SB 250 full text · Session Watch

SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1

1 A bill to be entitled

2 An act relating to rural communities; reenacting and

3 amending s. 20.60, F.S.; revising the list of

4 divisions and offices within the Department of

5 Commerce to conform to changes made by the act;

6 revising the annual program reports that must be

7 included in the annual report of the Department of

8 Commerce; amending s. 163.3168, F.S.; requiring the

9 state land planning agency to give preference for

10 technical assistance funding to local governments

11 located in a rural area of opportunity; requiring the

12 agency to consult with the Office of Rural Prosperity

13 when awarding certain funding; amending s. 201.15,

14 F.S.; requiring that a certain sum be paid to the

15 credit of the State Transportation Trust Fund for the

16 exclusive use of the Florida Arterial Road

17 Modernization Program; amending s. 202.18, F.S.;

18 redirecting the transfer of certain communication

19 services tax proceeds; amending s. 212.20, F.S.;

20 revising the distribution of sales and use tax revenue

21 to include a transfer to fiscally constrained

22 counties; amending s. 215.971, F.S.; providing

23 construction regarding agreements funded with federal

24 or state assistance; requiring a state agency to

25 expedite payment requests from a county, municipality,

26 or rural area of opportunity for a specified purpose;

27 requiring each state agency to report to the Office of

28 Rural Prosperity by a certain date with a summary of

29 certain information; requiring the office to summarize

30 the information it receives for its annual report;

31 amending s. 218.67, F.S.; revising the conditions

32 required for a county to be considered a fiscally

33 constrained county; authorizing eligible counties to

34 receive a distribution of sales and use tax revenue;

35 revising the sources that the Department of Revenue

36 must use to determine the amount distributed to

37 fiscally constrained counties; revising the factors

38 for allocation of the distribution of revenue to

39 fiscally constrained counties; requiring that the

40 computation and amount distributed be calculated using

41 certain methods; authorizing specified uses for the

42 revenue; conforming a cross-reference; amending s.

43 288.001, F.S.; requiring the Florida Small Business

44 Development Center Network to use certain funds

45 appropriated for a specified purpose; authorizing the

46 network to dedicate funds to facilitate certain

47 events; amending s. 288.007, F.S.; revising which

48 local governments and economic development

49 organizations seeking to recruit businesses are

50 required to submit a specified report; creating s.

51 288.013, F.S.; providing legislative findings;

52 creating the Office of Rural Prosperity within the

53 Department of Commerce; requiring the Governor to

54 appoint a director, subject to confirmation by the

55 Senate; providing that the director reports to and

56 serves at the pleasure of the secretary of the

57 department; providing the duties of the office;

58 requiring the office to establish by a specified date

59 a certain number of regional rural community liaison

60 centers across this state for a specified purpose;

61 providing the powers, duties, and functions of the

62 liaison centers; requiring each regional rural

63 community liaison center, to the extent possible, to

64 coordinate with certain entities; requiring the

65 liaison centers to engage with the Rural Economic

66 Development Initiative (REDI); requiring at least one

67 staff member of a liaison center to attend the monthly

68 REDI meetings in person or by means of electronic

69 communication; requiring the director of the office to

70 submit an annual report to the Administration

71 Commission within the Executive Office of the

72 Governor; specifying requirements for the annual

73 report; requiring that the annual report also be

74 submitted to the Legislature by a specified date and

75 published on the office’s website; requiring the

76 director of the office to attend the next

77 Administration Commission meeting to present detailed

78 information from the annual report; requiring the

79 Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government

80 Accountability (OPPAGA) to evaluate the effectiveness

81 of the office and submit a report of its findings to

82 the Legislature by a certain date annually until a

83 specified date; requiring OPPAGA to submit its report

84 to the office at specified intervals; requiring OPPAGA

85 to review certain strategies from other states;

86 requiring OPPAGA to submit a report of its findings to

87 the Legislature at certain intervals; creating s.

88 288.014, F.S.; providing legislative findings;

89 requiring the Office of Rural Prosperity to administer

90 the Renaissance Grants Program to provide block grants

91 to eligible communities; requiring the Office of

92 Economic and Demographic Research to certify to the

93 Office of Rural Prosperity certain information by a

94 specified date; defining the term “growth-impeded”;

95 requiring the Office of Economic and Demographic

96 Research to certify annually that a county remains

97 growth-impeded until such county has positive

98 population growth for a specified amount of time;

99 providing that such county, after 3 consecutive years

100 of population growth, is eligible to participate in

101 the program for 1 additional year; requiring a county

102 eligible for the program to enter into an agreement

103 with the Office of Rural Prosperity in order to

104 receive the block grant; giving such counties broad

105 authority to design their specific plans; prohibiting

106 the Office of Rural Prosperity from determining how

107 such counties implement the block grant; requiring

108 regional rural community liaison center staff to

109 provide assistance, upon the county’s request;

110 requiring participating counties to report annually to

111 the Office of Rural Prosperity with certain

112 information; providing that a participating county

113 receives a specified amount from funds appropriated to

114 the program, or an equal share of the funds

115 appropriated if the total of such appropriated funds

116 is insufficient to provide that amount; requiring

117 participating counties to make all attempts to limit

118 the amount spent on administrative costs; authorizing

119 participating counties to contribute other funds for

120 block grant purposes; requiring participating counties

121 to hire and retain a renaissance coordinator;

122 providing that funds from the block grant may be used

123 to hire the renaissance coordinator; providing the

124 responsibilities of the renaissance coordinator;

125 requiring the regional rural community liaison center

126 staff to provide assistance and training to the

127 renaissance coordinator, upon request; requiring

128 participating counties to design a plan to make

129 targeted investments to achieve population growth and

130 increase economic vitality; specifying requirements

131 for such plans; requiring participating counties to

132 develop intergovernmental agreements with certain

133 entities in order to implement the plan; requiring the

134 Auditor General to conduct an operational audit every

135 2 years for a specified purpose; requiring the Office

136 of Economic and Demographic Research to provide an

137 annual report on a specified date of renaissance block

138 grant recipients by county; specifying requirements

139 for the annual report; requiring that the report be

140 submitted to the Legislature; providing that funds

141 appropriated from the program are not subject to

142 reversion; providing for expiration; creating s.

143 288.0175, F.S.; creating the Public Infrastructure

144 Smart Technology Grant Program within the Office of

145 Rural Prosperity; defining terms; requiring the office

146 to contract with one or more smart technology lead

147 organizations to administer the grant program for a

148 specified purpose; providing the criteria for such

149 contracts; requiring that projects funded by the grant

150 program be included in the office’s annual report;

151 amending s. 288.018, F.S.; requiring the office,

152 rather than the Department of Commerce, to establish a

153 grant program to provide funding for regional economic

154 development organizations; revising who may apply for

155 such grants; providing that a grant award may not

156 exceed a certain amount in a year; providing

157 exceptions to a provision that the department may

158 expend a certain amount for a certain purpose;

159 amending s. 288.019, F.S.; revising the program

160 criteria and procedures that agencies and

161 organizations of REDI are required to review; revising

162 the list of impacts each REDI agency and organization

163 must consider in its review; requiring REDI agencies

164 and organizations to develop a proposal for

165 modifications which minimizes the financial and

166 resource impacts to a rural community; requiring that

167 ranking of evaluation criteria and scoring procedures

168 be used only when ranking is a component of the

169 program; requiring that match requirements be waived

170 or reduced for rural communities; providing that

171 donations of land may be treated as in-kind matches;

172 requiring each agency and organization that applies

173 for or receives federal funding to request federal

174 approval to waive or reduce the financial match

175 requirements, if any, for projects in rural

176 communities; requiring that proposals be submitted to

177 the office, rather than the department; requiring each

178 REDI agency and organization to modify rules or

179 policies as necessary to reflect the finalized

180 proposal; requiring that information about authorized

181 waivers be included on the office’s online rural

182 resource directory; requiring the rural liaison from

183 the related regional rural community liaison center

184 districts to assist the rural community to make waiver

185 or reduction requests; conforming a cross-reference;

186 amending s. 288.021, F.S.; requiring, when

187 practicable, the economic development liaison to serve

188 as the agency representative for REDI; amending s.

189 288.065, F.S.; defining the term “unit of local

190 government”; requiring the office to include in its

191 annual report certain information about the Rural

192 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund; conforming

193 provisions to changes made by the act; amending s.

194 288.0655, F.S.; revising the list of grants that may

195 be awarded by the office under the Rural

196 Infrastructure Fund; deleting the authorization for

197 local match requirements to be waived for a catalyst

198 site; revising the list of departments the office must

199 consult with to certify applicants; requiring the

200 office to include certain information about the Rural

201 Infrastructure Fund in its annual report; conforming

202 provisions to changes made by the act; amending s.

203 288.0656, F.S.; revising legislative intent; providing

204 legislative findings; providing that REDI is created

205 within the Office of Rural Prosperity, rather than the

206 department; deleting the definitions of the terms

207 “catalyst project” and “catalyst site”; requiring that

208 an alternate for each designated deputy secretary be a

209 deputy secretary or higher-level staff person;

210 requiring that the names of such alternates be

211 reported to the director of the office; requiring at

212 least one rural liaison to participate in REDI

213 meetings; requiring REDI to meet at least each month;

214 deleting a provision that a rural area of opportunity

215 may designate catalyst projects; requiring REDI to

216 submit a certain report to the office, rather than to

217 the department; specifying requirements for such

218 report; conforming provisions to changes made by the

219 act; making technical changes; repealing s. 288.06561,

220 F.S., relating to reduction or waiver of financial

221 match requirements; amending s. 288.0657, F.S.;

222 requiring the office, rather than the department, to

223 provide grants to assist rural communities; providing

224 that such grants may be used for specified purposes;

225 requiring the rural liaison to assist those applying

226 for such grants; providing that marketing grants may

227 include certain funding; amending s. 288.1226, F.S.;

228 revising required components of the 4-year marketing

229 plan of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing

230 Corporation; repealing s. 288.12266, F.S., relating to

231 the Targeted Marketing Assistance Program; amending s.

232 288.9961, F.S.; revising the definition of the term

233 “underserved”; requiring the office to consult with

234 regional rural community liaison centers on

235 development and update of a certain strategic plan;

236 requiring rural liaisons to assist rural communities

237 with providing assistance in coordination with the

238 regional rural community liaison centers; requiring

239 the office to submit reports with specified

240 information to the Governor and the Legislature within

241 certain timeframes; repealing s. 290.06561, F.S.,

242 relating to designation of rural enterprise zones as

243 catalyst sites; amending s. 319.32, F.S.; revising the

244 disposition of fees collected for certain title

245 certificates; amending s. 334.044, F.S.; revising the

246 powers and duties of the Department of Transportation;

247 amending s. 339.0801, F.S.; revising the allocation of

248 funds received in the State Transportation Trust Fund;

249 amending s. 339.2816, F.S.; requiring, rather than

250 authorizing, that certain funds received from the

251 State Transportation Trust Fund be used for the Small

252 County Road Assistance Program; requiring the

253 department to use other additional revenues for the

254 Small County Road Assistance Program; providing an

255 exception to the prohibition against funding capacity

256 improvements on county roads; amending s. 339.2817,

257 F.S.; revising the criteria that the Department of

258 Transportation must consider for evaluating projects

259 for County Incentive Grant Program assistance;

260 requiring the department to give priority to counties

261 located either wholly or partially within the

262 Everglades Agricultural Area and which request a

263 specified percentage of project costs for eligible

264 projects; specifying a limitation on such requests;

265 providing for future expiration; amending s. 339.2818,

266 F.S.; deleting a provision that the funds allocated

267 under the Small County Outreach Program are in

268 addition to the Small County Road Assistance Program;

269 deleting a provision that a local government within

270 the Everglades Agricultural Area, the Peace River

271 Basin, or the Suwannee River Basin may compete for

272 additional funding; conforming provisions to changes

273 made by the act; making a technical change; amending

274 s. 339.68, F.S.; providing legislative findings;

275 creating the Florida Arterial Road Modernization

276 Program within the Department of Transportation;

277 defining the term “rural community”; requiring the

278 department to allocate from the State Transportation

279 Trust Fund a minimum sum in each fiscal year to fund

280 the program; providing that such funding is in

281 addition to any other funding provided to the program;

282 providing criteria the department must use to

283 prioritize projects for funding under the program;

284 requiring the department to submit a report to the

285 Governor and the Legislature by a specified date;

286 requiring that such report be submitted every 2 years

287 thereafter; providing the criteria for such report;

288 requiring the Department of Transportation to allocate

289 additional funds to implement the Small County Road

290 Assistance Program and amend the tentative work

291 program for a specified number of fiscal years;

292 requiring the department to submit a budget amendment

293 before the adoption of the work program; requiring the

294 department to allocate sufficient funds to implement

295 the Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program;

296 requiring the department to amend the current

297 tentative work program for a specified number of

298 fiscal years to include the program’s projects;

299 requiring the department to submit a budget amendment

300 before the implementation of the program; requiring

301 that the revenue increases in the State Transportation

302 Trust Fund which are derived from the act be used to

303 fund the work program; creating s. 341.0525, F.S.;

304 creating a rural transit operating block grant program

305 to be administered by the Department of

306 Transportation; limiting rural transit block grant

307 funds to certain public transit providers; requiring

308 the annual allocation of certain funds from the State

309 Transportation Trust Fund for the program; providing

310 for the distribution of funds to each eligible public

311 transit provider in at least a certain amount;

312 providing authorized uses of grant funds; prohibiting

313 state participation in certain costs above a specified

314 percentage or amount; prohibiting an eligible provider

315 from using block grant funds in a certain manner;

316 providing an exception; prohibiting the state from

317 giving a county more than a specified percentage of

318 available funds or a certain amount; providing

319 eligibility requirements; requiring an eligible

320 provider to return funds under certain circumstances;

321 authorizing the department to consult with an eligible

322 provider before distributing funds to make a certain

323 determination; requiring an eligible provider to repay

324 to the department funds expended on unauthorized uses

325 if revealed in an audit; requiring the department to

326 redistribute returned and repaid funds to other

327 eligible providers; amending s. 381.402, F.S.;

328 revising eligibility requirements for the Florida

329 Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education

330 Program; revising the proof required to make payments

331 for participation in the program; amending s.

332 420.9073, F.S.; revising the calculation of guaranteed

333 amounts distributed from the Local Government Housing

334 Trust Fund; reenacting and amending s. 420.9075, F.S.;

335 authorizing a certain percentage of the funds made

336 available in each county and eligible municipality

337 from the local housing distribution to be used to

338 preserve multifamily affordable rental housing;

339 specifying what such funds may be used for; providing

340 an expiration; amending s. 1001.451, F.S.; revising

341 the services required to be provided by regional

342 consortium service organizations when such services

343 are found to be necessary and appropriate by such

344 organizations’ boards of directors; revising the

345 allocation that certain regional consortium service

346 organizations are eligible to receive from the General

347 Appropriations Act; requiring each regional consortium

348 service organization to submit an annual report to the

349 Department of Education; requiring that unexpended

350 amounts in certain funds be carried forward; requiring

351 each regional consortium service organization to

352 provide quarterly financial reports to member

353 districts; requiring member districts to designate a

354 district to serve as a fiscal agent for certain

355 purposes; providing for compensation of the fiscal

356 agent district; requiring regional consortium service

357 organizations to retain all funds received from grants

358 or contracted services to cover indirect or

359 administrative costs associated with the provision of

360 such services; requiring the regional consortium

361 service organization board of directors to determine

362 products and services provided by the organization;

363 requiring a regional consortium service organization

364 board of directors to recommend the establishment of

365 positions and appointments to a fiscal agent district;

366 requiring that personnel be employed under specified

367 personnel policies; authorizing the regional

368 consortium service organization board of directors to

369 recommend a salary schedule for personnel; authorizing

370 regional consortium service organizations to purchase

371 or lease property and facilities essential to their

372 operations; providing for the distribution of revenue

373 if a regional consortium service organization is

374 dissolved; deleting a provision requiring applications

375 for incentive grants; authorizing regional consortium

376 service organization boards of directors to contract

377 to provide services to nonmember districts; requiring

378 that a fund balance be established for specified

379 purposes; deleting a requirement for the use of

380 certain funds; authorizing a regional consortium

381 service organization to administer a specified

382 program; creating s. 1001.4511, F.S.; creating the

383 Regional Consortia Service Organization Supplemental

384 Services Program; providing the purpose of the

385 program; authorizing funds to be used for specified

386 purposes; requiring each regional consortium service

387 organization to report the distribution of funds

388 annually to the Legislature; providing for the

389 carryforward of funds; creating s. 1009.635, F.S.;

390 establishing the Rural Incentive for Professional

391 Educators Program within the Department of Education;

392 requiring the program to provide financial assistance

393 for the repayment of student loans to eligible

394 participants who establish permanent residency and

395 employment in rural areas of opportunity; providing

396 eligibility requirements; providing that eligible

397 participants may receive up to a certain amount in

398 total student loan repayment assistance over a certain

399 timeframe; requiring the department to verify certain

400 information of participants in the program before it

401 disburses awards; providing that the program is

402 administered through the Office of Student Financial

403 Assistance within the department; requiring the

404 program to develop procedures and monitor compliance;

405 requiring the State Board of Education to adopt rules

406 by a certain date; amending s. 1013.62, F.S.; revising

407 the calculation methodology used to determine the

408 amount of revenue that a school district must

409 distribute to each eligible charter school; amending

410 s. 1013.64, F.S.; revising conditions under which a

411 school district may receive funding on an approved

412 construction project; providing appropriations for

413 specified purposes; amending ss. 163.3187, 212.205,

414 257.191, 257.193, 265.283, 288.11621, 288.11631,

415 443.191, 571.26, and 571.265, F.S.; conforming cross

416 references and provisions to changes made by the act;

417 reenacting s. 288.9935(8), F.S., relating to the

418 Microfinance Guarantee Program, to incorporate the

419 amendment made to s. 20.60, F.S., in a reference

420 thereto; reenacting ss. 125.0104(5)(c), 193.624(3),

421 196.182(2), 218.12(1), 218.125(1), 218.135(1),

422 218.136(1), 252.35(2)(cc), 288.102(4), 403.064(16)(h),

423 589.08(2) and (3), and 1011.62(1)(f), F.S., relating

424 to authorized uses of tourist development tax revenue;

425 applicability of assessments of renewable energy

426 source devices; application of exemptions of renewable

427 energy source devices; appropriations to offset

428 reductions in ad valorem tax revenue in fiscally

429 constrained counties; offset for tax loss associated

430 with certain constitutional amendments affecting

431 fiscally constrained counties; offset for tax loss

432 associated with reductions in value of certain citrus

433 fruit packing and processing equipment; offset for ad

434 valorem revenue loss affecting fiscally constrained

435 counties; Division of Emergency Management powers;

436 one-to-one match requirement under the Supply Chain

437 Innovation Grant Program; applicability of provisions

438 related to reuse of reclaimed water; land acquisition

439 restrictions; and funds for operation of schools,

440 respectively, to incorporate the amendment made to s.

441 218.67, F.S., in references thereto; reenacting s.

442 403.0741(6)(c), F.S., relating to grease waste removal

443 and disposal, to incorporate the amendments made to

444 ss. 218.67 and 339.2818, F.S., in references thereto;

445 reenacting s. 163.3177(7)(e), F.S., relating to

446 required and optional elements of comprehensive plans

447 and studies and surveys, to incorporate the amendment

448 made to s. 288.0656, F.S., in a reference thereto;

449 reenacting s. 288.9962(7)(a), F.S., relating to the

450 Broadband Opportunity Program, to incorporate the

451 amendment made to s. 288.9961, F.S., in a reference

452 thereto; reenacting s. 215.211(1), F.S., relating to

453 service charges and elimination or reduction for

454 specified proceeds, to incorporate the amendment made

455 to s. 319.32, F.S., in a reference thereto; reenacting

456 s. 339.66(5) and (6), F.S., relating to upgrades of

457 arterial highways with controlled access facilities,

458 to incorporate the amendment made to s. 339.68, F.S.,

459 in references thereto; reenacting ss. 420.9072(4) and

460 (6), 420.9076(7)(b), and 420.9079(2), F.S., relating

461 to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program,

462 adoption of affordable housing incentive strategies

463 and committees, and the Local Government Housing Trust

464 Fund, respectively, to incorporate the amendment made

465 to s. 420.9073, F.S., in references thereto; providing

466 an effective date.

468 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

470 Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) and paragraph

471 (c) of subsection (10) of section 20.60, Florida Statutes, are

472 amended, and paragraph (a) of subsection (5) of that section is

473 reenacted, to read:

474 20.60 Department of Commerce; creation; powers and duties.—

475 (3)(a) The following divisions and offices of the

476 Department of Commerce are established:

477 1. The Division of Economic Development.

478 2. The Division of Community Development.

479 3. The Division of Workforce Services.

480 4. The Division of Finance and Administration.

481 5. The Division of Information Technology.

482 6. The Office of the Secretary.

483 7. The Office of Rural Prosperity.

484 8. The Office of Economic Accountability and Transparency,

485 which shall:

486 a. Oversee the department’s critical objectives as

487 determined by the secretary and make sure that the department’s

488 key objectives are clearly communicated to the public.

489 b. Organize department resources, expertise, data, and

490 research to focus on and solve the complex economic challenges

491 facing the state.

492 c. Provide leadership for the department’s priority issues

493 that require integration of policy, management, and critical

494 objectives from multiple programs and organizations internal and

495 external to the department; and organize and manage external

496 communication on such priority issues.

497 d. Promote and facilitate key department initiatives to

498 address priority economic issues and explore data and identify

499 opportunities for innovative approaches to address such economic

500 issues.

501 e. Promote strategic planning for the department.

502 (5) The divisions within the department have specific

503 responsibilities to achieve the duties, responsibilities, and

504 goals of the department. Specifically:

505 (a) The Division of Economic Development shall:

506 1. Analyze and evaluate business prospects identified by

507 the Governor and the secretary.

