Healthcare is Required:
Florida law requires that the Hospital District’s Hospital continue to provide healthcare in and for the residents of Highlands County.
Consideration of Options:
Because the current lease, as amended, ends on 31 July 2027, the Hospital District Board is evaluating whether to sell the Hospital or lease the Hospital or extend the current Hospital Lease.
Authority to Sell or Lease:
The Enabling Act allows for the Hospital District to lease the Hospital under certain circumstances. CS/HB 4087 (2026) amended the Hospital District’s Enabling Act.
The Hospital District’s Enabling Act, as amended, allows the Hospital District to modify and extend the existing lease, to enter a new lease, or to sell the Hospital.