission Number: 10 FDFC 12 -21 -16 This instrument was prepared by or under the supervision of (and after recording should be returned to): BROAD AND CASSEL 390 NORTH ORANGE AVENUE SUITE 1400 ORLANDO, FL 32804 ATTN: JOSEPH B. STANTON reserved for Clerk of(bu AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE FLORIDA RESILIENCY AND ENERGY DISTRICT, A PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY DISTRICT, AND AUTHORIZING FINANCING PURSUANT THERETO BY AND AMONG THE TOWN OF LAKE CLARKE SHORES, FLORIDA, AND THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH, FLORIDA, AND THE FLORIDA DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION, FLORIDA, IN ITS LIMITED CAPACITY DESCRIBED HEREIN AND ANY SUBSEQUENT PARTIES HERETO DATED AS OF , 201_ 4814-0430 -8797 13 9753 /0041 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page SECTION 1. AUTHORITY FOR AGREEMENT ...................... ............................... 4 SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS ...................................................... ............................... 4 SECTION 3. INTERPRETATION ............................................. ............................... 7 SECTION 4. PURPOSE ............................................... ..............................7 SECTION 5. QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS ...................... ............................... 7 SECTION 6. ENABLING ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION .. ............................... 7 SECTION 7. DISTRICT BOUNDARIES. DISTRICT ADMISSION ..................... 7 SECTION 8. GOVERNING BOARD OF THE DISTRICT ....... ............................... 8 SECTION 9. DECISIONS OF THE BOARD .......................... ..............................9 SECTION 10. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION; DISTRICT STAFF AND ATTORNEY; ADMINISTRATORS ..................... 9 SECTION 11. FINANCING AGREEMENT ................................ ............................... 9 SECTION 12. POWERS OF THE DISTRICT ........................... ............................... 10 SECTION13. TERM .................................................................. ............................... 11 SECTION14. CONSENT ........................................................... ............................... 11 SECTION 15. NOTICE OF INTENT; IMPOSITION OF ASSESSMENTS; COORDINATION ........................... ............................... 11 SECTION 16. UNDERLYING POWERS; SEPARATE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENTS.................................................. ............................... 13 SECTION 17. FEES AND COSTS ............................................. ............................... 14 SECTION18. FILING ............................................................... ............................... 14 SECTION 19. LIMITED LIABILITY ....................................... ............................... 14 SECTION 20. AMENDMENTS ................................................. ............................... 15 SECTION 21. ASSIGNMENT .................................................... ............................... 15 SECTION 22. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS ................. ............................... 15 SECTION 23. SEVERABILITY ................................................. ............................... 15 SECTION 24. APPLICABLE LAW ........................................... ............................... 15 SECTION 25. JOINT EFFORT .................................................. ............................... 15 SECTION 26. EFFECTIVE DATE ............................................. ............................... 15 4814 - 0430 -8797 139753/0041 AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE CREATION OF THE FLORIDA RESILIENCY AND ENERGY DISTRICT, A PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY DISTRICT, AND AUTHORIZING FINANCING THERETO THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Agreement ") is made and entered into as of , 201_, by and among the government units executing the Agreement, each one constituting a public agency or legal entity under Part I, Chapter 163, Florida Statues, comprising the Town of Lake Clarke Shores, a municipality and local government of the State of Florida and the City of Fernandina Beach, a municipality and local government of the State of Florida (the "Public Agency" or "Public Agencies ") and, in the limited capacity described herein, the Florida Development Finance Corporation, a public body corporate and politic, a public instrumentality and a public agency organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida ( "FDFC ") and, together collective referred to herein as the "Parties." WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, as amended (the "Florida PACE Act "), the Florida Legislature found that in order to make qualifying renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation and wind resistance improvements (collectively, the "Qualifying Improvements ") more affordable and assist real property owners who wish to undertake such improvements, there is a compelling State of Florida ( "State ") interest in enabling property owners to voluntarily finance such improvements with local government assistance; and WHEREAS, under the Florida PACE Act, the Florida Legislature determined that the actions authorized under the Florida PACE Act, including, but not limited to, the financing of Qualifying Improvements through the execution of financing agreements between property owners and local governments and the resulting imposition of voluntary non -ad valorem assessments are reasonable and necessary to serve and achieve a compelling state interest and are necessary for the prosperity and welfare of the State and its property owners and inhabitants; and WHEREAS, the Town of Lake Clarke Shores, Florida, and the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida (collectively, the "Founding Members "), wish to create an entity to finance Qualifying Improvements for themselves and for other local governments pursuant to Section 163.08(2)(a); and WHEREAS, effective September 6, 2016, the Founding Members and FDFC entered into that certain Agreement (the "Original Agreement "), pursuant to Section 163.01(7), Florida Statues, creating a separate legal entity within the meaning of Section 163.0 1, Florida Statutes, also known as the Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969 (the " Interlocal Act ") 1 4814 - 0430.8797.139753 /0041 and a "local government" within the meaning of the Florida PACE Act, in furtherance of the objectives of the Florida PACE Act; and WHEREAS, the separate legal entity created under the Original Agreement has been designated as the Florida Resiliency and Energy District (the "District" or "FRED ") which may, pursuant to section 163.08(2)(a), finance Qualifying Improvements through voluntary assessments; and WHEREAS, subsequent to the execution of the Original Agreement, the parties have determined that certain amendments are desired in order provide clarity with respect to the nature of the Qualifying Improvements and the composition of the Governing Board, among other terms and conditions as are more fully set forth herein; and WHEREAS, the Act also permits FDFC and FRED, as public agencies under the Interlocal Act, to enter into Agreements with each other to provide for the performance of service functions to cooperate on a basis of mutual benefit in the best interest of the real property owners within the boundaries of FRED; and WHEREAS, FDFC has determined that there is a substantial need within the State for a financing program which can provide funds to property owners to enable them to finance Qualifying Improvements under the Florida PACE Act on a cost - effective basis; and WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature determined that FDFC has the authority to issue revenue bonds for the purpose of financing Qualifying Improvements pursuant to Section 288.9606(7), Florida Statutes; and WHEREAS, FDFC acts as a special development financing authority that specializes in providing financing support to fund capital projects that support economic development and job creation on a state -wide basis; and WHEREAS, the Florida PACE Act is an economic development tool that provides communities with an additional option for financing, stimulates production of qualifying products, promotes competition, seeks to increases property values, lower energy consumption, mitigate wind damage, and create jobs; and WHEREAS, on December 4, 2015, the FDFC Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 15 -09, as amended and supplemented from time to time (the "Bond Resolution "), authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds ( "Bonds ") in order to finance Qualifying Improvements under the Florida PACE Act, which revenue bonds shall be secured by and payable from the proceeds of voluntary non -ad valorem assessments levied against the real properties that are benefitted by such Qualifying Improvements (the "Assessments "), all in accordance with the provisions of the Florida PACE Act and other applicable provisions of law and in accordance with FDFC's Property Assessed Clean Energy ( "PACE ") Program (the "FDFC PACE Program "); and 2 4814- 0430 -8797 139753/0041 WHEREAS, on July 18, 2014, in accordance with Chapter 75, Florida Statutes, the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit in and for Leon County, Florida issued an Amended Final Judgment validating the issuance of the Bonds by FDFC and on October 15, 2015, the Supreme Court of the State of Florida affirmed such Final Judgment; and WHEREAS, on December 4, 2015, the FDFC Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 15 -10 setting forth its policies and procedures relating to the FDFC PACE Program; and WHEREAS, on December 4, 2015, the FDFC Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 15 -11 approving Renovate America, Inc. ( "Renovate America ") as its first PACE administrator for the FDFC PACE Program; and WHEREAS, FDFC anticipates adding other PACE providers as PACE residential and commercial administrators to provide a competitive marketplace in Florida for any potential residential and commercial property owners interested in the FDFC PACE Program; and WHEREAS, FRED and FDFC agree, pursuant to Section 163.01(14), that FRED, as a separate legal entity authorized to facilitate PACE financing pursuant to Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, may contract with FDFC to serve the financing function of the District and therefore serve the property owners of within the District; and WHEREAS, under this Agreement, the Parties agree to have the FDFC PACE Program serve as the administrator for the District's PACE program; and WHEREAS, in order to provide the property owners within the boundaries of FRED an efficient process for accessing the FDFC PACE Program, FRED will designate FDFC as its agent for purposes of executing Financing Agreements with property owners on behalf of FRED pursuant to Section 163.08(6), Florida Statutes, and for purposes of administering the FDFC PACE Program within the boundaries of FRED and ensuring compliance with the Florida PACE Act; and WHEREAS, the District will utilize the FDFC PACE Program to implement PACE exclusively on behalf of the District and take on all costs and responsibilities for administering and operating the program; and WHEREAS, FDFC will utilize its authority under law to provide, authorize, and issue revenue bonds to finance Qualifying Improvements within and on behalf of property owners within the District; and WHEREAS, FRED will have immediate access to a turnkey FDFC PACE Program which includes $2,000,000,000 in judicially validated bonding authority for PACE financing and a trained PACE program staff; and 3 4814 -0430 -8797 139753/0041 NOW THEREFORE, THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT AGREE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. AUTHORITY FOR AGREEMENT. This Agreement is adopted pursuant to the provisions of the Interlocal Act, the Florida PACE Act, and other applicable provisions of law. At all times prior to and during the term of this Agreement, the Town of Lake Clarke Shores, Florida, and the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida, constitute local governments as that term is defined in the Florida PACE Act and the Interlocal Act and the Florida Development Finance Corporation constitutes a "public agency" as that term is defined in the Florida Interlocal Act. That portion of this Agreement creating the separate legal entity pursuant to Section 163.01(7), Florida Statues, is among and between the Founding Members, and that portion of the Agreement allowing the FDFC PACE Program to provide the financing duties of the District is pursuant to Section 163.01(14), Florida Statutes. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. The following definitions shall govern the interpretation of this Agreement: "Agreement" means this Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement, including any amendments or supplements hereto, executed and delivered in accordance with the terms hereof. "Assessment Resolution" means a resolution or resolutions adopted by the District that (A) imposes new Assessments against those property owners entering into Financing Agreements since adoption of the last Assessment Resolution, and (B) approves an electronic assessment roll to be submitted to the Tax Collector for the next tax bill containing the required collection information for all property owners with outstanding Assessments under the FDFC PACE Program, in each case limited to those property owners within the boundaries of the local governments that comprise the District. "Assessments" means the non -ad valorem assessments levied by the District against the properties that are benefitted by the Qualifying Improvements in accordance with the Florida PACE Act and the FDFC PACE Program. "Bond Resolution" means Resolution No. 15 -09 of the FDFC adopted on December 4, 2015 relating to the Bonds and the FDFC PACE Program, as amended and supplemented from time to time. "Bonds" means bonds that are issued by FDFC from time to time pursuant to the Bond Resolution. "Contracted FDFC Services" means the services provided by FDFC pursuant to this Agreement. 4 4814 -0430 -8797 139753/0041 "District" or "FRED" means the Florida Resiliency and Energy District (FRED), a separate legal entity formed pursuant to the Interlocal Act and this Agreement and a local government within the meaning of the Florida PACE Act. "FDFC" means Florida Development Finance Corporation, a public body corporate and politic, a public instrumentality and a public agency organized and existing under the laws of the State of Florida. "FDFC PACE Program" means the FDFC's Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program adopted pursuant to the Bond Resolution and its policies and procedures. "Financing Agreement" means a contract among FRED, FDFC and the owner of a participating parcel in the FDFC PACE Program pursuant to which the owner voluntarily agrees to the levy of Assessments against the participating parcel and the payment thereof to finance the installation of Qualifying Improvements on the participating parcel. "Florida PACE Act" means Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, as may be amended from time to time. "Founding Members" means the Town of Lake Clarke Shores, Florida, and the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida. The term does not include FDFC. "Governing Board" means the governing board of FRED as further described in Section 8 hereof. "Interlocal Act" means Section 163.01, Florida Statutes, as amended. "Joinder Agreement" means a document in which additional government units constituting Public Agencies under the Interlocal Act and local governments as defined under the Florida PACE Act join the District as a Subsequent Party. "Jurisdictional Boundaries" has the meaning described in Section 7 hereof. "Limited Member" means additional government units constituting Public Agencies under the Interlocal Act and local governments as defined under the Florida PACE Act which join the District upon application to the District and the affirmative vote of a majority of the Governing Board and upon execution of a Limited Purpose Party Membership Agreement between the District and a Subsequent Party. "Limited Purpose Party Membership Agreement" means an agreement between additional government units constituting Public Agencies under the Interlocal Act and /or local governments as defined under the Florida PACE Act and the District defining the terms 4814- 0430 -8797 139753/0041 and conditions of membership within the District. "Party" or "Parties" means the Town of Lake Clarke Shores, Florida, and the City of Fernandina Beach, and the Florida Development Finance Corporation Florida, and their respective assigns; provided, however, the FDFC is a party only for the contracted FDFC services "Property Appraiser" means the county property appraiser for real property within the boundaries of each Founding Member, Subsequent Party or Limited Member. "Public Agency" means cities or counties of the State of Florida, or any Subsequent Party or Limited Member. "Resolution of Intent" means a resolution adopted by the District pursuant to the Uniform Assessment Collection Act providing notice to all owners of real property within the boundaries of District that non -ad valorem assessments may be imposed pursuant to the Florida PACE Act and will be collected pursuant to the Uniform Assessment Collection Act if the property owner chooses to utilize the FDFC PACE Program to finance Qualifying Improvements. "State" means the State of Florida. "Subsequent Party" or "Subsequent Parties" means additional governmental units constituting Public Agencies under the Interlocal Act and local governments as defined under the Florida PACE act which execute a Joinder Agreement and agree to serve on the Governing Board. "Tax Collector" means the county tax collector for real property within the boundaries of each Founding Member, Subsequent Party, or Limited Member. "Uniform Assessment Collection Act" means Sections 197.3632 and 197.3635, Florida Statutes, as amended and supplemented from time to time. SECTION 3. INTERPRETATION. Words importing the singular number shall include the plural in each case and vice versa, and words importing persons shall include firms and corporations. The terms "herein," "hereunder," "hereby," "hereto," "hereof," and any similar terms, shall refer to this Agreement; the term "heretofore" shall mean before the effective date of this Agreement; and the term "hereafter" shall mean after the effective date of this Agreement. This agreement shall not be construed more strongly against any party regardless that such party, or its counsel, drafted this Agreement. SECTION 4. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Agreement is for the Founding Members to affirm the creation of the District, pursuant to the Interlocal Act and the Florida 6 4814.0430.8797 139753/0041 PACE Act, and, by also agreeing to contract with the Florida Development Finance Corporation and its FDFC PACE Program and the Florida PACE Act to facilitate the financing of Qualifying Improvements for property owners within the District. The District shall be a separate legal entity, pursuant to Section 163.01(7), Florida Statutes and a local government within the meaning of the Florida PACE Act. SECTION 5. QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS. The District shall allow the financing of Qualifying Improvements by and through the FDFC PACE Program as defined in Section 163.08, Florida Statutes, under authority of Section 163.01(14), Florida Statutes. SECTION 6. ENABLING ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION. The Founding Members and Subsequent Parties to this Agreement agree to approve and keep in effect such resolutions and ordinances as may be necessary to approve, create and maintain the District. Said ordinances and resolutions shall include all of the provisions as may be required or desirable under the Interlocal Act and the Florida PACE Act for the creation and operation of FRED as a separate legal entity and a local government. The District shall be created upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Parties. SECTION 7. DISTRICT BOUNDARIES; DISTRICT ADMISSION. (A) The boundaries of the District shall initially be the legal boundaries of the Founding Members, and shall be expanded to include all areas within the legal boundaries of, or service area designated by the Joinder Agreement or Limited Purpose Party Membership Agreement entered into by each local government (the "Jurisdictional Boundaries ") that becomes a Subsequent Party or Limited Member to this Agreement. As contemplated in this Amended and Restated Agreement, the District shall levy voluntary assessments on the benefitted properties within the Jurisdictional Boundaries of the District in order for the FDFC PACE Program to finance the costs of Qualifying Improvements for those benefitted properties. Upon petition by the landowners of individual residential or commercial properties desiring to be benefited, those properties receiving financing for Qualifying Improvements shall be assessed from time to time, in accordance with the applicable law. Notwithstanding a Founding Member's termination of participation in this Agreement, or Subsequent Party's or Limited Member's termination of participation, those properties that have received financing for Qualifying Improvements shall continue to be a part of the District in accordance with Section 13(C) hereof. (B) To the extent permitted by the Interlocal Act, the District may admit any public agency or local government (as such terms are defined in the Interlocal Act and the Florida PACE Act, respectively) as a Subsequent Party or Limited Member to the District upon application of each public agency or local government to the District and the affirmative vote of a majority of the Governing Board. This Agreement need not be amended to admit any such public agency or local government, and the approval of the respective governing boards 7 4814.0430 -8797 139753/0041 of the existing Parties to the District shall not be required to admit a Subsequent Party or Limited Member. Each Subsequent Party or Limited Member shall execute, deliver, duly authorize, and record in the public records of each Subsequent Party or Limited Member a Joinder Agreement or Limited Purpose Party Membership Agreement as a precondition to membership in the District. SECTION 8. GOVERNING BOARD OF THE DISTRICT. The District shall be governed by the Governing Board which shall at a minimum be comprised of three (3) individuals, two (2) of whom are elected officials, city managers, or their designees, of each of the Founding Members, and each representing an individual local government within the Jurisdictional Boundaries of the Parties to this Agreement. The next Subsequent Party to join the District shall be entitled to the third position as a member of the Governing Board, provided however, that prior to addition of a Subsequent Party, the Founding Members shall have the right to jointly appoint a third Governing Board member. Such third Governing Board member shall be unrelated to either Founding Member (e.g., shall not be an officer, or employee of the Founding Members), but shall have a background or experience in finance or economic development. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum number of members on the Governing Board may be increased by a majority vote of the Governing Board to a maximum of 5 members, with the proviso that as much as possible the composition of the Governing Board membership reflects the geographic regions of the state of Florida. After the Governing Board is constituted, the Executive Director may recommend procedures for setting terms, Governing Board qualifications and responsibilities, and the means of appointment of members to the Governing Board. In the event a Governing Board member is no longer eligible or able to serve on the Governing Board, the Public Agency represented by the Governing Board member, so long as it continues to be a Party to this Agreement, shall have the right to request appointment of a replacement to fulfill the remaining term of that member. FDFC shall have no right to appoint any member of the Governing Board. SECTION 9. DECISIONS OF THE GOVERNING BOARD. Decisions of the Governing Board shall be made by majority vote of the Governing Board. The Governing Board, upon recommendation of the Executive Director, may adopt rules of procedure for the Governing Board. In the absence of the adoption of such rules of procedure, the most current version of Roberts Rules of Order shall apply to the extent it is not inconsistent with Florida law. SECTION 10. DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION; DISTRICT STAFF AND ATTORNEY; ADMINISTRATORS (A) Financing. As a condition of this Agreement, the Founding Members, and any Party joining the District consents to FDFC and FDFC PACE Program providing financing for the District, and FDFC agrees to provide a turnkey PACE program for each jurisdiction that is a Party, Subsequent Party, or Limited Member to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other section of this Agreement, the Executive Director of FDFC or his or her appointee 8 4914-0430-8797 13975 7/0041 shall also be the Executive Director of FRED. The Executive Director shall have sole authority to appoint staff, counsel, professionals, consultants, and all other positions to fulfill the functions of the District per the PACE Act for the District, and all costs and expenses shall be borne by FDFC and the District. (B) Additional Administrators. The PACE program development period, which serves as a soft launch period for the FDFC PACE Program, will end on July 1, 2017, whereby additional qualified administrators for residential PACE programs may be presented to the District. Within 30 days after execution of this Agreement, FDFC may present to the District qualified administrators for commercial PACE programs that will be available to serve jurisdictions that are a Party to this Agreement. All PACE administrators ( "PACE Administrators" or "Administrators ") must undergo a vetting process by the FDFC. Once vetted, the PACE Administrators must be presented to the FDFC Board and approved by resolution. In order for an approved PACE provider to provide administrator services through the FDFC PACE Program, it must execute a PACE administration agreement. Each member of the District shall receive notice of all approved PACE Administrators (except for residential PACE Providers during the "soft launch" period above). Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, the only authorized FDFC PACE residential Administrator for the District shall be Renovate America until July 1, 2017. SECTION 11. FINANCING AGREEMENT. The Parties agree that FDFC and FRED, and their designees, may enter into Financing Agreements, pursuant to Section 163.08(8), Florida Statutes, with property owner(s) who obtain financing through the District. In accordance with the findings described in this Agreement, FRED hereby designates FDFC as its agent for the limited purpose of executing Financing Agreements with property owners on behalf of FRED pursuant to Section 163.08(6), Florida Statutes, and for purposes of administering the FDFC PACE Program within the Jurisdictional Boundaries of FRED and ensuring compliance with the Florida PACE Act. SECTION 12. POWERS OF THE DISTRICT. With the approval of a majority vote of the Governing Board, the District may exercise any or all of the powers granted to the District under the Interlocal Act and the Florida PACE Act, which include, without limitation, the following: (A) To finance Qualifying Improvements through contracts with property owners in the District, and the District shall impose and levy assessments as a local government in accordance with Section 163.08 to repay the financing received; provided, however, (i) FDFC shall provide the form of the Financing Agreement and (ii) that FDFC shall, have independent discretionary authority to authorize and approve the issuance of revenue bonds to finance such improvements without further approval or authorization from the District, and subject to Section 10, to select and approve Program Administrators for the District; E 4814-0430 -8797 139751/0041 (B) In its own name to make and enter into contracts on behalf of the District; (C). Subject to Section 10(A) hereof, to employ agencies, employees, or consultants for the District; (D) To acquire, construct, manage, maintain, or operate buildings, works, or improvements for the District; (E) To acquire, hold, or dispose of property for the District; (F) To incur debts, liabilities, or obligations, provided, however, that such debts, liabilities, or obligations shall not constitute debts, liabilities, or obligations of the State, FDFC, the Founding Members, or any Subsequent Party to this Agreement; (G) To adopt resolutions and policies prescribing the powers, duties, and functions of the officers of the District, the conduct of the business of the District, and the maintenance of records and documents of the District; (H) To maintain an office at such place or places as it may designate within the District or within the boundaries of a Party to this Agreement; (I) To cooperate with or contract with other governmental agencies as may be necessary, convenient, incidental, or proper in connection with any of the powers, duties, or purposes authorized by the Florida PACE Act, and to accept funding from local, state and federal agencies; (J) To exercise all powers necessary, convenient, incidental, or proper in connection with any of the powers, duties, or purposes authorized in the Florida PACE Act or Florida statutes governing the District; and (K) To apply for, request, receive and accept gifts, grants, or assistance funds from any lawful source to support any activity authorized under Florida Statutes and this Agreement. SECTION 13. TERM. (A) This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect from the date of its execution; provided, however, that any Party may terminate its involvement in the District and its participation in this Agreement upon 90 days' written notice to the other Parties. Should a Party terminate its participation in this Agreement, be dissolved, abolished, or otherwise cease to exist, the District and this Agreement shall continue until such time as all remaining Parties agree to terminate this Agreement. 10 4814- 0430 - 8797.139753/0041 (B) At its discretion, and with reasonable notice, FDFC may terminate its role as a PACE program administrator for the District. (C) Notwithstanding a Party's termination of participation in this Agreement, to ensure continued collection of Assessments for Qualifying Improvements acquired within the service area of the terminating Party, such terminating Party shall enter into a written agreement with the District for such Party to consent to the levy of annual Assessments by the District or for such party to levy annual Assessments on those properties that have received financing for Qualifying Improvements within the legal boundaries of the terminating Party, until such time that all outstanding debt related to such Qualifying Improvements has been satisfied. The proceeds of the Assessments shall be paid to the designee of the District pursuant to such written agreement. SECTION 14. CONSENT. This Agreement and any required resolution or ordinance of an individual Party shall be considered the Party's consent to the creation of the District as required by the Interlocal Act and the Florida PACE Act. SECTION 15. NOTICE OF INTENT; IMPOSITION OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; COORDINATION. (A) In accordance with the Uniform Assessment Collection Act and the Florida PACE Act, the District hereby agrees to impose Assessments within its Jurisdictional Boundaries and to utilize the Uniform Assessment Collection Act for collection of such Assessments from each property owner that voluntarily enters into a Financing Agreement pursuant to the Florida PACE Act and the FDFC PACE Program. Specifically, the District shall: (1) advertise a public hearing to consider adoption of a Resolution of Intent, thus providing notice to the owners of real property within the Jurisdictional Boundaries of the District that non -ad valorem assessments may be imposed pursuant to the Florida PACE Act and may be collected pursuant to the Uniform Assessment Collection Act; (2) after holding the public hearing referred to in (1) above, adopt a Resolution of Intent and mail an executed copy to FDFC, the Tax Collector and the Property Appraiser; (3) enter into a written agreement with the Tax Collector and the Property Appraiser regarding costs associated with use of the Uniform Assessment Collection Act, to the extent such agreement is not already in place; (4) prior to September 15 of each calendar year, or as frequently as needed, adopt Assessment Resolutions which impose new Assessments against those property owners entering into Financing Agreements since adoption of the last 11 4814 -0430 - 8797.139753/0041 Assessment Resolution, and certifies an electronic assessment roll to be submitted to the Tax Collector for the next tax bill, in each case based on information provided by FDFC; (5) remit Assessment proceeds received on behalf of the District from the Tax Collector directly to the District, FDFC or its designee; (6) take all actions necessary to enforce collection of the Assessments pursuant to the Uniform Assessment Collection Act; and (7) on its own behalf and at the request of FDFC, re- impose the Assessments as necessary to the extent required by changes in State law or subsequent judicial decisions. (B) Each approved Administrator shall be responsible for all other actions required by the Florida PACE Act and their administration agreement with FDFC under the FDFC PACE Program, including but not limited to: (1) assisting each Party to the Agreement with preparing all documents required for the District to impose the Assessments pursuant to the Florida PACE Act and the Uniform Assessment Collection Act, including finalization of the documents attached as exhibits hereto and assistance with the written agreement with the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser, if requested by each Party; (2) providing a copy of the Resolution of