Florida 2025 Regular Session

Florida House Bill H1427 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

Old	New	Differences
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2	2
3	3	HB 1427 2025
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5	5
6	6
7	7	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
8	8	hb1427-00
9	9	Page 1 of 150
10	10	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
11	11
12	12
13	13
14	14	A bill to be entitled 1
15	15	An act relating to rural communities; amending s. 2
16	16	20.60, F.S.; revising the list of divisions and 3
17	17	offices within the Department of Commerce to conform 4
18	18	to changes made by the act; revising the annual 5
19	19	program reports that must be included in the annual 6
20	20	report of the Department of Commerce; amending s. 7
21	21	163.3168, F.S.; requiring the state land planning 8
22	22	agency to give preference for technical assistance 9
23	23	funding to local governments located in a rural area 10
24	24	of opportunity; requiring the agency to consult with 11
25	25	the Office of Rural Prosperity when awarding certain 12
26	26	funding; amending s. 201.15, F.S.; requiring that a 13
27	27	certain sum be paid to the credit of the State 14
28	28	Transportation Trust Fund for the exclusive use of the 15
29	29	Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program; amending 16
30	30	s. 202.18, F.S.; redirecting the transfer of certain 17
31	31	communication services tax revenue; amending s. 18
32	32	212.20, F.S.; revising the distribution of sales and 19
33	33	use tax revenue to include a transfer to fiscally 20
34	34	constrained counties; amending s. 215.971, F.S.; 21
35	35	providing construction regarding agreements funded 22
36	36	with federal or state assistance; requiring each state 23
37	37	agency to report to the Office of Rural Prosperity by 24
38	38	a certain date with a summary of certain information; 25
39	39
40	40	HB 1427 2025
41	41
42	42
43	43
44	44	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
45	45	hb1427-00
46	46	Page 2 of 150
47	47	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
48	48
49	49
50	50
51	51	requiring the office to summarize the inform ation it 26
52	52	receives for its annual report; amending s. 218.67, 27
53	53	F.S.; revising the conditions required for a county to 28
54	54	be considered a fiscally constrained county; 29
55	55	authorizing eligible counties to receive a 30
56	56	distribution of sales and use tax revenue; revising 31
57	57	the sources that the Department of Revenue must use to 32
58	58	determine the amount distributed to fiscally 33
59	59	constrained counties; revising the factors for 34
60	60	allocation of the distribution of revenue to fiscally 35
61	61	constrained counties; requiring that the computation 36
62	62	and amount distributed be calculated based on a 37
63	63	specified rounding algorithm; authorizing specified 38
64	64	uses for the revenue; conforming a cross -reference; 39
65	65	amending s. 288.0001, F.S.; requiring the Office of 40
66	66	Economic and Demographic Research and the Office of 41
67	67	Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability 42
68	68	(OPPAGA) to prepare a report for a specified purpose; 43
69	69	specifying requirements for the report; providing that 44
70	70	the Office of Economic and Demographic Research and 45
71	71	OPPAGA must be provided with all data neces sary to 46
72	72	complete the rural communities or areas report upon 47
73	73	request; authorizing the Office of Economic and 48
74	74	Demographic Research and OPPAGA to collaborate on all 49
75	75	data collection and analysis; requiring the Office of 50
76	76
77	77	HB 1427 2025
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79	79
80	80
81	81	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
82	82	hb1427-00
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84	84	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
85	85
86	86
87	87
88	88	Economic and Demographic Research and OP PAGA to submit 51
89	89	the report to the Legislature by a specified date; 52
90	90	providing additional requirements for the report; 53
91	91	providing for expiration; amending s. 288.001, F.S.; 54
92	92	requiring the Florida Small Business Development 55
93	93	Center Network to use certain funds ap propriated for a 56
94	94	specified purpose; authorizing the network to dedicate 57
95	95	funds to facilitate certain events; amending s. 58
96	96	288.007, F.S.; revising which local governments and 59
97	97	economic development organizations seeking to recruit 60
98	98	businesses are required to sub mit a specified report; 61
99	99	creating s. 288.013, F.S.; providing legislative 62
100	100	findings; creating the Office of Rural Prosperity 63
101	101	within the Department of Commerce; requiring the 64
102	102	Governor to appoint a director, subject to 65
103	103	confirmation by the Senate; providing tha t the 66
104	104	director reports to and serves at the pleasure of the 67
105	105	secretary of the department; providing the duties of 68
106	106	the office; requiring the office to establish by a 69
107	107	specified date a certain number of regional rural 70
108	108	community liaison centers across this stat e for a 71
109	109	specified purpose; providing the powers, duties, and 72
110	110	functions of the liaison centers; requiring the 73
111	111	liaison centers, to the extent possible, to coordinate 74
112	112	with certain entities; requiring the liaison centers 75
113	113
114	114	HB 1427 2025
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116	116
117	117
118	118	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
119	119	hb1427-00
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121	121	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
122	122
123	123
124	124
125	125	to engage with the Rural Economic Devel opment 76
126	126	Initiative (REDI); requiring at least one staff member 77
127	127	of a liaison center to attend the monthly meetings in 78
128	128	person or by means of electronic communication; 79
129	129	requiring the director of the office to submit an 80
130	130	annual report to the Administration Commis sion in the 81
131	131	Executive Office of the Governor; specifying 82
132	132	requirements for the annual report; requiring that the 83
133	133	annual report also be submitted to the Legislature by 84
134	134	a specified date and published on the office's 85
135	135	website; requiring the director of the offi ce to 86
136	136	attend the next Administration Commission meeting to 87
137	137	present detailed information from the annual report; 88
138	138	requiring OPPAGA to review the effectiveness of the 89
139	139	office by a certain date annually until a specified 90
140	140	date; requiring OPPAGA to review the off ice at 91
141	141	specified intervals; requiring such reviews to include 92
142	142	certain information to be considered by the 93
143	143	Legislature; requiring that such reports be submitted 94
144	144	to the Legislature; requiring OPPAGA to review certain 95
145	145	strategies from other states; requiring O PPAGA to 96
146	146	submit to the Legislature its findings at certain 97
147	147	intervals; creating s. 288.014, F.S.; providing 98
148	148	legislative findings; requiring the Office of Rural 99
149	149	Prosperity to administer the Renaissance Grants 100
150	150
151	151	HB 1427 2025
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153	153
154	154
155	155	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
156	156	hb1427-00
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158	158	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
159	159
160	160
161	161
162	162	Program to provide block grants to eligible 101
163	163	communities; requiring the Office of Economic and 102
164	164	Demographic Research to certify to the Office of Rural 103
165	165	Prosperity certain information by a specified date; 104
166	166	defining the term "growth -impeded"; requiring the 105
167	167	Office of Economic and Demographic Research to certify 106
168	168	annually that a county remains growth -impeded until 107
169	169	such county has positive population growth for a 108
170	170	specified amount of time; providing that such county, 109
171	171	after 3 consecutive years of population growth, is 110
172	172	eligible to participate in the program for 1 111
173	173	additional year; requiring a county eligible for the 112
174	174	program to enter into an agreement with the Office of 113
175	175	Rural Prosperity in order to receive the block grant; 114
176	176	giving such counties broad authority to design their 115
177	177	specific plans; prohibiting the Office of Rura l 116
178	178	Prosperity from determining how such counties 117
179	179	implement the block grant; requiring regional rural 118