508 2. Administer certain tax refund, tax credit, and grant

509 programs created in law. Notwithstanding any other provision of

510 law, the department may expend interest earned from the

511 investment of program funds deposited in the Grants and

512 Donations Trust Fund to contract for the administration of those

513 programs, or portions of the programs, assigned to the

514 department by law, by the appropriations process, or by the

515 Governor. Such expenditures shall be subject to review under

516 chapter 216.

517 3. Develop measurement protocols for the state incentive

518 programs and for the contracted entities which will be used to

519 determine their performance and competitive value to the state.

520 Performance measures, benchmarks, and sanctions must be

521 developed in consultation with the legislative appropriations

522 committees and the appropriate substantive committees, and are

523 subject to the review and approval process provided in s.

524 216.177. The approved performance measures, standards, and

525 sanctions shall be included and made a part of the strategic

526 plan for contracts entered into for delivery of programs

527 authorized by this section.

528 4. Develop a 5-year statewide strategic plan. The strategic

529 plan must include, but need not be limited to:

530 a. Strategies for the promotion of business formation,

531 expansion, recruitment, and retention through aggressive

532 marketing, attraction of venture capital and finance

533 development, domestic trade, international development, and

534 export assistance, which lead to more and better jobs and higher

535 wages for all geographic regions, disadvantaged communities, and

536 populations of the state, including rural areas, minority

537 businesses, and urban core areas.

538 b. The development of realistic policies and programs to

539 further the economic diversity of the state, its regions, and

540 their associated industrial clusters.

541 c. Specific provisions for the stimulation of economic

542 development and job creation in rural areas and midsize cities

543 and counties of the state, including strategies for rural

544 marketing and the development of infrastructure in rural areas.

545 d. Provisions for the promotion of the successful long-term

546 economic development of the state with increased emphasis in

547 market research and information.

548 e. Plans for the generation of foreign investment in the

549 state which create jobs paying above-average wages and which

550 result in reverse investment in the state, including programs

551 that establish viable overseas markets, assist in meeting the

552 financing requirements of export-ready firms, broaden

553 opportunities for international joint venture relationships, use

554 the resources of academic and other institutions, coordinate

555 trade assistance and facilitation services, and facilitate

556 availability of and access to education and training programs

557 that assure requisite skills and competencies necessary to

558 compete successfully in the global marketplace.

559 f. The identification of business sectors that are of

560 current or future importance to the state’s economy and to the

561 state’s global business image, and development of specific

562 strategies to promote the development of such sectors.

563 g. Strategies for talent development necessary in the state

564 to encourage economic development growth, taking into account

565 factors such as the state’s talent supply chain, education and

566 training opportunities, and available workforce.

567 h. Strategies and plans to support this state’s defense,

568 space, and aerospace industries and the emerging complementary

569 business activities and industries that support the development

570 and growth of defense, space, and aerospace in this state.

571 5. Update the strategic plan every 5 years.

572 6. Involve CareerSource Florida, Inc.; direct-support

573 organizations of the department; local governments; the general

574 public; local and regional economic development organizations;

575 other local, state, and federal economic, international, and

576 workforce development entities; the business community; and

577 educational institutions to assist with the strategic plan.

578 7. Coordinate with the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing

579 Corporation in the development of the 4-year marketing plan

580 pursuant to s. 288.1226(13).

581 8. Administer and manage relationships, as appropriate,

582 with the entities and programs created pursuant to the Florida

583 Capital Formation Act, ss. 288.9621-288.96255.

584 (10) The department shall, by November 1 of each year,

585 submit an annual report to the Governor, the President of the

586 Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the

587 condition of the business climate and economic development in

588 the state.

589 (c) The report must incorporate annual reports of other

590 programs, including:

591 1. A detailed report of the performance of the Black

592 Business Loan Program and a cumulative summary of quarterly

593 report data required under s. 288.714.

594 2. ~~The Rural Economic Development Initiative established~~

595 ~~under s. 288.0656.~~

596 3. A detailed report of the performance of the Florida

597 Development Finance Corporation and a summary of the

598 corporation’s report required under s. 288.9610.

599 3. 4. Information provided by Space Florida under s.

600 331.3051 and an analysis of the activities and accomplishments

601 of Space Florida.

602 Section 2. Subsection (5) is added to section 163.3168,

603 Florida Statutes, to read:

604 163.3168 Planning innovations and technical assistance.—

605 (5) When selecting applications for funding for technical

606 assistance, the state land planning agency shall give preference

607 to local governments located in a rural area of opportunity as

608 defined in s. 288.0656. The state land planning agency shall

609 consult with the Office of Rural Prosperity when awarding

610 funding pursuant to this section.

611 Section 3. Paragraph (i) is added to subsection (4) of

612 section 201.15, Florida Statutes, to read:

613 201.15 Distribution of taxes collected.—All taxes collected

614 under this chapter are hereby pledged and shall be first made

615 available to make payments when due on bonds issued pursuant to

616 s. 215.618 or s. 215.619, or any other bonds authorized to be

617 issued on a parity basis with such bonds. Such pledge and

618 availability for the payment of these bonds shall have priority

619 over any requirement for the payment of service charges or costs

620 of collection and enforcement under this section. All taxes

621 collected under this chapter, except taxes distributed to the

622 Land Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to subsections (1) and (2),

623 are subject to the service charge imposed in s. 215.20(1).

624 Before distribution pursuant to this section, the Department of

625 Revenue shall deduct amounts necessary to pay the costs of the

626 collection and enforcement of the tax levied by this chapter.

627 The costs and service charge may not be levied against any

628 portion of taxes pledged to debt service on bonds to the extent

629 that the costs and service charge are required to pay any

630 amounts relating to the bonds. All of the costs of the

631 collection and enforcement of the tax levied by this chapter and

632 service charge shall be available and transferred to the extent

633 necessary to pay debt service and any other amounts payable with

634 respect to bonds authorized before January 1, 2017, secured by

635 revenues distributed pursuant to this section. All taxes

636 remaining after deduction of costs shall be distributed as

637 follows:

638 (4) After the required distributions to the Land

639 Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) and

640 deduction of the service charge imposed pursuant to s.

641 215.20(1), the remainder shall be distributed as follows:

642 (i) A total of $30 million shall be paid to the credit of

643 the State Transportation Trust Fund, which funds are exclusively

644 for the use of the Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program

645 as provided in s. 339.68.

646 Section 4. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section

647 202.18, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (b) of

648 subsection (2) of that section is republished, to read:

649 202.18 Allocation and disposition of tax proceeds.—The

650 proceeds of the communications services taxes remitted under

651 this chapter shall be treated as follows:

652 (2) The proceeds of the taxes remitted under s.

653 202.12(1)(b) shall be allocated as follows:

654 (b) Fifty-five and nine-tenths percent of the remainder

655 shall be allocated to the state and distributed pursuant to s.

656 212.20(6), except that the proceeds allocated pursuant to s.

657 212.20(6)(d)2.b. shall be prorated to the participating counties

658 in the same proportion as that month’s collection of the taxes

659 and fees imposed pursuant to chapter 212 and paragraph (1)(b).

660 (c)1. After the distribution required under paragraph (b),

661 the remainder ~~During each calendar year, the remaining portion~~

662 ~~of the proceeds~~ shall be transferred to the Local Government

663 Half-cent Sales Tax Clearing Trust Fund and ~~. Seventy percent of~~

664 ~~such proceeds shall be~~ allocated in the same proportion as the

665 allocation of total receipts of the half-cent sales tax under s.

666 218.61 and the emergency distribution under s. 218.65 in the

667 prior state fiscal year. ~~Thirty percent of such proceeds shall~~

668 ~~be distributed pursuant to s. 218.67.~~

669 2. The proportion of the proceeds allocated based on the

670 emergency distribution under s. 218.65 shall be distributed

671 pursuant to s. 218.65.

672 3. In each calendar year, the proportion of the proceeds

673 allocated based on the half-cent sales tax under s. 218.61 shall

674 be allocated to each county in the same proportion as the

675 county’s percentage of total sales tax allocation for the prior

676 state fiscal year and distributed pursuant to s. 218.62.

677 4. The department shall distribute the appropriate amount

678 to each municipality and county each month at the same time that

679 local communications services taxes are distributed pursuant to

680 subsection (3).

681 Section 5. Paragraph (d) of subsection (6) of section

682 212.20, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

683 212.20 Funds collected, disposition; additional powers of

684 department; operational expense; refund of taxes adjudicated

685 unconstitutionally collected.—

686 (6) Distribution of all proceeds under this chapter and ss.

687 202.18(1)(b) and (2)(b) and 203.01(1)(a)3. is as follows:

688 (d) The proceeds of all other taxes and fees imposed

689 pursuant to this chapter or remitted pursuant to s. 202.18(1)(b)

690 and (2)(b) shall be distributed as follows:

691 1. In any fiscal year, the greater of $500 million, minus

692 an amount equal to 4.6 percent of the proceeds of the taxes

693 collected pursuant to chapter 201, or 5.2 percent of all other

694 taxes and fees imposed pursuant to this chapter or remitted

695 pursuant to s. 202.18(1)(b) and (2)(b) shall be deposited in

696 monthly installments into the General Revenue Fund.

697 2. After the distribution under subparagraph 1., 8.9744

698 percent of the amount remitted by a sales tax dealer located

699 within a participating county pursuant to s. 218.61 shall be

700 transferred in two parts:

701 a. The total amount of $50 million of the communications

702 services taxes remitted pursuant to s. 202.18(1)(b) and (2)(b),

703 in any fiscal year, shall be distributed by the department by a

704 nonoperating transfer to the Department of Commerce in monthly

705 installments to the Grants and Donations Trust Fund within the

706 Department of Commerce for the Utility Relocation Reimbursement

707 Grant Program created in s. 337.4031; and

708 b. The remainder shall be transferred into the Local

709 Government Half-cent Sales Tax Clearing Trust Fund. Beginning

710 October 1, 2025, the amount to be transferred shall be reduced

711 by 0.1018 percent, and the department shall distribute this

712 amount to the Public Employees Relations Commission Trust Fund

713 less $5,000 each month, which shall be added to the amount

714 calculated in subparagraph 3. and distributed accordingly.

715 3. After the distribution under subparagraphs 1. and 2.,

716 0.0966 percent shall be transferred to the Local Government

717 Half-cent Sales Tax Clearing Trust Fund and distributed pursuant

718 to s. 218.65.

719 4. After the distributions under subparagraphs 1., 2., and

720 3., 2.0810 percent of the available proceeds shall be

721 transferred monthly to the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for

722 Counties pursuant to s. 218.215.

723 5. After the distributions under subparagraphs 1., 2., and

724 3., 1.3653 percent of the available proceeds shall be

725 transferred monthly to the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for

726 Municipalities pursuant to s. 218.215. If the total revenue to

727 be distributed pursuant to this subparagraph is at least as

728 great as the amount due from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for

729 Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance

730 Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999-2000, no municipality shall

731 receive less than the amount due from the Revenue Sharing Trust

732 Fund for Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial

733 Assistance Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999-2000. If the

734 total proceeds to be distributed are less than the amount

735 received in combination from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for

736 Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance

737 Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999-2000, each municipality

738 shall receive an amount proportionate to the amount it was due

739 in state fiscal year 1999-2000.

740 6. After the distributions required under subparagraphs 1.

741 5., the greater of $50 million or 0.1412 percent of the

742 available proceeds shall be transferred in each fiscal year to

743 fiscally constrained counties pursuant to s. 218.67.

744 7. Of the remaining proceeds:

745 a. In each fiscal year, the sum of $29,915,500 shall be

746 divided into as many equal parts as there are counties in the

747 state, and one part shall be distributed to each county. The

748 distribution among the several counties must begin each fiscal

749 year on or before January 5th and continue monthly for a total

750 of 4 months. If a local or special law required that any moneys

751 accruing to a county in fiscal year 1999-2000 under the then

752 existing provisions of s. 550.135 be paid directly to the

753 district school board, special district, or a municipal

754 government, such payment must continue until the local or

755 special law is amended or repealed. The state covenants with

756 holders of bonds or other instruments of indebtedness issued by

757 local governments, special districts, or district school boards

758 before July 1, 2000, that it is not the intent of this

759 subparagraph to adversely affect the rights of those holders or

760 relieve local governments, special districts, or district school

761 boards of the duty to meet their obligations as a result of

762 previous pledges or assignments or trusts entered into which

763 obligated funds received from the distribution to county

764 governments under then-existing s. 550.135. This distribution

765 specifically is in lieu of funds distributed under s. 550.135

766 before July 1, 2000.

767 b. The department shall distribute $166,667 monthly to each

768 applicant certified as a facility for a new or retained

769 professional sports franchise pursuant to s. 288.1162. Up to

770 $41,667 shall be distributed monthly by the department to each

771 certified applicant as defined in s. 288.11621 for a facility

772 for a spring training franchise. However, not more than $416,670

773 may be distributed monthly in the aggregate to all certified

774 applicants for facilities for spring training franchises.

775 Distributions begin 60 days after such certification and

776 continue for not more than 30 years, except as otherwise

777 provided in s. 288.11621. A certified applicant identified in

778 this sub-subparagraph may not receive more in distributions than

779 expended by the applicant for the public purposes provided in s.

780 288.1162(5) or s. 288.11621(3).

781 c. The department shall distribute up to $83,333 monthly to

782 each certified applicant as defined in s. 288.11631 for a

783 facility used by a single spring training franchise, or up to

784 $166,667 monthly to each certified applicant as defined in s.

785 288.11631 for a facility used by more than one spring training

786 franchise. Monthly distributions begin 60 days after such

787 certification or July 1, 2016, whichever is later, and continue

788 for not more than 20 years to each certified applicant as

789 defined in s. 288.11631 for a facility used by a single spring

790 training franchise or not more than 25 years to each certified

791 applicant as defined in s. 288.11631 for a facility used by more

792 than one spring training franchise. A certified applicant

793 identified in this sub-subparagraph may not receive more in

794 distributions than expended by the applicant for the public

795 purposes provided in s. 288.11631(3).

796 d. The department shall distribute $15,333 monthly to the

797 State Transportation Trust Fund.

798 e. Beginning July 1, 2023, in each fiscal year, the

799 department shall distribute $27.5 million to the Florida

800 Agricultural Promotional Campaign Trust Fund under s. 571.26,

801 for further distribution in accordance with s. 571.265.

802 8. 7. All other proceeds must remain in the General Revenue

803 Fund.

804 Section 6. Paragraph (h) of subsection (1) of section

805 215.971, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

806 215.971 Agreements funded with federal or state

807 assistance.—

808 (1) An agency agreement that provides state financial

809 assistance to a recipient or subrecipient, as those terms are

810 defined in s. 215.97, or that provides federal financial

811 assistance to a subrecipient, as defined by applicable United

812 States Office of Management and Budget circulars, must include

813 all of the following:

814 (h) 1. If the agency agreement provides federal or state

815 financial assistance to a county or municipality that is a rural

816 community or rural area of opportunity as those terms are

817 defined in s. 288.0656(2), a provision allowing the agency to

818 provide for the payment of invoices to the county, municipality,

819 or rural area of opportunity as that term is defined in s.

820 288.0656(2), for verified and eligible performance that has been

821 completed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth

822 in the agreement. This provision is not intended to require

823 reimbursement to the county, municipality, or rural area of

824 opportunity for invoices paid, but to allow the agency to

825 provide for the payment of invoices due. The agency shall

826 expedite such payment requests in order to facilitate the timely

827 payment of invoices received by the county, municipality, or

828 rural area of opportunity. This provision is included to

829 alleviate the financial hardships that certain rural counties

830 and municipalities encounter when administering agreements, and

831 must be exercised by the agency when a county or municipality

832 demonstrates financial hardship, to the extent that federal or

833 state law, rule, or other regulation allows such payments. This

834 paragraph may not be construed to alter or limit any other

835 provisions of federal or state law, rule, or other regulation.

836 2. By August 1, 2027, and each year thereafter, each state

837 agency shall report to the Office of Rural Prosperity on the

838 implementation of this paragraph for the preceding fiscal year.

839 The Office of Rural Prosperity shall summarize the information

840 received pursuant to this paragraph in its annual report as

841 required in s. 288.013.

842 Section 7. Section 218.67, Florida Statutes, is amended to

843 read:

844 218.67 Distribution for fiscally constrained counties.—

845 (1) Each county ~~that is entirely within a rural area of~~

846 ~~opportunity as designated by the Governor pursuant to s.~~

847 ~~288.0656 or each county~~ for which the value of a mill will raise

848 no more than $10 $5 million in revenue, based on the taxable

849 value certified pursuant to s. 1011.62(4)(a)1.a., from the

850 previous July 1, is ~~shall be~~ considered a fiscally constrained

851 county.

852 (2) Each fiscally constrained county government that

853 participates in the local government half-cent sales tax shall

854 be eligible to receive an additional distribution ~~from the Local~~

855 ~~Government Half-cent Sales Tax Clearing Trust Fund,~~ as provided

856 in s. 212.20(6)(d)6. ~~s. 202.18(2)(c)1.~~ , in addition to its

857 regular monthly distribution provided under this part and any

858 emergency or supplemental distribution under s. 218.65.

859 (3) The amount to be distributed to each fiscally

860 constrained county shall be determined by the Department of

861 Revenue at the beginning of the fiscal year, using the prior

862 fiscal year’s sales and use tax collections from the most recent

863 fiscal year that reports 12 months of collections ~~July 1 taxable~~

864 ~~value certified pursuant to s. 1011.62(4)(a)1.a., tax data~~ , the

865 population as defined in s. 218.21, and the most current

866 calendar year per capita personal income, as initially reported

867 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis of the United States

868 Department of Commerce ~~millage rate levied for the prior fiscal~~

869 ~~year~~ . The amount distributed shall be allocated based upon the

870 following factors:

871 (a) The contribution-to-revenue ~~relative revenue-raising~~

872 ~~capacity~~ factor for each participating county must equal 100

873 multiplied by a quotient, the numerator of which is the county’s

874 population and the denominator of which is the state sales and

875 use tax collections attributable to the county ~~shall be the~~

876 ~~ability of the eligible county to generate ad valorem revenues~~

877 ~~from 1 mill of taxation on a per capita basis. A county that~~

878 ~~raises no more than $25 per capita from 1 mill shall be assigned~~

879 ~~a value of 1; a county that raises more than $25 but no more~~

880 ~~than $30 per capita from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of~~

881 ~~0.75; and a county that raises more than $30 but no more than~~

882 ~~$50 per capita from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of 0.5. No~~

883 ~~value shall be assigned to counties that raise more than $50 per~~

884 ~~capita from 1 mill of ad valorem taxation~~ .

885 (b) The personal-income ~~local-effort~~ factor must equal a

886 quotient, the numerator of which is the median per capita

887 personal income of participating counties and the denominator of

888 which is the county’s per capita personal income ~~shall be a~~

889 ~~measure of the relative level of local effort of the eligible~~

890 ~~county as indicated by the millage rate levied for the prior~~

891 ~~fiscal year. The local-effort factor shall be the most recently~~

892 ~~adopted countywide operating millage rate for each eligible~~

893 ~~county multiplied by 0.1~~ .

894 (c) Each eligible county’s proportional allocation of the

895 total amount available to be distributed to all of the eligible

896 counties must ~~shall~~ be in the same proportion as the sum of the

897 county’s two factors is to the sum of the two factors for all

898 eligible counties. The proportional rate computation must be

899 carried to the fifth decimal place, and the amount to distribute

900 to each county must be rounded to the nearest whole dollar

901 amount. The counties that are eligible to receive an allocation

902 under this subsection and the amount available to be distributed

903 to such counties do ~~shall~~ not include counties participating in

904 the phaseout period under subsection (4) or the amounts they

905 remain eligible to receive during the phaseout.

906 (4) For those counties that no longer qualify under the

907 requirements of subsection (1) after the effective date of this

908 act, there shall be a 2-year phaseout period. Beginning on July

909 1 of the year following the year in which the value of a mill

910 for that county exceeds $10 $5 million in revenue, the county

911 shall receive two-thirds of the amount received in the prior

912 year, and beginning on July 1 of the second year following the

913 year in which the value of a mill for that county exceeds $10 $5

914 million in revenue, the county shall receive one-third of the

915 amount received in the last year that the county qualified as a

916 fiscally constrained county. Following the 2-year phaseout

917 period, the county is ~~shall~~ no longer be eligible to receive any

918 distributions under this section unless the county can be

919 considered a fiscally constrained county as provided in

920 subsection (1).

921 (5) (a) The revenues received under this section must be

922 allocated ~~may be used~~ by a county to be used for the following

923 purposes:

924 1. Fifty percent for public safety, including salary

925 expenditures for law enforcement officers or correctional

926 officers, as those terms are defined in s. 943.10(1) and (2),

927 respectively, firefighters as defined in s. 633.102, and

928 emergency medical technicians or paramedics as those terms are

929 defined in s. 401.23.

930 2. Thirty percent for infrastructure needs.

931 3. Twenty percent for any public purpose.

932 (b) The revenues received under this section ~~any public~~

933 ~~purpose, except that such revenues~~ may not be used to pay debt

934 service on bonds, notes, certificates of participation, or any

935 other forms of indebtedness.

