Florida House Approves Scaled-Back Bill for Special District at University Town Center
The Florida House of Representatives unanimously approved a revised bill Wednesday that would create a special improvement district around the rapidly growing University Town Center area, spanning more than 1,400 acres across Sarasota and Manatee counties.
If enacted, the proposal would establish a new government entity responsible primarily for stormwater management and related environmental infrastructure within the district. Manatee County-based Benderson Development Co., which owns a significant portion of the land within the proposed boundaries, would hold a majority voting interest in the district's governing structure due to its land ownership.
The legislation was introduced in January by state Rep. Bill Conerly of Lakewood Ranch. Earlier versions of the bill would have granted the district broader governmental authority, including the ability to levy property taxes and exercise additional administrative powers. As the measure moved through House committees, lawmakers scaled back those provisions.
Under the revised version, the district would not be allowed to impose property taxes. Instead, it could collect non-ad valorem assessments—fees that appear on property tax bills—to help pay for stormwater infrastructure improvements. The bill also removed authority unrelated to drainage and water control, including the power to condemn private property.
Additional amendments removed land owned by Sarasota Memorial Hospital from the district’s boundaries. However, Sarasota County-owned Nathan Benderson Park remains within the proposed district and represents roughly one-third of the area included.
The district’s boundaries would extend from University Park in Manatee County south to Fruitville Road in Sarasota County, covering land west of Interstate 75 and including areas surrounding the University Town Center shopping corridor.
The legislation still allows the district to develop and manage conservation areas, mitigation sites and wildlife habitat systems associated with drainage and water management projects.
An economic impact statement prepared by Benderson Development estimates the district would spend about $440,000 in its first year to hire staff and conduct engineering studies. Spending is projected to increase to approximately $2 million during its second fiscal year.
Supporters say the district would help address stormwater management needs following major flooding in 2024 that affected parts of the region. The bill was drafted by Tallahassee lobbyist Dave Ramba on behalf of Benderson Development.
Special districts are commonly used in Florida to help finance infrastructure for new developments. Across the Suncoast region, nearly 90 such districts exist, including community development districts that allow developers to issue tax-exempt bonds to fund roads, utilities and other infrastructure. Those bonds are later repaid through assessments on property owners within the district.
The measure now moves to the Florida Senate, where it must receive support from three-fifths of senators before advancing to the governor. If approved and signed into law, landowners within the district would hold a meeting and vote on whether to formally establish the new governing body.