Intent, together with any other documents required by the Florida PACE Act or the Uniform Assessment Collection Act, to the Florida Department ofRevenue; (3) ensuring that each property owner that voluntarily enters into a Financing Agreement has met all of the financial and other requirements provided for by the Florida PACE Act and the FDFC PACE Program; (4) providing the requisite notifications to all real property owners participating in the District; (5) recording a summary or memorandum of the Financing Agreement with the property owner in accordance with the Florida PACEAct; (6) tracking payment information for each property owner participating in the FDFC PACE Program and maintaining the related assessment rolls for all such participating parcels within the boundaries of the District; (7) working with the District to ensure the submission of the electronic assessment roll relating to the District each year to the Tax Collector; and 12 4814 - 0430 -8797 139753/0041 (8) administering all other aspects of the District including the payment of Bonds with proceeds derived from the Assessments, (C) The District shall fully cooperate and coordinate with the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser with respect to the levying and collection of assessments and comply with all other requirements of the Florida PACE Act and the Uniform Assessment Collection Act. SECTION 16. UNDERLYING POWERS; SEPARATE AGREEMENTS. (A) For purposes of this Agreement and the District, the Parties acknowledge that FDFC currently does not have the power to levy the Assessments. FDFC shall not be a member of the District. FDFC shall be a party to this Agreement solely for the purpose of providing turn-key financial and administrative services through the FDFC PACE Program. The levy of the Assessments within the District is an exercise of the sovereign powers of the Founding Members and Subsequent Parties and Limited Members to this Agreement. (B) In order to maintain the integrity of the Assessments imposed by the District, the FDFC may, at its sole option, terminate its participation in this Agreement and enter into a separate Agreement or contract which provides the services described herein related to the FDFC PACE Program. SECTION 17. FEES AND COSTS. (A) All fees and costs related to the recording of this Agreement, the Resolution of Intent process and any other fees and costs incurred by any Party with respect to the Assessments and the FDFC PACE Program will be paid for solely by FDFC and reimbursed to FDFC through the FDFC PACE Program by the respective FDFC- approved PACE Administrator(s). (B) To advance the purposes of the Florida PACE Act, to minimize participation costs, and because each property owner is voluntarily undertaking to achieve and underwrite the compelling State interests described in the Florida PACE Act, the District shall seek either (i) the waiver or reduction by the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser of their fees or (b) a flat fee per year per tax parcel in an amount sufficient to reimburse the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser for their actual costs related to providing such services, which shall be paid by the District and reimbursed to the District through the FDFC PACE Program by the respective FDFC- approved PACE administrator. SECTION 18. FILING. A copy of this Agreement shall be filed by the District for record with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for such jurisdictions as may be required by Section 163.01 (11), Florida Statutes. 13 4814- 0430 - 8797139753/0041 SECTION 19. LIMITED LIABILITY. (A) To the extent permitted by Florida Law and subject to the limitations of Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, the Parties hereto shall each be individually and separately liable and responsible for the actions of its own officers, agents and employees in the performance of their respective obligations under this lnterlocal Agreement. Except as specified herein, the Parties shall each individually defend any action or proceeding brought against their respective agency pursuant to this lnterlocal Agreement and shall be individually responsible for all of their respective costs, attorneys' fees, expenses and liabilities Incurred as a result of any such claims, demands, suits, actions, damages and causes of action, including the investigation or the defense thereof, and from and against any orders, judgments or decrees which may be entered as a result thereof. The Parties shall each individually maintain throughout the term of this lnterlocal Agreement any and all applicable insurance coverage required by Florida law for governmental entities. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to affect in any way the Parties' rights, privileges, and immunities, including the monetary limitations of liability set forth therein, under the doctrine of "sovereign immunity" and as set forth in Section 768.28 of the Florida Statutes. (B) All Limited Member liabilities shall be governed by the Limited Purpose Party Membership Agreement. (C) No Party or any agent, board member, officer, official, advisor or employee of such Party shall be liable for any action taken pursuant to this Agreement in good faith or for any omission, or for any act of omission or commission by any other Party hereto or its agents, officers, officials or employees. The terms of this Section 19 shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement. (D) Neither this Agreement nor any Bonds issued by FDFC on behalf of the District under the FDFC PACE Program shall be deemed to constitute a general debt, liability, or obligation of or a pledge of the faith and credit of FRED, FDFC, or any Party or Subsequent Party, the State of Florida, or any political subdivision or agency thereof. The issuance of any Bonds by FDFC on behalf of the FDFC PACE Program shall not directly, indirectly, or contingently obligate any Party, FDFC, the State of Florida, or any political subdivision or agency thereof to levy or to pledge any form of taxation whatsoever therefor, or to make any appropriation for their payment. (E) The District, FDFC, and each Party are and shall be subject to Sections 768.28 and 163.01(9), Florida Statutes, and any other provisions of Florida law governing sovereign immunity. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to inure to the benefit of any third -party for the purpose of allowing any claim, which would otherwise be barred under the doctrine of sovereign immunity or by operation of law. SECTION 20. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth all the promises, covenants, agreements, conditions and understandings between the parties hereto 14 4814- 0430 -8797 139753/0041 regarding the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements (including the Original Interlocal Agreement), understandings, inducements or conditions, expressed or implied, oral or written, regarding the subject matter hereof, except as herein contained. SECTION 21. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing approved by each Party. SECTION 22. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may be assigned, in whole or in part, by any Party at any time with the prior written consent of each other Party hereto, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld. SECTION 23. EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. SECTION 24. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any provision of this Agreement shall, for any reason, be determined invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 25. APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida. SECTION 26. JOINT EFFORT. The preparation of this Agreement has been a joint effort of the Parties hereto and the resulting document shall not, solely as a matter of judicial construction, be construed more severely against one of the Parties than the other. SECTION 27. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Agreement shall become effective on the later of (A) the date hereof, or (B) the date the last Founding Member and FDFC executes this Agreement and the filing requirements of Section 18 hereof are satisfied. [SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW] 15 4814.0430 -8797 139753/0041 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO AGREEMENT] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by and on behalf of the Town of Lake Clarke Shores, Florida by its Mayor, its seal affixed hereto, as attested by its Clerk as of the A day of ,���1d�T/ , 2011. ATTEST: By: 6AC&DA Mary Pinkerman, Town Clerk TOWN OF LAKE CLARKE SHORU, FLO Robert M. W. Shal APPROVED AS TO FORM By: Charles F. Schoech, Town Attorney 16 4814- 0430 -8797 139753/0041 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO AGREEMENT] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by and on behalf of the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida by its Mayor, its seal affixed hereto, as attested by its Clerk as of the 3rd day of )cL, T 2017. CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH Robin C. Lentz Commissioner -Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: Tammi E. Bach City Attorney ATTEST: 1��«Y Caroline Best City Clerk 17 4614 -0430 -1797 139753/0041 [SIGNATURE PAGE TO AGREEMENT] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by and on behalf of the FDFC by the authorized signatory identified below. FLORIDA DEVEL PMENT FINANCE CORPORATION By: `'l J( f Name: WILUMA F. SPgC1 SiZ. Title: Eo4EcOC4C 01(ZEP-(NL 18 4814- 0430 -8797 139753/0041 4110/2017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Online Sunshine Select Year: 2016 • Go The 2o16 Florida Statutes Title XI Chapter 163 View Entire COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL Chapter RELATIONS PROGRAMS 163.08 Supplemental authority for improvements to real property.— (1)(a) In chapter 2008 -227, Laws of Florida, the Legislature amended the energy goal of the state comprehensive plan to provide, in part, that the state shall reduce its energy requirements through enhanced conservation and efficiency measures in all end -use sectors and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by promoting an increased use of renewable energy resources. That act also declared it the public policy of the state to play a leading role in developing and instituting energy management programs that promote energy conservation, energy security, and the reduction of greenhouse gases. In addition to establishing policies to promote the use of renewable energy, the Legislature provided for a schedule of increases in energy performance of buildings subject to the Florida Energy Efficiency Code for Building Construction. In chapter 2008 -191, Laws of Florida, the Legislature adopted new energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction comprehensive planning requirements for local governments. In the 2008 general election, the voters of this state approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the Legislature, by general law, to prohibit consideration of any change or improvement made for the purpose of improving a property's resistance to wind damage or the installation of a renewable energy source device in the determination of the assessed value of residential real property. (b) The Legislature finds that all energy - consuming- improved properties that are not using energy conservation strategies contribute to the burden affecting all improved property resulting from fossil fuel energy production. Improved property that has been retrofitted with energy- related qualifying improvements receives the special benefit of alleviating the property's burden from energy consumption. All improved properties not protected from wind damage by wind resistance qualifying improvements contribute to the burden affecting all improved property resulting from potential wind damage. Improved property that has been retrofitted with wind resistance qualifying improvements receives the special benefit of reducing the property's burden from potential wind damage. Further, the installation and operation of qualifying improvements not only benefit the affected properties for which the improvements are made, but also assist in fulfilling the goals of the state's energy and hurricane mitigation policies. In order to make qualifying improvements more affordable and assist property owners who wish to undertake such improvements, the Legislature finds that there is a compelling state interest in enabling property owners to voluntarily finance such improvements with local government assistance. (c) The Legislature determines that the actions authorized under this section, including, but not limited to, the financing of qualifying improvements through the execution of financing agreements and the related imposition of voluntary assessments are reasonable and necessary to serve and achieve a compelling state interest and are necessary for the prosperity and welfare of the state and its property owners and inhabitants. (2) As used in this section, the term: (a) "Local government" means a county, a municipality, a dependent special district as defined in s. 189.012, or a separate legal entity created pursuant to s. 163.01(7). (b) "Qualifying improvement" includes any: 1. Energy conservation and efficiency improvement, which is a measure to reduce consumption through conservation or a more efficient use of electricity, natural gas, propane, or other forms of energy on the property, including, but not limited to, air sealing; installation of insulation; installation of energy- efficient heating, cooling, http: / /www.leg.state.fl.us /Statutesfi ndex.cfm ?App_m ode= Displ ay_Statute &Search_Stri ng = &U R L= 0100- 01 99/0163/Secti ons /0163.08.html 1/3 4/1 012 0 17 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Ovine Sunshine or ventilation systems; building modifications to increase the use of daylight; replacement of windows; installation of energy controls or energy recovery systems; installation of electric vehicle charging equipment; and installation of efficient lighting equipment. 2. Renewable energy improvement, which is the installation of any system in which the electrical, mechanical, or thermal energy is produced from a method that uses one or more of the following fuels or energy sources: hydrogen, solar energy, geothermal energy, bioenergy, and wind energy. 3. Wind resistance improvement, which includes, but is not limited to: a. Improving the strength of the roof deck attachment; b. Creating a secondary water barrier to prevent water intrusion; c. Installing wind - resistant shingles; d. Installing gable -end bracing; e. Reinforcing roof -to -wall connections; f. Installing storm shutters; or g. Installing opening protections. (3) A local government may levy non -ad valorem assessments to fund qualifying improvements. (4) Subject to local government ordinance or resolution, a property owner may apply to the local government for funding to finance a qualifying improvement and enter into a financing agreement with the local government. Costs incurred by the local government for such purpose may be collected as a non -ad valorem assessment. A non -ad valorem assessment shall be collected pursuant to s. 197.3632 and, notwithstanding s. 197.3632(8)(a), shall not be subject to discount for early payment. However, the notice and adoption requirements of s. 197.3632(4) do not apply if this section is used and complied with, and the intent resolution, publication of notice, and mailed notices to the property appraiser, tax collector, and Department of Revenue required by s. 197.3632(3)(x) may be provided on or before August 15 in conjunction with any non -ad valorem assessment authorized by this section, if the property appraiser, tax collector, and local government agree. (5) Pursuant to this section or as otherwise provided by law or pursuant to a local government's home rule power, a local government may enter into a partnership with one or more local governments for the purpose of providing and financing qualifying improvements. (6) A qualifying improvement program may be administered by a for - profit entity or a not - for - profit organization on behalf of and at the discretion of the local government. (7) A local government may incur debt for the purpose of providing such improvements, payable from revenues received from the improved property, or any other available revenue source authorized by law. (8) A local government may enter into a financing agreement only with the record owner of the affected property. Any financing agreement entered into pursuant to this section or a summary memorandum of such agreement shall be recorded in the public records of the county within which the property is located by the sponsoring unit of local government within 5 days after execution of the agreement. The recorded agreement shall provide constructive notice that the assessment to be levied on the property constitutes a lien of equal dignity to county taxes and assessments from the date of recordation. (9) Before entering into a financing agreement, the local government shall reasonably determine that all property taxes and any other assessments levied on the same bill as property taxes are paid and have not been delinquent for the preceding 3 years or the property owner's period of ownership, whichever is less; that there are no involuntary liens, including, but not limited to, construction liens on the property; that no notices of default or other evidence of property -based debt delinquency have been recorded during the preceding 3 years or the property owner's period of ownership, whichever is less; and that the property owner is current on all mortgage debt on the property. (10) A qualifying improvement shall be affixed to a building or facility that is part of the property and shall constitute an improvement to the building or facility or a fixture attached to the building or facility. An agreement between a local government and a qualifying property owner may not cover wind - resistance improvements in http: /twww.Ieg.state.fl.us /Statutes! index .cfm ?App_mode= Display_Statute &Search String = &URL= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.08.htm1 213 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Online Sunshine buildings or facilities under new construction or construction for which a certificate of occupancy or similar evidence of substantial completion of new construction or improvement has not been issued. (11) Any work requiring a license under any applicable law to make a qualifying improvement shall be performed by a contractor properly certified or registered pursuant to part I or part II of chapter 489. (12)(a) Without the consent of the holders or loan servicers of any mortgage encumbering or otherwise secured by the property, the total amount of any non -ad valorem assessment for a property under this section may not exceed 20 percent of the just value of the property as determined by the county property appraiser. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a non -ad valorem assessment for a qualifying improvement defined in subparagraph (2)(b)1. or subparagraph (2)(b)2. that is supported by an energy audit is not subject to the limits in this subsection if the audit demonstrates that the annual energy savings from the qualified improvement equals or exceeds the annual repayment amount of the non -ad valorem assessment. (13) At least 30 days before entering into a financing agreement, the property owner shall provide to the holders or loan servicers of any existing mortgages encumbering or otherwise secured by the property a notice of the owner's intent to enter into a financing agreement together with the maximum principal amount to be financed and the maximum annual assessment necessary to repay that amount. A verified copy or other proof of such notice shall be provided to the local government. A provision in any agreement between a mortgagee or other lienholder and a property owner, or otherwise now or hereafter binding upon a property owner, which allows for acceleration of payment of the mortgage, note, or lien or other unilateral modification solely as a result of entering into a financing agreement as provided for in this section is not enforceable. This subsection does not limit the authority of the holder or loan servicer to increase the required monthly escrow by an amount necessary to annually pay the qualifying improvement assessment. (14) At or before the time a purchaser executes a contract for the sale and purchase of any property for which a non -ad valorem assessment has been levied under this section and has an unpaid balance due, the seller shall give the prospective purchaser a written disclosure statement in the following form, which shall be set forth in the contract or in a separate writing: QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY, RENEWABLE ENERGY, OR WIND RESISTANCE. —The property being purchased is located within the jurisdiction of a local government that has placed an assessment on the property pursuant to s. 163.08, Florida Statutes. The assessment is for a qualifying improvement to the property relating to energy efficiency, renewable energy, or wind resistance, and is not based on the value of property. You are encouraged to contact the county property appraiser's office to learn more about this and other assessments that may be provided by law. (15) A provision in any agreement between a local government and a public or private power or energy provider or other utility provider is not enforceable to limit or prohibit any local government from exercising its authority under this section. (16) This section is additional and supplemental to county and municipal home rule authority and not in derogation of such authority or a limitation upon such authority. History. —s. 1, ch. 2010 -139; s. 1, ch. 2012 -117; s. 64, ch. 2014 -22. Copyright C 1995 -2017 The Florida Legislature - Privacy Statement - Contact Us http: / /www.leg. state. fl. us /Statutes! ndex.cfm ?App_ mode = Display _Statute &Search_Stri ng = &U R L= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Secti ons /0163.08.html 3/3 4110/2017 Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine Select Year: j 2016 • Go The 2016 Florida Statutes Title XI Chapter 163 View Entire COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL Chapter RELATIONS PROGRAMS 163.01 Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969.— (1) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969." (2) It is the purpose of this section to permit local governmental units to make the most efficient use of their powers by enabling them to cooperate with other localities on a basis of mutual advantage and thereby to provide services and facilities in a manner and pursuant to forms of governmental organization that will accord best with geographic, economic, population, and other factors influencing the needs and development of local communities. (3) As used in this section: (a) "Intertocal agreement" means an agreement entered into pursuant to this section. (b) "Public agency" means a political subdivision, agency, or officer of this state or of any state of the United States, including, but not limited to, state government, county, city, school district, single and multipurpose special district, single and multipurpose public authority, metropolitan or consolidated government, a separate legal entity or administrative entity created under subsection (7), an independently elected county officer, any agency of the United States Government, a federally recognized Native American tribe, and any similar entity of any other state of the United States. (c) "State" means a state of the United States. (d) "Electric project" means: 1. Any plant, works, system, facilities, and real property and personal property of any nature whatsoever, together with all parts thereof and appurtenances thereto, which is located within or without the state and which is used or useful in the generation, production, transmission, purchase, sale, exchange, or interchange of electric capacity and energy, including facilities and property for the acquisition, extraction, conversion, transportation, storage, reprocessing, or disposal of fuel and other materials of any kind for any such purposes. 2. Any interest in, or right to, the use, services, output, or capacity of any such plant, works, system, or facilities. 3. Any study to determine the feasibility or costs of any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, engineering, legal, financial, and other services necessary or appropriate to determine the legality and financial and engineering feasibility of any project referred to in subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2. (e) "Person" means: 1. Any natural person; 2. The United States; any state; any municipality, political subdivision, or municipal corporation created by or pursuant to the laws of the United States or any state; or any board, corporation, or other entity or body declared by or pursuant to the laws of the United States or any state to be a department, agency, or instrumentality thereof; 3. Any corporation, not - for - profit corporation, firm, partnership, cooperative association, electric cooperative, or business trust of any nature whatsoever which is organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any state; or 4. Any foreign country; any political subdivision or governmental unit of a foreign country; or any corporation, not - for - profit corporation, firm, partnership, cooperative association, electric cooperative, or business trust of any http: //www.leg. state. fl. us / Statutesl rxlex .cfm ?App_mode= Display_Statute &Search String = &URL= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.01.html 1/17 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Ovine Sunshine nature whatsoever which is organized and existing under the laws of a foreign country or of a political subdivision or governmental unit thereof. (f) "Electric utility" has the same meaning as in s. 361.11(2). The term also includes those municipalities, authorities, commissions, special districts, or other public bodies that own, maintain, or operate an electrical generation, transmission, or distribution system within the state on June 25, 2008. (g) "Foreign public utility" means any person whose principal location or principal place of business is not located within this state; who owns, maintains, or operates facilities for the generation, transmission, or distribution of electrical energy; and who supplies electricity to retail or wholesale customers, or both, on a continuous, reliable, and dependable basis. "Foreign public utility" also means any affiliate or subsidiary of such person, the business of which is limited to the generation or transmission, or both, of electrical energy and activities reasonably incidental thereto. (h) "Local government liability pool" means a reciprocal insurer as defined in s. 629.021 or any self - insurance program created pursuant to s. 768.28(16), formed and controlled by counties or municipalities of this state to provide liability insurance coverage for counties, municipalities, or other public agencies of this state, which pool may contract with other parties for the purpose of providing claims administration, processing, accounting, and other administrative facilities. (4) A public agency of this state may exercise jointly with any other public agency of the state, of any other state, or of the United States Government any power, privilege, or authority which such agencies share in common and which each might exercise separately. (5) A joint exercise of power pursuant to this section shall be made by contract in the form of an interlocal agreement, which may provide for: (a) The purpose of such interlocal agreement or the power to be exercised and the method by which the purpose will be accomplished or the manner in which the power will be exercised. (b) The duration of the interlocal agreement and the method by which it may be rescinded or terminated by any participating public agency prior to the stated date of termination. (c) The precise organization, composition, and nature of any separate legal or administrative entity created thereby with the powers designated thereto, if such entity may be legally created. (d) The manner in which the parties to an interlocal agreement will provide from their treasuries the financial support for the purpose set forth in the interlocal agreement; payments of public funds that may be made to defray the cost of such purpose; advances of public funds that may be made for the purposes set forth in the interlocal agreements and repayment thereof; and the personnel, equipment, or property of one or more of the parties to the agreement that may be used in lieu of other contributions or advances. (e) The manner in which funds may be paid to and disbursed by any separate legal or administrative entity created pursuant to the interlocal agreement. (f) A method or formula for equitably providing for and allocating and financing the capital and operating costs, including payments to reserve funds authorized by law and payments of principal and interest on obligations. The method or formula shall be established by the participating parties to the interlocal agreement on a ratio of full valuation of real property, on the basis of the amount of services rendered or to be rendered or benefits received or conferred or to be received or conferred, or on any other equitable basis, including the levying of taxes or assessments to pay such costs on the entire area serviced by the parties to the interlocal agreement, subject to such limitations as may be contained in the constitution and statutes of this state. (g) The manner of employing, engaging, compensating, transferring, or discharging necessary personnel, subject to the provisions of applicable civil service and merit systems. (h) The fixing and collecting of charges, rates, rents, or fees, where appropriate, and the making and promulgation of necessary rules and regulations and their enforcement by or with the assistance of the participating parties to the interlocal agreement. (i) The manner in which purchases shall be made and contracts entered into. (j) The acquisition, ownership, custody, operation, maintenance, lease, or sale of real or personal property. http: //www.leg. state. fl. us /StatutesA ndex.cfm? App_ mode = Di splay _Statute &Search_Stri ng = &U R L= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.0l .htm I 2/17 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Ovine Sunshine (k) The disposition, diversion, or distribution of any property acquired through the execution of such interlocal agreement. (l) The manner in which, after the completion of the purpose of the interlocal agreement, any surplus money shall be returned in proportion to the contributions made by the participating parties. (m) The acceptance of gifts, grants, assistance funds, or bequests. (n) The making of claims for federal or state aid payable to the individual or several participants on account of the execution of the interlocal agreement. (o) The manner of responding for any liabilities that might be incurred through performance of the interlocal agreement and insuring against any such liability. (p) The adjudication of disputes or disagreements, the effects of failure of participating parties to pay their shares of the costs and expenses, and the rights of the other participants in such cases. (q) The manner in which strict accountability of all funds shall be provided for and the manner in which reports, including an annual independent audit, of all receipts and disbursements shall be prepared and presented to each participating party to the interlocal agreement. (r) Any other necessary and proper matters agreed upon by the participating public agencies. (6) An interlocal agreement may provide for one or more parties to the agreement to administer or execute the agreement. One or more parties to the agreement may agree to provide all or a part of the services set forth in the agreement in the manner provided in the agreement. The parties may provide for the mutual exchange of services without payment of any contribution other than such services. The parties may provide for the use or maintenance of facilities or equipment of another party on a cost - reimbursement basis. (7)(a) An interlocal agreement may provide for a separate legal or administrative entity to administer or execute the agreement, which may be a commission, board, or council constituted pursuant to the agreement. (b) A separate legal or administrative entity created by an interlocal agreement shall possess the common power specified in the agreement and may exercise it in the manner or according to the method provided in the agreement. The entity may, in addition to its other powers, be authorized in its own name to make and enter into contracts; to employ agencies or employees; to acquire, construct, manage, maintain, or operate buildings, works, or improvements; to acquire, hold, or dispose of property; and to incur debts, liabilities, or obligations which do not constitute the debts, liabilities, or obligations of any of the parties to the agreement. (c) No separate legal or administrative entity created by an interlocal agreement shall possess the power or authority to levy any type of tax within the boundaries of any governmental unit participating in the interlocal agreement, to issue any type of bond in its own name, or in any way to obligate financially a governmental unit participating in the interlocal agreement. However, any separate legal entity, the membership of which consists only of electric utilities as defined in s. 361.11(2) and which is created for the purpose of exercising the powers granted by part II of chapter 361, the Joint Power Act, may, for the purpose of financing or refinancing the costs of an electric project, exercise all powers in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds as are conferred by parts I, II, and III of chapter 159 or part II of chapter 166, or both. Any such entity may also issue bond anticipation notes, as provided by s. 215.431, in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of such bonds. All of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of parts I, II, and III of chapter 159 and part II of chapter 166, notwithstanding any limitations provided above, shall be fully applicable to such entity. In addition, the governing body of such legal entity may also authorize bonds to be issued and sold from time to time and delegate, to such officer, official, or agent of such legal entity as the