936 Section 8. Present paragraphs (d) and (e) of subsection (7)

937 of section 288.001, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as

938 paragraphs (e) and (f), respectively, and a new paragraph (d) is

939 added to that subsection, to read:

940 288.001 The Florida Small Business Development Center

941 Network.—

942 (7) ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDS; USES; PAY-PER-PERFORMANCE

943 INCENTIVES; STATEWIDE SERVICE; SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS; BEST

944 PRACTICES; ELIGIBILITY.—

945 (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), the

946 network shall use funds directly appropriated for the specific

947 purpose of expanding service in rural communities as defined in

948 s. 288.0656, in addition to any funds allocated by the network

949 from other sources. The network shall use the funds to develop

950 an activity plan focused on network consultants and resources in

951 rural communities. In collaboration with regional economic

952 development organizations as defined in s. 288.018, the plan

953 must provide for either full- or part-time consultants to be

954 available for at least 20 hours per week in rural areas or to be

955 permanently stationed in rural areas. This may include

956 establishing a circuit in specific rural locations to ensure the

957 consultants’ availability on a regular basis. By using the funds

958 to create a regular presence in rural areas, the network will

959 strengthen community collaboration, raise awareness of available

960 resources to provide opportunities for new business development

961 or existing business growth, and make professional experience,

962 education, and business information available in these essential

963 communities. The network may dedicate funds to facilitate local

964 or regional events that focus on small business topics, provide

965 consulting services, and leverage partner organizations, such as

966 the regional economic development organizations, local workforce

967 development boards as described in s. 445.007, and Florida

968 College System institutions.

969 Section 9. Section 288.007, Florida Statutes, is amended to

970 read:

971 288.007 Inventory of communities seeking to recruit

972 businesses.—By September 30 of each year, a county or

973 municipality that has a population of at least 25,000 or its

974 local economic development organization , and each local

975 government within a rural area of opportunity as defined in s.

976 288.0656 or its regional economic development organization as

977 defined in s. 288.018 or other local economic development

978 organization, shall ~~must~~ submit to the department a brief

979 overview of the strengths, services, and economic development

980 incentives that its community offers. The local government or

981 its ~~local~~ economic development organization also shall ~~must~~

982 identify any industries that it is encouraging to locate or

983 relocate to its area. Unless otherwise required pursuant to this

984 section, a county or municipality having a population of 25,000

985 or less ~~fewer~~ or its ~~local~~ economic development organization

986 seeking to recruit businesses may submit information as required

987 in this section and may participate in any activity or

988 initiative resulting from the collection, analysis, and

989 reporting of the information to the department pursuant to this

990 section.

991 Section 10. Section 288.013, Florida Statutes, is created

992 to read:

993 288.013 Office of Rural Prosperity.—

994 (1) The Legislature finds that the unique characteristics

995 of the rural communities in this state are integral to making

996 Florida an attractive place to visit, work, and live. The

997 Legislature further finds that fostering a prosperous rural

998 economy and vibrant rural communities serves the best interests

999 of this state. Rural prosperity supports this state’s

1000 infrastructure, housing, agricultural, and food-processing needs

1001 and advances the overall health of Florida’s economy. It is

1002 essential that rural areas be able to grow and thrive, whether

1003 independently or through regional partnerships. To better serve

1004 rural communities, and in recognition of the unique challenges

1005 and opportunities they face, the Office of Rural Prosperity is

1006 established to ensure that state efforts to support rural

1007 Florida are coordinated, focused, and effective.

1008 (2) The Office of Rural Prosperity is created within the

1009 Department of Commerce to support rural communities by helping

1010 rural stakeholders navigate available programs and resources and

1011 by representing rural interests across state government.

1012 (3) The Governor shall appoint a director to lead the

1013 office, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The director

1014 shall report to the secretary of the department and shall serve

1015 at the pleasure of the secretary.

1016 (4) The office shall do all of the following:

1017 (a) Serve as the state’s point of contact for rural local

1018 governments.

1019 (b) Administer the Rural Economic Development Initiative

1020 (REDI) pursuant to s. 288.0656.

1021 (c) Provide training and technical assistance to rural

1022 local governments on a broad range of community and economic

1023 development activities. The training and technical assistance

1024 may be offered using communications technology or in person. In

1025 addition, the office shall post a recorded training and

1026 technical assistance video to the office’s website which covers

1027 all of the required topics. The training and technical

1028 assistance must include, at a minimum, the following topics:

1029 1. How to access state and federal resources, including

1030 training on the online rural resource directory required under

1031 paragraph (d).

1032 2. Best practices for comprehensive planning, economic

1033 development, and land development in rural communities.

1034 3. Strategies to address staffing shortages and strengthen

1035 management functions in rural local governments.

1036 4. Requirements of, and updates on recent changes to, the

1037 Community Planning Act under s. 163.3161.

1038 5. Updates on other recent state and federal laws affecting

1039 rural local governments.

1040 (d) Create and maintain an online rural resource directory

1041 to serve as an interactive tool for users to navigate state and

1042 federal resources, tools, and services available to rural local

1043 governments. The office shall ensure the directory is regularly

1044 updated and, to the greatest extent possible, includes current

1045 information on programs, resources, and services that address

1046 the needs of rural communities in all areas of governance. Each

1047 state agency shall routinely provide information and updates to

1048 the office to support maintenance of the directory. The

1049 directory must allow users to search by indicators, such as

1050 agency name, resource type, or topic, and include a notification

1051 feature that alerts users when new or updated resources are

1052 available. To the greatest extent possible, the directory must

1053 identify any financial match requirements associated with listed

1054 programs.

1055 (5)(a) By October 1, 2026, the office shall establish and

1056 provide staff for seven regional rural community liaison centers

1057 across this state to provide specialized in-person state support

1058 to rural local governments located in rural areas of opportunity

1059 as defined in s. 288.0656. The department shall, by rule, divide

1060 the state into seven regions and assign a liaison center to each

1061 region. Each liaison center shall serve the local governments

1062 within its geographic area and shall be staffed with at least

1063 two full-time department employees. At a minimum, each liaison

1064 center has the following powers and duties:

1065 1. Assist local governments in planning and achieving goals

1066 related to local or regional growth, economic development, and

1067 rural prosperity.

1068 2. Facilitate access to state and federal resources,

1069 including grants, loans, and other available assistance.

1070 3. Advise local governments on available program waivers,

1071 including financial match waivers or reductions for projects

1072 using state or federal funds through REDI under s. 288.0656.

1073 4. Coordinate technical assistance needs with the

1074 department and other state or federal agencies.

1075 5. Promote model ordinances, policies, and strategies

1076 related to economic development.

1077 6. Assist local governments with regulatory and reporting

1078 compliance requirements.

1079 (b) To the greatest extent possible, each regional rural

1080 community liaison center shall coordinate with local and

1081 regional governmental entities, regional economic development

1082 organizations as defined in s. 288.018, and other appropriate

1083 entities to establish a network that fosters community-driven

1084 solutions promoting viable and sustainable rural communities.

1085 (c) Each regional rural community liaison center shall

1086 regularly engage with REDI established in s. 288.0656, and at

1087 least one staff member from each liaison center shall attend the

1088 monthly REDI meeting, either in person or by means of electronic

1089 communication.

1090 (6) By December 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, the

1091 director of the office shall submit to the Administration

1092 Commission within the Executive Office of the Governor a written

1093 report describing the office’s operations and accomplishments

1094 for the preceding year. The report must include the REDI report

1095 required by s. 288.0656(8). In consultation with the Department

1096 of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the office shall also

1097 include in the annual report recommendations for policies,

1098 programs, and funding initiatives to further support the needs

1099 of rural communities in this state. The office shall also submit

1100 the annual report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker

1101 of the House of Representatives by December 1 of each year and

1102 publish it on the office’s website. At the next scheduled

1103 meeting of the Administration Commission following submission of

1104 the report, the director shall, in person, present detailed

1105 information from the report required under this subsection.

1106 (7)(a) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government

1107 Accountability (OPPAGA) shall evaluate the effectiveness of the

1108 office and submit a report of its findings, including any

1109 recommended policy or statutory changes, to the President of the

1110 Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by

1111 December 15, 2027, and each year thereafter through 2029.

1112 Beginning in 2032, the report must be submitted every 3 years.

1113 (b) OPPAGA shall review strategies implemented by other

1114 states for rural community preservation, enhancement, and

1115 revitalization and evaluate their effectiveness and potential

1116 applicability in this state. OPPAGA shall submit a report of its

1117 findings to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the

1118 House of Representatives by December 15, 2028, and every 5 years

1119 thereafter.

1120 Section 11. Section 288.014, Florida Statutes, is created

1121 to read:

1122 288.014 Renaissance Grants Program.—

1123 (1) The Legislature finds that it has historically provided

1124 programs to assist rural communities with economic development

1125 and to enhance their ability to attract businesses and that, by

1126 providing that extra component of economic viability, rural

1127 communities are able to attract new businesses and grow existing

1128 ones. However, the Legislature further finds that a subset of

1129 rural communities has decreased in population over the past

1130 decade, contributing to a decline in local business activity and

1131 economic development. The Legislature therefore determines that

1132 state assistance must evolve to support these communities in

1133 achieving the foundation necessary for economic viability. The

1134 intent of the Renaissance Grants Program is to reverse economic

1135 deterioration in such rural communities by retaining and

1136 attracting residents by giving them a reason to stay, which will

1137 stimulate natural economic growth, business opportunities, and

1138 improved quality of life.

1139 (2) The Office of Rural Prosperity within the department

1140 shall administer the Renaissance Grants Program to provide block

1141 grants to eligible counties. By October 1, 2026, the Office of

1142 Economic and Demographic Research shall certify to the Office of

1143 Rural Prosperity which counties are growth-impeded. For the

1144 purposes of this section, the term “growth-impeded” means a

1145 county that, as of the most recent population estimate, has

1146 experienced a declining population over the previous 10 years.

1147 After the initial certification, the Office of Economic and

1148 Demographic Research shall annually certify whether the county

1149 remains growth-impeded, until the office certifies the county

1150 has had 3 consecutive years of population growth. Upon such

1151 certification of population growth, the county remains eligible

1152 for the program for 1 additional year to prepare for the end of

1153 block grant funding.

1154 (3)(a) Each participating county shall enter into an

1155 agreement with the Office of Rural Prosperity to receive block

1156 grant funds. Counties have broad authority to design their

1157 specific plan to achieve population growth consistent with this

1158 section. The Office of Rural Prosperity may not determine the

1159 manner in which a county implements its plan. However, regional

1160 rural community liaison center staff shall provide assistance in

1161 developing the county’s plan, upon the county’s request.

1162 (b) Each participating county shall submit an annual report

1163 to the Office of Rural Prosperity detailing program activities,

1164 intergovernmental agreements, and other information as required

1165 by the office.

1166 (c) Each participating county shall receive $1 million from

1167 the funds appropriated to the program, or an equal share of the

1168 funds appropriated if insufficient to provide that amount.

1169 Counties shall make all attempts to limit expenses for

1170 administrative costs, consistent with the need for prudent

1171 management and accountability in the use of public funds.

1172 Counties may supplement the block grant with other funding

1173 sources, including local, state, or federal grants, and may seek

1174 public or private contributions or in-kind support to advance

1175 program activities.

1176 (4)(a) Each participating county shall hire and retain a

1177 renaissance coordinator, who may be funded from block grant

1178 proceeds. The renaissance coordinator is responsible for:

1179 1. Ensuring that block grant funds are used as provided in

1180 this section;

1181 2. Coordinating with other local governments, school

1182 boards, Florida College System institutions, and other partners;

1183 and

1184 3. Reporting as necessary to the state, including

1185 information necessary pursuant to subsection (7).

1186 (b) The Office of Rural Prosperity regional rural community

1187 liaison center staff shall, upon request, provide assistance and

1188 training to the renaissance coordinator to support successful

1189 implementation of the block grant.

1190 (5) Each participating county shall design a plan for

1191 targeted community investments designed to achieve population

1192 growth and increase the economic vitality. The plan must include

1193 the following key features for use of the state support:

1194 (a) Technology centers located within schools or on school

1195 premises, administered by the local school board, providing

1196 extended hours and access for students.

1197 (b) Facilities that colocate adult day care with child care

1198 facilities. The site-sharing facilities must be managed to also

1199 encourage interaction between generations and increase the

1200 health and well-being of younger and older participants, reduce

1201 social isolation, and create cost and time efficiencies for

1202 working families. The regional rural community liaison center

1203 staff of the Office of Rural Prosperity shall, upon request,

1204 assist the county with bringing recommendations to the Rural

1205 Economic Development Initiative or the appropriate state agency

1206 to streamline all required state permits, licenses, regulations,

1207 or other requirements.

1208 (c) Technology labs operated in partnership with the

1209 nearest Florida College System institution or a career center

1210 under s. 1001.44. Repurposed vacant industrial sites or existing

1211 office space must be given priority in the selection of lab

1212 locations. Each local technology lab must be staffed and open

1213 for extended hours with the capacity to provide:

1214 1. Access to trainers and equipment necessary for earning

1215 certificates or online degrees in technology;

1216 2. Hands-on assistance in securing remote work

1217 opportunities; and

1218 3. Studio space equipped for remote technology-based work

1219 available for graduates and other qualifying residents.

1220 Participating counties may determine which residents receive

1221 priority access. Collaboration with community partners,

1222 including the local workforce development board as described in

1223 s. 445.007, to provide training opportunities, in-kind support

1224 such as transportation to and from the lab, financing of

1225 equipment for in-home use, or basic maintenance of such

1226 equipment is required.

1227 (6) In addition to hiring a renaissance coordinator, each

1228 participating county shall develop intergovernmental agreements

1229 for shared responsibilities with its municipalities, school

1230 board, and Florida College System institution or career center

1231 and enter into necessary contracts with providers and community

1232 partners in order to implement the plan.

1233 (7)(a) Every 2 years, beginning in 2027, the Auditor

1234 General shall conduct an operational audit as defined in s.

1235 11.45 of each county’s grant activities.

1236 (b) On December 15, 2027, and every year thereafter, the

1237 Office of Economic and Demographic Research shall submit a

1238 report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the

1239 House of Representatives summarizing renaissance block grant

1240 recipients by county. The report must provide key economic

1241 indicators that measure progress in reversing long-term trends

1242 in the county. The Office of Rural Prosperity shall, upon

1243 request, provide any data necessary to complete the report.

1244 (8) Notwithstanding s. 216.301, funds appropriated for the

1245 purposes of this section are not subject to reversion.

1246 (9) This section expires June 30, 2041.

1247 Section 12. Section 288.0175, Florida Statutes, is created

1248 to read:

1249 288.0175 Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant

1250 Program.—

1251 (1) The Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant

1252 Program is established within the Office of Rural Prosperity

1253 within the department to fund and support public infrastructure

1254 smart technology projects in communities located in rural areas

1255 of opportunity, subject to legislative appropriation.

1256 (2) As used in this section, the term:

1257 (a) “Public infrastructure smart technology” means systems

1258 or applications that use connectivity, data analytics, or

1259 automation to improve public infrastructure by increasing

1260 efficiency, enhancing public services, and promoting sustainable

1261 development.

1262 (b) “Rural area of opportunity” has the same meaning as in

1263 s. 288.0656.

1264 (c) “Smart region” means a geographic area that uses

1265 technology and innovative ideas to improve the quality of life

1266 for its citizens by addressing regional challenges through

1267 collaboration among government, businesses, and communities.

1268 (d) “Smart technology lead organization” means a not-for

1269 profit corporation organized under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal

1270 Revenue Code which has been in existence for at least 3 years

1271 and specializes in smart region planning.

1272 (3)(a) The Office of Rural Prosperity shall contract with

1273 one or more smart technology lead organizations to administer

1274 the grant program for the purpose of deploying public

1275 infrastructure smart technology in rural communities. Under such

1276 contracts, the smart technology lead organization shall award

1277 grants to counties and municipalities located within a rural

1278 area of opportunity for eligible public infrastructure smart

1279 technology projects.

1280 (b) Each contract must specify deliverables, reporting

1281 requirements, timeframes, and any other term the office deems

1282 necessary. At a minimum, the contract must require the smart

1283 technology lead organization to:

1284 1. Collaborate with counties and municipalities in rural

1285 areas of opportunity to identify cost-effective smart technology

1286 solutions for improving public services and infrastructure.

1287 2. Provide technical assistance to counties and

1288 municipalities located in rural areas of opportunity in

1289 developing public infrastructure smart technology project plans.

1290 3. Facilitate connections between rural communities and

1291 other entities, including companies and regional partners to

1292 maximize the impact of funded projects.

1293 (4) The Office of Rural Prosperity shall include a summary

1294 of projects funded under this section in its annual report

1295 required by s. 288.013(6).

1296 Section 13. Subsections (1), (2), and (4) of section

1297 288.018, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

1298 288.018 Regional Rural Development Grants Program.—

1299 (1)(a) For the purposes of this section, the term “regional

1300 economic development organization” means an economic development

1301 organization located in or contracted to serve a rural area of

1302 opportunity, as defined in s. 288.0656 ~~s. 288.0656(2)(d)~~ .

1303 (b) Subject to appropriation, the Office of Rural

1304 Prosperity ~~department~~ shall establish a grant program to provide

1305 funding to regional economic development organizations for the

1306 purpose of building the professional capacity of those

1307 organizations. Building the professional capacity of a regional

1308 economic development organization includes hiring professional

1309 staff to develop, deliver, and provide needed economic

1310 development professional services, including technical

1311 assistance, education and leadership development, marketing, and

1312 project recruitment. Grants may also be used by a regional

1313 economic development organization to provide technical

1314 assistance to local governments, local economic development

1315 organizations, and existing and prospective businesses.

1316 (c) A regional economic development organization may apply

1317 annually to the office ~~department~~ for a grant. The office

1318 ~~department~~ is authorized to approve, on an annual basis, grants

1319 to such regional economic development organizations. The office

1320 may award a maximum amount of $50,000 in a year to an

1321 organization ~~may receive in any year will be $50,000~~ , or

1322 $250,000 each to ~~for~~ any three regional economic development

1323 organizations that serve an entire region of a rural area of

1324 opportunity designated pursuant to s. 288.0656(7) if they are

1325 recognized by the office ~~department~~ as serving such a region.

1326 (2) In approving the participants, the office ~~department~~

1327 shall require the following:

1328 (a) Documentation of official commitments of support from

1329 each of the units of local government represented by the

1330 regional organization.

1331 (b) Demonstration that the organization is in existence and

1332 actively involved in economic development activities serving the

1333 region.

1334 (c) Demonstration of the manner in which the organization

1335 is or will coordinate its efforts with those of other local and

1336 state organizations.

1337 (4) Except as otherwise provided in the General

1338 Appropriations Act, the office ~~department~~ may expend up to

1339 $750,000 each fiscal year from funds appropriated ~~to the Rural~~

1340 ~~Community Development Revolving Loan Fund~~ for the purposes

1341 outlined in this section.

1342 Section 14. Section 288.019, Florida Statutes, is amended

1343 to read:

1344 288.019 Rural considerations in grant review and evaluation

1345 processes ; financial match waiver or reduction .—

1346 (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the fullest

1347 extent possible, each agency and organization ~~the member~~

1348 ~~agencies and organizations~~ of the Rural Economic Development

1349 Initiative (REDI) as defined in s. 288.0656 ~~s. 288.0656(6)(a)~~

1350 shall review :

1351 (a) All grant and loan application evaluation criteria and

1352 scoring procedures to ensure the fullest access for rural

1353 communities ~~counties~~ as defined in s. 288.0656 ~~s. 288.0656(2)~~ to

1354 resources available throughout this ~~the~~ state ; and

1355 (b) The financial match requirements for projects in rural

1356 communities .

1357 (2) ~~(1)~~ Each REDI agency and organization shall consider the

1358 impact on and ability of rural communities to meet and be

1359 competitive under such criteria, scoring, and requirements. Upon

1360 review, each REDI agency and organization shall ~~review all~~

1361 ~~evaluation and scoring procedures and~~ develop a proposal for

1362 modifications to those procedures which minimize the financial

1363 and resource impact to a rural community, including waiver or

1364 reduction of any required financial match requirements ~~impact of~~

1365 ~~a project within a rural area~~ .

1366 (a) ~~(2)~~ Evaluation criteria and scoring procedures must

1367 provide for an appropriate ranking , when ranking is a component

1368 of the program, based on the proportionate impact that projects

1369 have on a rural area when compared with similar project impacts

1370 on an urban area. Additionally,

1371 ~~(3)~~ evaluation criteria and scoring procedures must

1372 recognize the disparity of available fiscal resources for an

1373 equal level of financial support from an urban county or

1374 municipality and a rural county or municipality .

1375 ~~(a)~~ The evaluation criteria must ~~should~~ weight contribution

1376 in proportion to the amount of funding available at the local

1377 level.

1378 (b) Match requirements must be waived or reduced for rural

1379 communities. When appropriate, an in-kind match must ~~should~~ be

1380 allowed and applied as a financial match when a rural community

1381 ~~county~~ is experiencing economic ~~financial~~ distress as defined in

1382 s. 288.0656 ~~through elevated unemployment at a rate in excess of~~

1383 ~~the state’s average by 5 percentage points or because of the~~

1384 ~~loss of its ad valorem base~~ . Donations of land, though usually

1385 not recognized as an in-kind match, may be treated as such. As

1386 appropriate, each agency and organization that applies for or

1387 receives federal funding must request federal approval to waive

1388 or reduce the financial match requirements, if any, for projects

1389 in rural communities.

1390 (3) ~~(4)~~ ~~For existing programs,~~ The proposal developed under

1391 subsection (2) ~~modified evaluation criteria and scoring~~

1392 ~~procedure~~ must be submitted ~~delivered~~ to the Office of Rural

1393 Prosperity ~~department~~ for distribution to the REDI agencies and

1394 organizations. The REDI agencies and organizations shall review

1395 and make comments and recommendations that ~~. Future rules,~~

1396 ~~programs, evaluation criteria, and scoring processes must be~~

1397 ~~brought before a REDI meeting for review, discussion, and~~

1398 ~~recommendation to~~ allow rural communities ~~counties~~ fuller access

1399 to the state’s resources.

1400 (4) Each REDI agency and organization shall ensure that

1401 related administrative rules or policies are modified, as

1402 necessary, to reflect the finalized proposal and that

1403 information about the authorized waiver or reduction is included

1404 in the online rural resource directory of the Office of Rural

1405 Prosperity required in s. 288.013(4)(d).

1406 (5) The rural liaison from the related regional rural

1407 community liaison center district shall assist the rural

1408 community to make waiver or reduction requests.

1409 Section 15. Subsection (3) is added to section 288.021,

1410 Florida Statutes, to read:

1411 288.021 Economic development liaison.—

1412 (3) When practicable, the staff member appointed as the

1413 economic development liaison shall also serve as the agency

1414 representative for the Rural Economic Development Initiative

1415 pursuant to s. 288.0656.

