U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 1744. Approval of prior transfers and extinguishment of claims and aboriginal title involving Florida Indians

(a) Publication of findings; consequences

If the Secretary finds that the State of Florida has satisfied the conditions set forth in section 1743 of this title, he shall publish such findings and the Settlement Agreement in the Federal Register, and upon such publication—

(1) the transfers, waivers, releases, relinquishments, and other commitments made by the Miccosukee Tribe in paragraph 3 of the Settlement Agreement between the State of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe shall be of full force and effect on the terms and conditions therein stated; and

(2) the transfers, waivers, releases, relinquishments, and other commitments validated by paragraph (1) of this subsection and the transfers and extinguishments approved and validated by paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) of this section shall be deemed to have been made in accordance with the Constitution and all laws of the United States that are specifically applicable to transfers of lands or natural resources from, by, or on behalf of any Indian, Indian nation, or tribe of Indians (including but not limited to the Act of July 22, 1790 (1 Stat. 137) and any amendments thereto and all subsequent versions thereof), and Congress does hereby approve any such transfers effective as of the date of such transfers.

(b) Scope of applicability to claims, transfers, etc.

(1) All claims to lands within the State of Florida based upon aboriginal title by the Miccosukee Tribe, or any predecessor or successor in interest, are hereby extinguished, and any transfer of lands or natural resources located anywhere within the State of Florida, including but not limited to transfers pursuant to the statute or treaty of or with any State or the United States, by, from, or on behalf of the Miccosukee Tribe, or any predecessor or successor in interest, shall be deemed to be in full force and effect: Provided, however, That nothing herein shall be construed as extinguishing any aboriginal right, title, interest, or claim to lands or natural resources solely to the extent of the rights or interests defined as “excepted interests” in paragraph 3c of the Settlement Agreement between the State of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe.

(2) By virtue of the approval of a transfer of lands or natural resources effected by this section, or an extinguishment of aboriginal title effected thereby, all claims against the United States, any State or subdivision thereof, or any other person or entity, by the Miccosukee Tribe, arising subsequent to the transfer and based upon any interest in or right involving such lands or natural resources, including but not limited to claims for trespass damages or claims for use and occupancy, shall be regarded as extinguished as of the date of the transfer.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as extinguishing any right, title, interest, or claim to lands or natural resources in the State of Florida by any individual Indian—

(A) which is based on use and occupancy, or

(B) which was acquired under Federal or State law,

and which is not derived from or through the Miccosukee Tribe, or its predecessor or predecessors in interest.

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