Bill poised for final votes giving Florida sheriffs more budget power

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill that would allow sheriffs in a consolidated government to have more independence when it comes to their budgets passed through its third committee stop.

Rep. Wyman Duggan, R-Jacksonville, sponsored HB 1447. Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, sponsored similar legislation, SB 1704, in the Senate.

Duggan explained his bill clarifies that a sheriff in a consolidated government may transfer funds  between the fund and functional categories and objects, and sub-objects code levels after their budget has been approved by the city council.

Furthermore, the bill provides that the “independence of sheriffs” regarding the purchase of supplies and equipment and the management of personnel applies to sheriffs in consolidated governments.

The bill passed favorably through the State Affairs Committee Wednesday and will now head to the House floor for consideration.

Both Duggan and Yarborough represent Jacksonville, which is a consolidated government city where Sheriff T.K. Waters would have more independence with the funds of his budget under the bill.

If passed through both legislative chambers and signed by the governor, the bill would take effect July 1.