Bill granting sheriffs more independence, budget power, heads to DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Legislation granting more independent rights of sheriffs, including sheriffs in a consolidated government, passed the Florida House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The bill clarifies that sheriffs, including those in consolidated government, may move approved funds between different sub-categories of their budget without further approval.

The action completed all of the approval requirements the bill needed in order to be reviewed by the governor.

Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, sponsored the legislation, SB 1704, and Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, filed the House companion, HB 1447.

Consolidated governments are ones in which the county and municipality consolidate their local governments into one entity. Duval County is currently the only community in Florida which has such a system.

The bill also describes how the purchase and procurement of supplies, equipment and personnel falls under the independent responsibility of the sheriffs.

The House passed the bill 86-23 on Tuesday. The Senate previously passed it in February 25-12.

Jacksonville and Duval County are host to a Republican sheriff with T.K. Waters and Democratic mayor with Donna Deegan. DeSantis endorsed Waters in his election bid.