180	180	community liaison center staff to provide assistance, 119
181	181	upon request; requiring participating counties to 120
182	182	report annually to the Office of Rural Prosperity wi th 121
183	183	certain information; providing that a participating 122
184	184	county receives a specified amount from funds 123
185	185	appropriated to the program; requiring participating 124
186	186	counties to make all attempts to limit the amount 125
187	187
188	188	HB 1427 2025
189	189
190	190
191	191
192	192	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
193	193	hb1427-00
194	194	Page 6 of 150
195	195	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
196	196
197	197
198	198
199	199	spent on administrative costs; authorizing 126
200	200	participating counties to contribute other funds for 127
201	201	block grant purposes; requiring participating counties 128
202	202	to hire a renaissance coordinator; providing that 129
203	203	funds from the block grant may be used to hire the 130
204	204	renaissance coordinator; providing the 131
205	205	responsibilities of the renaissance coordinator; 132
206	206	requiring the regional rural community liaison center 133
207	207	staff to provide assistance and training to the 134
208	208	renaissance coordinator, upon request; requiring 135
209	209	participating counties to design a plan to make 136
210	210	targeted investments to a chieve population growth and 137
211	211	increase economic vitality; providing requirements for 138
212	212	such plans; requiring participating counties to 139
213	213	develop intergovernmental agreements with certain 140
214	214	entities in order to implement the plan; requiring the 141
215	215	Auditor General to conduct an operational audit every 142
216	216	2 years for a specified purpose; requiring the Office 143
217	217	of Economic and Demographic Research to provide an 144
218	218	annual report on a specified date of renaissance block 145
219	219	grant recipients by county; providing requirements for 146
220	220	the annual report; requiring that the report be 147
221	221	submitted to the Governor and the Legislature; 148
222	222	prohibiting funds appropriated for the program from 149
223	223	being subject to reversion; providing for an 150
224	224
225	225	HB 1427 2025
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227	227
228	228
229	229	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
230	230	hb1427-00
231	231	Page 7 of 150
232	232	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
233	233
234	234
235	235
236	236	expiration of the section; creating s. 288.0175, F.S.; 151
237	237	creating the Public Infrastructure Smart Technology 152
238	238	Grant Program within the Office of Rural Prosperity; 153
239	239	defining terms; requiring the office to contract with 154
240	240	one or more smart technology lead organizations to 155
241	241	administer a grant program for a specified purpose; 156
242	242	providing the criteria for such contracts; requiring 157
243	243	that projects funded by the grant program be included 158
244	244	in the office's annual report; amending s. 288.018, 159
245	245	F.S.; requiring the office, rather than the Department 160
246	246	of Commerce, to establish a grant program to provid e 161
247	247	funding for regional economic development 162
248	248	organizations; revising who may apply for such grants; 163
249	249	providing that a grant award may not exceed a certain 164
250	250	amount in a year; providing exceptions to a provision 165
251	251	that the department may expend a certain amount f or a 166
252	252	certain purpose; amending s. 288.019, F.S.; revising 167
253	253	the program criteria and procedures that agencies and 168
254	254	organizations of REDI are required to review; revising 169
255	255	the list of impacts each REDI agency and organization 170
256	256	must consider in its review; requir ing REDI agencies 171
257	257	and organizations to develop a proposal for 172
258	258	modifications which minimizes the financial and 173
259	259	resource impacts to a rural community; requiring that 174
260	260	ranking of evaluation criteria and scoring procedures 175
261	261
262	262	HB 1427 2025
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264	264
265	265
266	266	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
267	267	hb1427-00
268	268	Page 8 of 150
269	269	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
270	270
271	271
272	272
273	273	be used only when ranking is a compone nt of the 176
274	274	program; requiring that match requirements be waived 177
275	275	or reduced for rural communities; providing that 178
276	276	donations of land may be treated as in -kind matches; 179
277	277	requiring each agency and organization that applies 180
278	278	for or receives federal funding to requ est federal 181
279	279	approval to waive or reduce the financial match 182
280	280	requirements, if any, for projects in rural 183
281	281	communities; requiring that proposals be submitted to 184
282	282	the office, rather than the department; requiring each 185
283	283	REDI agency and organization to modify rule s or 186
284	284	policies as necessary to reflect the finalized 187
285	285	proposal; requiring that information about authorized 188
286	286	waivers be included on the office's online rural 189
287	287	resource directory; conforming a cross -reference; 190
288	288	amending s. 288.021, F.S.; requiring, when 191
289	289	practicable, the economic development liaison to serve 192
290	290	as the agency representative for REDI; amending s. 193
291	291	288.065, F.S.; defining the term "unit of local 194
292	292	government"; requiring the office to include in its 195
293	293	annual report certain information about the Rural 196
294	294	Community Development Revolving Loan Fund; conforming 197
295	295	provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 198
296	296	288.0655, F.S.; revising the list of grants that may 199
297	297	be awarded by the office; deleting the authorization 200
298	298
299	299	HB 1427 2025
300	300
301	301
302	302
303	303	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
304	304	hb1427-00
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306	306	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
307	307
308	308
309	309
310	310	for local match requirements to be waived for a 201
311	311	catalyst site; revising the list of departments the 202
312	312	office must consult with to certify applicants; 203
313	313	requiring the office to include certain information 204
314	314	about the Rural Infrastructure Trust Fund in its 205
315	315	annual report; conforming provisions to changes made 206
316	316	by the act; amending s. 288.0656, F.S.; providing 207
317	317	legislative findings; providing that REDI is created 208
318	318	within the Office of Rural Prosperity, rather than the 209
319	319	department; deleting the definitions of the terms 210
320	320	"catalyst project" and "catalyst site"; requiring that 211
321	321	an alternate for each designated deputy secretary be a 212
322	322	deputy secretary or higher -level staff person; 213
323	323	requiring that the names of such alternates be 214
324	324	reported to the director of the office; requiring at 215
325	325	least one rural liaison to participate in REDI 216
326	326	meetings; requiring REDI to meet at least each month; 217
327	327	deleting a provision that a rural area of opportunity 218
328	328	may designate catalyst projects; requiring REDI to 219
329	329	submit a certain report to the office, rather than to 220
330	330	the department; specifying requirements for such 221
331	331	report; conforming provisions to changes made by the 222
332	332	act; repealing s. 288.06561, F.S., relating to 223
333	333	reduction or waiver of financial match requirements; 224
334	334	amending s. 288.0657, F.S.; requiring the office, 225
335	335
336	336	HB 1427 2025
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338	338
339	339
340	340	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
341	341	hb1427-00
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343	343	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
344	344
345	345
346	346
347	347	rather than the department, to provide grants to 226
348	348	assist rural communities; providing that such grants 227
349	349	may be used for specified purposes; requiring the 228
350	350	rural liaison to assist those applying for such 229
351	351	grants; providing that marketing grants may include 230
352	352	certain funding; amending s. 288.9961, F.S.; revising 231
353	353	the definition of the term "underserved"; requiring 232
354	354	the office to consult with regional rural community 233
355	355	liaison centers on development of a certain strategic 234
356	356	plan; requiring rural liaisons to assist rural 235
357	357	communities with providing feedback in applying for 236