governing body of such legal entity shall select, the power to determine the time; manner of sale, public or private; maturities; rate or rates of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at such time or times and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the officer, official, or agent so designated by the governing body of such legal entity. However, the amounts and maturities of such bonds and the interest rate or rates on such bonds shall be within the limits prescribed by the governing body of such legal entity in its resolution delegating to such officer, official, or agent the power to authorize the issuance and sale of such bonds. Bonds issued pursuant to this section may be validated as provided in chapter 75 and paragraph (15)(f). However, the complaint in any action http: //www.leg. state .fl.us /StatutesAndex.cfm ?App mode = Display _Statute &Search_String = &URL= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.0l.htmi 3117 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine to validate such bonds shall be filed only in the Circuit Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in Leon County, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the state attorney of each circuit in which a public agency participating in the electric project lies. Notice of such proceedings shall be published in the manner and at the time required by s. 75.06 in Leon County and in each county in which any portion of any public agency participating in the electric project lies. (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c), any separate legal entity created pursuant to this section and controlled by the municipalities or counties of this state or by one or more municipality and one or more county of this state, the membership of which consists or is to consist of municipalities only, counties only, or one or more municipality and one or more county, may, for the purpose of financing or refinancing any capital projects, exercise all powers in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds. Notwithstanding any limitations provided in this section, all of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of part I of chapter 125, part II of chapter 166, and part I of chapter 159 shall be fully applicable to such entity. Bonds issued by such entity shall be deemed issued on behalf of the counties or municipalities which enter into loan agreements with such entity as provided in this paragraph. Any loan agreement executed pursuant to a program of such entity shall be governed by the provisions of part I of chapter 159 or, in the case of counties, part I of chapter 125, or in the case of municipalities and charter counties, part II of chapter 166. Proceeds of bonds issued by such entity may be loaned to counties or municipalities of this state or a combination of municipalities and counties, whether or not such counties or municipalities are also members of the entity issuing the bonds. The issuance of bonds by such entity to fund a loan program to make loans to municipalities or counties or a combination of municipalities and counties with one another for capital projects to be identified subsequent to the issuance of the bonds to fund such loan programs is deemed to be a paramount public purpose. Any entity so created may also issue bond anticipation notes, as provided by s. 215.431, in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of such bonds. In addition, the governing body of such legal entity may also authorize bonds to be issued and sold from time to time and may delegate, to such officer, official, or agent of such legal entity as the governing body of such legal entity may select, the power to determine the time; manner of sale, public or private; maturities; rate or rates of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at such time or times and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the officer, official, or agent so designated by the governing body of such legal entity. However, the amounts and maturities of such bonds and the interest rate or rates of such bonds shall be within the limits prescribed by the governing body of such legal entity and its resolution delegating to such officer, official, or agent the power to authorize the issuance and sale of such bonds. A local government self - insurance fund established under this section may financially guarantee bonds or bond anticipation notes issued or loans made under this subsection. Bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph may be validated as provided in chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate such bonds shall be filed only in the Circuit Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in Leon County, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the state attorney of each circuit in each county where the public agencies which were initially a party to the agreement are located. Notice of such proceedings shall be published in the manner and the time required by s. 75.06 in Leon County and in each county where the public agencies which were initially a party to the agreement are located. Obligations of any county or municipality pursuant to a loan agreement as described in this paragraph may be validated as provided in chapter 75. (e)1. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c), any separate legal entity, created pursuant to the provisions of this section and controlled by counties or municipalities of this state, the membership of which consists or is to consist only of public agencies of this state, may, for the purpose of financing the provision or acquisition of liability or property coverage contracts for or from one or more local government liability or property pools to provide liability or property coverage for counties, municipalities, or other public agencies of this state, exercise all powers in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds. All of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of s. 125.01 relating to counties and s. 166.021 relating to municipalities shall be fully applicable to such http : //www.leg.state.fl.us /StatutesA ndex.cfm?App_m ode= Di spl ay_ Statute &Search_Stri ng = &U R L= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.01.htm 1 4/17 4/10/2017 Statutes B Constitution Mew Statutes : Online Sunshine entity and such entity shall be considered a unit of local government for all of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of part I of chapter 159. Bonds issued by such entity shall be deemed issued on behalf of counties, municipalities, or public agencies which enter into loan agreements with such entity as provided in this paragraph. Proceeds of bonds issued by such entity may be loaned to counties, municipalities, or other public agencies of this state, whether or not such counties, municipalities, or other public agencies are also members of the entity issuing the bonds, and such counties, municipalities, or other public agencies may in turn deposit such loan proceeds with a separate local government liability or property pool for purposes of providing or acquiring liability or property coverage contracts. 2. Counties or municipalities of this state are authorized pursuant to this section, in addition to the authority provided by s. 125.01, part II of chapter 166, and other applicable law, to issue bonds for the purpose of acquiring liability coverage contracts from a local government liability pool. Any individual county or municipality may, by entering into interlocal agreements with other counties, municipalities, or public agencies of this state, issue bonds on behalf of itself and other counties, municipalities, or other public agencies, for purposes of acquiring a liability coverage contract or contracts from a local government liability pool. Counties, municipalities, or other public agencies are also authorized to enter into loan agreements with any entity created pursuant to subparagraph 1., or with any county or municipality issuing bonds pursuant to this subparagraph, for the purpose of obtaining bond proceeds with which to acquire liability coverage contracts from a local government liability pool. No county, municipality, or other public agency shall at any time have more than one loan agreement outstanding for the purpose of obtaining bond proceeds with which to acquire liability coverage contracts from a local government liability pool. Obligations of any county, municipality, or other public agency of this state pursuant to a loan agreement as described above may be validated as provided in chapter 75. Prior to the issuance of any bonds pursuant to subparagraph 1. or this subparagraph for the purpose of acquiring liability coverage contracts from a local government liability pool, the reciprocal insurer or the manager of any self - insurance program shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Office of Insurance Regulation of the Financial Services Commission that excess liability coverage for counties, municipalities, or other public agencies is reasonably unobtainable in the amounts provided by such pool or that the liability coverage obtained through acquiring contracts from a local government liability pool, after taking into account costs of issuance of bonds and any other administrative fees, is less expensive to counties, municipalities, or special districts than similar commercial coverage then reasonably available. 3. Any entity created pursuant to this section or any county or municipality may also issue bond anticipation notes, as provided by s. 215.431, in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of such bonds. In addition, the governing body of such legal entity or the governing body of such county or municipality may also authorize bonds to be issued and sold from time to time and may delegate, to such officer, official, or agent of such legal entity as the governing body of such legal entity may select, the power to determine the time; manner of sale, public or private; maturities; rate or rates of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at such time or times and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the officer, official, or agent so designated by the governing body of such legal entity. However, the amounts and maturities of such bonds and the interest rate or rates of such bonds shall be within the limits prescribed by the governing body of such legal entity and its resolution delegating to such officer, official, or agent the power to authorize the issuance and sale of such bonds. Any series of bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph for liability coverage shall mature no later than 7 years following the date of issuance. A series of bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph for property coverage shall mature no later than 30 years following the date of issuance. 4. Bonds issued pursuant to subparagraph 1. may be validated as provided in chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate such bonds shall be filed only in the Circuit Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published in Leon County and in each county which is an owner of the entity issuing the bonds, or in which a member of the entity is located, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the state attorney of each circuit in each county or municipality which is an owner of the entity issuing the bonds or in which a member of the entity is located. http: //www.leg. state. fl. us / Statutesl ndex .cfm ?App_mode= Display_Statute &Search String =BURL= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.0l.html S✓17 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine 5. Bonds issued pursuant to subparagraph 2. may be validated as provided in chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate such bonds shall be filed in the circuit court of the county or municipality which will issue the bonds. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in the county where the complaint is filed, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the state attorney of the circuit in the county or municipality which will issue the bonds. 6. The participation by any county, municipality, or other public agency of this state in a local government liability pool shall not be deemed a waiver of immunity to the extent of liability coverage, nor shall any contract entered regarding such a local government liability pool be required to contain any provision for waiver. (f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, any separate legal entity, created pursuant to the provisions of this section, wholly owned by the municipalities or counties of this state, the membership of which consists or is to consist only of municipalities or counties of this state, may exercise the right and power of eminent domain, including the procedural powers under chapters 73 and 74, if such right and power is granted to such entity by the interlocal agreement creating the entity. (g)1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, any separate legal entity created under this section, the membership of which is limited to municipalities and counties of the state, and which may include a special district in addition to a municipality or county or both, may acquire, own, construct, improve, operate, and manage public facilities, or finance facilities on behalf of any person, relating to a governmental function or purpose, including, but not limited to, wastewater facilities, water or alternative water supply facilities, and water reuse facilities, which may serve populations within or outside of the members of the entity. Notwithstanding s. 367.171(7), any separate legal entity created under this paragraph is not subject to Public Service Commission jurisdiction. The separate legal entity may not provide utility services within the service area of an existing utility system unless it has received the consent of the utility. 2. For purposes of this paragraph, the term: a. "Host government" means the governing body of the county, if the largest number of equivalent residential connections currently served by a system of the utility is located in the unincorporated area, or the governing body of a municipality, if the largest number of equivalent residential connections currently served by a system of the utility is located within that municipality's boundaries. b. "Separate legal entity" means any entity created by interlocal agreement the membership of which is limited to two or more special districts, municipalities, or counties of the state, but which entity is legally separate and apart from any of its member governments. c. "System" means a water or wastewater facility or group of such facilities owned by one entity or affiliate entities. d. "Utility" means a water or wastewater utility and includes every person, separate legal entity, lessee, trustee, or receiver owning, operating, managing, or controlling a system, or proposing construction of a system, who is providing, or proposes to provide, water or wastewater service to the public for compensation. 3. A separate legal entity that seeks to acquire any utility shall notify the host government in writing by certified mail about the contemplated acquisition not less than 30 days before any proposed transfer of ownership, use, or possession of any utility assets by such separate legal entity. The potential acquisition notice shall be provided to the legislative head of the governing body of the host government and to its chief administrative officer and shall provide the name and address of a contact person for the separate legal entity and information identified in s. 367.071(4)(a) concerning the contemplated acquisition. 4.a. Within 30 days following receipt of the notice, the host government may adopt a resolution to become a member of the separate legal entity, adopt a resolution to approve the utility acquisition, or adopt a resolution to prohibit the utility acquisition by the separate legal entity if the host government determines that the proposed acquisition is not in the public interest. A resolution adopted by the host government which prohibits the acquisition may include conditions that would make the proposal acceptable to the host government. b. If a host government adopts a membership resolution, the separate legal entity shall accept the host government as a member on the same basis as its existing members before any transfer of ownership, use, or http: //www.leg.state.fl-us/StatLnesfindex.cfm?App_rnode-- Di splay_ Statute &Search_Stri ng = &U RL=0100-01 99/0163/Sections/0163.01.html 6/17 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Online Sunshine possession of the utility or the utility facilities. If a host government adopts a resolution to approve the utility acquisition, the separate legal entity may complete the acquisition. If a host government adopts a prohibition resolution, the separate legal entity may not acquire the utility within that host government's territory without the specific consent of the host government by future resolution. If a host government does not adopt a prohibition resolution or an approval resolution, the separate legal entity may proceed to acquire the utility after the 30 -day notice period without further notice. 