Florida Florida Statutes

§ 159.32 — Construction contracts

FS § 159.32Ch. 159

Statute text

Contracts for the construction of the project may be awarded by the local agency in such manner as in its judgment will best promote free and open competition, including advertisement for competitive bids in a newspaper of general circulation within the boundaries of the local agency; however, if the local agency shall determine that the purposes of this part will be more effectively served, the local agency in its discretion may award or cause to be awarded contracts for the construction of any project, or any part thereof, upon a negotiated basis as determined by the local agency. The local agency shall prescribe bid security requirements and other procedures in connection with the award of such contracts as in its judgment shall protect the public interest. The local agency may by written contract engage the services of the lessee, purchaser, or prospective lessee or purchaser of any project in the construction of the project and may provide in the contract that the lessee, purchaser, or prospective lessee or purchaser may act as an agent of, or an independent contractor for, the local agency for the performance of the functuneText">Tax exemption.—The exercise of the powers granted by this part in all respects will be for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their industry and prosperity, for the improvement of their health and living conditions, and for the provision of gainful employment and will constitute the performance of essential public functions. The local agency shall not be required to pay any taxes on any project or any other property owned by the local agency under the provisions of this part or upon the income therefrom. The bonds issued under the provisions of this part, their transfer, and the income therefrom (including any profit made on the sale thereof), and all notes, mortgages, security agreements, letters of credit, or other instruments which arise out of or are given to secure the repayment of bonds issued in connection with a project financed under this part, shall at all times be free from taxation by the state or any local unit, political subdivision, or other instrumentality of the state. Nothing in this section, however, shall be construed as exempting from taxation or assessments the leasehold interest of a lessee in any project or any other property or interest owned by the lessee. The exemption granted by this section shall not be applicable to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations.

Legislative history

s. 7, ch. 69-104; s. 3, ch. 73-327; s. 6, ch. 80-287; s. 20, ch. 86-152.