358	358	federal grants for broadband Internet services; 237
359	359	requiring the office to submit reports with specified 238
360	360	information to the Governor and the Legislature within 239
361	361	certain timeframes; repealing s. 290.06561, F.S., 240
362	362	relating to designation of rural enterprise zones as 241
363	363	catalyst sites; amending s. 319.32, F.S.; revising the 242
364	364	disposition of fees collected for certain title 243
365	365	certificates; amending s. 334.044, F.S.; revising the 244
366	366	powers and duties of the Department of Transportation; 245
367	367	amending s. 339.0801, F.S.; revising the al location of 246
368	368	funds received in the State Transportation Trust Fund; 247
369	369	amending s. 339.2816, F.S.; requiring, rather than 248
370	370	authorizing, that certain funds received from the 249
371	371	State Transportation Trust Fund be used for the Small 250
372	372
373	373	HB 1427 2025
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375	375
376	376
377	377	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
378	378	hb1427-00
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380	380	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
381	381
382	382
383	383
384	384	County Road Assistance Program; re quiring the 251
385	385	department to use other additional revenues for the 252
386	386	Small County Road Assistance Program; providing an 253
387	387	exception from the prohibition against funding 254
388	388	capacity improvements on county roads; amending s. 255
389	389	339.2818, F.S.; deleting a provision that t he funds 256
390	390	allocated under the Small County Outreach Program are 257
391	391	in addition to the Small County Road Assistance 258
392	392	Program; deleting a provision that a local government 259
393	393	within the Everglades Agricultural Area, the Peace 260
394	394	River Basin, or the Suwannee River Basin may compete 261
395	395	for additional funding; conforming provisions to 262
396	396	changes made by the act; making a technical change; 263
397	397	amending s. 339.68, F.S.; providing legislative 264
398	398	findings; creating the Florida Arterial Road 265
399	399	Modernization Program within the Department of 266
400	400	Commerce; defining the term "rural community"; 267
401	401	requiring the department to allocate from the State 268
402	402	Transportation Trust Fund a minimum sum in each fiscal 269
403	403	year to fund the program; providing that such funding 270
404	404	is in addition to any other funding provided to th e 271
405	405	program; providing criteria the department must use to 272
406	406	prioritize projects for funding under the program; 273
407	407	requiring the department to submit a report to the 274
408	408	Governor and the Legislature by a specified date; 275
409	409
410	410	HB 1427 2025
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412	412
413	413
414	414	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
415	415	hb1427-00
416	416	Page 12 of 150
417	417	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
418	418
419	419
420	420
421	421	requiring that such report be submitted every 2 years 276
422	422	thereafter; providing the criteria for such report; 277
423	423	requiring the Department of Transportation to allocate 278
424	424	additional funds to implement the Small County Road 279
425	425	Assistance Program and amend the tentative work 280
426	426	program for a specified number of fiscal y ears; 281
427	427	requiring the department to submit a budget amendment 282
428	428	before the adoption of the work program; requiring the 283
429	429	department to allocate sufficient funds to implement 284
430	430	the Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program; 285
431	431	requiring the department to amend the c urrent 286
432	432	tentative work program for a specified number of 287
433	433	fiscal years to include the program's projects; 288
434	434	requiring the department to submit a budget amendment 289
435	435	before the implementation of the program; requiring 290
436	436	that the revenue increases in the State Transp ortation 291
437	437	Trust Fund which are derived from the act be used to 292
438	438	fund the work program; creating s. 381.403, F.S.; 293
439	439	providing legislative findings; creating the Rural 294
440	440	Access to Primary and Preventive Care Grant Program 295
441	441	within the Department of Health for a spe cified 296
442	442	purpose; defining terms; requiring the department to 297
443	443	award grants under the program to physicians and 298
444	444	autonomous advanced practice registered nurses 299
445	445	intending to open new practices or practice locations 300
446	446
447	447	HB 1427 2025
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449	449
450	450
451	451	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
452	452	hb1427-00
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454	454	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
455	455
456	456
457	457
458	458	in qualifying rural areas; specifying eligibil ity 301
459	459	criteria for the grants; requiring the department, by 302
460	460	a specified date, to create an application process for 303
461	461	applying for grants under the program; specifying 304
462	462	requirements for the application and application 305
463	463	process; authorizing the department, subject to 306
464	464	specific appropriation, to award grants under the 307
465	465	program; specifying limitations on the awarding of 308
466	466	grants; specifying expenses for which grant funds are 309
467	467	authorized and prohibited; requiring the department to 310
468	468	enter into a contract with each grant reci pient; 311
469	469	specifying requirements for the contracts; authorizing 312
470	470	the department to adopt rules; requiring the 313
471	471	department, beginning on a specified date and annually 314
472	472	thereafter, to provide a report containing specified 315
473	473	information to the Governor and the Legis lature; 316
474	474	providing for future legislative review and repeal of 317
475	475	the program; creating s. 381.9856, F.S.; creating the 318
476	476	Stroke, Cardiac, and Obstetric Response and Education 319
477	477	Grant Program within the Department of Health; 320
478	478	specifying the purpose of the program; defining terms; 321
479	479	requiring the department to award grants under the 322
480	480	program to certain entities meeting specified 323
481	481	criteria; requiring the department to give priority to 324
482	482	certain applicants; limiting individual grants to a 325
483	483
484	484	HB 1427 2025
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486	486
487	487
488	488	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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491	491	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
492	492
493	493
494	494
495	495	specified amount per year; requiring grant recipients 326
496	496	to submit quarterly reports to the department; 327
497	497	requiring the department to monitor program 328
498	498	implementation and outcomes; requiring the department 329
499	499	to submit an annual report to the Governor and the 330
500	500	Legislature by a specified date; authorizi ng the 331
501	501	department to adopt rules; providing construction; 332
502	502	providing for future legislative review and repeal of 333
503	503	the program; amending s. 395.6061, F.S.; providing 334
504	504	that rural hospital capital grant improvement program 335
505	505	funding may be awarded to rural hospita ls to establish 336
506	506	mobile care units and telehealth kiosks for specified 337
507	507	purposes; defining terms; amending s. 420.9073, F.S.; 338
508	508	revising the calculation of guaranteed amounts 339
509	509	distributed from the Local Government Housing Trust 340
510	510	Fund; reenacting and amending s. 420.9075, F.S.; 341
511	511	authorizing a certain percentage of the funds made 342
512	512	available in each county and eligible municipality 343
513	513	from the local housing distribution to be used to 344
514	514	preserve multifamily affordable rental housing; 345
515	515	specifying what such funds may be used f or; providing 346
516	516	an expiration; amending s. 1001.451, F.S.; revising 347
517	517	the services required to be provided by regional 348
518	518	consortium service organizations when such services 349
519	519	are found to be necessary and appropriate by such 350
520	520
521	521	HB 1427 2025
522	522
523	523
524	524
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526	526	hb1427-00
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528	528	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
529	529
530	530
531	531
532	532	organizations' boards of directors; rev ising the 351
533	533	allocation that certain regional consortium service 352
