Kutak Rock commonly represents clients in establishing improvement/stewardship special districts and their boundary amendment needs. During the 2022 Florida legislative session, Kutak Rock attorneys Jonathan Johnson, Lindsay Whelan, and Cheryl Stuart oversaw the successful adoption of legislation amending the geographical boundaries of three special districts within the state for existing clients, which the Governor signed in the summer of 2022.

The three special districts with amended geographical boundaries are:

• Lakewood Ranch Stewardship District - HB 895
• West Villages Improvement District - HB 1045
• North River Ranch Improvement District - HB 1103

The Kutak Rock drafted legislation and coordinated with the bill sponsors, oversaw approval of legislation by the local delegation, coordinated with legislative staff with regard to the committee, House of Representatives, and full legislative approvals, coordinated with the Governor’s office regarding approval of the legislation, and oversaw local landowner referendums finally approving the legislation.

The Development and Improvement Districts group in the firm’s Tallahassee office is comprised of 13 attorneys who specialize in community development district and special district work, making it the largest special districts group in the state. Additionally, 8 of its attorneys were also just named to the 2023 list of US News- The Best Lawyers in America. Kutak Rock has deepest bench in the state with regard to years of experience. Cheryl Stuart has been in the industry for nearly 40 years and helped write key legislation that governs Kutak Rock clients. Jonathan Johnson has more than 30 years of experience. The group has established nine improvement/stewardship districts in the state and currently represents additional improvement/stewardship districts for which they have done legislative work relative to the expansion of district boundaries and other matters.

The 2023 Florida Legislative Session kicks off on March 7, 2023, with local delegation and committee meetings commencing early in the fall.  Now is the time to start planning for special district establishment and boundary amendment legislation for your projects for the next session. Please contact any member of Kutak Rock’s Development and Improvement Districts group for assistance in upcoming special district establishment and boundary amendment needs.