Florida

Florida Gov. Rick Scott plans to sue Georgia in an attempt to stop the state's 'unchecked' fresh water consumption, which is parching Apalachicola oyster beds.

Municipal bond issuance in the Southeast dropped nearly 12% to $30.7 billion in the first half of 2013. Sales were down in eight of the 11 states comprising the region.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has appointed a task force to recommend a uniform process for establishing public-private partnerships at all levels of government.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District, the municipal services and financing arm of the Disney Co., plans to sell $383.56 million of tax exempt, ad valorem tax bonds starting Tuesday.

Florida's debt is declining by the billions and its economy is "back on track," according to experts watching the Sunshine state's vital signs.

Moody's said a recent IRS ruling affecting the Village Center Community Development District's tax-exempt status will not impact the agency's ratings on other district ratings.

Moody's Investors Service said legislative reform measures related to Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corp. are positive factors for the state's largest property insurer.

Miami told bondholders that it will "vigorously defend" itself against securities fraud charges brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Securities and Exchange Commission's recent enforcement action against Miami, Fla. signals the commission's seriousness about both upholding prior cease and desist orders and holding public officials accountable, market participants said.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott held a ceremonial signing of House Bill 85 Friday to bring further attention to the Sunshine State's new comprehensive law governing public-private partnerships.

On Nov 5, Miami-Dade County voters will decide whether to tax themselves to issue $830 million of general obligation bonds for capital needs at Jackson Health System.

The Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit Friday against Miami, Fla. and the city's former budget director, charging them with securities fraud for making faulty disclosures in connection with three 2009 bond offerings totaling $153.5 million.

A Florida community development district's lawyer is urging the Internal Revenue Service's chief counsel to reconsider a ruling against the CDD, arguing it is incorrect, biased, lacks legal analysis and ignores precedent.

Miami Beach Commissioners selected Tishman South Beach ACE as the master developer for a $1 billion convention center and entertainment district.

Miami-Dade County is pricing $487.5 million of water and sewer revenue bonds this week in support of a multi-billion dollar initiative to finance improvements.

Jacksonville, Fla., and the NFL's Jaguars will fund $63 million in mostly bond-financed stadium improvements, including two of the largest-ever video scoreboards.

The Internal Revenue Service's adverse ruling about the Village Center Community Development District will not impact other Village CDD bonds that Fitch rates.

Florida's Citizens Property Insurance Corp.'s chief financial officer, Sharon Binnun, has submitted her resignation effective July 5.

Central Florida's Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority soon will search for a new chief financial officer following the resignation of Nita Crowder.

As the state of Florida works on its largest public-private partnership project, local governments hope a bill waiting for the governor's signature can expand the use of P3s.