534	534	organizations are eligible to receive from the General 353
535	535	Appropriations Act; requiring each regional consortium 354
536	536	service organization to submit an annual report to the 355
537	537	Department of Education; requ iring that unexpended 356
538	538	amounts in certain funds be carried forward; requiring 357
539	539	each regional consortium service organization to 358
540	540	provide quarterly financial reports to member 359
541	541	districts; requiring member districts to designate a 360
542	542	district to serve as a fiscal a gent for certain 361
543	543	purposes; providing for compensation of the fiscal 362
544	544	agent district; requiring regional consortium service 363
545	545	organizations to retain all funds received from grants 364
546	546	or contracted services to cover indirect or 365
547	547	administrative costs associated wit h the provision of 366
548	548	such services; requiring the regional consortium 367
549	549	service organization board of directors to determine 368
550	550	products and services provided by the organization; 369
551	551	requiring a regional consortium service organization 370
552	552	board of directors to recommen d the establishment of 371
553	553	positions and appointments to a fiscal agent district; 372
554	554	requiring that personnel be employed under specified 373
555	555	personnel policies; authorizing the regional 374
556	556	consortium service organization board of directors to 375
557	557
558	558	HB 1427 2025
559	559
560	560
561	561
562	562	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
563	563	hb1427-00
564	564	Page 16 of 150
565	565	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
566	566
567	567
568	568
569	569	recommend a salary schedul e for personnel; authorizing 376
570	570	regional consortium service organizations to purchase 377
571	571	or lease property and facilities essential to their 378
572	572	operations; providing for the distribution of revenue 379
573	573	if a regional consortium service organization is 380
574	574	dissolved; deleting a provision requiring applications 381
575	575	for incentive grants; authorizing regional consortium 382
576	576	service organization boards of directors to contract 383
577	577	to provide services to nonmember districts; requiring 384
578	578	that a fund balance be established for specified 385
579	579	purposes; deleting a requirement for the use of 386
580	580	certain funds; authorizing a regional consortium 387
581	581	service organization to administer a specified 388
582	582	program; creating s. 1001.4511, F.S.; creating the 389
583	583	Regional Consortia Service Organization Supplemental 390
584	584	Services Program; providing the purpose of the 391
585	585	program; authorizing funds to be used for specified 392
586	586	purposes; requiring each regional consortium service 393
587	587	organization to report the distribution of funds 394
588	588	annually to the Legislature; providing for the 395
589	589	carryforward of funds; pr oviding appropriations; 396
590	590	creating s. 1009.635, F.S.; establishing the Rural 397
591	591	Incentive for Professional Educators Program within 398
592	592	the Department of Education; requiring the program to 399
593	593	provide financial assistance for the repayment of 400
594	594
595	595	HB 1427 2025
596	596
597	597
598	598
599	599	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
600	600	hb1427-00
601	601	Page 17 of 150
602	602	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
603	603
604	604
605	605
606	606	student loans to eligible participants who establish 401
607	607	permanent residency and employment in rural 402
608	608	communities; providing that eligible participants may 403
609	609	receive up to a certain amount in total student loan 404
610	610	repayment assistance over a certain timeframe; 405
611	611	requiring the department to ve rify certain information 406
612	612	of participants in the program before it disburses 407
613	613	awards; providing that the program is administered 408
614	614	through the Office of Student Financial Assistance 409
615	615	within the department; requiring the department to 410
616	616	develop procedures and moni tor compliance; requiring 411
617	617	the State Board of Education to adopt rules by a 412
618	618	certain date; amending s. 1013.62, F.S.; revising the 413
619	619	calculation methodology to determine the amount of 414
620	620	revenue that a school district must distribute to each 415
621	621	eligible charter scho ol; amending s. 1013.64, F.S.; 416
622	622	revising conditions under which a school district may 417
623	623	receive funding on an approved construction project; 418
624	624	providing appropriations for specified purposes; 419
625	625	amending ss. 163.3187, 212.205, 257.191, 257.193, 420
626	626	265.283, 288.11621, 288.11631, 443.191, 571.26, and 421
627	627	571.265, F.S.; conforming cross -references and 422
628	628	provisions to changes made by the act; reenacting s. 423
629	629	288.9935(8), F.S., relating to the Microfinance 424
630	630	Guarantee Program, to incorporate the amendment made 425
631	631
632	632	HB 1427 2025
633	633
634	634
635	635
636	636	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
637	637	hb1427-00
638	638	Page 18 of 150
639	639	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
640	640
641	641
642	642
643	643	to s. 20.60, F.S., in a reference thereto; reenacting 426
644	644	ss. 125.0104(5)(c), 193.624(3), 196.182(2), 218.12(1), 427
645	645	218.125(1), 218.135(1), 218.136(1), 252.35(2)(cc), 428
646	646	288.102(4), 403.064(16)(g), 589.08(2) and (3), and 429
647	647	1011.62(1)(f), F.S., relating to authorized uses of 430
648	648	tourist development tax; applicability of assessments 431
649	649	of renewable energy source devices; application of 432
650	650	exemptions of renewable energy source devices; 433
651	651	appropriations to offset reductions in ad valorem tax 434
652	652	revenue in fiscally constrained counties; offset for 435
653	653	tax loss associated with certain constitutional 436
654	654	amendments affecting fiscally constrained counties; 437
655	655	offset for tax loss associated with reductions in 438
656	656	value of certain citrus fruit packing and processing 439
657	657	equipment; offset for ad valorem revenue loss 440
658	658	affecting fiscally constrained counties; Division of 441
659	659	Emergency Management powers; one -to-one match 442
660	660	requirement under the Supply Chain Innovation Grant 443
661	661	Program; applicability of provisions related to reuse 444
662	662	of reclaimed water; land acquisition restrictions; and 445
663	663	funds for operation of schools, respectively, to 446
664	664	incorporate the amendment made to s. 218.67, F.S., in 447
665	665	references thereto; reenacting s. 403.0741(6)(c), 448
666	666	F.S., relating to grease waste removal and disposal, 449
667	667	to incorporate the amendments made to ss. 218.67 and 450
668	668
669	669	HB 1427 2025
670	670
671	671
672	672
673	673	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
674	674	hb1427-00
675	675	Page 19 of 150
676	676	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
677	677
678	678
679	679
680	680	339.2818, F.S., in references thereto; reenacting s. 451
681	681	163.3177(7)(e), F.S., relating to required and 452
682	682	optional elements of comprehensive plans and studies 453
683	683	and surveys, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 454
684	684	288.0656, F.S., in a reference thereto; reenacting s. 455
685	685	288.9962(7)(a), F.S., relating to the Broadband 456
686	686	Opportunity Program, to incorporate the amendment made 457
687	687	to s. 288.9961, F.S., in a reference thereto; 458
688	688	reenacting s. 215.211(1), F.S., relating to service 459
689	689	charges and elimination or reduction for specified 460
690	690	proceeds, to incorporate the amendment made to s. 461
691	691	319.32, F.S., in a reference thereto; reenacting s. 462
692	692	339.66(5) and (6), F.S., relating to upgrades of 463
693	693	arterial highways with controlled access facilities, 464
694	694	to incorporate the amendment made to s. 339.68, F.S., 465
695	695	in references thereto; reenacting ss. 420.9072(4) and 466
696	696	(6), 420.9076(7)(b), and 420.9079(2), F.S., relating 467
697	697	to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program, 468
698	698	adoption of affordable housing incentive strategies 469
699	699	and committees, and the Local Government Housing Trus t 470
700	700	Fund, respectively, to incorporate the amendment made 471
701	701	to s. 420.9073, F.S., in references thereto; providing 472
702	702	an effective date. 473
703	703	474
704	704	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 475
705	705
706	706	HB 1427 2025
707	707
708	708
709	709
710	710	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