5. After the acquisition or construction of any utility systems by a separate legal entity created under this paragraph, revenues or any other income may not be transferred or paid to a member of a separate legal entity, or to any other special district, county, or municipality, from user fees or other charges or revenues generated from customers that are not physically located within the jurisdictional or service delivery boundaries of the member, special district, county, or municipality receiving the transfer or payment. Any transfer or payment to a member, special district, or other local government must be solely from user fees or other charges or revenues generated from customers that are physically located within the jurisdictional or service delivery boundaries of the member, special district, or local government receiving the transfer of payment. 6. This section is an alternative provision otherwise provided by law as authorized in s. 4, Art. VIII of the State Constitution for any transfer of power as a result of an acquisition of a utility by a separate legal entity from a municipality, county, or special district. 7. The entity may finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, expansion, and improvement of such facilities relating to a governmental function or purpose through the issuance of its bonds, notes, or other obligations under this section or as otherwise authorized by law. The entity has all the powers provided by the interlocal agreement under which it is created or which are necessary to finance, own, operate, or manage the public facility, including, without limitation, the power to establish rates, charges, and fees for products or services provided by it, the power to levy special assessments, the power to sell or finance all or a portion of such facility, and the power to contract with a public or private entity to manage and operate such facilities or to provide or receive facilities, services, or products. Except as may be limited by the interlocal agreement under which the entity is created, all of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of s. 125.01, relating to counties, and s. 166.021, relating to municipalities, are fully applicable to the entity. However, neither the entity nor any of its members on behalf of the entity may exercise the power of eminent domain over the facilities or property of any existing water or wastewater plant utility system, nor may the entity acquire title to any water or wastewater plant utility facilities, other facilities, or property which was acquired by the use of eminent domain after the effective date of this act. Bonds, notes, and other obligations issued by the entity are issued on behalf of the public agencies that are members of the entity. 8. Any entity created under this section may also issue bond anticipation notes in connection with the authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds. The bonds may be issued as serial bonds or as term bonds or both. Any entity may issue capital appreciation bonds or variable rate bonds. Any bonds, notes, or other obligations must be authorized by resolution of the governing body of the entity and bear the date or dates; mature at the time or times, not exceeding 40 years from their respective dates; bear interest at the rate or rates; be payable at the time or times; be in the denomination; be in the form; carry the registration privileges; be executed in the manner; be payable from the sources and in the medium or payment and at the place; and be subject to the terms of redemption, including redemption prior to maturity, as the resolution may provide. If any officer whose signature, or a facsimile of whose signature, appears on any bonds, notes, or other obligations ceases to be an officer before the delivery of the bonds, notes, or other obligations, the signature or facsimile is valid and sufficient for all purposes as if he or she had remained in office until the delivery. The bonds, notes, or other obligations may be sold at public or private sale for such price as the governing body of the entity shall determine. Pending preparation of the definitive bonds, the entity may issue interim certificates, which shall be exchanged for the definitive bonds. The bonds may be secured by a form of credit enhancement, if any, as the entity deems appropriate. The bonds may be secured by an indenture of trust or trust agreement. In addition, the governing body of the legal entity may delegate, to an officer, official, or agent of the legal entity as the governing body of the legal entity may select, the power to http: / /www.leg. state. fl. us /StatutesA ndex.cfm ?App_m ode= Di spl ay_StatL to &Search_Stri ng = &U R L= 0100- 0199 /0163✓Sections /0163.0l .html 7/17 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Online Sunshine determine the time; manner of sale, public or private; maturities; rate of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at the time and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the officer, official, or agent so designated by the governing body of the legal entity. However, the amount and maturity of the bonds, notes, or other obligations and the interest rate of the bonds, notes, or other obligations must be within the limits prescribed by the governing body of the legal entity and its resolution delegating to an officer, official, or agent the power to authorize the issuance and sale of the bonds, notes, or other obligations. 9. Bonds, notes, or other obligations issued under this paragraph may be validated as provided in chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate the bonds, notes, or other obligations must be filed only in the Circuit Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 must be published in Leon County and in each county that is a member of the entity issuing the bonds, notes, or other obligations, or in which a member of the entity is located, and the complaint and order of the circuit court must be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the state attorney of each circuit in each county that is a member of the entity issuing the bonds, notes, or other obligations or in which a member of the entity is located. Section 75.04(2) does not apply to a complaint for validation brought by the legal entity. 10. The accomplishment of the authorized purposes of a legal entity created under this paragraph is in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions. Since the legal entity will perform essential governmental functions in accomplishing its purposes, the legal entity is not required to pay any taxes or assessments of any kind whatsoever upon any property acquired or used by it for such purposes or upon any revenues at any time received by it. The bonds, notes, and other obligations of an entity, their transfer, and the income therefrom, including any profits made on the sale thereof, are at all times free from taxation of any kind by the state or by any political subdivision or other agency or instrumentality thereof. The exemption granted in this subparagraph is not applicable to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations. (h)1. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (c), any separate legal entity consisting of an alliance, as defined in s. 395.106(2)(a), created pursuant to this paragraph and controlled by and whose members consist of eligible entities comprised of special districts created pursuant to a special act and having the authority to own or operate one or more hospitals licensed in this state or hospitals licensed in this state that are owned, operated, or funded by a county or municipality, for the purpose of providing property insurance coverage as defined in s. 395.106(2)(b), for such eligible entities, may exercise all powers under this subsection in connection with borrowing funds for such purposes, including, without limitation, the authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds, notes, or other obligations of indebtedness. Borrowed funds, including, but not limited to, bonds issued by such alliance shall be deemed issued on behalf of such eligible entities that enter into loan agreements with such separate legal entity as provided in this paragraph. 2. Any such separate legal entity shall have all the powers that are provided by the interlocal agreement under which the entity is created or that are necessary to finance, operate, or manage the alliance's property insurance coverage program. Proceeds of bonds, notes, or other obligations issued by such an entity may be loaned to any one or more eligible entities. Such eligible entities are authorized to enter into loan agreements with any separate legal entity created pursuant to this paragraph for the purpose of obtaining moneys with which to finance property insurance coverage or claims. Obligations of any eligible entity pursuant to a loan agreement as described in this paragraph may be validated as provided in chapter 75. 3. Any bonds, notes, or other obligations to be issued or incurred by a separate legal entity created pursuant to this paragraph shall be authorized by resolution of the governing body of such entity and bear the date or dates; mature at the time or times, not exceeding 30 years from their respective dates; bear interest at the rate or rates, which may be fixed or vary at such time or times and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; be payable at the time or times; be in the denomination; be in the form; carry the registration privileges; be executed in the manner; be payable from the sources and in the medium of payment and at the place; and be subject to redemption, including redemption prior to maturity, as the resolution may provide. The bonds, http: / /www.leg. state. fl .us /StatutesA ndex.cfm ?App_m ode= D ispl ay_Statute &Search_Stn ng = &U R L= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.01.html 8117 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Online Sunshine notes, or other obligations may be sold at public or private sale for such price as the governing body of the separate legal entity shall determine. The bonds may be secured by such credit enhancement, if any, as the governing body of the separate legal entity deems appropriate. The bonds may be secured by an indenture of trust or trust agreement. In addition, the governing body of the separate legal entity may delegate, to such officer or official of such entity as the governing body may select, the power to determine the time; manner of sale, public or private; maturities; rate or rates of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at such time or times and in accordance with a specified formula or method of determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed appropriate by the officer or official so designated by the governing body of such separate legal entity. However, the amounts and maturities of such bonds, the interest rate or rates, and the purchase price of such bonds shall be within the limits prescribed by the governing body of such separate legal entity in its resolution delegating to such officer or official the power to authorize the issuance and sale of such bonds. 4. Bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph may be validated as provided in chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate such bonds shall be filed only in the Circuit Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published in Leon County and in each county in which an eligible entity that is a member of an alliance is located. The complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the state attorney of each circuit in each county in which an eligible entity receiving bond proceeds is located. 5. The accomplishment of the authorized purposes of a separate legal entity created under this paragraph is deemed in all respects for the benefit, increase of the commerce and prosperity, and improvement of the health and living conditions of the people of this state. Inasmuch as the separate legal entity performs essential public functions in accomplishing its purposes, the separate legal entity is not required to pay any taxes or assessments of any kind upon any property acquired or used by the entity for such purposes or upon any revenues at any time received by the entity. The bonds, notes, and other obligations of such separate legal entity, the transfer of and income from such bonds, notes, and other obligations, including any profits made on the sale of such bonds, notes, and other obligations, are at all times free from taxation of any kind of the state or by any political subdivision or other agency or instrumentality of the state. The exemption granted in this paragraph does not apply to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations. 6. The participation by any eligible entity in an alliance or a separate legal entity created pursuant to this paragraph may not be deemed a waiver of immunity to the extent of liability or any other coverage, and a contract entered regarding such alliance is not required to contain any provision for waiver. (8) If the purpose set forth in an interlocal agreement is the acquisition, construction, or operation of a revenue - producing facility, the agreement may provide for the repayment or return to the parties of all or any part of the contributions, payments, or advances made by the parties pursuant to subsection (5) and for payment to the parties of any sum derived from the revenues of such facility. Payments, repayments, or returns shall be made at any time and in the manner specified in the agreement and may be made at any time on or prior to the rescission or termination of the agreement or completion of the purposes of the agreement. (9)(a) All of the privileges and immunities from liability; exemptions from laws, ordinances, and rules; and pensions and relief, disability, workers' compensation, and other benefits which apply to the activity of officers, agents, or employees of any public agents or employees of any public agency when performing their respective functions within the territorial limits for their respective agencies shall apply to the same degree and extent to the performance of such functions and duties of such officers, agents, or employees extraterritorially under the provisions of any such interlocal agreement. (b) An interlocal agreement does not relieve a public agency of any obligation or responsibility imposed upon it by law except to the extent of actual and timely performance thereof by one or more of the parties to the agreement or any legal or administrative entity created by the agreement, in which case the performance may be offered in satisfaction of the obligation or responsibility. (c) All of the privileges and immunities from liability and exemptions from laws, ordinances, and rules which apply to the municipalities and counties of this state apply to the same degree and extent to any separate legal http: //w,vw.leg. state. fl. us /Statutes / ndex.cfm?App_m ode= Di spl ay_Statute &Search_String = &U R L= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.01.html 9/17 MINIM Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Online Sunshine entity, created pursuant to the provisions of this section, wholly owned by the municipalities or counties of this state, the membership of which consists or is to consist only of municipalities or counties of this state, unless the interlocal agreement creating such entity provides to the contrary. All of the privileges and immunities from liability; exemptions from laws, ordinances, and rules; and pension and relief, disability, and worker's compensation, and other benefits which apply to the activity of officers, agents, employees, or employees of agents of counties and municipalities of this state which are parties to an interlocal agreement creating a separate legal entity pursuant to the provisions of this section shall apply to the same degree and extent to the officers, agents, or employees of such entity unless the interlocal agreement creating such entity provides to the contrary. (10)(a) A public agency entering into an interlocal agreement may appropriate funds and sell, give, or otherwise supply any party designated to operate the joint or cooperative undertaking such personnel, services, facilities, property, franchises, or funds thereof as may be within its legal power to furnish. (b) A public agency entering into an interlocal agreement may receive grants -in -aid or other assistance funds from the United States Government or this state for use in carrying out the purposes of the interlocal agreement. (11) Prior to its effectiveness, an interlocal agreement and subsequent amendments thereto shall be filed with the clerk of the circuit court of each county where a party to the agreement is located. However, if the parties to the agreement are located in multiple counties and the agreement under subsection (7) provides for a separate legal entity or administrative entity to administer the agreement, the interlocal agreement and any amendments thereto may be filed with the clerk of the circuit court in the county where the legal or administrative entity maintains its principal place of business. (12) Any public agency entering into an agreement pursuant to this section may appropriate funds and may sell, lease, give, or otherwise supply the administrative joint board or other legal or administrative entity created to operate the joint