1416 Section 16. Section 288.065, Florida Statutes, is amended

1417 to read:

1418 288.065 Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund.—

1419 (1) The Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund

1420 Program is established within the Office of Rural Prosperity

1421 ~~department~~ to facilitate the use of existing federal, state, and

1422 local financial resources by providing local governments with

1423 financial assistance to further promote the economic viability

1424 of rural communities. These funds may be used to finance

1425 initiatives directed toward maintaining or developing the

1426 economic base of rural communities, especially initiatives

1427 addressing employment opportunities for residents of these

1428 communities.

1429 (2)(a) The program shall provide for long-term loans, loan

1430 guarantees, and loan loss reserves to units of local

1431 governments, or economic development organizations substantially

1432 underwritten by a unit of local government . ,

1433 (b) For purposes of this section, the term “unit of local

1434 government” means any of the following:

1435 1. A county ~~within counties~~ with a population ~~populations~~

1436 of 75,000 or less. ~~fewer, or within any~~

1437 2. A county with a population of 125,000 or less ~~fewer~~

1438 which is contiguous to a county with a population of 75,000 or

1439 less. ~~fewer~~

1440 3. A municipality within a county described in subparagraph

1441 1. or subparagraph 2.

1442 4. A county or municipality within a rural area of

1443 opportunity designated under s. 288.0656.

1445 For purposes of this paragraph, population is determined in

1446 accordance with the most recent official estimates pursuant to

1447 s. 186.901 and must include those residing in incorporated and

1448 unincorporated areas of a county ~~, based on the most recent~~

1449 ~~official population estimate as determined under s. 186.901,~~

1450 ~~including those residing in incorporated areas and those~~

1451 ~~residing in unincorporated areas of the county, or to units of~~

1452 ~~local government, or economic development organizations~~

1453 ~~substantially underwritten by a unit of local government, within~~

1454 ~~a rural area of opportunity~~ .

1455 (c) ~~(b)~~ Requests for loans must ~~shall~~ be made by application

1456 to the office ~~department~~ . Loans must ~~shall~~ be made pursuant to

1457 agreements specifying the terms and conditions agreed to between

1458 the applicant and the office ~~department~~ . The loans are ~~shall be~~

1459 the legal obligations of the applicant.

1460 (d) ~~(c)~~ All repayments of principal and interest must ~~shall~~

1461 be returned to the loan fund and made available for loans to

1462 other applicants. However, in a rural area of opportunity

1463 designated under s. 288.0656 ~~by the Governor~~ , and upon approval

1464 by the office ~~department~~ , repayments of principal and interest

1465 may be retained by the applicant if such repayments are

1466 dedicated and matched to fund regionally based economic

1467 development organizations representing the rural area of

1468 opportunity.

1469 (3) The office ~~department~~ shall manage the fund,

1470 establishing loan practices that must include, but are not

1471 limited to, procedures for establishing loan interest rates,

1472 uses of funding, application procedures, and application review

1473 procedures. The office has ~~department shall have~~ final approval

1474 authority for any loan under this section.

1475 (4) Notwithstanding ~~the provisions of~~ s. 216.301, funds

1476 appropriated for this loan fund may ~~purpose shall~~ not be subject

1477 to reversion.

1478 (5) The office shall include in its annual report required

1479 under s. 288.013 detailed information about the fund, including

1480 loans made during the previous fiscal year, loans active, loans

1481 terminated or repaid, and the amount of funds not obligated as

1482 of 14 days before the date the report is due.

1483 Section 17. Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section

1484 288.0655, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (6) is

1485 added to that section, to read:

1486 288.0655 Rural Infrastructure Fund.—

1487 (1) There is created within the Office of Rural Prosperity

1488 ~~department~~ the Rural Infrastructure Fund to facilitate the

1489 planning, preparing, and financing of infrastructure projects in

1490 rural communities which will encourage job creation, capital

1491 investment, and the strengthening and diversification of rural

1492 economies by promoting tourism, trade, and economic development.

1493 Grants under this program may be awarded to a unit of local

1494 government within a rural area of opportunity or a rural

1495 community as those terms are defined in s. 288.0656 or to a

1496 regional economic development organization, a unit of local

1497 government, or an economic development organization

1498 substantially underwritten by a unit of local government for an

1499 infrastructure project located within an unincorporated area

1500 that has a population of 15,000 or less, has been in existence

1501 for 100 years or more, is contiguous to a rural community, and

1502 has been adversely affected by a natural disaster or presents a

1503 unique economic development opportunity of regional impact.

1504 (2)(a) Funds appropriated by the Legislature must ~~shall~~ be

1505 distributed by the office ~~department~~ through grant programs that

1506 maximize the use of federal, local, and private resources,

1507 including, but not limited to, those available under the Small

1508 Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.

1509 (b) To facilitate access of rural communities and rural

1510 areas of opportunity as defined by the Rural Economic

1511 Development Initiative to infrastructure funding programs of the

1512 Federal Government, such as those offered by the United States

1513 Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of

1514 Commerce, and state programs, including those offered by Rural

1515 Economic Development Initiative agencies, and to facilitate

1516 local government or private infrastructure funding efforts, the

1517 office ~~department~~ may award grants for up to 75 percent of the

1518 total infrastructure project cost, or up to 100 percent of the

1519 total infrastructure project cost for a project located in a

1520 rural community as defined in s. 288.0656(2) which is also

1521 located in a fiscally constrained county as defined in s.

1522 218.67(1) or a rural area of opportunity as defined in s.

1523 288.0656(2). Eligible uses of funds may include improving any

1524 inadequate infrastructure that has resulted in regulatory action

1525 that prohibits economic or community growth and reducing the

1526 costs to community users of proposed infrastructure improvements

1527 that exceed such costs in comparable communities. Eligible uses

1528 of funds include improvements to public infrastructure for

1529 industrial or commercial sites and upgrades to or development of

1530 public tourism infrastructure. Authorized infrastructure may

1531 include the following public or public-private partnership

1532 facilities: storm water systems; telecommunications facilities;

1533 roads or other remedies to transportation impediments; nature

1534 based tourism facilities; or other physical requirements

1535 necessary to facilitate tourism, trade, and economic development

1536 activities in the community. Authorized infrastructure may also

1537 include publicly or privately owned self-powered nature-based

1538 tourism facilities, publicly owned telecommunications

1539 facilities, and additions to the distribution facilities of the

1540 existing natural gas utility as defined in s. 366.04(3)(c), the

1541 existing electric utility as defined in s. 366.02, or the

1542 existing water or wastewater utility as defined in s.

1543 367.021(12), or any other existing water or wastewater facility,

1544 which owns a gas or electric distribution system or a water or

1545 wastewater system in this state when:

1546 1. A contribution-in-aid of construction is required to

1547 serve public or public-private partnership facilities under the

1548 tariffs of any natural gas, electric, water, or wastewater

1549 utility as defined herein; and

1550 2. Such utilities as defined herein are willing and able to

1551 provide such service.

1552 (c) The office ~~department~~ may award grants of up to

1553 $300,000 for infrastructure feasibility studies, design and

1554 engineering activities, or other infrastructure planning and

1555 preparation or site readiness activities. Site readiness

1556 expenses may include clearing title, surveys, permitting,

1557 environmental studies, and regulatory compliance costs. Grants

1558 awarded under this paragraph may be used in conjunction with

1559 grants awarded under paragraph (b). In evaluating applications

1560 under this paragraph, the office ~~department~~ shall consider the

1561 extent to which the application seeks to minimize administrative

1562 and consultant expenses.

1563 (d) The office ~~department~~ shall participate in a memorandum

1564 of agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture

1565 under which state funds available through the Rural

1566 Infrastructure Fund may be advanced, in excess of the prescribed

1567 state share, for a project that has received from the United

1568 States Department of Agriculture a preliminary determination of

1569 eligibility for federal financial support. State funds in excess

1570 of the prescribed state share which are advanced pursuant to

1571 this paragraph and the memorandum of agreement must ~~shall~~ be

1572 reimbursed when funds are awarded under an application for

1573 federal funding.

1574 (e) To enable local governments to access the resources

1575 available pursuant to s. 403.973(17), the office ~~department~~ may

1576 award grants for surveys, feasibility studies, and other

1577 activities related to the identification and preclearance review

1578 of land which is suitable for preclearance review. Authorized

1579 grants under this paragraph may not exceed $75,000 each, except

1580 in the case of a project in a rural area of opportunity, in

1581 which case the grant may not exceed $300,000. Any funds awarded

1582 under this paragraph must be matched at a level of 50 percent

1583 with local funds, except that any funds awarded for a project in

1584 a rural area of opportunity do not require a match of local

1585 funds. ~~If an application for funding is for a catalyst site, as~~

1586 ~~defined in s. 288.0656, the requirement for local match may be~~

1587 ~~waived pursuant to the process in s. 288.06561.~~ In evaluating

1588 applications under this paragraph, the office ~~department~~ shall

1589 consider the extent to which the application seeks to minimize

1590 administrative and consultant expenses.

1591 (3) The office ~~department~~ , in consultation with the

1592 Department of Transportation ~~Florida Tourism Industry Marketing~~

1593 ~~Corporation~~ , the Department of Environmental Protection, and the

1594 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as

1595 appropriate, shall review and certify applications pursuant to

1596 s. 288.061. The review must include an evaluation of the

1597 economic benefit and long-term viability. The office has

1598 ~~department shall have~~ final approval for any grant under this

1599 section.

1600 (6) The office shall include in its annual report required

1601 under s. 288.013 detailed information about the fund, including

1602 grants made for the year, grants active, grants terminated or

1603 complete, and the amount of funds not obligated as of 14 days

1604 before the date the report is due.

1605 Section 18. Subsection (1), paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) of

1606 subsection (2), subsections (3) and (6), paragraphs (b) and (c)

1607 of subsection (7), and subsection (8) of section 288.0656,

1608 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

1609 288.0656 Rural Economic Development Initiative.—

1610 (1)(a) Recognizing that rural communities and regions

1611 continue to face extraordinary challenges in their efforts to

1612 significantly improve their economies, specifically in terms of

1613 personal income, job creation, average wages, and strong tax

1614 bases, it is the intent of the Legislature to encourage and

1615 facilitate ~~the location and expansion of major~~ economic

1616 development projects ~~of significant scale~~ in such rural

1617 communities. The Legislature finds that rural communities are

1618 the essential conduits for the economy’s distribution supply,

1619 manufacturing supply, and food supply.

1620 (b) The Rural Economic Development Initiative, known as

1621 “REDI,” is created within the Office of Rural Prosperity

1622 ~~department~~ , and all ~~the participation of~~ state and regional

1623 agencies listed in paragraph (6)(a) shall participate in this

1624 initiative ~~is authorized~~ .

1625 (2) As used in this section, the term:

1626 ~~(a) “Catalyst project” means a business locating or~~

1627 ~~expanding in a rural area of opportunity to serve as an economic~~

1628 ~~generator of regional significance for the growth of a regional~~

1629 ~~target industry cluster. The project must provide capital~~

1630 ~~investment on a scale significant enough to affect the entire~~

1631 ~~region and result in the development of high-wage and high-skill~~

1632 ~~jobs.~~

1633 ~~(b) “Catalyst site” means a parcel or parcels of land~~

1634 ~~within a rural area of opportunity that has been prioritized as~~

1635 ~~a geographic site for economic development through partnerships~~

1636 ~~with state, regional, and local organizations. The site must be~~

1637 ~~reviewed by REDI and approved by the department for the purposes~~

1638 ~~of locating a catalyst project.~~

1639 (c) ~~(e)~~ “Rural community” means:

1640 1. A county with a population of 75,000 or less ~~fewer~~ .

1641 2. A county with a population of 125,000 or less ~~fewer~~

1642 which is contiguous to a county with a population of 75,000 or

1643 less ~~fewer~~ .

1644 3. A municipality within a county described in subparagraph

1645 1. or subparagraph 2.

1646 4. An unincorporated federal enterprise community or an

1647 incorporated rural city with a population of 25,000 or less

1648 ~~fewer~~ and an employment base focused on traditional agricultural

1649 or resource-based industries, located in a county not defined as

1650 rural, which has at least three or more of the economic distress

1651 factors identified in paragraph (a) ~~(c)~~ and verified by the

1652 Office of Rural Prosperity ~~department~~ .

1654 For purposes of this paragraph, population must ~~shall~~ be

1655 determined in accordance with the most recent official estimate

1656 pursuant to s. 186.901.

1657 (3) REDI shall be responsible for coordinating and focusing

1658 the efforts and resources of state and regional agencies on the

1659 problems which affect the fiscal, economic, and community

1660 viability of Florida’s ~~economically distressed~~ rural

1661 communities, working with local governments, community-based

1662 organizations, and private organizations that have an interest

1663 in the growth and development of these communities to find ways

1664 to balance environmental and growth management issues with local

1665 needs.

1666 (6)(a) By August 1 of each year, the head of each of the

1667 following agencies and organizations shall designate a deputy

1668 secretary or higher-level staff person from within the agency or

1669 organization to serve as the REDI representative for the agency

1670 or organization:

1671 1. The Department of Transportation.

1672 2. The Department of Environmental Protection.

1673 3. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

1674 4. The Department of State.

1675 5. The Department of Health.

1676 6. The Department of Children and Families.

1677 7. The Department of Corrections.

1678 8. The Department of Education.

1679 9. The Department of Juvenile Justice.

1680 10. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

1681 11. Each water management district.

1682 12. CareerSource Florida, Inc.

1683 13. VISIT Florida.

1684 14. The Florida Regional Planning Council Association.

1685 15. The Agency for Health Care Administration.

1686 16. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS).

1687 (b) An alternate for each designee must ~~shall~~ also be

1688 chosen, who must also be a deputy secretary or higher-level

1689 staff person, and the names of the designees and alternates must

1690 ~~shall~~ be reported ~~sent~~ to the director of the Office of Rural

1691 Prosperity. At least one rural liaison from each regional rural

1692 community liaison center must participate in the REDI meetings

1693 ~~Secretary of Commerce~~ .

1694 (c) REDI shall meet at least each month but may meet more

1695 frequently if necessary. Each REDI representative, or his or her

1696 designee, shall be physically present or available by means of

1697 electronic communication for each meeting.

1698 (d) ~~(b)~~ Each REDI representative shall ~~must~~ have

1699 comprehensive knowledge of his or her agency’s functions, both

1700 regulatory and service in nature, and of the state’s economic

1701 goals, policies, and programs. This person shall be the primary

1702 point of contact for his or her agency with REDI on issues and

1703 projects relating to ~~economically distressed~~ rural communities

1704 and with regard to expediting project review, shall ensure a

1705 prompt effective response to problems arising with regard to

1706 rural issues, and shall work closely with the other REDI

1707 representatives in the identification of opportunities for

1708 preferential awards of program funds , contractual or other

1709 agreement provisions which meet the requirements of s. 215.971,

1710 and allowances and waiver of program requirements when necessary

1711 to encourage and facilitate rural growth, including, but not

1712 limited to, ~~long-term private~~ capital investment and job

1713 creation.

1714 (e) ~~(c)~~ The REDI representatives shall work with REDI in the

1715 review and evaluation of statutes and rules for adverse impact

1716 on rural communities and the development of alternative

1717 proposals to mitigate that impact.

1718 (f) ~~(d)~~ Each REDI representative shall be responsible for

1719 ensuring that each district office or facility of his or her

1720 agency is informed quarterly about the Rural Economic

1721 Development Initiative and for providing assistance throughout

1722 the agency in the implementation of REDI activities.

1723 (7)

1724 (b) Designation as a rural area of opportunity under this

1725 subsection is ~~shall be~~ contingent upon the execution of a

1726 memorandum of agreement among the Office of Rural Prosperity

1727 ~~department~~ ; the governing body of the county; and the governing

1728 bodies of any municipalities to be included within a rural area

1729 of opportunity. Such agreement must ~~shall~~ specify the terms and

1730 conditions of the designation, including, but not limited to,

1731 the duties and responsibilities of the county and any

1732 participating municipalities to take actions designed to

1733 facilitate the retention and expansion of existing businesses in

1734 the area, as well as the recruitment of new businesses to the

1735 area.

1736 ~~(c) Each rural area of opportunity may designate catalyst~~

1737 ~~projects, provided that each catalyst project is specifically~~

1738 ~~recommended by REDI and confirmed as a catalyst project by the~~

1739 ~~department. All state agencies and departments shall use all~~

1740 ~~available tools and resources to the extent permissible by law~~

1741 ~~to promote the creation and development of each catalyst project~~

1742 ~~and the development of catalyst sites.~~

1743 (8) REDI shall submit a report to the Office of Rural

1744 Prosperity ~~department~~ on all REDI activities for the previous

1745 fiscal year as a supplement to the office’s ~~department’s~~ annual

1746 report required under s. 288.013 ~~s. 20.60~~ . This supplementary

1747 report must include:

1748 (a) A status report on every project ~~all projects~~ currently

1749 being coordinated through REDI ; , the number of preferential

1750 awards and allowances made pursuant to this section in detail by

1751 award, allowance, or match type; , the dollar amount of such

1752 awards ; , and the names of the recipients.

1753 (b) A description of all waivers of program requirements

1754 granted , including a list by program of each waiver that was

1755 granted. If waivers were requested but were not granted, a list

1756 of ungranted waivers, including reasons why the waivers were not

1757 granted, must be included .

1758 (c) Detailed information as to the economic impact of the

1759 projects coordinated by REDI.

1760 (d) Recommendations based on the review and evaluation of

1761 statutes and rules having an adverse impact on rural communities

1762 and proposals to mitigate such adverse impacts.

1763 (e) Legislative recommendations for statutory waivers or

1764 reductions of specified economic development or other program

1765 requirements, including financial match waivers or reductions,

1766 for applicants within rural areas of opportunity.

1767 (f) Outcomes of proposals submitted pursuant to s. 288.019.

1768 Section 19. Section 288.06561, Florida Statutes, is

1769 repealed.

1770 Section 20. Subsections (2), (3), and (4) of section

1771 288.0657, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

1772 288.0657 Florida rural economic development strategy

1773 grants.—

1774 (2) The Office of Rural Prosperity shall provide ~~department~~

1775 ~~may accept and administer moneys appropriated to the department~~

1776 ~~for providing~~ grants to assist rural communities to develop and

1777 implement strategic economic development plans. Grants may be

1778 provided to assist with costs associated with marketing a site

1779 to business and site selectors for an economic development

1780 project that is part of an economic development plan, either as

1781 part of funding to develop and implement a plan or related to an

1782 already adopted plan.

1783 (3) A rural community, an economic development organization

1784 in a rural area, or a regional organization representing at

1785 least one rural community or such economic development

1786 organizations may apply for such grants. The rural liaison for

1787 the rural community shall assist those applying for such grants.

1788 (4) The office ~~department~~ shall establish criteria for

1789 reviewing grant applications. These criteria must ~~shall~~ include,

1790 but are not limited to, the degree of participation and

1791 commitment by the local community and the application’s

1792 consistency with local comprehensive plans or the application’s

1793 proposal to ensure such consistency. Grants for marketing may

1794 include funding for advertising campaign materials and costs

1795 associated with meetings, trade missions, and professional

1796 development related to site preparation and marketing. The

1797 office ~~department~~ shall review each application for a grant. ~~The~~

1798 ~~department may approve grants only to the extent that funds are~~

1799 ~~appropriated for such grants by the Legislature.~~

1800 Section 21. Paragraph (a) of subsection (13) of section

1801 288.1226, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1802 288.1226 Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation;

1803 use of property; board of directors; duties; audit.—

1804 (13) FOUR-YEAR MARKETING PLAN.—

1805 (a) The corporation shall, in collaboration with the

1806 department, develop a 4-year marketing plan. At a minimum, the

1807 marketing plan must discuss the following:

1808 1. Continuation of overall tourism growth in this state.

1809 2. Expansion to new or under-represented tourist markets.

1810 3. Maintenance of traditional and loyal tourist markets.

1811 4. Coordination of efforts with county destination

1812 marketing organizations, other local government marketing

1813 groups, privately owned attractions and destinations, and other

1814 private sector partners to create a seamless, four-season

1815 advertising campaign for the state and its regions.

1816 5. Development of innovative techniques or promotions to

1817 build repeat visitation by targeted segments of the tourist

1818 population.

1819 6. Consideration of innovative sources of state funding for

1820 tourism marketing.

1821 7. Promotion of nature-based tourism, including, but not

1822 limited to, promotion of the Florida Greenways and Trails System

1823 as described under s. 260.014 and the Florida Shared-Use

1824 Nonmotorized Trail Network as described under s. 339.81.

1825 8. Coordination of efforts with the Office of Greenways and

1826 Trails of the Department of Environmental Protection and the

1827 department to promote and assist local communities, including,

1828 but not limited to, communities designated as trail towns by the

1829 Office of Greenways and Trails, to maximize use of nearby trails

1830 as economic assets, including specific promotion of trail-based

1831 tourism.

1832 9. Promotion of heritage tourism.

1833 10. Development of a component to address emergency

1834 response to natural and manmade disasters from a marketing

1835 standpoint.

1836 11. Provision of appropriate marketing assistance resources

1837 to small, rural, and agritourism businesses located in this

1838 state. Such resources may include, but are not limited to,

1839 marketing plans, marketing assistance, promotional support,

1840 media development, technical expertise, marketing advice,

1841 technology training, and social marketing support.

1842 Section 22. Section 288.12266, Florida Statutes, is

1843 repealed.

1844 Section 23. Paragraph (f) of subsection (2) and paragraphs

1845 (a), (b), and (c) of subsection (4) of section 288.9961, Florida

1846 Statutes, are amended, and subsection (6) is added to that

1847 section, to read:

1848 288.9961 Promotion of broadband adoption; Florida Office of

1849 Broadband.—

1850 (2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:

1851 (f) “Underserved” means a geographic area of this state in

1852 which there is no provider of broadband Internet service that

1853 offers a connection to the Internet with a capacity for

1854 transmission at a consistent speed of at least 100 megabits per

1855 second downstream and at least 20 10 megabits per second

1856 upstream.