711	711	hb1427-00
712	712	Page 20 of 150
713	713	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
714	714
715	715
716	716
717	717	476
718	718	Section 1. Paragraph (a) of subsection (3) and paragraph 477
719	719	(c) of subsection (10) of section 20.60, Florida Statutes, are 478
720	720	amended to read: 479
721	721	20.60 Department of Commerce; creation; powers and 480
722	722	duties.— 481
723	723	(3)(a) The following divisions and offices of the 482
724	724	Department of Commerce are established: 483
725	725	1. The Division of Economic Development. 484
726	726	2. The Division of Community Development. 485
727	727	3. The Division of Workforce Services. 486
728	728	4. The Division of Finance and Administration. 487
729	729	5. The Division of Information Technology. 488
730	730	6. The Office of the Secretary. 489
731	731	7. The Office of Ru ral Prosperity. 490
732	732	8.7. The Office of Economic Accountability and 491
733	733	Transparency, which shall: 492
734	734	a. Oversee the department's critical objectives as 493
735	735	determined by the secretary and make sure that the department's 494
736	736	key objectives are clearly communicated to the public. 495
737	737	b. Organize department resources, expertise, data, and 496
738	738	research to focus on and solve the complex economic challenges 497
739	739	facing the state. 498
740	740	c. Provide leadership for the department's priority issues 499
741	741	that require integration of policy, management, and critical 500
742	742
743	743	HB 1427 2025
744	744
745	745
746	746
747	747	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
748	748	hb1427-00
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750	750	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
751	751
752	752
753	753
754	754	objectives from multiple programs and organizations internal and 501
755	755	external to the department; and organize and manage external 502
756	756	communication on such priority issues. 503
757	757	d. Promote and facilitate key department initiatives to 504
758	758	address priority economic issues and explore data and identify 505
759	759	opportunities for innovative approaches to address such economic 506
760	760	issues. 507
761	761	e. Promote strategic planning for the department. 508
762	762	(10) The department shall, by November 1 of each year, 509
763	763	submit an annual report to the Governor, the President of the 510
764	764	Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on the 511
765	765	condition of the business climate and economic develop ment in 512
766	766	the state. 513
767	767	(c) The report must incorporate annual reports of other 514
768	768	programs, including: 515
769	769	1. A detailed report of the performance of the Black 516
770	770	Business Loan Program and a cumulative summary of quarterly 517
771	771	report data required under s. 288.714. 518
772	772	2. The Rural Economic Development Initiative established 519
773	773	under s. 288.0656. 520
774	774	3. A detailed report of the performance of the Florida 521
775	775	Development Finance Corporation and a summary of the 522
776	776	corporation's report required under s. 288.9610. 523
777	777	3.4. Information provided by Space Florida under s. 524
778	778	331.3051 and an analysis of the activities and accomplishments 525
779	779
780	780	HB 1427 2025
781	781
782	782
783	783
784	784	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
785	785	hb1427-00
786	786	Page 22 of 150
787	787	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
788	788
789	789
790	790
791	791	of Space Florida. 526
792	792	Section 2. Subsection (5) is added to section 163.3168, 527
793	793	Florida Statutes, to read: 528
794	794	163.3168 Planning innovations and technical assistance. — 529
795	795	(5) When selecting applications for funding for technical 530
796	796	assistance, the state land planning agency shall give preference 531
797	797	to local governments located in a rural area of opportunity as 532
798	798	defined in s. 288.0656. The state land planning agency shall 533
799	799	consult with the Office of Rural Prosperity when awarding 534
800	800	funding pursuant to this section. 535
801	801	Section 3. Paragraph (i) is added to subsection (4) of 536
802	802	section 201.15, Florida Statutes, to read: 537
803	803	201.15 Distribution of taxes collected. —All taxes 538
804	804	collected under this chapter are hereby pledged and shall be 539
805	805	first made available to make payments when due on bonds issued 540
806	806	pursuant to s. 215.618 or s. 215.619, or any other bonds 541
807	807	authorized to be issued on a parity basis with such bonds. Such 542
808	808	pledge and availability fo r the payment of these bonds shall 543
809	809	have priority over any requirement for the costs of collection 544
810	810	and enforcement under this section. Before distribution pursuant 545
811	811	to this section, the Department of Revenue shall deduct amounts 546
812	812	necessary to pay the costs of the collection and enforcement of 547
813	813	the tax levied by this chapter. The costs may not be levied 548
814	814	against any portion of taxes pledged to debt service on bonds to 549
815	815	the extent that the costs are required to pay any amounts 550
816	816
817	817	HB 1427 2025
818	818
819	819
820	820
821	821	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
822	822	hb1427-00
823	823	Page 23 of 150
824	824	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
825	825
826	826
827	827
828	828	relating to the bonds. All of the cost s of the collection and 551
829	829	enforcement of the tax levied by this chapter shall be available 552
830	830	and transferred to the extent necessary to pay debt service and 553
831	831	any other amounts payable with respect to bonds authorized 554
832	832	before January 1, 2017, secured by revenues distributed pursuant 555
833	833	to this section. All taxes remaining after deduction of costs 556
834	834	shall be distributed as follows: 557
835	835	(4) After the required distributions to the Land 558
836	836	Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to subsections (1) and (2), the 559
837	837	lesser of 8 percent of th e remainder or $150 million in each 560
838	838	fiscal year shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit 561
839	839	of the State Housing Trust Fund and shall be expended pursuant 562
840	840	to s. 420.50871. If 8 percent of the remainder is greater than 563
841	841	$150 million in any fiscal yea r, the difference between 8 564
842	842	percent of the remainder and $150 million shall be paid into the 565
843	843	State Treasury to the credit of the General Revenue Fund. The 566
844	844	remainder shall be distributed as follows: 567
845	845	(i) A total of $30 million shall be paid to the credit o f 568
846	846	the State Transportation Trust Fund, which funds are exclusively 569
847	847	for the use of the Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program 570
848	848	as provided in s. 339.68. 571
849	849	Section 4. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section 572
850	850	202.18, Florida Statutes, is amended to re ad: 573
851	851	202.18 Allocation and disposition of tax proceeds. —The 574
852	852	proceeds of the communications services taxes remitted under 575
853	853
854	854	HB 1427 2025
855	855
856	856
857	857
858	858	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
859	859	hb1427-00
860	860	Page 24 of 150
861	861	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
862	862
863	863
864	864
865	865	this chapter shall be treated as follows: 576
866	866	(2) The proceeds of the taxes remitted under s. 577
867	867	202.12(1)(b) shall be allocated as follows : 578
868	868	(c)1. After the distribution required under paragraph (b), 579
869	869	70 percent of the remainder During each calendar year, the 580
870	870	remaining portion of the proceeds shall be transferred to the 581
871	871	Local Government Half -cent Sales Tax Clearing Trust Fund . 582
872	872	Seventy percent of such proceeds shall be and allocated in the 583
873	873	same proportion as the allocation of total receipts of the half -584
874	874	cent sales tax under s. 218.61 and the emergency distribution 585
875	875	under s. 218.65 in the prior state fiscal year. Thirty percent 586
876	876	of the remainder of such proceeds shall be transferred to the 587
877	877	General Revenue Fund distributed pursuant to s. 218.67 . 588
878	878	2. The proportion of the proceeds allocated based on the 589
879	879	emergency distribution under s. 218.65 shall be distributed 590
880	880	pursuant to s. 218.65. 591
881	881	3. In each calendar year, the proportion of the proceeds 592
882	882	allocated based on the half -cent sales tax under s. 218.61 shall 593
883	883	be allocated to each county in the same proportion as the 594
