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SB 1360

Historic Cemeteries Trust Fund/Department of State

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Sharief

SB 1360 creates a Florida state trust fund through the Department of State to finance preservation and maintenance of historic cemeteries across the state.

Introduced
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Bill Summary · SB 1360

Legislative bill overview

SB 1360 establishes a Historic Cemeteries Trust Fund under the Florida Department of State to provide dedicated funding for the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of historic cemeteries throughout Florida. The bill allocates state resources specifically toward protecting and managing burial grounds of historical significance that may be neglected, abandoned, or at risk of deterioration.

Why is this important

Historic cemeteries represent irreplaceable cultural, genealogical, and archaeological resources that document Florida's diverse populations and history. Many older burial grounds lack adequate funding for maintenance and face threats from development, natural decay, and inadequate stewardship, making dedicated state funding a practical preservation mechanism. This initiative addresses a widespread infrastructure gap affecting communities statewide while supporting local historical societies and cemetery associations.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and amount: The bill's fiscal impact depends on appropriation levels; unclear whether new revenue is generated or existing state funds are redirected from other priorities
  • Eligibility criteria: Defining which cemeteries qualify as "historic" and establishing fair selection processes could create disputes over funding prioritization and local preferences
  • Management authority: Determining whether the Department of State directly manages funds, grants them to local entities, or partners with private organizations raises questions about oversight, accountability, and operational control

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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