1857 (4) FLORIDA OFFICE OF BROADBAND.—The Florida Office of

1858 Broadband is created within the Division of Community

1859 Development in the department for the purpose of developing,

1860 marketing, and promoting broadband Internet services in this

1861 state. The office, in the performance of its duties, shall do

1862 all of the following:

1863 (a) Create a strategic plan that has goals and strategies

1864 for increasing and improving the availability of, access to, and

1865 use of broadband Internet service in this state. In development

1866 of the plan, the department shall incorporate applicable federal

1867 broadband activities, including any efforts or initiatives of

1868 the Federal Communications Commission, to improve broadband

1869 Internet service in this state. The plan must identify available

1870 federal funding sources for the expansion or improvement of

1871 broadband. The strategic plan must be submitted to the Governor,

1872 the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of

1873 Representatives by June 30, 2022. The strategic plan must be

1874 updated biennially thereafter. The plan must include a process

1875 to review and verify public input regarding transmission speeds

1876 and availability of broadband Internet service throughout this

1877 state. The office shall consult with each regional rural

1878 community liaison center within the Office of Rural Prosperity

1879 on the development and update of the plan.

1880 (b) Build and facilitate local technology planning teams or

1881 partnerships with members representing cross-sections of the

1882 community, which may include, but are not limited to,

1883 representatives from the following organizations and industries:

1884 libraries, K-12 education, colleges and universities, local

1885 health care providers, private businesses, community

1886 organizations, economic development organizations, local

1887 governments, tourism, parks and recreation, and agriculture. The

1888 local technology planning teams or partnerships shall work with

1889 rural communities to help the communities understand their

1890 current broadband availability, locate unserved and underserved

1891 businesses and residents, identify assets relevant to broadband

1892 deployment, build partnerships with broadband service providers,

1893 and identify opportunities to leverage assets and reduce

1894 barriers to the deployment of broadband Internet services in the

1895 community. The teams or partnerships must be proactive in rural

1896 communities as defined in s. 288.0656 ~~fiscally constrained~~

1897 ~~counties~~ in identifying and providing assistance , in

1898 coordination with the regional rural community liaison centers

1899 within the Office of Rural Prosperity, with applying for federal

1900 grants for broadband Internet service.

1901 (c) Provide technical and planning assistance to rural

1902 communities in coordination with the regional rural community

1903 liaison centers within the Office of Rural Prosperity.

1904 (6) BROADBAND REPORTING.—

1905 (a) The office shall submit to the Governor, the President

1906 of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a

1907 quarterly report detailing the implementation of broadband

1908 activities in rural, unserved, and underserved communities. Such

1909 information must be listed by county and include the amount of

1910 state and federal funds allocated to and expended in the county

1911 by program; the progress toward deploying broadband in the

1912 county; any technical assistance provided; the activities of the

1913 local technology planning teams and partnerships; and the

1914 fulfillment of all other duties of the office required by this

1915 part.

1916 (b) By December 31 of each year, the office shall submit to

1917 the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of

1918 the House of Representatives an annual report on the office’s

1919 operations and accomplishments for that calendar year and the

1920 status of broadband Internet service access and use in this

1921 state. The report must also incorporate the quarterly reports on

1922 rural, unserved, and underserved communities required by

1923 paragraph (a) .

1924 Section 24. Section 290.06561, Florida Statutes, is

1925 repealed.

1926 Section 25. Paragraph (a) of subsection (5) of section

1927 319.32, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1928 319.32 Fees; service charges; disposition.—

1929 (5)(a) Forty-seven dollars of each fee collected, except

1930 for fees charged on a certificate of title for a motor vehicle

1931 for hire registered under s. 320.08(6), for each applicable

1932 original certificate of title and each applicable duplicate copy

1933 of a certificate of title shall be deposited as follows: ~~into~~

1934 ~~the State Transportation Trust Fund. Deposits to the State~~

1935 ~~Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to this paragraph may not~~

1936 ~~exceed $200 million in any fiscal year, and from any collections~~

1937 ~~in excess of that amount during the fiscal year,~~

1938 1. The first $30 million collected shall be deposited into

1939 the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund ; , and

1940 2. Any remaining collections shall be paid into the State

1941 Transportation Trust ~~General Revenue~~ Fund.

1942 Section 26. Subsection (40) is added to section 334.044,

1943 Florida Statutes, to read:

1944 334.044 Powers and duties of the department.—The department

1945 shall have the following general powers and duties:

1946 (40) To provide technical assistance and support from the

1947 appropriate district of the department to counties that are not

1948 located in a metropolitan planning organization created pursuant

1949 to s. 339.175.

1950 Section 27. Section 339.0801, Florida Statutes, is amended

1951 to read:

1952 339.0801 Allocation of increased revenues derived from

1953 amendments to s. 319.32(5)(a) ~~by ch. 2012-128~~ .—

1954 (1) The first $200 million of funds that result from

1955 increased revenues to the State Transportation Trust Fund

1956 derived from the amendments to s. 319.32(5)(a) made by s. 11,

1957 chapter 2012-128, Laws of Florida, ~~this act~~ must be used

1958 annually, first as set forth in paragraph (a) ~~subsection (1)~~ and

1959 then as set forth in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) ~~subsections~~

1960 ~~(2)-(4)~~ , notwithstanding any other provision of law:

1961 (a)1. ~~(1)(a)~~ Beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year and

1962 annually for 30 years thereafter, $10 million shall be for the

1963 purpose of funding any seaport project identified in the adopted

1964 work program of the Department of Transportation, to be known as

1965 the Seaport Investment Program.

1966 2. ~~(b)~~ The revenues may be assigned, pledged, or set aside

1967 as a trust for the payment of principal or interest on revenue

1968 bonds, or other forms of indebtedness issued by an individual

1969 port or appropriate local government having jurisdiction

1970 thereof, or collectively by interlocal agreement among any of

1971 the ports, or used to purchase credit support to permit such

1972 borrowings. Alternatively, revenue bonds shall be issued by the

1973 Division of Bond Finance at the request of the Department of

1974 Transportation under the State Bond Act and shall be secured by

1975 such revenues as are provided in this subsection.

1976 3. ~~(c)~~ Revenue bonds or other indebtedness issued hereunder

1977 are not a general obligation of the state and are secured solely

1978 by a first lien on the revenues distributed under this

1979 subsection.

1980 4. ~~(d)~~ The state covenants with holders of the revenue bonds

1981 or other instruments of indebtedness issued pursuant to this

1982 subsection that it will not repeal this subsection; nor take any

1983 other action, including but not limited to amending this

1984 subsection, that will materially and adversely affect the rights

1985 of such holders so long as revenue bonds or other indebtedness

1986 authorized by this subsection are outstanding.

1987 5. ~~(e)~~ The proceeds of any revenue bonds or other

1988 indebtedness, after payment of costs of issuance and

1989 establishment of any required reserves, shall be invested in

1990 projects approved by the Department of Transportation and

1991 included in the department’s adopted work program, by amendment

1992 if necessary. As required under s. 11(f), Art. VII of the State

1993 Constitution, the Legislature approves projects included in the

1994 department’s adopted work program, including any projects added

1995 to the work program by amendment under s. 339.135(7).

1996 6. ~~(f)~~ Any revenues that are not used for the payment of

1997 bonds as authorized by this subsection may be used for purposes

1998 authorized under the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic

1999 Development Program. This revenue source is in addition to any

2000 amounts provided for and appropriated in accordance with ss.

2001 311.07 and 320.20(3) and (4).

2002 (b) ~~(2)~~ Beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year and annually

2003 thereafter, $10 million shall be transferred to the

2004 Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund, to be used as specified

2005 in s. 427.0159.

2006 (c) ~~(3)~~ Beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year and annually

2007 thereafter, $10 million shall be allocated to the Small County

2008 Outreach Program to be used as specified in s. 339.2818. These

2009 funds are in addition to the funds provided for the program

2010 pursuant to s. 201.15(4)(a)1.

2011 (d) ~~(4)~~ After the distributions required pursuant to

2012 paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) ~~subsections (1)-(3)~~ , the remaining

2013 funds shall be used annually for transportation projects within

2014 this state for existing or planned strategic transportation

2015 projects which connect major markets within this state or

2016 between this state and other states, which focus on job

2017 creation, and which increase this state’s viability in the

2018 national and global markets.

2019 (2) The remaining funds that result from increased revenue

2020 to the State Transportation Trust Fund derived pursuant to s.

2021 319.32(5)(a) must be used annually, notwithstanding any other

2022 law, beginning in the 2026-2027 fiscal year and annually

2023 thereafter, for the Small County Road Assistance Program as

2024 prescribed in s. 339.2816.

2025 (3) ~~(5)~~ Pursuant to s. 339.135(7), the department shall

2026 amend the work program to add the projects provided for in this

2027 section.

2028 Section 28. Subsection (3) and paragraph (a) of subsection

2029 (4) of section 339.2816, Florida Statutes, are amended, and

2030 paragraph (c) of subsection (4) of that section is reenacted, to

2031 read:

2032 339.2816 Small County Road Assistance Program.—

2033 (3) Beginning with fiscal year ~~1999-2000 until fiscal year~~

2034 ~~2009-2010, and beginning again with fiscal year~~ 2012-2013, ~~up to~~

2035 $25 million annually from the State Transportation Trust Fund

2036 must ~~may~~ be used for the purposes of funding the Small County

2037 Road Assistance Program as described in this section. In

2038 addition, beginning with the fiscal year 2026-2027, the

2039 department must use the additional revenues allocated by s.

2040 339.0801 for the program.

2041 (4)(a) Small counties shall be eligible to compete for

2042 funds that have been designated for the Small County Road

2043 Assistance Program for resurfacing or reconstruction projects on

2044 county roads that were part of the county road system on June

2045 10, 1995. Capacity improvements on county roads are ~~shall~~ not be

2046 eligible for funding under the program unless a safety issue

2047 exists or the department finds it necessary to widen existing

2048 lanes as part of a resurfacing or reconstruction project .

2049 (c) The following criteria must be used to prioritize road

2050 projects for funding under the program:

2051 1. The primary criterion is the physical condition of the

2052 road as measured by the department.

2053 2. As secondary criteria the department may consider:

2054 a. Whether a road is used as an evacuation route.

2055 b. Whether a road has high levels of agricultural travel.

2056 c. Whether a road is considered a major arterial route.

2057 d. Whether a road is considered a feeder road.

2058 e. Whether a road is located in a fiscally constrained

2059 county, as defined in s. 218.67(1).

2060 f. Other criteria related to the impact of a project on the

2061 public road system or on the state or local economy as

2062 determined by the department.

2063 Section 29. Subsection (3) of section 339.2817, Florida

2064 Statutes, is amended, and subsection (6) is added to that

2065 section, to read:

2066 339.2817 County Incentive Grant Program.—

2067 (3) The department shall ~~must~~ consider, but is not limited

2068 to, the following criteria for evaluation of projects for County

2069 Incentive Grant Program assistance:

2070 (a) The extent to which the project will encourage,

2071 enhance, or create economic benefits;

2072 (b) The likelihood that assistance would enable the project

2073 to proceed at an earlier date than the project could otherwise

2074 proceed;

2075 (c) The extent to which assistance would foster innovative

2076 public-private partnerships and attract private debt or equity

2077 investment;

2078 (d) The extent to which the project uses new technologies,

2079 including intelligent transportation systems, which enhance the

2080 efficiency of the project;

2081 (e) The extent to which the project enhances connectivity

2082 between rural agricultural areas and market distribution

2083 centers;

2084 (f) The extent to which the project helps to maintain or

2085 protect the environment; and

2086 (g) ~~(f)~~ The extent to which the project includes

2087 transportation benefits for improving intermodalism and safety.

2088 (6) Beginning in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the department

2089 shall give priority to a county located, either wholly or

2090 partially, within the Everglades Agricultural Area as defined in

2091 s. 373.4592(15) which, notwithstanding subsection (4), requests

2092 100 percent of the project costs for an eligible project that

2093 meets the criteria established in subsection (3). Requests under

2094 this subsection are limited to $15 million annually. This

2095 subsection expires July 1, 2032.

2096 Section 30. Subsections (1), (2), (3), (6), (7), and (8) of

2097 section 339.2818, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

2098 339.2818 Small County Outreach Program.—

2099 (1) There is created within the department of

2100 ~~Transportation~~ the Small County Outreach Program. The purpose of

2101 this program is to assist small county governments in repairing

2102 or rehabilitating county bridges, paving unpaved roads,

2103 addressing road-related drainage improvements, resurfacing or

2104 reconstructing county roads, or constructing capacity or safety

2105 improvements to county roads.

2106 (2) For the purposes of this section, the term “small

2107 county” means any county that has a population of 200,000 or

2108 less as determined by the most recent official population census

2109 determination ~~estimate~~ pursuant to s. 186.901.

2110 ~~(3) Funds allocated under this program, pursuant to s. 4,~~

2111 ~~ch. 2000-257, Laws of Florida, are in addition to any funds~~

2112 ~~provided pursuant to s. 339.2816, for the Small County Road~~

2113 ~~Assistance Program.~~

2114 (5) ~~(6)~~ Funds paid into the State Transportation Trust Fund

2115 pursuant to ss. 201.15, 320.072, and 339.0801 ~~s. 201.15~~ for the

2116 purposes of the Small County Outreach Program are hereby

2117 annually appropriated for expenditure to support the Small

2118 County Outreach Program.

2119 (6) ~~(7)~~ Subject to a specific appropriation in addition to

2120 funds annually appropriated for projects under this section, a

2121 municipality within a rural area of opportunity or a rural area

2122 of opportunity community designated under s. 288.0656(7)(a) may

2123 compete for the additional project funding using the criteria

2124 listed in subsection (3) ~~(4)~~ at up to 100 percent of project

2125 costs, excluding capacity improvement projects.

2126 ~~(8) Subject to a specific appropriation in addition to~~

2127 ~~funds appropriated for projects under this section, a local~~

2128 ~~government either wholly or partially within the Everglades~~

2129 ~~Agricultural Area as defined in s. 373.4592(15), the Peace River~~

2130 ~~Basin, or the Suwannee River Basin may compete for additional~~

2131 ~~funding using the criteria listed in paragraph (4)(c) at up to~~

2132 ~~100 percent of project costs on state or county roads used~~

2133 ~~primarily as farm-to-market connections between rural~~

2134 ~~agricultural areas and market distribution centers, excluding~~

2135 ~~capacity improvement projects.~~

2136 Section 31. Section 339.68, Florida Statutes, is amended to

2137 read:

2138 (Substantial rewording of section.

2139 See s. 339.68, F.S., for present text.)

2140 339.68 Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program.—

2141 (1) The Legislature finds that increasing demands continue

2142 to be placed on rural arterial roads in this state by a fast

2143 growing economy, continued population growth, and increased

2144 tourism. Investment in the rural arterial roads of this state is

2145 needed to maintain the safety, mobility, reliability, and

2146 resiliency of the transportation system in order to support the

2147 movement of people, goods, and commodities; to enhance economic

2148 prosperity and competitiveness; and to enrich the quality of

2149 life of the rural communities and the environment of this state.

2150 (2) The Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program is

2151 created within the department to make capacity and safety

2152 improvements to two-lane arterial roads or connect existing

2153 arterial roads located in rural communities. For purposes of

2154 this section, the term “rural community” has the same meaning as

2155 in s. 288.0656.

2156 (3) Beginning in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the department

2157 shall allocate from the State Transportation Trust Fund a

2158 minimum of $50 million in each fiscal year for purposes of

2159 funding the program. This funding is in addition to any other

2160 funding provided to the program by any other law.

2161 (4) The department shall use the following criteria to

2162 prioritize projects for funding under the program:

2163 (a) Whether the road has documented safety concerns or

2164 requires additional safety and design improvements. This may be

2165 evidenced by the number of fatalities or crashes per vehicle

2166 mile traveled.

2167 (b) Whether the road has or is projected to have a

2168 significant amount of truck tractor traffic as determined by the

2169 department. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “truck

2170 tractor” has the same meaning as in s. 320.01(11).

2171 (c) Whether the road is used to transport agricultural

2172 products and commodities from a farm to the market or other sale

2173 or distribution point.

2174 (d) Whether the road is used to transport goods to or from

2175 warehouses, distribution centers, or intermodal logistics

2176 centers as defined in s. 311.101(2).

2177 (e) Whether the road is used as an evacuation route.

2178 (f) Whether the physical condition of the road meets

2179 department standards.

2180 (g) Whether the road currently has, or is projected to have

2181 within the next 5 years, a level of service of D, E, or F.

2182 (h) Any other criteria related to the impact of a project

2183 on the public road system or on the state or local economy as

2184 determined by the department.

2185 (5) By January 3, 2028, and every 2 years thereafter, the

2186 department shall submit to the Governor, the President of the

2187 Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report

2188 regarding the use and condition of arterial roads located in

2189 rural communities, which report must include all of the

2190 following:

2191 (a) A map of roads located in rural communities which are

2192 designated as arterial roads.

2193 (b) A needs assessment that must include, but is not

2194 limited to, consideration of infrastructure improvements to

2195 improve capacity on arterial roads in rural communities.

2196 (c) A synopsis of the department’s project prioritization

2197 process.

2198 (d) An estimate of the local and state economic impact of

2199 improving capacity on arterial roads in rural communities.

2200 (e) A listing of the arterial roads and the associated

2201 improvements to be included in the program and a schedule or

2202 timeline for the inclusion of such projects in the work program.

2203 Section 32. (1) The Department of Transportation shall

2204 allocate the additional funds provided by this act to implement

2205 the Small County Road Assistance Program as created by s.

2206 339.2816, Florida Statutes, and amend the current tentative work

2207 program for the 2026-2027 through 2032-2033 fiscal years to

2208 include additional projects. In addition, before adoption of the

2209 work program, the department shall submit a budget amendment

2210 pursuant to s. 339.135(7), Florida Statutes, requesting budget

2211 authority necessary to implement the additional projects.

2212 (2) The department shall allocate sufficient funds to

2213 implement the Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program as

2214 created by s. 339.68, Florida Statutes, develop a plan to expend

2215 the revenues as specified in s. 339.68, Florida Statutes, and,

2216 before its adoption, amend the current tentative work program

2217 for the 2026-2027 through 2032-2033 fiscal years to include the

2218 program’s projects. In addition, before adoption of the work

2219 program, the department shall submit a budget amendment pursuant

2220 to s. 339.135(7), Florida Statutes, requesting budget authority

2221 necessary to implement the program as specified in s. 339.68,

2222 Florida Statutes.

2223 (3) Notwithstanding any other law, the increase in revenue

2224 to the State Transportation Trust Fund derived from the

2225 amendments to ss. 201.15 and 319.32, Florida Statutes, made by

2226 this act and deposited into the trust fund pursuant to ss.

2227 201.15 and 339.0801, Florida Statutes, must be used by the

2228 department to fund the programs as specified in this section.

2229 Section 33. Section 341.0525, Florida Statutes, is created

2230 to read:

2231 341.0525 Rural transit operating block grant program;

2232 administration; eligible projects.—

2233 (1) There is created a rural transit operating block grant

2234 program to be administered by the department. Rural transit

2235 block grant funds are available only to public transit providers

2236 not eligible to receive public transit block grants pursuant to

2237 s. 341.052.

2238 (2) At least $3 million must be allocated annually from the

2239 State Transportation Trust Fund for the program. At least

2240 $20,000 must be distributed to each eligible provider if

2241 application of the following formula provides less than that

2242 amount for any such provider:

2243 (a) One-third must be distributed according to the

2244 percentage that an eligible provider’s nonurbanized county

2245 population in the most recent year official population estimate

2246 pursuant to s. 186.901 is of the total population of all

2247 counties served by eligible providers.

2248 (b) One-third must be distributed according to the

2249 percentage that the total nonurbanized revenue miles provided by

2250 an eligible provider, as verified by the most recent National

2251 Transit Database report or a similar audited report submitted to

2252 the department, is of the total rural revenue miles provided by

2253 eligible providers in the state in that year.

2254 (c) One-third must be distributed according to the

2255 percentage that the total nonurbanized passengers carried by an

2256 eligible provider, as verified by the most recent National

2257 Transit Database report or a similar audited report submitted to

2258 the department, is of the total number of passengers carried by

2259 eligible providers in the state in that year.

2260 (3) Grant funds must be used to pay public transit

2261 operating costs. State participation in such costs may not

2262 exceed 50 percent of such costs or an amount equal to the total

2263 revenue, excluding farebox, charter, and advertising revenue and

2264 federal funds, received by the provider for operating costs,

2265 whichever amount is less.

2266 (4)(a) An eligible provider may not use block grant funds

2267 to supplant local tax revenues made available to such provider

2268 for operations in the previous year; however, the Secretary of

2269 Transportation may waive this provision for public transit

2270 providers located in a county recovering from a state of

2271 emergency declared pursuant to part I of chapter 252.

2272 (b) The state may not give any county more than 39 percent

2273 of the funds available for distribution under this section or

2274 more than the amount local revenue sources provide to that

2275 county for its transit system.

2276 (5) To remain eligible to receive funding under the

2277 program, eligible providers must comply with s. 341.071(1) and

2278 (2).

2279 (6)(a) Any funds distributed to an eligible provider

2280 pursuant to subsection (2) which cannot be expended within the

2281 limitations of the program must be returned to the department

2282 for redistribution to other eligible providers.

2283 (b) The department may consult with an eligible provider,

2284 before distributing funds to that provider, to determine whether

2285 the provider can expend its total block grant within the

2286 limitations of the program. If the department and the provider

2287 agree that the total block grant amount cannot be expended, the

2288 provider may agree to accept a block grant amount of less than

2289 the total amount, in which case the funds that exceed such

2290 lesser agreed-upon amount must be redistributed to other

2291 eligible providers.