884	884	county's percentage of total sales tax allocation for the prior 595
885	885	state fiscal year and di stributed pursuant to s. 218.62. 596
886	886	4. The department shall distribute the appropriate amount 597
887	887	to each municipality and county each month at the same time that 598
888	888	local communications services taxes are distributed pursuant to 599
889	889	subsection (3). 600
890	890
891	891	HB 1427 2025
892	892
893	893
894	894
895	895	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
896	896	hb1427-00
897	897	Page 25 of 150
898	898	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
899	899
900	900
901	901
902	902	Section 5. Paragraph (d) of subsection (6) of section 601
903	903	212.20, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 602
904	904	212.20 Funds collected, disposition; additional powers of 603
905	905	department; operational expense; refund of taxes adjudicated 604
906	906	unconstitutionally collected. — 605
907	907	(6) Distribution of all proceeds under this chapter and 606
908	908	ss. 202.18(1)(b) and (2)(b) and 203.01(1)(a)3. is as follows: 607
909	909	(d) The proceeds of all other taxes and fees imposed 608
910	910	pursuant to this chapter or remitted pursuant to s. 202.18(1)(b) 609
911	911	and (2)(b) shall be distributed as follows: 610
912	912	1. In any fiscal year, the greater of $500 million, minus 611
913	913	an amount equal to 4.6 percent of the proceeds of the taxes 612
914	914	collected pursuant to chapter 201, or 5.2 percent of all other 613
915	915	taxes and fees imposed pursuant to this chapter or remitted 614
916	916	pursuant to s. 202.18(1)(b) and (2)(b) shall be deposited in 615
917	917	monthly installments into the General Revenue Fund. 616
918	918	2. After the distribution under subparagraph 1., 8.9744 617
919	919	percent of the amount remitted by a sales tax dealer located 618
920	920	within a participating county pursuant to s. 218.61 shall be 619
921	921	transferred into the Local Government Half -cent Sales Tax 620
922	922	Clearing Trust Fund. Beginning July 1, 2003, the amount to be 621
923	923	transferred shall be reduced by 0.1 percent, and the department 622
924	924	shall distribute this amount to the Public Employees Relations 623
925	925	Commission Trust Fund less $5,000 each month, which shall be 624
926	926	added to the amount calcu lated in subparagraph 3. and 625
927	927
928	928	HB 1427 2025
929	929
930	930
931	931
932	932	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
933	933	hb1427-00
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935	935	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
936	936
937	937
938	938
939	939	distributed accordingly. 626
940	940	3. After the distribution under subparagraphs 1. and 2., 627
941	941	0.0966 percent shall be transferred to the Local Government 628
942	942	Half-cent Sales Tax Clearing Trust Fund and distributed pursuant 629
943	943	to s. 218.65. 630
944	944	4. After the distributions under subparagraphs 1., 2., and 631
945	945	3., 2.0810 percent of the available proceeds shall be 632
946	946	transferred monthly to the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for 633
947	947	Counties pursuant to s. 218.215. 634
948	948	5. After the distributions under subparagraphs 1., 2 ., and 635
949	949	3., 1.3653 percent of the available proceeds shall be 636
950	950	transferred monthly to the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for 637
951	951	Municipalities pursuant to s. 218.215. If the total revenue to 638
952	952	be distributed pursuant to this subparagraph is at least as 639
953	953	great as the amount due from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for 640
954	954	Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance 641
955	955	Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999 -2000, no municipality shall 642
956	956	receive less than the amount due from the Revenue Sharing Trust 643
957	957	Fund for Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial 644
958	958	Assistance Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999 -2000. If the 645
959	959	total proceeds to be distributed are less than the amount 646
960	960	received in combination from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for 647
961	961	Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance 648
962	962	Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999 -2000, each municipality 649
963	963	shall receive an amount proportionate to the amount it was due 650
964	964
965	965	HB 1427 2025
966	966
967	967
968	968
969	969	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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972	972	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
973	973
974	974
975	975
976	976	in state fiscal year 1999 -2000. 651
977	977	6. After the distributions required under subparagraphs 652
978	978	1.-5., the greater of $50 million or 0.1438 percent of the 653
979	979	available proceeds shall be transferred to fiscally constrained 654
980	980	counties pursuant to s. 218.67. 655
981	981	7. Of the remaining proceeds: 656
982	982	a. In each fiscal year, the sum of $29,915,500 shall be 657
983	983	divided into as many e qual parts as there are counties in the 658
984	984	state, and one part shall be distributed to each county. The 659
985	985	distribution among the several counties must begin each fiscal 660
986	986	year on or before January 5th and continue monthly for a total 661
987	987	of 4 months. If a local or sp ecial law required that any moneys 662
988	988	accruing to a county in fiscal year 1999 -2000 under the then-663
989	989	existing provisions of s. 550.135 be paid directly to the 664
990	990	district school board, special district, or a municipal 665
991	991	government, such payment must continue until t he local or 666
992	992	special law is amended or repealed. The state covenants with 667
993	993	holders of bonds or other instruments of indebtedness issued by 668
994	994	local governments, special districts, or district school boards 669
995	995	before July 1, 2000, that it is not the intent of this 670
996	996	subparagraph to adversely affect the rights of those holders or 671
997	997	relieve local governments, special districts, or district school 672
998	998	boards of the duty to meet their obligations as a result of 673
999	999	previous pledges or assignments or trusts entered into which 674
1000	1000	obligated funds received from the distribution to county 675
1001	1001
1002	1002	HB 1427 2025
1003	1003
1004	1004
1005	1005
1006	1006	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
1007	1007	hb1427-00
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1009	1009	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1010	1010
1011	1011
1012	1012
1013	1013	governments under then -existing s. 550.135. This distribution 676
1014	1014	specifically is in lieu of funds distributed under s. 550.135 677
1015	1015	before July 1, 2000. 678
1016	1016	b. The department shall distribute $166,667 monthly to 679
1017	1017	each applicant certified as a facility for a new or retained 680
1018	1018	professional sports franchise pursuant to s. 288.1162. Up to 681
1019	1019	$41,667 shall be distributed monthly by the department to each 682
1020	1020	certified applicant as defined in s. 288.11621 for a facility 683
1021	1021	for a spring training franchise. However, not more than $416,670 684
1022	1022	may be distributed monthly in the aggregate to all certified 685
1023	1023	applicants for facilities for spring training franchises. 686
1024	1024	Distributions begin 60 days after such certification and 687
1025	1025	continue for not more than 30 years, except as otherwise 688
1026	1026	provided in s. 288.11621. A certified applicant identified in 689
1027	1027	this sub-subparagraph may not receive more in distributions than 690
1028	1028	expended by the applicant for the public purposes provided in s. 691
1029	1029	288.1162(5) or s. 288.11621(3). 692
1030	1030	c. The department shall distribute up to $83,333 monthly 693
1031	1031	to each certified applicant as defined in s. 288.11631 for a 694
1032	1032	facility used by a single spring training franchise, or up to 695
1033	1033	$166,667 monthly to each certified applicant as defined in s. 696
1034	1034	288.11631 for a facility used by more than one spring training 697
1035	1035	franchise. Monthly distributions begin 60 days after such 698
1036	1036	certification or July 1, 2016, whichever is later, and continue 699
1037	1037	for not more than 20 years to each certified applicant as 700
1038	1038
1039	1039	HB 1427 2025
1040	1040
1041	1041
1042	1042
1043	1043	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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1046	1046	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1047	1047
1048	1048