or cooperative undertaking by providing such personnel or services therefor as may be within its legal power to furnish. (13) The powers and authority granted by this section shall be in addition and supplemental to those granted by any other general, local, or special law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to interfere with the application of any other law. (14) This section is intended to authorize the entry into contracts for the performance of service functions of public agencies, but shall not be deemed to authorize the delegation of the constitutional or statutory duties of state, county, or city officers. (15) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or of any other law except s. 361.14, any public agency of this state which is an electric utility, or any separate legal entity created pursuant to the provisions of this section, the membership of which consists only of electric utilities, and which exercises or proposes to exercise the powers granted by part II of chapter 361, the Joint Power Act, may exercise any or all of the following powers: (a) Any such public agency or legal entity, or both, may plan, finance, acquire, construct, reconstruct, own, lease, operate, maintain, repair, improve, extend, or otherwise participate jointly in one or more electric projects, which are proposed, existing, or under construction and which are located or to be located within or without this state, with any one or more of the following: 1. Any such legal entity; 2. One or more electric utilities; 3. One or more foreign public utilities; or 4. Any other person, if the right to full possession and to all of the use, services, output, and capacity of any such electric project during the original estimated useful life thereof is vested, subject to creditors' rights, in any one or more of such legal entities, electric utilities, or foreign public utilities, or in any combination thereof. Any such public agency or legal entity, or both, may act as agent or designate one or more persons, whether or not participating in an electric project, to act as its agent in connection with the planning, design, engineering, licensing, acquisition, construction, completion, management, control, operation, maintenance, repair, renewal, addition, replacement, improvement, http: /twww.leg. state. fl .us /StatutesA ndex.cfm ?App_m ode= D ispl ay_Statute &Search_Stri ng= &U R L= 0100-01 99/0163/Secti ons /0163.01.html 10/17 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Ovine Sunshine modification, insuring, decommissioning, cleanup, retirement, or disposal, or all of the foregoing, of such electric project or electric projects. (b)1. In any case in which any such public agency or legal entity, or both, participate in an electric project with any one or more of the following: a. Any such legal entity; b. One or more electric utilities; c. One or more foreign public utilities; or d. Any other person, and if the right to full possession and to all of the use, services, output, and capacity of any such electric project during the original estimated useful life thereof is vested, subject to creditors' rights, in any one or more of such legal entities, electric utilities, or foreign public utilities, or in any combination thereof, such public agency or legal entity, or both, may enter into an agreement or agreements with respect to such electric project with the other person or persons participating therein, and such legal entity may enter into an agreement or agreements with one or more public agencies who are parties to the interlocal agreement creating such legal entity. Any such agreement may be for such period, including, but not limited to, an unspecified period, and may contain such other terms, conditions, and provisions, consistent with the provisions of this section, as the parties thereto shall determine. In connection with entry into and performance pursuant to any such agreement, with the selection of any person or persons with which any such public agency or legal entity, or both, may enter into any such agreement, and with the selection of any electric project to which such agreement may relate, no such public agency or legal entity shall be required to comply with any general, local, or special statute, including, but not limited to, the provisions of s. 287.055, or with any charter provision of any public agency, which would otherwise require public bidding, competitive negotiation, or both. 2. Any such agreement may include, but need not be limited to, any or all of the following: a. Provisions defining what constitutes a default thereunder and providing for the rights and remedies of the parties thereto upon the occurrence of such a default, including, without limitation, the right to discontinue the delivery of products or services to a defaulting party and requirements that the remaining parties not in default who are entitled to receive products or services from the same electric project may be required to pay for and use or otherwise dispose of, on a proportionate or other basis, all or some portion of the products and services which were to be purchased by the defaulting party. b. Provisions granting one or more of the parties the option to purchase the interest or interests of one or more other parties in the electric project upon such occurrences, and at such times and pursuant to such terms and conditions, as the parties may agree, notwithstanding the limitations on options in the provisions of any law to the contrary. c. Provisions setting forth restraints on alienation of the interests of the parties in the electric project. d. Provisions for the planning, design, engineering, licensing, acquisition, construction, completion, management, control, operation, maintenance, repair, renewal, addition, replacement, improvement, modification, insuring, decommissioning, cleanup, retirement, or disposal, or all of the foregoing of such electric project by any one or more of the parties to such agreement, which party or parties may be designated in or pursuant to such agreement as agent or agents on behalf of itself and one or more of the other parties thereto or by such other means as may be determined by the parties thereto. e. Provisions for a method or methods of determining and allocating among or between the parties the costs of planning, design, engineering, licensing, acquisition, construction, completion, management, control, operation, maintenance, repair, renewal, addition, replacement, improvement, modification, insuring, decommissioning, cleanup, retirement, or disposal, or all of the foregoing with respect to such electric project. f. Provisions that any such public agency or legal entity, or both, will not rescind, terminate, or amend any contract or agreement relating to such electric project without the consent of one or more persons with which such public agency or legal entity, or both, have entered into an agreement pursuant to this section or without the http: //w,vw.leg. state. fl. us/ StatutesAndex .cfm?App_mode= Display_Statute &Search String = &URL= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.01.html 11/17 4/10/z017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Online Sunshine consent of one or more persons with whom any such public agency or legal entity, or both, have made a covenant or who are third -party beneficiaries of any such covenant. g. Provisions whereby any such public agency or legal entity, or both, are obligated to pay for the products and services of such electric project and the support of such electric project, including, without limitation, those activities set forth in sub - subparagraph d., without setoff or counterclaim and irrespective of whether such products or services are furnished, made available, or delivered to such public agency or legal entity, or both, or whether any electric project contemplated by such contract or agreement is completed, operable, or operating, and notwithstanding suspension, interruption, interference, reduction, or curtailment of the products and services of such electric project and notwithstanding the quality, or failure, of performance of any one or more of the activities set forth in sub - subparagraph d. with respect to such electric project. h. Provisions that in the event of the failure or refusal of any such public agency or legal entity, or both, to perform punctually any specified covenant or obligation contained in or undertaken pursuant to any such agreement, any one or more parties to such agreement or any one or more persons who have been designated in such agreement as third -party beneficiaries of such covenant or obligation may enforce the performance of such public agency or legal entity by an action at law or in equity, including, but not limited to, specific performance or mandamus. i. Provisions obligating any such public agency or legal entity, or both, to indemnify, including, without limitation, indemnification against the imposition or collection of local, state, or federal taxes and interest or penalties related thereto, or payments made in lieu thereof, to hold harmless, or to waive claims or rights for recovery,, including claims or rights for recovery based on sole negligence, gross negligence, any other type of negligence, or any other act or omission, intentional or otherwise, against one or more of the other parties to such agreement. Such provisions may define the class or classes of persons for whose acts, intentional or otherwise, a party shall not be responsible; and all of such provisions may be upon such terms and conditions as the parties thereto shall determine. j. Provisions obligating any such public agency or legal entity, or both, not to dissolve until all principal and interest payments for all bonds and other evidences of indebtedness issued by such public agency or legal entity, or both, have been paid or otherwise provided for and until all contractual obligations and duties of such public agency or legal entity have been fully performed or discharged, or both. k. Provisions obligating any such public agency or legal entity, or both, to establish, levy, and collect rents, rates, and other charges for the products and services provided by such legal entity or provided by the electric or other integrated utility system of such public agency, which rents, rates, and other charges shall be at least sufficient to meet the operation and maintenance expenses of such electric or integrated utility system; to comply with all covenants pertaining thereto contained in, and all other provisions of, any resolution, trust indenture, or other security agreement relating to any bonds or other evidences of indebtedness issued or to be issued by any such public agency or legal entity; to generate funds sufficient to fulfill the terms of all other contracts and agreements made by such public agency or legal entity, or both; and to pay all other amounts payable from or constituting a lien or charge on the revenues derived from the products and services of such legal entity or constituting a lien or charge on the revenues of the electric or other integrated utility system of such public agency. 1. Provisions obligating such legal entity to enforce the covenants and obligations of each such public agency with which such legal entity has entered into a contract or agreement with respect to such electric project. m. Provisions obligating such legal entity not to permit any such public agency to withdraw from such legal entity until all contractual obligations and duties of such legal entity and of each such public agency with which it has entered into a contract or agreement with respect to such electric project have been fully performed, discharged, or both. n. Provisions obligating each such public agency which has entered into a contract or agreement with such legal entity with respect to an electric project not to withdraw from, or cause or participate in the dissolution of, such legal entity until all duties and obligations of such legal entity and of each such public agency arising from all contracts and agreements entered into by such public agency or legal entity, or both, have been fully performed, discharged, or both. http: //www.]eg.stateAus /Statutes /i ndex.ctm?App_mode= D is pi ay_ Statute &Search_Stri ng = &U R L= 0100- 01 99/0163/Secti ons/01 63.01. htm 1 12/17 4110/2017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Odine Sunshine o. Provisions obligating each such public agency which has entered into a contract or agreement with such legal entity or which has entered into a contract or agreement with any other person or persons with respect to such electric project to maintain its electric or other integrated utility system in good repair and operating condition until all duties and obligations of each such public agency and of each such legal entity arising out of all contracts and agreements with respect to such electric project entered into by each such public agency or legal entity, or both, have been fully performed, discharged, or both. 3. All actions taken by an agent designated in accordance with the provisions of any such agreement may, if so provided in the agreement, be made binding upon such public agency or legal entity, or both, without further action or approval by such public agency or legal entity, or both. Any agent or agents designated in any such agreement shall be governed by the laws and rules applicable to such agent as a separate entity and not by any laws or rules which may be applicable to any of the other participating parties and not otherwise applicable to the agent. (c) Any such legal entity may acquire services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof only from: 1. An electric project in which it has an ownership interest; or 2. Any other source: a. To the extent of replacing the services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof of its share of an electric project when the output or capacity of such electric project is reduced or unavailable; or b. At any time and in any amount for resale to any of its members as necessary to meet their retail load requirements. However, under sub - subparagraph 2.b., such legal entity may not purchase wholesale power for resale to any of its members from any electric utility as a result of any legal proceeding commenced by the legal entity or any of its members after January 1, 1982, before any state or federal court or administrative body, to the extent that such purchase or proceeding would involuntarily expand the responsibility of the electric utility to provide such wholesale power. (d) Any such legal entity may sell services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof only to: 1. Its members to meet their retail load requirements; 2. Other electric utilities or foreign public utilities which have ownership interests in, or contractual arrangements which impose on such electric utilities or foreign public utilities obligations which are the economic equivalents of ownership interests in, the electric project from which such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof is to be acquired; 3. Any other electric utility or foreign public utility to dispose of services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof that is surplus to the requirements of such legal entity: a. If such surplus results from default by one or more of the members of such legal entity under a contract or contracts for the purchase of such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof; and b. If the revenues from such contract or contracts are pledged as security for payment of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness issued by such legal entity or if such revenues are required by such legal entity to meet its obligations under any contract or agreement entered into by such legal entity pursuant to paragraph (b); 4. Any other electric utility or foreign public utility for a period not to exceed 5 years from the later to occur of the date of commercial operation of, or the date of acquisition by such legal entity of any ownership interest in or right to acquire services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof from, the electric project from which such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof is to be acquired, if: a. One or more members of such legal entity have contracted to purchase such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof from such legal entity commencing upon the expiration of such period; and b. Such services, output, capacity, energy, or combination thereof, if acquired commencing at an earlier time, could have been reasonably predicted to create a surplus or surpluses in the electric system or systems of such member or members during such period, when added to services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof available to such member or members during such period from facilities owned by such member or members or pursuant to one or more then - existing firm contractual obligations which are not terminable prior to the end of such period without payment of a penalty, or both; or http: //www.leg. state. fl .us /Statutesli rxlex.cfm ?App_ mode = Display _Statute &Search_Stri ng = &U R L= 0100- 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.0l .htmi 13/17 4/10/2017 S. Any combination of the above. Statutes & Constitution View Statutes : Online Sunshine Nothing contained in this paragraph shall prevent such legal entity from setting the output of its ownership interest in any such electric project to any electric utility or foreign public utility as emergency, scheduled maintenance, or economy interchange service. (e) All obligations and covenants of any such public agency or legal entity, or both, contained in any contract or agreement, which contract or agreement and obligations and covenants are authorized, permitted, or contemplated by this section, shalt be the legal, valid, and binding obligations and covenants of the public agency or legal entity undertaking such obligations or making such covenants; and each such obligation or covenant shall be enforceable in accordance with its terms. (f) When contract payments by any such public agency contracting with any such legal entity or revenues of any such public agency contracting with any other person or persons with respect to an electric project are to be pledged as security for the payment of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness sought to be validated, the complaint for validation may make parties defendant to such action, in addition to the state and the taxpayers, property owners, and citizens of the county in which the complaint for validation is filed, including nonresidents owning property or subject to taxation therein: 1. Every public agency the contract payments of which are to be so pledged. 