2292 (c) If an audit reveals that an eligible provider expended

2293 block grant funds on unauthorized uses, the provider must repay

2294 to the department an amount equal to the funds expended for

2295 unauthorized uses. The department shall redistribute such

2296 repayments to other eligible providers.

2297 Section 34. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section

2298 381.402, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (h) is

2299 added to subsection (2) of that section, to read:

2300 381.402 Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical

2301 Education Program.—

2302 (2) The following licensed or certified health care

2303 practitioners are eligible to participate in the program:

2304 (h) Medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine who

2305 are board certified or board eligible in emergency medicine and

2306 employed by or under contract with a rural hospital as defined

2307 in s. 395.602(2)(b) or a rural emergency hospital as defined in

2308 s. 395.607(1)(a) to provide medical care in the rural hospital’s

2309 or rural emergency hospital’s emergency department.

2311 Primary care medical specialties for physicians include

2312 obstetrics, gynecology, general and family practice, geriatrics,

2313 internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, and other specialties

2314 which may be identified by the Department of Health.

2315 (3) From the funds available, the Department of Health

2316 shall make payments as follows:

2317 (b) All payments are contingent on continued proof of:

2318 1.a. Primary care practice in a rural hospital as defined

2319 in s. 395.602(2)(b) or an underserved area designated by the

2320 Department of Health, provided the practitioner accepts Medicaid

2321 reimbursement if eligible for such reimbursement; or

2322 b. Emergency medicine practice in a rural hospital as

2323 defined in s. 395.602(2)(b) or rural emergency hospital as

2324 defined in s. 395.607(1)(a), provided the practitioner accepts

2325 Medicaid reimbursement if eligible for such reimbursement; or

2326 c. For practitioners other than physicians, practice in

2327 other settings, including, but not limited to, a nursing home

2328 facility as defined in s. 400.021, a home health agency as

2329 defined in s. 400.462, or an intermediate care facility for the

2330 developmentally disabled as defined in s. 400.960. Any such

2331 setting must be located in, or serve residents or patients in,

2332 an underserved area designated by the Department of Health and

2333 must provide services to Medicaid patients.

2334 2. Providing 25 hours annually of volunteer ~~primary care~~

2335 services within the practitioner’s scope of practice in a free

2336 clinic as specified in s. 766.1115(3)(d)14. or through another

2337 volunteer program operated ~~by the state~~ pursuant to part IV of

2338 chapter 110 and approved by the department . In order to meet the

2339 requirements of this subparagraph, the volunteer hours must be

2340 verifiable in a manner determined by the department.

2341 Section 35. Subsection (3) of section 420.9073, Florida

2342 Statutes, is amended to read:

2343 420.9073 Local housing distributions.—

2344 (3) Calculation of guaranteed amounts:

2345 (a) The guaranteed amount under subsection (1) shall be

2346 calculated for each state fiscal year by multiplying $1 million

2347 ~~$350,000~~ by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of

2348 funds distributed to the Local Government Housing Trust Fund

2349 pursuant to s. 201.15(4)(c) and the denominator of which is the

2350 total amount of funds distributed to the Local Government

2351 Housing Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15.

2352 (b) The guaranteed amount under subsection (2) shall be

2353 calculated for each state fiscal year by multiplying $1 million

2354 ~~$350,000~~ by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of

2355 funds distributed to the Local Government Housing Trust Fund

2356 pursuant to s. 201.15(4)(d) and the denominator of which is the

2357 total amount of funds distributed to the Local Government

2358 Housing Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15.

2359 Section 36. Paragraph (n) of subsection (5) of section

2360 420.9075, Florida Statutes, is amended, paragraph (o) is added

2361 to that subsection, and paragraph (b) of subsection (13) of that

2362 section is reenacted, to read:

2363 420.9075 Local housing assistance plans; partnerships.—

2364 (5) The following criteria apply to awards made to eligible

2365 sponsors or eligible persons for the purpose of providing

2366 eligible housing:

2367 (n) Funds from the local housing distribution not used to

2368 meet the criteria established in paragraph (a) , or paragraph

2369 (c) , or paragraph (o) or not used for the administration of a

2370 local housing assistance plan must be used for housing

2371 production and finance activities, including, but not limited

2372 to, financing preconstruction activities or the purchase of

2373 existing units, providing rental housing, and providing home

2374 ownership training to prospective home buyers and owners of

2375 homes assisted through the local housing assistance plan.

2376 1. Notwithstanding ~~the provisions of~~ paragraphs (a) and

2377 (c), program income as defined in s. 420.9071(26) may also be

2378 used to fund activities described in this paragraph.

2379 2. When preconstruction due-diligence activities conducted

2380 as part of a preservation strategy show that preservation of the

2381 units is not feasible and will not result in the production of

2382 an eligible unit, such costs must ~~shall~~ be deemed a program

2383 expense rather than an administrative expense if such program

2384 expenses do not exceed 3 percent of the annual local housing

2385 distribution.

2386 3. If both an award under the local housing assistance plan

2387 and federal low-income housing tax credits are used to assist a

2388 project and there is a conflict between the criteria prescribed

2389 in this subsection and the requirements of s. 42 of the Internal

2390 Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the county or eligible

2391 municipality may resolve the conflict by giving precedence to

2392 the requirements of s. 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,

2393 as amended, in lieu of following the criteria prescribed in this

2394 subsection with the exception of paragraphs (a) and (g) of this

2395 subsection.

2396 4. Each county and each eligible municipality may award

2397 funds as a grant for construction, rehabilitation, or repair as

2398 part of disaster recovery or emergency repairs or to remedy

2399 accessibility or health and safety deficiencies. Any other

2400 grants must be approved as part of the local housing assistance

2401 plan.

2402 (o) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (c), up to 25

2403 percent of the funds made available in each county and eligible

2404 municipality from the local housing distribution may be used to

2405 preserve multifamily affordable rental housing funded through

2406 United States Department of Agriculture loans. These funds may

2407 be used to rehabilitate housing, extend affordability periods,

2408 or acquire or transfer properties in partnership with private

2409 organizations. This paragraph expires on June 30, 2032.

2410 (13)

2411 (b) If, as a result of its review of the annual report, the

2412 corporation determines that a county or eligible municipality

2413 has failed to implement a local housing incentive strategy, or,

2414 if applicable, a local housing incentive plan, it shall send a

2415 notice of termination of the local government’s share of the

2416 local housing distribution by certified mail to the affected

2417 county or eligible municipality.

2418 1. The notice must specify a date of termination of the

2419 funding if the affected county or eligible municipality does not

2420 implement the plan or strategy and provide for a local response.

2421 A county or eligible municipality shall respond to the

2422 corporation within 30 days after receipt of the notice of

2423 termination.

2424 2. The corporation shall consider the local response that

2425 extenuating circumstances precluded implementation and grant an

2426 extension to the timeframe for implementation. Such an extension

2427 shall be made in the form of an extension agreement that

2428 provides a timeframe for implementation. The chief elected

2429 official of a county or eligible municipality or his or her

2430 designee shall have the authority to enter into the agreement on

2431 behalf of the local government.

2432 3. If the county or the eligible municipality has not

2433 implemented the incentive strategy or entered into an extension

2434 agreement by the termination date specified in the notice, the

2435 local housing distribution share terminates, and any uncommitted

2436 local housing distribution funds held by the affected county or

2437 eligible municipality in its local housing assistance trust fund

2438 shall be transferred to the Local Government Housing Trust Fund

2439 to the credit of the corporation to administer.

2440 4.a. If the affected local government fails to meet the

2441 timeframes specified in the agreement, the corporation shall

2442 terminate funds. The corporation shall send a notice of

2443 termination of the local government’s share of the local housing

2444 distribution by certified mail to the affected local government.

2445 The notice shall specify the termination date, and any

2446 uncommitted funds held by the affected local government shall be

2447 transferred to the Local Government Housing Trust Fund to the

2448 credit of the corporation to administer.

2449 b. If the corporation terminates funds to a county, but an

2450 eligible municipality receiving a local housing distribution

2451 pursuant to an interlocal agreement maintains compliance with

2452 program requirements, the corporation shall thereafter

2453 distribute directly to the participating eligible municipality

2454 its share calculated in the manner provided in ss. 420.9072 and

2455 420.9073.

2456 c. Any county or eligible municipality whose local

2457 distribution share has been terminated may subsequently elect to

2458 receive directly its local distribution share by adopting the

2459 ordinance, resolution, and local housing assistance plan in the

2460 manner and according to the procedures provided in ss. 420.907

2461 420.9079.

2462 Section 37. Subsections (1), (2), and (5) of section

2463 1001.451, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (6) is

2464 added to that section, to read:

2465 1001.451 Regional consortium service organizations.—In

2466 order to provide a full range of programs to larger numbers of

2467 students, minimize duplication of services, and encourage the

2468 development of new programs and services:

2469 (1) School districts with 20,000 or fewer unweighted full

2470 time equivalent students, developmental research (laboratory)

2471 schools established pursuant to s. 1002.32, and the Florida

2472 School for the Deaf and the Blind may enter into cooperative

2473 agreements to form a regional consortium service organization.

2474 Each regional consortium service organization shall provide any ,

2475 ~~at a minimum, three~~ of the following services determined

2476 necessary and appropriate by the board of directors :

2477 (a) Exceptional student education;

2478 (b) Safe schools support ~~teacher education centers;~~

2479 ~~environmental education~~ ;

2480 (c) State and federal grant procurement and coordination;

2481 (d) Data services ~~processing~~ ; ~~health~~

2482 (e) Insurance services ;

2483 (f) Risk management ~~insurance~~ ;

2484 (g) Professional learning;

2485 (h) College, career, and workforce development;

2486 (i) Business and operational services ~~staff development~~ ;

2487 (j) Purchasing; or

2488 (k) Planning and accountability.

2489 (2)(a) Each regional consortium service organization

2490 composed ~~that consists~~ of four or more school districts is

2491 eligible to receive, through the Department of Education,

2492 subject to the funds provided in the General Appropriations Act,

2493 an allocation ~~incentive grant~~ of $150,000 ~~$50,000~~ per school

2494 district and eligible member to be used for the delivery of

2495 services within ~~the~~ participating school districts. The

2496 determination of services and use of such funds must ~~shall~~ be

2497 established by the board of directors of the regional consortium

2498 service organization. The funds must ~~shall~~ be distributed to

2499 each regional consortium service organization no later than 30

2500 days following the release of the funds to the department. Each

2501 regional consortium service organization shall submit an annual

2502 report to the department regarding the use of funds for

2503 consortia services. Unexpended amounts in any fund in a

2504 consortium’s current year operating budget must be carried

2505 forward and included as the balance forward for that fund in the

2506 approved operating budget for the following year. Each regional

2507 consortium service organization shall provide quarterly

2508 financial reports to member districts.

2509 (b) Member districts shall designate a district to serve as

2510 a fiscal agent for contractual and reporting purposes. Such

2511 fiscal agent district is entitled to reasonable compensation for

2512 accounting and other services performed. The regional consortium

2513 service organization shall retain all funds received from grants

2514 or contracted services to cover indirect or administrative costs

2515 associated with the provision of such services. The regional

2516 consortium service organization board of directors shall

2517 determine the products and services to be provided by the

2518 consortium; however, in all contractual matters, the school

2519 board of the fiscal agent district shall act on proposed actions

2520 of the regional consortium service organization.

2521 (c) The regional consortium service organization board of

2522 directors shall recommend establishment of positions and

2523 individuals for appointment to the fiscal agent district.

2524 Personnel must be employed under the personnel policies of the

2525 fiscal agent district and are deemed to be public employees of

2526 the fiscal agent district. The regional consortium service

2527 organization board of directors may recommend a salary schedule

2528 and job descriptions specific to its personnel.

2529 (d) The regional consortium service organization may

2530 purchase or lease property and facilities essential for its

2531 operations and is responsible for their maintenance and

2532 associated overhead costs.

2533 (e) If a regional consortium service organization is

2534 dissolved, any revenue from the sale of assets must be

2535 distributed among the member districts as determined by the

2536 board of directors ~~Application for incentive grants shall be~~

2537 ~~made to the Commissioner of Education by July 30 of each year~~

2538 ~~for distribution to qualifying regional consortium service~~

2539 ~~organizations by January 1 of the fiscal year~~ .

2540 (5) The board of directors of a regional consortium service

2541 organization may use various means to generate revenue in

2542 support of its activities , including, but not limited to,

2543 contracting for services to nonmember districts . The board of

2544 directors may acquire, enjoy, use, and dispose of patents,

2545 copyrights, and trademarks and any licenses and associated ~~other~~

2546 rights or interests ~~thereunder or therein~~ . Ownership of all such

2547 patents, copyrights, trademarks, licenses, and associated rights

2548 or interests ~~thereunder or therein shall~~ vest in the state, with

2549 the board of directors having full right of use and full right

2550 to retain associated ~~the~~ revenues ~~derived therefrom~~ . Any funds

2551 realized from contracted services, patents, copyrights,

2552 trademarks, or licenses are ~~shall be~~ considered internal funds

2553 as provided in s. 1011.07. A fund balance must be established

2554 for maintaining or expanding services, facilities maintenance,

2555 terminal pay, and other liabilities ~~Such funds shall be used to~~

2556 ~~support the organization’s marketing and research and~~

2557 ~~development activities in order to improve and increase services~~

2558 ~~to its member districts~~ .

2559 (6) A regional consortium service organization is

2560 authorized to administer the Regional Consortia Service

2561 Organization Supplemental Services Program under s. 1001.4511.

2562 Section 38. Section 1001.4511, Florida Statutes, is created

2563 to read:

2564 1001.4511 Regional Consortia Service Organization

2565 Supplemental Services Program.—

2566 (1) There is created the Regional Consortia Service

2567 Organization Supplemental Services Program to increase the

2568 ability of regional consortium service organizations under s.

2569 1001.451 to provide programs and services to consortia members

2570 through cooperative agreements. Program funds may be used to

2571 supplement member needs related to transportation; district

2572 finance personnel services; property insurance, including

2573 property insurance obtained from any source; cybersecurity

2574 support; school safety; college, career, and workforce

2575 development; academic support; and behavior support within

2576 exceptional student education services.

2577 (2) Each regional consortium service organization shall

2578 annually report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker

2579 of the House of Representatives the distribution of funds,

2580 including members awarded and services provided.

2581 (3) Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351,

2582 funds allocated for this purpose which are not disbursed by June

2583 30 of the fiscal year in which the funds are allocated may be

2584 carried forward for up to 5 years after the effective date of

2585 the original appropriation.

2586 Section 39. Section 1009.635, Florida Statutes, is created

2587 to read:

2588 1009.635 Rural Incentive for Professional Educators

2589 Program.—

2590 (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Rural Incentive for Professional

2591 Educators (RIPE) Program is established within the Department of

2592 Education to support the recruitment and retention of qualified

2593 instructional personnel in rural communities. The program shall

2594 provide financial assistance for the repayment of student loans

2595 for eligible participants who establish permanent residency and

2596 employment in rural areas of opportunity.

2597 (2) ELIGIBILITY.—An individual is eligible to participate

2598 in the RIPE Program if he or she does all of the following:

2599 (a) Establishes permanent residency on or after July 1,

2600 2026, in a rural area of opportunity as designated pursuant to

2601 s. 288.0656. The address on an individual’s state-issued

2602 identification card or driver license is evidence of residence.

2603 (b) Secures full-time employment as a teacher or

2604 administrator in a private school as defined in s. 1002.01, or

2605 as instructional or administrative personnel as those terms are

2606 defined in s. 1012.01(2) and (3), respectively, in the public

2607 school district located within the same rural area of

2608 opportunity as he or she resides.

2609 (c) Holds an associate degree, bachelor’s degree,

2610 postgraduate degree, or certificate from an accredited

2611 institution earned before establishing residency.

2612 (d) Has an active student loan balance incurred for the

2613 completion of the qualifying degree or certificate.

2614 (3) LOAN REPAYMENT.—Eligible participants may receive up to

2615 $15,000 in total student loan repayment assistance over 5 years,

2616 disbursed in annual payments not to exceed $3,000 per year.

2617 Payments must be made directly to the lender servicing the

2618 participant’s student loan.

2619 (4) AWARD DISTRIBUTION.—Before disbursement of an award,

2620 the department shall verify that the participant:

2621 (a) Has maintained continuous employment with the school

2622 district in an instructional or administrative position;

2623 (b) Has received a rating of effective or highly effective

2624 pursuant to s. 1012.34; and

2625 (c) Has not been placed on probation, had his or her

2626 certificate suspended or revoked, or been placed on the

2627 disqualification list, pursuant to s. 1012.796.

2628 (5) ADMINISTRATION.—The program shall be administered by

2629 the Office of Student Financial Assistance within the Department

2630 of Education, which shall:

2631 (a) Develop application procedures requiring documentation,

2632 including proof of residency, verification of employment,

2633 official academic transcripts, and details of outstanding

2634 student loans; and

2635 (b) Monitor compliance with program requirements.

2636 (6) RULEMAKING.—The State Board of Education shall adopt

2637 rules no later than January 31, 2027, to administer this

2638 section.

2639 Section 40. Subsection (3) of section 1013.62, Florida

2640 Statutes, is amended to read:

2641 1013.62 Charter schools capital outlay funding.—

2642 (3) If the school board levies the discretionary millage

2643 authorized in s. 1011.71(2), the department must ~~shall~~ use the

2644 following calculation methodology to determine the amount of

2645 revenue that a school district must distribute to each eligible

2646 charter school:

2647 (a) Reduce the total discretionary millage revenue by the

2648 school district’s annual debt service obligation incurred as of

2649 March 1, 2017, which has not been subsequently retired, and :

2650 1. Beginning in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, for any district

2651 with an active project or an outstanding participation

2652 requirement balance, any amount of participation requirement

2653 pursuant to s. 1013.64(2)(a)8. that is being satisfied by

2654 revenues raised by the discretionary millage ; or

2655 2. For construction projects for which Special Facilities

2656 Construction Account funding is sought beginning in the 2026

2657 2027 fiscal year, the value of 1 mill from the revenue generated

2658 pursuant to s. 1013.64(2)(a)8.b .

2659 (b) Divide the school district’s adjusted discretionary

2660 millage revenue by the district’s total capital outlay full-time

2661 equivalent membership and the total number of full-time

2662 equivalent students of each eligible charter school to determine

2663 a capital outlay allocation per full-time equivalent student.

2664 (c) Multiply the capital outlay allocation per full-time

2665 equivalent student by the total number of full-time equivalent

2666 students of each eligible charter school to determine the

2667 capital outlay allocation for each charter school.

2668 (d) If applicable, reduce the capital outlay allocation

2669 identified in paragraph (c) by the total amount of state funds

2670 allocated to each eligible charter school in subsection (2) to

2671 determine the maximum calculated capital outlay allocation. The

2672 amount of funds a school district must distribute to charter

2673 schools shall be as follows:

2674 1. For fiscal year 2023-2024, the amount is 20 percent of

2675 the amount calculated under this paragraph.

2676 2. For fiscal year 2024-2025, the amount is 40 percent of

2677 the amount calculated under this paragraph.

2678 3. For fiscal year 2025-2026, the amount is 60 percent of

2679 the amount calculated under this paragraph.

2680 4. For fiscal year 2026-2027, the amount is 80 percent of

2681 the amount calculated under this paragraph.

2682 5. For fiscal year 2027-2028, and each fiscal year

2683 thereafter, the amount is 100 percent of the amount calculated

2684 under this paragraph.

2685 (e) School districts shall distribute capital outlay funds

2686 to eligible charter schools no later than February 1 of each

2687 year, as required by this subsection, based on the amount of

2688 funds received by the district school board. School districts

2689 shall distribute any remaining capital outlay funds, as required

2690 by this subsection, upon the receipt of such funds until the

2691 total amount calculated pursuant to this subsection is

2692 distributed.

2694 By October 1 of each year, each school district shall certify to

2695 the department the amount of debt service that ~~and participation~~

2696 ~~requirement that complies with the requirement of paragraph (a)~~

2697 ~~and~~ can be reduced from the total discretionary millage revenue.

2698 Each school district shall also certify the amount of the

2699 participation requirement that complies with paragraph (a) or

2700 certify the value of 1 mill from revenue generated pursuant to

2701 s. 1013.64(2)(a)8.b. that can be reduced from the total

2702 discretionary millage revenue, as applicable. The Auditor

2703 General shall verify compliance with the requirements of

2704 paragraph (a) and s. 1011.71(2)(e) during scheduled operational

2705 audits of school districts.

2706 Section 41. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section

2707 1013.64, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

2708 1013.64 Funds for comprehensive educational plant needs;

2709 construction cost maximums for school district capital

2710 projects.—Allocations from the Public Education Capital Outlay

2711 and Debt Service Trust Fund to the various boards for capital

2712 outlay projects shall be determined as follows:

2713 (2)(a) The department shall establish, as a part of the

2714 Public Education Capital Outlay and Debt Service Trust Fund, a

2715 separate account, in an amount determined by the Legislature, to

2716 be known as the “Special Facility Construction Account.” The

2717 Special Facility Construction Account shall be used to provide

2718 necessary construction funds to school districts which have

2719 urgent construction needs but which lack sufficient resources at

2720 present, and cannot reasonably anticipate sufficient resources

2721 within the period of the next 3 years, for these purposes from

2722 currently authorized sources of capital outlay revenue. A school

2723 district requesting funding from the Special Facility

2724 Construction Account shall submit one specific construction

2725 project, not to exceed one complete educational plant, to the

2726 Special Facility Construction Committee. A district may not

2727 receive funding for more than one approved project in any 3-year

2728 period ~~or while any portion of the district’s participation~~

2729 ~~requirement is outstanding~~ . The first year of the 3-year period

2730 shall be the first year a district receives an appropriation.