1049	1049
1050	1050	defined in s. 288.11631 for a facility used by a single spring 701
1051	1051	training franchise or not more than 25 years to each certified 702
1052	1052	applicant as defined in s. 288.11631 for a facility used by more 703
1053	1053	than one spring training franchise. A certified applicant 704
1054	1054	identified in this sub -subparagraph may not receive more in 705
1055	1055	distributions than expended by the applicant for the public 706
1056	1056	purposes provided in s. 288.11631(3). 707
1057	1057	d. The department shall distribute $15,333 monthly to the 708
1058	1058	State Transportation Trust Fund. 709
1059	1059	e.(I) On or before July 25, 2021, Aug ust 25, 2021, and 710
1060	1060	September 25, 2021, the department shall distribute $324,533,334 711
1061	1061	in each of those months to the Unemployment Compensation Trust 712
1062	1062	Fund, less an adjustment for refunds issued from the General 713
1063	1063	Revenue Fund pursuant to s. 443.131(3)(e)3. befor e making the 714
1064	1064	distribution. The adjustments made by the department to the 715
1065	1065	total distributions shall be equal to the total refunds made 716
1066	1066	pursuant to s. 443.131(3)(e)3. If the amount of refunds to be 717
1067	1067	subtracted from any single distribution exceeds the 718
1068	1068	distribution, the department may not make that distribution and 719
1069	1069	must subtract the remaining balance from the next distribution. 720
1070	1070	(II) Beginning July 2022, and on or before the 25th day of 721
1071	1071	each month, the department shall distribute $90 million monthly 722
1072	1072	to the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. 723
1073	1073	(III) If the ending balance of the Unemployment 724
1074	1074	Compensation Trust Fund exceeds $4,071,519,600 on the last day 725
1075	1075
1076	1076	HB 1427 2025
1077	1077
1078	1078
1079	1079
1080	1080	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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1083	1083	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1084	1084
1085	1085
1086	1086
1087	1087	of any month, as determined from United States Department of the 726
1088	1088	Treasury data, the Office of Economic and De mographic Research 727
1089	1089	shall certify to the department that the ending balance of the 728
1090	1090	trust fund exceeds such amount. 729
1091	1091	(IV) This sub-subparagraph is repealed, and the department 730
1092	1092	shall end monthly distributions under sub -sub-subparagraph (II), 731
1093	1093	on the date the department receives certification under sub -sub-732
1094	1094	subparagraph (III). 733
1095	1095	f. Beginning July 1, 2023, in each fiscal year, the 734
1096	1096	department shall distribute $27.5 million to the Florida 735
1097	1097	Agricultural Promotional Campaign Trust Fund under s. 571.26, 736
1098	1098	for further distribution in accordance with s. 571.265. 737
1099	1099	8.7. All other proceeds must remain in the General Revenue 738
1100	1100	Fund. 739
1101	1101	Section 6. Paragraph (h) of subsection (1) of section 740
1102	1102	215.971, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 741
1103	1103	215.971 Agreements funded with federal or state 742
1104	1104	assistance.— 743
1105	1105	(1) An agency agreement that provides state financial 744
1106	1106	assistance to a recipient or subrecipient, as those terms are 745
1107	1107	defined in s. 215.97, or that provides federal financial 746
1108	1108	assistance to a subrecipient, as defined by applicable United 747
1109	1109	States Office of Management and Budget circulars, must include 748
1110	1110	all of the following: 749
1111	1111	(h)1. If the agency agreement provides federal or state 750
1112	1112
1113	1113	HB 1427 2025
1114	1114
1115	1115
1116	1116
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1120	1120	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1121	1121
1122	1122
1123	1123
1124	1124	financial assistance to a county or municipality that is a rural 751
1125	1125	community or rural area of opportunity as those terms are 752
1126	1126	defined in s. 288.0656(2), a provision allowing the agency to 753
1127	1127	provide for the payment of invoices to the county, municipality, 754
1128	1128	or rural area of opportunity as that term is defined in s. 755
1129	1129	288.0656(2), for verified and eligible performance that has been 756
1130	1130	completed in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth 757
1131	1131	in the agreement. This provision is not intended to require 758
1132	1132	reimbursement to the county, municipality, or rural area of 759
1133	1133	opportunity for invoices paid, but to allow the agency to 760
1134	1134	provide for the payment of invoices due. The agency shall 761
1135	1135	expedite such payment requests in order to facilitate the timely 762
1136	1136	payment of invoices received by the county, municipality, or 763
1137	1137	rural area of opportunity. This provision is included to 764
1138	1138	alleviate the financial hardships that certain rural counties 765
1139	1139	and municipalities encounter when administering agreements, and 766
1140	1140	must be exercised by the agency when a county or municipality 767
1141	1141	demonstrates financial hardship, to the extent that federal or 768
1142	1142	state law, rule, or other re gulation allows such payments. This 769
1143	1143	paragraph may not be construed to alter or limit any other 770
1144	1144	provisions of federal or state law, rule, or other regulation. 771
1145	1145	2. By August 1, 2026, and each year thereafter, each state 772
1146	1146	agency shall report to the Office of Rural Prosperity 773
1147	1147	summarizing the implementation of this paragraph for the 774
1148	1148	preceding fiscal year. The Office of Rural Prosperity shall 775
1149	1149
1150	1150	HB 1427 2025
1151	1151
1152	1152
1153	1153
1154	1154	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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1157	1157	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1158	1158
1159	1159
1160	1160
1161	1161	summarize the information received pursuant to this paragraph in 776
1162	1162	its annual report as required in s. 288.013. 777
1163	1163	Section 7. Section 218.67, Florida Statutes, is amended to 778
1164	1164	read: 779
1165	1165	218.67 Distribution for fiscally constrained counties. — 780
1166	1166	(1) Each county that is entirely within a rural area of 781
1167	1167	opportunity as designated by the Governor pursuant to s. 782
1168	1168	288.0656 or each county for which the value of a mill will raise 783
1169	1169	no more than $10 $5 million in revenue, based on the taxable 784
1170	1170	value certified pursuant to s. 1011.62(4)(a)1.a., from the 785
1171	1171	previous July 1, shall be considered a fiscally constrained 786
1172	1172	county. 787
1173	1173	(2) Each fiscally constrained county government that 788
1174	1174	participates in the local government half -cent sales tax shall 789
1175	1175	be eligible to receive an additional distribution from the Local 790
1176	1176	Government Half-cent Sales Tax Clearing Trust Fund, as provided 791
1177	1177	in s. 212.20(6)(d)6. s. 202.18(2)(c)1., in addition to its 792
1178	1178	regular monthly distribution provided under this part and any 793
1179	1179	emergency or supplemental distribution under s. 218.65. 794
1180	1180	(3) The amount to be distributed to each fiscally 795
1181	1181	constrained county shall be determine d by the Department of 796
1182	1182	Revenue at the beginning of the fiscal year, using the prior 797
1183	1183	fiscal year's sales and use tax collections July 1 taxable value 798
1184	1184	certified pursuant to s. 1011.62(4)(a)1.a., tax data , population 799
1185	1185	as defined in s. 218.21, and the most current calendar year per 800
1186	1186
1187	1187	HB 1427 2025
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1189	1189
1190	1190
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1194	1194	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1195	1195
1196	1196
1197	1197
1198	1198	capita personal income published by the Bureau of Economic 801
1199	1199	Analysis of the United States Department of Commerce millage 802
1200	1200	rate levied for the prior fiscal year . The amount distributed 803
1201	1201	shall be allocated based upon the following factors: 804
1202	1202	(a) The contribution-to-revenue relative revenue-raising-805
1203	1203	capacity factor for each participating county shall equal 100 806
1204	1204	multiplied by a quotient, the numerator of which is the county's 807
1205	1205	population and the denominator of which is the state sales and 808
1206	1206	use tax collections attributable to the county be the ability of 809
1207	1207	the eligible county to generate ad valorem revenues from 1 mill 810