2. Any other person contracting with such public agency or legal entity, or both, in any manner relating to such electric project, and particularly with relation to any ownership or operation of any electric project; the supplying of electrical energy to such public agency or legal entity, or both; or the taking or purchase of electrical energy from the electric project. 3. The taxpayers, property owners, and citizens of each county or municipality in which each such public agency is located, including nonresidents owning property or subject to taxation therein, and the holders of any outstanding debt obligations of any such public agency or legal entity. All such parties who are made defendants and over whom the court acquires jurisdiction in such validation proceedings shall be required to show cause, if any exists, why such contract or agreement and the terms and conditions thereof should not be inquired into by the court, the validity of the terms thereof determined, and the matters and conditions which are imposed on the parties to such contract or agreement and all such undertakings thereof adjudicated to be valid and binding on the parties thereto. Notice of such proceedings shall be included in the notice of validation hearing required to be issued and published pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (7)(c); and a copy of the complaint in such proceedings, together with a copy of such notice, shall be served on each party defendant referred to in subparagraphs 1. and 2. who is made a defendant and over whom the court acquires jurisdiction in such validation proceedings. Any person resident of this state or any person not a resident of, or located within, this state, whether or not authorized to transact business in this state, who contracts with any such public agency or legal entity, or both, in any manner relating to such electric project, may intervene in the validation proceedings at or before the time set for the validation hearing and assert any ground or objection to the validity and binding effect of such contract or agreement on his or her own behalf and on behalf of any such public agency and of all citizens, residents, and property owners of the state. No appeal may be taken by any person who was not a party of record in such proceedings at the time the judgment appealed from was rendered. An adjudication as to the validity of any such contract or agreement from which no appeal has been taken within the time permitted by law from the date of entry of the judgment of validation or, if an appeal is filed, which is confirmed on appeal shall be forever conclusive and binding upon such legal entity and all such parties who are made defendants and over whom the court acquires jurisdiction in such validation proceedings. (g) Each such public agency or legal entity, or both, which contracts with any other person or persons with respect to the ownership or operation of any electric project, and each such public agency which contracts with any legal entity for the support of, or supply of, power from an electric project, is authorized to pledge to such other person or persons or such legal entity, or both, for the benefit of such electric project all or any portion of the revenues derived or to be derived: http: //www.leg. state. fl .us /Statutes! ndex.cfm?App_mode= Di splay_Statute &Search_Stri ng = &U R L=01 00- 01 99/0163/Secti ons /0163.01.html 14/17 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Online Sunshine 1. In the case of any such public agency, from the ownership and operation of its electric or other integrated utility system; and 2. In the case of a legal entity, from the provision of products and services by it; and to pledge to such other person or persons or such legal entity, or both, for the benefit of such electric project any securities, contract rights, and other property. Each such legal entity is also authorized to pledge to, or for the benefit of, the holders of any bonds, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by such legal entity, as security for the payment thereof, any revenues, securities, contract rights, or other property. Any such pledge shall specify the priority and ranking of such pledge in respect of other pledges, if any, of the same revenues, securities, contract rights, or other property by such public agency or legal entity. Any pledge of revenues, securities, contract rights, or other property made by any such public agency or legal entity, or both, pursuant to this section shall be valid and binding from the date the pledge is made. The revenues, securities, contract rights, or other property so pledged and then held or thereafter received by such public agency or legal entity, or any fiduciary, or such other person or persons shall immediately be subject to the lien of the pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act; and the lien of the pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, in contract, or otherwise against the public agency or legal entity making such pledge, without regard to whether such parties have notice thereof. The resolution, trust indenture, security agreement, or other instrument by which a pledge is created need not be filed or recorded in any manner. (h) Any such legal entity is authorized and empowered to sue and be sued in its own name. In the event that any such public agency or legal entity enters into a contract or an agreement with respect to an electric project located in another state, or owns an interest in an electric project located in another state, an action against such public agency or legal entity may be brought in the federal or state courts located in such state. (i) The provisions of this subsection shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof. The powers conferred by the provisions of this subsection shall be in addition and supplementary to the powers conferred by the other provisions of this section, by any other general, local, or special law, or by any charter of any public agency. When the exercise of any power conferred on any public agency or any legal entity by the provisions of this subsection would conflict with any limitation or requirement upon such public agency or such legal entity contained in the other provisions of this section, in any other general, local, or special law, except s. 361.14, or in the charter of such public agency, such limitation or requirement shall be superseded by the provisions of this subsection for the purposes of the exercise of such power pursuant to the provisions of this subsection. (j) While any bonds or other evidences of indebtedness issued by any such public agency or any such legal entity pursuant to the authority granted by paragraph (7)(c) or other applicable law remain outstanding, or while any such public agency or any such legal entity has any undischarged duties or obligations under any contract or agreement, including, but not limited to, obligations to any operator or joint owner of any electric project, the powers, duties, or existence of such public agency or such legal entity or of its officers, employees, or agents shall not be diminished, impaired, or affected in any manner which will affect materially and adversely the interests and rights of the owners of such bonds or other evidences of indebtedness or the persons to whom such duties or obligations are owed under such contract or agreement. The provisions of this subsection shall be for the benefit of the state, each such public agency, each such legal entity, every owner of the bonds of each such legal entity or public agency, and every other person to whom such public agency or such legal entity owes a duty or is obligated by contract or agreement; and, upon and after the earlier of the execution and delivery by any public agency or legal entity, pursuant to this section, of any contract or agreement to any person with respect to an electric project, or the issuance of such bonds or other evidences of indebtedness, the provisions of this subsection shall constitute an irrevocable contract by the state with the owners of the bonds or other evidences of indebtedness issued by such public agency or legal entity and with the other person or persons to whom any such public agency or legal entity owes a duty or is obligated by any such contract or agreement. (k) The limitations on waiver in the provisions of s. 768.28 or any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the Legislature, in accordance with s. 13, Art. X of the State Constitution, hereby declares that any such legal entity or any public agency of this state that participates in any electric project waives its sovereign immunity to: http: //www.leg. state .fl.us /Statutesfndex.chn ?App mode = Display _Statute &Search_String = &URL= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.01.htm1 15/17 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine All other persons participating therein; and Any person in any manner contracting with a legal entity of which any such public agency is a member, with relation to: a. Ownership, operation, or any other activity set forth in sub - subparagraph (b)2.d. with relation to any electric project; or b. The supplying or purchasing of services, output, capacity, energy, or any combination thereof. (l) Notwithstanding the definition of "electric project" contained in paragraph (3)(d), or any other provision of this subsection or of part II of chapter 361 limiting the parties which may participate jointly in electric projects, any public agency of this state which is an electric utility, or any separate legal entity created pursuant to the provisions of this section, the membership of which consists only of electric utilities, and which exercises or proposes to exercise the powers granted by part II of chapter 361, may exercise any or all of the powers provided in this subsection jointly with any other person with respect to the acquisition, extraction, conversion, use, transportation, storage, reprocessing, disposal, or any combination thereof of any primary fuel or source thereof, as well as any other materials resulting therefrom, only when such primary fuel or source thereof is to be used for the generation of electrical energy in one or more electric projects by such legal entity, any member thereof, or any combination thereof; and, in connection therewith, any such public agency or legal entity shall be deemed to have all the additional powers, privileges, and rights provided in this subsection. (m) In the event that any public agency or any such legal entity, or both, should receive, in connection with its joint ownership or right to the services, output, capacity, or energy of an electric project, as defined in paragraph (3)(d), any material which is designated by the person supplying such material as proprietary confidential business information or which a court of competent jurisdiction has designated as confidential or secret shall be kept confidential and shall be exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1). As used in this paragraph, "proprietary confidential business information" includes, but is not limited to, trade secrets; internal auditing controls and reports of internal auditors; security measures, systems, or procedures; information concerning bids or other contractual data, the disclosure of which would impair the efforts of the utility to contract for services on favorable terms; employee personnel information unrelated to compensation, duties, qualifications, or responsibilities; and formulas, patterns, devices, combinations of devices, contract costs, or other information the disclosure of which would injure the affected entity in the marketplace. (16)(a) All of the additional powers and authority granted by chapter 82 -53, Laws of Florida, to a public agency as defined in paragraph (3)(b), a legal entity created pursuant to the provisions of this section, or both, respecting agreements for participation in electric projects shall apply to any agreement in existence as of March 25, 1982, as well as to any such agreement entered into thereafter; but no additional limitation provided in chapter 82 -53 upon any power or authority of any such public agency or legal entity, or both, respecting agreements for participation in electric projects shall apply to any such agreement entered into prior to March 25, 1982. (b) Chapter 82 -53, Laws of Florida, shall be deemed to be enacted for the purpose of further implementing the provisions of s. 10(d), Art. VII of the State Constitution, as amended. (17) In any agreement entered into pursuant to this section, any public agency or separate legal entity created by interlocal agreement may, in its discretion, grant, sell, donate, dedicate, lease or otherwise convey, title, easements or use rights in real property, including tax - reverted real property, title to which is in such public agency or separate legal entity, to any other public agency or separate legal entity created by interlocal agreement. Any public agency or separate legal entity created by interlocal agreement is authorized to grant such interests in real property or use rights without consideration when in its discretion it is determined to be in the public interest. Real property and interests in real property granted or conveyed to such public agency or separate legal entity shall be for the public purposes contemplated in the interlocal agreement and may be made subject to the condition that in the event that said real property or interest in real property is not so used, or if used and subsequently its use for such purpose is abandoned, the interest granted shall cease as to such public agency or separate legal entity and shall automatically revert to the granting public agency or separate legal entity. http: //www.leg.state.fl-us/StatLAesfiridex.cfrn?App_mode-- Display _ Statute &Search_Stri ng = &U R L= 0100 - 0199 /0163/Sections /0163.01.html 16117 4/10/2017 Statutes & Constitution Mew Statutes : Odine Sunshine (18) Any separate legal entity created under subsection (7) which has member public agencies located in at least five counties, of which at least three are not contiguous, may conduct public meetings and workshops by means of communications media technology. The notice for any such public meeting or workshop shall state that the meeting or workshop will be conducted through the use of communications media technology; specify how persons interested in attending may do so; and provide a location where communications media technology facilities are available. The participation by an officer, board member, or other representative of a member public agency in a meeting or workshop conducted through communications media technology constitutes that individual's presence at such meeting or workshop. As used in this subsection, the term "communications media technology" means conference telephone, video conference, or other communications technology by which all persons attending a public meeting or workshop may audibly communicate. History. -ss. 1, 2, ch. 69 -42; ss. 11, 18, 35, ch. 69 -106; s. 1, ch. 79 -24; ss. 1, 2, ch. 79 -31; s. 61, ch. 79 -40; s. 68, ch. 81 -259; ss. 1, 7, 8, ch. 82 -53; s. 45, ch. 83 -217; s. 21, ch. 85 -55; s. 1, ch. 87 -9; s. 6, ch. 87 -237; s. 46, ch. 88 -130; ss. 33, 34, ch. 90 -360; s. 83, ch. 91 -45; s. 11, ch. 93 -51; s. 896, ch. 95 -147; s. 45, ch. 96 -406; s. 19, ch. 97 -236; s. 61, ch. 99 -2; s. 23, ch. 99 -251; s. 1, ch. 2001 -201; S. 72, ch. 2002 -295; s. 156, ch. 2003 -261; s. 10, ch. 2004 -5; s. 1, ch. 2004 -336; s. 6, ch. 2006 -218; s. 1, ch. 2006 -220; s. 1, ch. 2007 -1; S. 1, ch. 2007 -90; S. 1, ch. 2008 -43; s. 1, ch. 2012 -164. Copyright © 1995 -2017 The Florida Legislature • Privacy Statement • Contact Us http: //www.leg. state .fl.us /StatutesAridex.cfm ?App mode= Display_Statute &Search String = &URL= 0100 - 0199 /0163//Sections /0163.01.html 17/17