2731 The department shall encourage a construction program that

2732 reduces the average size of schools in the district. The request

2733 must meet the following criteria to be considered by the

2734 committee:

2735 1. The project must be deemed a critical need and must be

2736 recommended for funding by the Special Facility Construction

2737 Committee. Before developing construction plans for the proposed

2738 facility, the district school board must request a

2739 preapplication review by the Special Facility Construction

2740 Committee or a project review subcommittee convened by the chair

2741 of the committee to include two representatives of the

2742 department and two staff members from school districts not

2743 eligible to participate in the program. A school district may

2744 request a preapplication review at any time; however, if the

2745 district school board seeks inclusion in the department’s next

2746 annual capital outlay legislative budget request, the

2747 preapplication review request must be made before February 1.

2748 Within 90 days after receiving the preapplication review

2749 request, the committee or subcommittee must meet in the school

2750 district to review the project proposal and existing facilities.

2751 To determine whether the proposed project is a critical need,

2752 the committee or subcommittee shall consider, at a minimum, the

2753 capacity of all existing facilities within the district as

2754 determined by the Florida Inventory of School Houses; the

2755 district’s pattern of student growth; the district’s existing

2756 and projected capital outlay full-time equivalent student

2757 enrollment as determined by the demographic, revenue, and

2758 education estimating conferences established in s. 216.136; the

2759 district’s existing satisfactory student stations; the use of

2760 all existing district property and facilities; grade level

2761 configurations; and any other information that may affect the

2762 need for the proposed project.

2763 2. The construction project must be recommended in the most

2764 recent survey or survey amendment cooperatively prepared by the

2765 district and the department, and approved by the department

2766 under the rules of the State Board of Education. If a district

2767 employs a consultant in the preparation of a survey or survey

2768 amendment, the consultant may not be employed by or receive

2769 compensation from a third party that designs or constructs a

2770 project recommended by the survey.

2771 3. The construction project must appear on the district’s

2772 approved project priority list under the rules of the State

2773 Board of Education.

2774 4. The district must have selected and had approved a site

2775 for the construction project in compliance with s. 1013.36 and

2776 the rules of the State Board of Education.

2777 5. The district shall have developed a district school

2778 board adopted list of facilities that do not exceed the norm for

2779 net square feet occupancy requirements under the State

2780 Requirements for Educational Facilities, using all possible

2781 programmatic combinations for multiple use of space to obtain

2782 maximum daily use of all spaces within the facility under

2783 consideration.

2784 6. Upon construction, the total cost per student station,

2785 including change orders, must not exceed the cost per student

2786 station as provided in subsection (6) unless approved by the

2787 Special Facility Construction Committee. At the discretion of

2788 the committee, costs that exceed the cost per student station

2789 for special facilities may include legal and administrative

2790 fees, the cost of site improvements or related offsite

2791 improvements, the cost of complying with public shelter and

2792 hurricane hardening requirements, cost overruns created by a

2793 disaster as defined in s. 252.34(2), costs of security

2794 enhancements approved by the school safety specialist, and

2795 unforeseeable circumstances beyond the district’s control.

2796 7. There shall be an agreement signed by the district

2797 school board stating that it will advertise for bids within 30

2798 days of receipt of its encumbrance authorization from the

2799 department.

2800 8. a.(I) For construction projects for which Special

2801 Facilities Construction Account funding is sought before the

2802 2019-2020 fiscal year, the district shall, at the time of the

2803 request and for a continuing period necessary to meet the

2804 district’s participation requirement, levy the maximum millage

2805 against its nonexempt assessed property value as allowed in s.

2806 1011.71(2) or shall raise an equivalent amount of revenue from

2807 the school capital outlay surtax authorized under s. 212.055(6).

2808 (II) Beginning with construction projects for which Special

2809 Facilities Construction Account funding is sought in the 2019

2810 2020 fiscal year, the district shall, for a minimum of 3 years

2811 before submitting the request and for a continuing period

2812 necessary to meet its participation requirement, levy the

2813 maximum millage against the district’s nonexempt assessed

2814 property value as authorized under s. 1011.71(2) or shall raise

2815 an equivalent amount of revenue from the school capital outlay

2816 surtax authorized under s. 212.055(6).

2817 (III) Beginning with the 2026-2027 fiscal year, any

2818 district with an ~~a new or~~ active project or an outstanding

2819 participation requirement balance , funded under ~~the provisions~~

2820 of this subsection, shall be required to budget no more than the

2821 value of 1 mill per year to the project until the district’s

2822 participation requirement relating to the local discretionary

2823 capital improvement millage or the equivalent amount of revenue

2824 from the school capital outlay surtax is satisfied.

2825 b. For construction projects for which Special Facilities

2826 Construction Account funding is sought beginning in the 2026

2827 2027 fiscal year, the district shall, for a minimum of 3 years

2828 before submitting the request and for the initial year of the

2829 appropriation and the 2 years following the initial

2830 appropriation, levy the maximum millage against the district’s

2831 nonexempt assessed property value as authorized under s.

2832 1011.71(2) or shall raise an equivalent amount of revenue from

2833 the school capital outlay surtax authorized under s. 212.055(6).

2834 The district is not required to budget the funds toward the

2835 project, but must use the funds as authorized pursuant to s.

2836 1011.71 or s. 212.055(6), as applicable.

2837 9. If a contract has not been signed 90 days after the

2838 advertising of bids, the funding for the specific project must

2839 ~~shall~~ revert to the Special Facility New Construction Account to

2840 be reallocated to other projects on the list. However, an

2841 additional 90 days may be granted by the commissioner.

2842 10. The department shall certify the inability of the

2843 district to fund the survey-recommended project over a

2844 continuous 3-year period using projected capital outlay revenue

2845 derived from s. 9(d), Art. XII of the State Constitution, as

2846 amended, paragraph (3)(a) of this section, and s. 1011.71(2).

2847 11. a. For projects funded before the 2026-2027 fiscal year,

2848 the district shall have on file with the department an adopted

2849 resolution acknowledging its commitment to satisfy its

2850 participation requirement, which is equivalent to all

2851 unencumbered and future revenue acquired from s. 9(d), Art. XII

2852 of the State Constitution, as amended, paragraph (3)(a) of this

2853 section, and s. 1011.71(2), in the year of the initial

2854 appropriation and for the 2 years immediately following the

2855 initial appropriation.

2856 b. For projects funded during the 2026-2027 fiscal year,

2857 and thereafter, the district shall have on file with the

2858 department an adopted resolution acknowledging its commitment to

2859 comply with the requirements of this paragraph.

2860 12. Phase I plans must be approved by the district school

2861 board as being in compliance with the building and life safety

2862 codes before June 1 of the year the application is made.

2863 Section 42. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sum of $1

2864 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is

2865 appropriated to the Florida Small Business Development Center

2866 Network under s. 288.001, Florida Statutes, to expand services

2867 in rural communities. The funds shall be allocated to the Office

2868 of Rural Prosperity budget entity within the Department of

2869 Commerce in the Special Categories–SBDCN Rural Services specific

2870 appropriation category.

2871 Section 43. (1) For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sums of

2872 $1,827,591 in recurring funds and $652,327 in nonrecurring funds

2873 are appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the Department

2874 of Commerce.

2875 (2) The recurring general revenue funds shall be allocated

2876 to the Office of Rural Prosperity budget entity in the following

2877 specific appropriations categories: $1,585,823 in Salaries and

2878 Benefits, $175,961 in Expenses, $50,000 in Contracted Services,

2879 $10,000 in Operating Capital Outlay, and $5,807 in Transfer to

2880 the Department of Management Services/Statewide Human Resources

2881 Contract.

2882 (3) The nonrecurring general revenue funds shall be

2883 allocated to the Office of Rural Prosperity budget entity in the

2884 following specific appropriations categories: $92,327 in

2885 Expenses and $560,000 in Acquisition of Motor Vehicles.

2886 (4) The Department of Commerce is authorized to establish

2887 17.00 full-time equivalent positions with associated salary rate

2888 of 1,060,000 in the Office of Rural Prosperity for the purpose

2889 of implementing this act. The following specific positions,

2890 classifications, and pay plans are authorized: 1.00 Director of

2891 General Operations, Class Code 9327, Pay Grade 940; 15.00

2892 Government Analyst II, Class Code 2225, Pay Grade 026; and 1.00

2893 Administrative Assistant II, Class Code 0712, Pay Grade 018.

2894 Section 44. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the recurring

2895 sum of $7 million from the General Revenue Fund is appropriated

2896 to the Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of

2897 Commerce to implement the Renaissance Grants Program created by

2898 s. 288.014, Florida Statutes. Funds may not be used by the state

2899 for administrative costs.

2900 Section 45. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the recurring

2901 sum of $500,000 from the Grants and Donations Trust Fund within

2902 the Department of Commerce is appropriated to the Office of

2903 Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to implement

2904 the Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant Program created

2905 by s. 288.0175, Florida Statutes.

2906 Section 46. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sums of $4

2907 million in nonrecurring funds and $1 million in recurring funds

2908 from the General Revenue Fund are appropriated to the Office of

2909 Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to implement

2910 the Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund under s.

2911 288.065, Florida Statutes, as amended by this act.

2912 Section 47. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sums of $40

2913 million in nonrecurring funds and $5 million in recurring funds

2914 from the General Revenue Fund are appropriated to the Office of

2915 Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to implement

2916 the Rural Infrastructure Fund under s. 288.0655, Florida

2917 Statutes, as amended by this act.

2918 Section 48. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sum of

2919 $250,000 in recurring funds from the Grants and Donations Trust

2920 Fund within the Department of Commerce is appropriated to the

2921 Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to

2922 implement s. 288.0657, Florida Statutes, as amended by this act.

2923 Section 49. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sum of $30

2924 million in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is

2925 appropriated to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to be

2926 used to preserve affordable multifamily rental housing in rural

2927 communities funded through United States Department of

2928 Agriculture loans. The funds provided in this appropriation must

2929 be used to issue competitive requests for applications for the

2930 rehabilitation or acquisition of such properties to ensure

2931 continued affordability. By October 1, 2027, the Florida Housing

2932 Finance Corporation shall submit a report to the President of

2933 the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on

2934 projects funded pursuant to this section, which report must

2935 include the number of units preserved and the financing

2936 portfolio for each project.

2937 Section 50. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sums of

2938 $193,075 in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund and

2939 $244,538 in recurring funds from the Medical Care Trust Fund are

2940 appropriated to the Agency for Health Care Administration to

2941 establish a Diagnosis-Related Grouping (DRG) reimbursement

2942 methodology for critical access hospitals, as defined in s.

2943 408.07, Florida Statutes, for the purpose of providing inpatient

2944 reimbursement to such a hospital in amounts comparable to the

2945 reimbursement the hospital would receive for inpatient services

2946 from the federal Medicare program. The 2026-2027 fiscal year

2947 General Appropriations Act shall establish the DRG reimbursement

2948 methodology for critical access hospital inpatient services as

2949 directed in s. 409.905(5)(c), Florida Statutes. Health plans

2950 that participate in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program

2951 shall pass through the fee increase to providers in this

2952 appropriation.

2953 Section 51. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sums of

2954 $7,741,492 in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund and

2955 $9,804,954 in recurring funds from the Medical Care Trust Fund

2956 are appropriated to the Agency for Health Care Administration to

2957 establish an Enhanced Ambulatory Patient Grouping (EAPG)

2958 reimbursement methodology for critical access hospitals, as

2959 defined in s. 408.07, Florida Statutes, for the purpose of

2960 providing outpatient reimbursement to such a hospital in amounts

2961 comparable to the reimbursement the hospital would receive for

2962 outpatient services from the federal Medicare program. The 2026

2963 2027 fiscal year General Appropriations Act shall establish the

2964 EAPG reimbursement methodology for critical access hospital

2965 outpatient services as directed in s. 409.905(6)(b), Florida

2966 Statutes. Health plans that participate in the Statewide

2967 Medicaid Managed Care program shall pass through the fee

2968 increase to providers in this appropriation.

2969 Section 52. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sum of $3.6

2970 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is

2971 appropriated to the Department of Education to implement s.

2972 1001.451, Florida Statutes, as amended by this act.

2973 Section 53. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sum of $25

2974 million in recurring funds is appropriated from the General

2975 Revenue Fund to the Department of Education to be distributed to

2976 regional consortium service organizations under s. 1001.451,

2977 Florida Statutes, in order to provide funds pursuant to s.

2978 1001.4511, Florida Statutes. These funds shall be allocated as

2979 follows: $5,555,149 to the Heartland Educational Consortium;

2980 $11,912,923 to the North East Florida Educational Consortium;

2981 and $7,531,928 to the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium. The

2982 funds must be distributed to each regional consortium service

2983 organization no later than 30 days following the release of the

2984 funds to the department.

2985 Section 54. For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, the sum of $7

2986 million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is

2987 appropriated to the Department of Education to implement the

2988 Rural Incentive for Professional Educators (RIPE) Program, s.

2989 1009.635, Florida Statutes, as created by this act.

2990 Section 55. Subsection (3) of section 163.3187, Florida

2991 Statutes, is amended to read:

2992 163.3187 Process for adoption of small scale comprehensive

2993 plan amendment.—

2994 (3) If the small scale development amendment involves a

2995 site within a rural area of opportunity as defined under s.

2996 288.0656 ~~s. 288.0656(2)(d)~~ for the duration of such designation,

2997 the acreage limit listed in subsection (1) must ~~shall~~ be

2998 increased by 100 percent. The local government approving the

2999 small scale plan amendment shall certify to the state land

3000 planning agency that the plan amendment furthers the economic

3001 objectives set forth in the executive order issued under s.

3002 288.0656(7), and the property subject to the plan amendment

3003 shall undergo public review to ensure that all concurrency

3004 requirements and federal, state, and local environmental permit

3005 requirements are met.

3006 Section 56. Section 212.205, Florida Statutes, is amended

3007 to read:

3008 212.205 Sales tax distribution reporting.—By March 15 of

3009 each year, each person who received a distribution pursuant to

3010 s. 212.20(6)(d)7.b. and c. ~~s. 212.20(6)(d)6.b. and c.~~ in the

3011 preceding calendar year shall report to the Office of Economic

3012 and Demographic Research the following information:

3013 (1) An itemized accounting of all expenditures of the funds

3014 distributed in the preceding calendar year, including amounts

3015 spent on debt service.

3016 (2) A statement indicating what portion of the distributed

3017 funds have been pledged for debt service.

3018 (3) The original principal amount and current debt service

3019 schedule of any bonds or other borrowing for which the

3020 distributed funds have been pledged for debt service.

3021 Section 57. Section 257.191, Florida Statutes, is amended

3022 to read:

3023 257.191 Construction grants.—The Division of Library and

3024 Information Services may accept and administer library

3025 construction moneys appropriated to it and shall allocate such

3026 appropriation to municipal, county, and regional libraries in

3027 the form of library construction grants on a matching basis. The

3028 local matching portion shall be no less than the grant amount,

3029 on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to the maximum grant amount,

3030 unless the matching requirement is waived pursuant to s. 288.019

3031 ~~by s. 288.06561~~ . Initiation of a library construction project 12

3032 months or less prior to the grant award under this section does

3033 ~~shall~~ not affect the eligibility of an applicant to receive a

3034 library construction grant. The division shall adopt rules for

3035 the administration of library construction grants. For the

3036 purposes of this section, s. 257.21 does not apply.

3037 Section 58. Subsection (2) of section 257.193, Florida

3038 Statutes, is amended to read:

3039 257.193 Community Libraries in Caring Program.—

3040 (2) The purpose of the Community Libraries in Caring

3041 Program is to assist libraries in rural communities, as defined

3042 in s. 288.0656(2) and subject to the provisions of s. 288.019 s.

3043 ~~288.06561~~ , to strengthen their collections and services, improve

3044 literacy in their communities, and improve the economic

3045 viability of their communities.

3046 Section 59. Subsection (17) of section 265.283, Florida

3047 Statutes, is amended to read:

3048 265.283 Definitions.—The following definitions shall apply

3049 to ss. 265.281-265.703:

3050 (17) “Underserved arts community assistance program grants”

3051 means grants used by qualified organizations under the Rural

3052 Economic Development Initiative, pursuant to s. 288.0656 and

3053 subject to s. 288.019 ~~ss. 288.0656 and 288.06561~~ , for the

3054 purpose of economic and organizational development for

3055 underserved cultural organizations.

3056 Section 60. Paragraphs (a) and (d) of subsection (3) of

3057 section 288.11621, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

3058 288.11621 Spring training baseball franchises.—

3059 (3) USE OF FUNDS.—

3060 (a) A certified applicant may use funds provided under s.

3061 212.20(6)(d)7.b. ~~s. 212.20(6)(d)6.b.~~ only to:

3062 1. Serve the public purpose of acquiring, constructing,

3063 reconstructing, or renovating a facility for a spring training

3064 franchise.

3065 2. Pay or pledge for the payment of debt service on, or to

3066 fund debt service reserve funds, arbitrage rebate obligations,

3067 or other amounts payable with respect thereto, bonds issued for

3068 the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or renovation of

3069 such facility, or for the reimbursement of such costs or the

3070 refinancing of bonds issued for such purposes.

3071 3. Assist in the relocation of a spring training franchise

3072 from one unit of local government to another only if the

3073 governing board of the current host local government by a

3074 majority vote agrees to relocation.

3075 (d)1. All certified applicants must place unexpended state

3076 funds received pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.b. s.

3077 ~~212.20(6)(d)6.b.~~ in a trust fund or separate account for use

3078 only as authorized in this section.

3079 2. A certified applicant may request that the Department of

3080 Revenue suspend further distributions of state funds made

3081 available under s. 212.20(6)(d)7.b. ~~s. 212.20(6)(d)6.b.~~ for 12

3082 months after expiration of an existing agreement with a spring

3083 training franchise to provide the certified applicant with an

3084 opportunity to enter into a new agreement with a spring training

3085 franchise, at which time the distributions shall resume.

3086 3. The expenditure of state funds distributed to an

3087 applicant certified before July 1, 2010, must begin within 48

3088 months after the initial receipt of the state funds. In

3089 addition, the construction of, or capital improvements to, a

3090 spring training facility must be completed within 24 months

3091 after the project’s commencement.

3092 Section 61. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) and paragraphs

3093 (a), (c), and (d) of subsection (3) of section 288.11631,

3094 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

3095 288.11631 Retention of Major League Baseball spring

3096 training baseball franchises.—

3097 (2) CERTIFICATION PROCESS.—

3098 (c) Each applicant certified on or after July 1, 2013,

3099 shall enter into an agreement with the department which:

3100 1. Specifies the amount of the state incentive funding to

3101 be distributed. The amount of state incentive funding per

3102 certified applicant may not exceed $20 million. However, if a

3103 certified applicant’s facility is used by more than one spring

3104 training franchise, the maximum amount may not exceed $50

3105 million, and the Department of Revenue shall make distributions

3106 to the applicant pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.c. s.

3107 ~~212.20(6)(d)6.c.~~

3108 2. States the criteria that the certified applicant must

3109 meet in order to remain certified. These criteria must include a

3110 provision stating that the spring training franchise must

3111 reimburse the state for any funds received if the franchise does

3112 not comply with the terms of the contract. If bonds were issued

3113 to construct or renovate a facility for a spring training

3114 franchise, the required reimbursement must be equal to the total

3115 amount of state distributions expected to be paid from the date

3116 the franchise violates the agreement with the applicant through

3117 the final maturity of the bonds.

3118 3. States that the certified applicant is subject to

3119 decertification if the certified applicant fails to comply with

3120 this section or the agreement.

3121 4. States that the department may recover state incentive

3122 funds if the certified applicant is decertified.

3123 5. Specifies the information that the certified applicant

3124 must report to the department.

3125 6. Includes any provision deemed prudent by the department.

3126 (3) USE OF FUNDS.—

3127 (a) A certified applicant may use funds provided under s.

3128 212.20(6)(d)7.c. ~~s. 212.20(6)(d)6.c.~~ only to:

3129 1. Serve the public purpose of constructing or renovating a

3130 facility for a spring training franchise.

3131 2. Pay or pledge for the payment of debt service on, or to

3132 fund debt service reserve funds, arbitrage rebate obligations,

3133 or other amounts payable with respect thereto, bonds issued for

3134 the construction or renovation of such facility, or for the

3135 reimbursement of such costs or the refinancing of bonds issued

3136 for such purposes.

3137 (c) The Department of Revenue may not distribute funds

3138 under s. 212.20(6)(d)7.c. ~~s. 212.20(6)(d)6.c.~~ until July 1,

3139 2016. Further, the Department of Revenue may not distribute

3140 funds to an applicant certified on or after July 1, 2013, until

3141 it receives notice from the department that:

3142 1. The certified applicant has encumbered funds under

3143 either subparagraph (a)1. or subparagraph (a)2.; and

3144 2. If applicable, any existing agreement with a spring

3145 training franchise for the use of a facility has expired.

3146 (d)1. All certified applicants shall place unexpended state

3147 funds received pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.c. s.

3148 ~~212.20(6)(d)6.c.~~ in a trust fund or separate account for use

3149 only as authorized in this section.

3150 2. A certified applicant may request that the department

3151 notify the Department of Revenue to suspend further

3152 distributions of state funds made available under s.

3153 212.20(6)(d)7.c. ~~s. 212.20(6)(d)6.c.~~ for 12 months after

3154 expiration of an existing agreement with a spring training

3155 franchise to provide the certified applicant with an opportunity

3156 to enter into a new agreement with a spring training franchise,

3157 at which time the distributions shall resume.

3158 3. The expenditure of state funds distributed to an

3159 applicant certified after July 1, 2013, must begin within 48

3160 months after the initial receipt of the state funds. In

3161 addition, the construction or renovation of a spring training

3162 facility must be completed within 24 months after the project’s

3163 commencement.

3164 Section 62. Subsection (1) of section 443.191, Florida

3165 Statutes, is amended to read:

3166 443.191 Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund; establishment

3167 and control.—

3168 (1) There is established, as a separate trust fund apart

3169 from all other public funds of this state, an Unemployment

3170 Compensation Trust Fund, which shall be administered by the

3171 Department of Commerce exclusively for the purposes of this

3172 chapter. The fund must consist of:

3173 (a) All contributions and reimbursements collected under

3174 this chapter;

3175 (b) Interest earned on any moneys in the fund;

3176 (c) Any property or securities acquired through the use of

3177 moneys belonging to the fund;

3178 (d) All earnings of these properties or securities;

3179 (e) All money credited to this state’s account in the

3180 federal Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund under 42 U.S.C. s.

