SB 124 & HB 95- Relating to Public-Private Partnerships
On Tuesday, March 8th, SB 124, relating to Public-Private Partnerships, by Senator Greg Evers (R- Milton) was substituted for its House companion, HB 95, by Rep. Greg Steube (R-Sarasota), read for a third time on the House floor and passed by a vote of 116 yeas to 1 nays.

SB 124 is a top priority for AIF as it pertains to construction and infrastructure projects.  This bill seeks to clarify that P3s are an alternative process for communities to expand, through partnerships with the private sector, their ability to meet current and future infrastructure needs.  SB 124 also provides flexibility for local governments on procurement time lines as well as allowing local governments to collect processing fees at the time of application.  The bill removes the Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Guidelines Task Force from statute as recommendations from the task force are incorporated in the bill.  

AIF has strongly supported Florida’s P3 process, having worked over the last year to provide options and flexibility to both the public and private sector.  As Florida continues to see almost 1000 people per day moving into the state, P3s will be a critical component to solving infrastructure needs for years to come.

SB 124 will now go to Governor Scott’s desk to be signed into law.

AIF strongly supports utilization of the private sector in helping to solve public construction needs. Government’s role is critical in securing and advancing our state’s infrastructure.