3181 1103;

3182 (f) All money collected for penalties imposed pursuant to

3183 s. 443.151(6)(a);

3184 (g) Advances on the amount in the federal Unemployment

3185 Compensation Trust Fund credited to the state under 42 U.S.C. s.

3186 1321, as requested by the Governor or the Governor’s designee;

3187 and

3188 (h) All money deposited in this account as a distribution

3189 pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.e. ~~s. 212.20(6)(d)6.e.~~

3191 Except as otherwise provided in s. 443.1313(4), all moneys in

3192 the fund must be mingled and undivided.

3193 Section 63. Section 571.26, Florida Statutes, is amended to

3194 read:

3195 571.26 Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign Trust

3196 Fund.—There is hereby created the Florida Agricultural

3197 Promotional Campaign Trust Fund within the Department of

3198 Agriculture and Consumer Services to receive all moneys related

3199 to the Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign. Moneys

3200 deposited in the trust fund shall be appropriated for the sole

3201 purpose of implementing the Florida Agricultural Promotional

3202 Campaign, except for money deposited in the trust fund pursuant

3203 to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.e. ~~s. 212.20(6)(d)6.e.~~ , which shall be held

3204 separately and used solely for the purposes identified in s.

3205 571.265.

3206 Section 64. Subsection (2) of section 571.265, Florida

3207 Statutes, is amended to read:

3208 571.265 Promotion of Florida thoroughbred breeding and of

3209 thoroughbred racing at Florida thoroughbred tracks; distribution

3210 of funds.—

3211 (2) Funds deposited into the Florida Agricultural

3212 Promotional Campaign Trust Fund pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.e.

3213 ~~s. 212.20(6)(d)6.e.~~ shall be used by the department to encourage

3214 the agricultural activity of breeding thoroughbred racehorses in

3215 this state and to enhance thoroughbred racing conducted at

3216 thoroughbred tracks in this state as provided in this section.

3217 If the funds made available under this section are not fully

3218 used in any one fiscal year, any unused amounts shall be carried

3219 forward in the trust fund into future fiscal years and made

3220 available for distribution as provided in this section.

3221 Section 65. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3222 made by this act to section 20.60, Florida Statutes, in a

3223 reference thereto, subsection (8) of section 288.9935, Florida

3224 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3225 288.9935 Microfinance Guarantee Program.—

3226 (8) The department must, in the department’s report

3227 required under s. 20.60(10), include an annual report on the

3228 program. The report must, at a minimum, provide:

3229 (a) A comprehensive description of the program, including

3230 an evaluation of its application and guarantee activities,

3231 recommendations for change, and identification of any other

3232 state programs that overlap with the program;

3233 (b) An assessment of the current availability of and access

3234 to credit for entrepreneurs and small businesses in this state;

3235 (c) A summary of the financial and employment results of

3236 the entrepreneurs and small businesses receiving loan

3237 guarantees, including the number of full-time equivalent jobs

3238 created as a result of the guaranteed loans and the amount of

3239 wages paid to employees in the newly created jobs;

3240 (d) Industry data about the borrowers, including the six

3241 digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

3242 code;

3243 (e) The name and location of lenders that receive loan

3244 guarantees;

3245 (f) The number of loan guarantee applications received;

3246 (g) The number, duration, location, and amount of

3247 guarantees made;

3248 (h) The number and amount of guaranteed loans outstanding,

3249 if any;

3250 (i) The number and amount of guaranteed loans with payments

3251 overdue, if any;

3252 (j) The number and amount of guaranteed loans in default,

3253 if any;

3254 (k) The repayment history of the guaranteed loans made; and

3255 (l) An evaluation of the program’s ability to meet the

3256 financial performance measures and objectives specified in

3257 subsection (3).

3258 Section 66. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3259 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3260 reference thereto, paragraph (c) of subsection (5) of section

3261 125.0104, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3262 125.0104 Tourist development tax; procedure for levying;

3263 authorized uses; referendum; enforcement.—

3264 (5) AUTHORIZED USES OF REVENUE.—

3265 (c) A county located adjacent to the Gulf of America or the

3266 Atlantic Ocean, except a county that receives revenue from taxes

3267 levied pursuant to s. 125.0108, which meets the following

3268 criteria may use up to 10 percent of the tax revenue received

3269 pursuant to this section to reimburse expenses incurred in

3270 providing public safety services, including emergency medical

3271 services as defined in s. 401.107(3), and law enforcement

3272 services, which are needed to address impacts related to

3273 increased tourism and visitors to an area. However, if taxes

3274 collected pursuant to this section are used to reimburse

3275 emergency medical services or public safety services for tourism

3276 or special events, the governing board of a county or

3277 municipality may not use such taxes to supplant the normal

3278 operating expenses of an emergency medical services department,

3279 a fire department, a sheriff’s office, or a police department.

3280 To receive reimbursement, the county must:

3281 1.a. Generate a minimum of $10 million in annual proceeds

3282 from any tax, or any combination of taxes, authorized to be

3283 levied pursuant to this section;

3284 b. Have at least three municipalities; and

3285 c. Have an estimated population of less than 275,000,

3286 according to the most recent population estimate prepared

3287 pursuant to s. 186.901, excluding the inmate population; or

3288 2. Be a fiscally constrained county as described in s.

3289 218.67(1).

3291 The board of county commissioners must by majority vote approve

3292 reimbursement made pursuant to this paragraph upon receipt of a

3293 recommendation from the tourist development council.

3294 Section 67. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3295 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3296 reference thereto, subsection (3) of section 193.624, Florida

3297 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3298 193.624 Assessment of renewable energy source devices.—

3299 (3) This section applies to the installation of a renewable

3300 energy source device installed on or after January 1, 2013, to

3301 new and existing residential real property. This section applies

3302 to a renewable energy source device installed on or after

3303 January 1, 2018, to all other real property, except when

3304 installed as part of a project planned for a location in a

3305 fiscally constrained county, as defined in s. 218.67(1), and for

3306 which an application for a comprehensive plan amendment or

3307 planned unit development zoning has been filed with the county

3308 on or before December 31, 2017.

3309 Section 68. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3310 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3311 reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 196.182, Florida

3312 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3313 196.182 Exemption of renewable energy source devices.—

3314 (2) The exemption provided in this section does not apply

3315 to a renewable energy source device that is installed as part of

3316 a project planned for a location in a fiscally constrained

3317 county, as defined in s. 218.67(1), and for which an application

3318 for a comprehensive plan amendment or planned unit development

3319 zoning has been filed with the county on or before December 31,

3320 2017.

3321 Section 69. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3322 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3323 reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 218.12, Florida

3324 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3325 218.12 Appropriations to offset reductions in ad valorem

3326 tax revenue in fiscally constrained counties.—

3327 (1) Beginning in fiscal year 2008-2009, the Legislature

3328 shall appropriate moneys to offset the reductions in ad valorem

3329 tax revenue experienced by fiscally constrained counties, as

3330 defined in s. 218.67(1), which occur as a direct result of the

3331 implementation of revisions of Art. VII of the State

3332 Constitution approved in the special election held on January

3333 29, 2008. The moneys appropriated for this purpose shall be

3334 distributed in January of each fiscal year among the fiscally

3335 constrained counties based on each county’s proportion of the

3336 total reduction in ad valorem tax revenue resulting from the

3337 implementation of the revision.

3338 Section 70. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3339 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3340 reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 218.125, Florida

3341 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3342 218.125 Offset for tax loss associated with certain

3343 constitutional amendments affecting fiscally constrained

3344 counties.—

3345 (1) Beginning in the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the Legislature

3346 shall appropriate moneys to offset the reductions in ad valorem

3347 tax revenue experienced by fiscally constrained counties, as

3348 defined in s. 218.67(1), which occur as a direct result of the

3349 implementation of revisions of ss. 3(f) and 4(b), Art. VII of

3350 the State Constitution which were approved in the general

3351 election held in November 2008. The moneys appropriated for this

3352 purpose shall be distributed in January of each fiscal year

3353 among the fiscally constrained counties based on each county’s

3354 proportion of the total reduction in ad valorem tax revenue

3355 resulting from the implementation of the revisions.

3356 Section 71. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3357 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3358 reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 218.135, Florida

3359 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3360 218.135 Offset for tax loss associated with reductions in

3361 value of certain citrus fruit packing and processing equipment.—

3362 (1) For the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the Legislature shall

3363 appropriate moneys to offset the reductions in ad valorem tax

3364 revenue experienced by fiscally constrained counties, as defined

3365 in s. 218.67(1), which occur as a direct result of the

3366 implementation of s. 193.4516. The moneys appropriated for this

3367 purpose shall be distributed in January 2019 among the fiscally

3368 constrained counties based on each county’s proportion of the

3369 total reduction in ad valorem tax revenue resulting from the

3370 implementation of s. 193.4516.

3371 Section 72. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3372 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3373 reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 218.136, Florida

3374 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3375 218.136 Offset for ad valorem revenue loss affecting

3376 fiscally constrained counties.—

3377 (1) Beginning in fiscal year 2025-2026, the Legislature

3378 shall appropriate moneys to offset the reductions in ad valorem

3379 tax revenue experienced by fiscally constrained counties, as

3380 defined in s. 218.67(1), which occur as a direct result of the

3381 implementation of revisions of s. 6(a), Art. VII of the State

3382 Constitution approved in the November 2024 general election. The

3383 moneys appropriated for this purpose shall be distributed in

3384 January of each fiscal year among the fiscally constrained

3385 counties based on each county’s proportion of the total

3386 reduction in ad valorem tax revenue resulting from the

3387 implementation of the revision of s. 6(a), Art. VII of the State

3388 Constitution.

3389 Section 73. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3390 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3391 reference thereto, paragraph (cc) of subsection (2) of section

3392 252.35, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3393 252.35 Emergency management powers; Division of Emergency

3394 Management.—

3395 (2) The division is responsible for carrying out the

3396 provisions of ss. 252.31-252.90. In performing its duties, the

3397 division shall:

3398 (cc) Administer a revolving loan program for local

3399 government hazard mitigation projects.

3400 Section 74. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3401 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3402 reference thereto, subsection (4) of section 288.102, Florida

3403 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3404 288.102 Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program.—

3405 (4) A minimum of a one-to-one match of nonstate resources,

3406 including local, federal, or private funds, to the state

3407 contribution is required. An award may not be made for a project

3408 that is receiving or using state funding from another state

3409 source or statutory program, including tax credits. The one-to

3410 one match requirement is waived for a public entity located in a

3411 fiscally constrained county as defined in s. 218.67(1).

3412 Section 75. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3413 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3414 reference thereto, paragraph (h) of subsection (16) of section

3415 403.064, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3416 403.064 Reuse of reclaimed water.—

3417 (16) By November 1, 2021, domestic wastewater utilities

3418 that dispose of effluent, reclaimed water, or reuse water by

3419 surface water discharge shall submit to the department for

3420 review and approval a plan for eliminating nonbeneficial surface

3421 water discharge by January 1, 2032, subject to the requirements

3422 of this section. The plan must include the average gallons per

3423 day of effluent, reclaimed water, or reuse water that will no

3424 longer be discharged into surface waters and the date of such

3425 elimination, the average gallons per day of surface water

3426 discharge which will continue in accordance with the

3427 alternatives provided for in subparagraphs (a)2. and 3., and the

3428 level of treatment that the effluent, reclaimed water, or reuse

3429 water will receive before being discharged into a surface water

3430 by each alternative.

3431 (h) This subsection does not apply to any of the following:

3432 1. A domestic wastewater treatment facility that is located

3433 in a fiscally constrained county as described in s. 218.67(1).

3434 2. A domestic wastewater treatment facility that is located

3435 in a municipality that is entirely within a rural area of

3436 opportunity as designated pursuant to s. 288.0656.

3437 3. A domestic wastewater treatment facility that is located

3438 in a municipality that has less than $10 million in total

3439 revenue, as determined by the municipality’s most recent annual

3440 financial report submitted to the Department of Financial

3441 Services in accordance with s. 218.32.

3442 4. A domestic wastewater treatment facility that is

3443 operated by an operator of a mobile home park as defined in s.

3444 723.003 and has a permitted capacity of less than 300,000

3445 gallons per day.

3446 Section 76. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3447 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in

3448 references thereto, subsections (2) and (3) of section 589.08,

3449 Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read:

3450 589.08 Land acquisition restrictions.—

3451 (2) The Florida Forest Service may receive, hold the

3452 custody of, and exercise the control of any lands, and set aside

3453 into a separate, distinct and inviolable fund, any proceeds

3454 derived from the sales of the products of such lands, the use

3455 thereof in any manner, or the sale of such lands save the 25

3456 percent of the proceeds to be paid into the State School Fund as

3457 provided by law. The Florida Forest Service may use and apply

3458 such funds for the acquisition, use, custody, management,

3459 development, or improvement of any lands vested in or subject to

3460 the control of the Florida Forest Service. After full payment

3461 has been made for the purchase of a state forest to the Federal

3462 Government or other grantor, 15 percent of the gross receipts

3463 from a state forest shall be paid to the fiscally constrained

3464 county or counties, as described in s. 218.67(1), in which it is

3465 located in proportion to the acreage located in each county for

3466 use by the county or counties for school purposes.

3467 (3) The Florida Forest Service shall pay 15 percent of the

3468 gross receipts from the Goethe State Forest to each fiscally

3469 constrained county, as described in s. 218.67(1), in which a

3470 portion of the respective forest is located in proportion to the

3471 forest acreage located in such county. The funds must be equally

3472 divided between the board of county commissioners and the school

3473 board of each fiscally constrained county.

3474 Section 77. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3475 made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a

3476 reference thereto, paragraph (f) of subsection (1) of section

3477 1011.62, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3478 1011.62 Funds for operation of schools.—If the annual

3479 allocation from the Florida Education Finance Program to each

3480 district for operation of schools is not determined in the

3481 annual appropriations act or the substantive bill implementing

3482 the annual appropriations act, it shall be determined as

3483 follows:

3484 (1) COMPUTATION OF THE BASE FLORIDA EDUCATION FINANCE

3485 PROGRAM.—The following procedure shall be followed in

3486 determining the base Florida Education Finance Program funds for

3487 each district:

3488 (f) Small district factor.—An additional value per full

3489 time equivalent student membership is provided to each school

3490 district with a full-time equivalent student membership of fewer

3491 than 20,000 full-time equivalent students which is in a fiscally

3492 constrained county as described in s. 218.67(1). The amount of

3493 the additional value shall be specified in the General

3494 Appropriations Act.

3495 Section 78. For the purpose of incorporating the amendments

3496 made by this act to sections 218.67 and 339.2818, Florida

3497 Statutes, in references thereto, paragraph (c) of subsection (6)

3498 of section 403.0741, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3499 403.0741 Grease waste removal and disposal.—

3500 (6) REGULATION BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.—

3501 (c) Fiscally constrained counties as described in s.

3502 218.67(1) and small counties as defined in s. 339.2818(2) may

3503 opt out of the requirements of this section.

3504 Section 79. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3505 made by this act to section 288.0656, Florida Statutes, in a

3506 reference thereto, paragraph (e) of subsection (7) of section

3507 163.3177, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3508 163.3177 Required and optional elements of comprehensive

3509 plan; studies and surveys.—

3510 (7)

3511 (e) This subsection does not confer the status of rural

3512 area of opportunity, or any of the rights or benefits derived

3513 from such status, on any land area not otherwise designated as

3514 such pursuant to s. 288.0656(7).

3515 Section 80. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3516 made by this act to section 288.9961, Florida Statutes, in a

3517 reference thereto, paragraph (a) of subsection (7) of section

3518 288.9962, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3519 288.9962 Broadband Opportunity Program.—

3520 (7)(a) In evaluating grant applications and awarding

3521 grants, the office must give priority to applications that:

3522 1. Offer broadband Internet service to important community

3523 institutions, including, but not limited to, libraries,

3524 educational institutions, public safety facilities, and health

3525 care facilities;

3526 2. Facilitate the use of telemedicine and electronic health

3527 records;

3528 3. Serve economically distressed areas of this state, as

3529 measured by indices of unemployment, poverty, or population loss

3530 that are significantly greater than the statewide average;

3531 4. Provide for scalability to transmission speeds of at

3532 least 100 megabits per second download and 10 megabits per

3533 second upload;

3534 5. Include a component to actively promote the adoption of

3535 the newly available broadband Internet service in the community;

3536 6. Provide evidence of strong support for the project from

3537 citizens, government, businesses, and institutions in the

3538 community;

3539 7. Provide access to broadband Internet service to the

3540 greatest number of unserved households and businesses;

3541 8. Leverage greater amounts of funding for a project from

3542 private sources; or

3543 9. Demonstrate consistency with the strategic plan adopted

3544 under s. 288.9961.

3545 Section 81. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3546 made by this act to section 319.32, Florida Statutes, in a

3547 reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 215.211, Florida

3548 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3549 215.211 Service charge; elimination or reduction for

3550 specified proceeds.—

3551 (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 215.20(1) and

3552 former s. 215.20(3), the service charge provided in s. 215.20(1)

3553 and former s. 215.20(3), which is deducted from the proceeds of

3554 the taxes distributed under ss. 206.606(1), 207.026,

3555 212.0501(6), and 319.32(5), shall be eliminated beginning July

3556 1, 2000.

3557 Section 82. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3558 made by this act to section 339.68, Florida Statutes, in

3559 references thereto, subsections (5) and (6) of section 339.66,

3560 Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read:

3561 339.66 Upgrade of arterial highways with controlled access

3562 facilities.—

3563 (5) Any existing applicable requirements relating to

3564 department projects shall apply to projects undertaken by the

3565 department pursuant to this section. The department shall take

3566 into consideration the guidance and recommendations of any

3567 previous studies or reports relevant to the projects authorized

3568 by this section and ss. 339.67 and 339.68, including, but not

3569 limited to, the task force reports prepared pursuant to chapter

3570 2019-43, Laws of Florida.

3571 (6) Any existing applicable requirements relating to

3572 turnpike projects apply to projects undertaken by the Turnpike

3573 Enterprise pursuant to this section. The Turnpike Enterprise

3574 shall take into consideration the guidance and recommendations

3575 of any previous studies or reports relevant to the projects

3576 authorized by this section and ss. 339.67 and 339.68, including,

3577 but not limited to, the task force reports prepared pursuant to

3578 chapter 2019-43, Laws of Florida, and with respect to any

3579 extension of the Florida Turnpike from its northerly terminus in

3580 Wildwood.

3581 Section 83. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3582 made by this act to section 420.9073, Florida Statutes, in

3583 references thereto, subsections (4) and (6) of section 420.9072,

3584 Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read:

3585 420.9072 State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program.—The

3586 State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program is created for the

3587 purpose of providing funds to counties and eligible

3588 municipalities as an incentive for the creation of local housing

3589 partnerships, to expand production of and preserve affordable

3590 housing, to further the housing element of the local government

3591 comprehensive plan specific to affordable housing, and to

3592 increase housing-related employment.

3593 (4) Moneys in the Local Government Housing Trust Fund shall

3594 be distributed by the corporation to each approved county and

3595 eligible municipality within the county as provided in s.

3596 420.9073. Distributions shall be allocated to the participating

3597 county and to each eligible municipality within the county

3598 according to an interlocal agreement between the county

3599 governing authority and the governing body of the eligible

3600 municipality or, if there is no interlocal agreement, according

3601 to population. The portion for each eligible municipality is

3602 computed by multiplying the total moneys earmarked for a county

3603 by a fraction, the numerator of which is the population of the

3604 eligible municipality and the denominator of which is the total

3605 population of the county. The remaining revenues shall be

3606 distributed to the governing body of the county.

3607 (6) The moneys that otherwise would be distributed pursuant

3608 to s. 420.9073 to a local government that does not meet the

3609 program’s requirements for receipts of such distributions shall

3610 remain in the Local Government Housing Trust Fund to be

3611 administered by the corporation.

3612 Section 84. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3613 made by this act to section 420.9073, Florida Statutes, in a

3614 reference thereto, paragraph (b) of subsection (7) of section

3615 420.9076, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3616 420.9076 Adoption of affordable housing incentive

3617 strategies; committees.—

3618 (7) The governing board of the county or the eligible

3619 municipality shall notify the corporation by certified mail of

3620 its adoption of an amendment of its local housing assistance

3621 plan to incorporate local housing incentive strategies. The

3622 notice must include a copy of the approved amended plan.

3623 (b) If a county fails to timely adopt an amended local

3624 housing assistance plan to incorporate local housing incentive

3625 strategies but an eligible municipality receiving a local

3626 housing distribution pursuant to an interlocal agreement within

3627 the county does timely adopt an amended local housing assistance

3628 plan to incorporate local housing incentive strategies, the

3629 corporation, after issuance of a notice of termination, shall

3630 thereafter distribute directly to the participating eligible

3631 municipality its share calculated in the manner provided in s.

3632 420.9073.

3633 Section 85. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

3634 made by this act to section 420.9073, Florida Statutes, in a

3635 reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 420.9079, Florida

3636 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

3637 420.9079 Local Government Housing Trust Fund.—

3638 (2) The corporation shall administer the fund exclusively

3639 for the purpose of implementing the programs described in ss.

3640 420.907-420.9076 and this section. With the exception of

3641 monitoring the activities of counties and eligible

3642 municipalities to determine local compliance with program

3643 requirements, the corporation shall not receive appropriations

3644 from the fund for administrative or personnel costs. For the

3645 purpose of implementing the compliance monitoring provisions of

3646 s. 420.9075(9), the corporation may request a maximum of one

3647 quarter of 1 percent of the annual appropriation per state

3648 fiscal year. When such funding is appropriated, the corporation

3649 shall deduct the amount appropriated prior to calculating the

3650 local housing distribution pursuant to ss. 420.9072 and

3651 420.9073.

3652 Section 86. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.