1208	1208	of taxation on a per capita basis. A county that raises no more 811
1209	1209	than $25 per capita from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of 1; 812
1210	1210	a county that raises more than $25 but no more than $30 per 813
1211	1211	capita from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of 0.75; and a 814
1212	1212	county that raises more than $30 but no more than $50 per capita 815
1213	1213	from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of 0.5. No value shall be 816
1214	1214	assigned to counties that raise more than $50 per capita from 1 817
1215	1215	mill of ad valorem taxation . 818
1216	1216	(b) The personal-income local-effort factor shall equal a 819
1217	1217	quotient, the numerator of which is the median per capita 820
1218	1218	personal income of participating counties and the denomin ator of 821
1219	1219	which is the county's per capita personal income be a measure of 822
1220	1220	the relative level of local effort of the eligible county as 823
1221	1221	indicated by the millage rate levied for the prior fiscal year. 824
1222	1222	The local-effort factor shall be the most recently adopted 825
1223	1223
1224	1224	HB 1427 2025
1225	1225
1226	1226
1227	1227
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1231	1231	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1232	1232
1233	1233
1234	1234
1235	1235	countywide operating millage rate for each eligible county 826
1236	1236	multiplied by 0.1. 827
1237	1237	(c) Each eligible county's proportional allocation of the 828
1238	1238	total amount available to be distributed to all of the eligible 829
1239	1239	counties shall be in the same proportion as the sum o f the 830
1240	1240	county's two factors is to the sum of the two factors for all 831
1241	1241	eligible counties. The proportional rate computation must be 832
1242	1242	carried to the fifth decimal place, and the amount to distribute 833
1243	1243	to each county must be rounded to the next whole dollar amount . 834
1244	1244	The counties that are eligible to receive an allocation under 835
1245	1245	this subsection and the amount available to be distributed to 836
1246	1246	such counties do shall not include counties participating in the 837
1247	1247	phaseout period under subsection (4) or the amounts they remain 838
1248	1248	eligible to receive during the phaseout. 839
1249	1249	(4) For those counties that no longer qualify under the 840
1250	1250	requirements of subsection (1) after the effective date of this 841
1251	1251	act, there shall be a 2 -year phaseout period. Beginning on July 842
1252	1252	1 of the year following the year in which the value of a mill 843
1253	1253	for that county exceeds $10 $5 million in revenue, the county 844
1254	1254	shall receive two-thirds of the amount received in the prior 845
1255	1255	year, and beginning on July 1 of the second year following the 846
1256	1256	year in which the value of a mill for that county exceeds $10 $5 847
1257	1257	million in revenue, the county shall receive one -third of the 848
1258	1258	amount received in the last year that the county qualified as a 849
1259	1259	fiscally constrained county. Following the 2 -year phaseout 850
1260	1260
1261	1261	HB 1427 2025
1262	1262
1263	1263
1264	1264
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1268	1268	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1269	1269
1270	1270
1271	1271
1272	1272	period, the county is shall no longer be eligible to receive any 851
1273	1273	distributions under this section unless the county can be 852
1274	1274	considered a fiscally constrained county as provided in 853
1275	1275	subsection (1). 854
1276	1276	(5)(a) The revenues received under this section must be 855
1277	1277	allocated may be used by a county to be used for the following 856
1278	1278	purposes: 857
1279	1279	1. Fifty percent may be used for public safety, including 858
1280	1280	salary expenditures for law enforcement officers or correctional 859
1281	1281	officers, as those terms are defined in s. 943.10(1) and (2), 860
1282	1282	respectively, firefighters as defined in s. 633.102, or 861
1283	1283	emergency medical technician s or paramedics as those terms are 862
1284	1284	defined in s. 401.23. 863
1285	1285	2. Thirty percent may be used for infrastructure needs. 864
1286	1286	3. Twenty percent may be expended for any public purpose. 865
1287	1287	(b) The revenues received under this section any public 866
1288	1288	purpose, except that su ch revenues may not be used to pay debt 867
1289	1289	service on bonds, notes, certificates of participation, or any 868
1290	1290	other forms of indebtedness. 869
1291	1291	Section 8. Subsection (6) is added to section 288.0001, 870
1292	1292	Florida Statutes, to read: 871
1293	1293	288.0001 Economic Development Progr ams Evaluation.—The 872
1294	1294	Office of Economic and Demographic Research and the Office of 873
1295	1295	Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) 874
1296	1296	shall develop and present to the Governor, the President of the 875
1297	1297
1298	1298	HB 1427 2025
1299	1299
1300	1300
1301	1301
1302	1302	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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1305	1305	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1306	1306
1307	1307
1308	1308
1309	1309	Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representat ives, and the 876
1310	1310	chairs of the legislative appropriations committees the Economic 877
1311	1311	Development Programs Evaluation. 878
1312	1312	(6)(a) The Office of Economic and Demographic Research and 879
1313	1313	OPPAGA shall prepare a report on the impact of the Florida 880
1314	1314	Statutes on rural commun ities. Specifically, the report must 881
1315	1315	include the following: 882
1316	1316	1. A review of definitions in the Florida Statutes of 883
1317	1317	terms such as "rural community," "rural area of opportunity," 884
1318	1318	and other similar terms used to define rural areas of this 885
1319	1319	state, including population-based references, to assess the 886
1320	1320	adequacy of the current statutory framework in defining these 887
1321	1321	areas. The analysis must include, but need not be limited to: 888
1322	1322	a. Evaluation of whether current provisions properly 889
1323	1323	distinguish these communities or are as from more urban and 890
1324	1324	suburban parts of this state; 891
1325	1325	b. Consideration of updates to the definitions and 892
1326	1326	references to classify additional rural areas, such as growing 893
1327	1327	communities, unincorporated areas, or rural communities by 894
1328	1328	design; and 895
1329	1329	c. Study of appropriate metrics to be used to describe 896
1330	1330	rural communities or areas, such as population, geographic, 897
1331	1331	demographic, or other metrics, or combinations thereof. 898
1332	1332	2. A survey of local governments meeting the statutory 899
1333	1333	definition of "rural community" or "rura l area of opportunity" 900
1334	1334
1335	1335	HB 1427 2025
1336	1336
1337	1337
1338	1338
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1342	1342	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1343	1343
1344	1344
1345	1345
1346	1346	to assess the benefits to the local government of being 901
1347	1347	identified as such and any perceived unmet needs in the 902
1348	1348	implementation of current statutory provisions designed to 903
1349	1349	support rural communities or areas. 904
1350	1350	3. An analysis of state grant programs and recurring 905
1351	1351	appropriations that explicitly benefit rural communities or 906
1352	1352	areas, including, but not limited to, program purpose, funding 907
1353	1353	amounts, participation rates, and consistency with peer -reviewed 908
1354	1354	studies on effective economic programs for these areas. 909
1355	1355	(b) Upon request, the Office of Economic and Demographic 910
1356	1356	Research and OPPAGA must be provided with all data necessary to 911
1357	1357	complete the report, including any confidential data, by any 912
1358	1358	entity with information related to this review. The off ices may 913
1359	1359	collaborate on all data collection and analysis. 914
1360	1360	(c) The Office of Economic and Demographic Research and 915
1361	1361	OPPAGA shall submit a report to the President of the Senate and 916
1362	1362	the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 31, 917
1363	1363	2025. The report must provide recommendations to address any 918
1364	1364	findings, including any changes in statutory definitions or 919
1365	1365	references to rural communities or areas, opportunities to 920
1366	1366	enhance state support to rural communities or areas, outcome 921
1367	1367	measures or other criteria that may be used to examine the 922
1368	1368	effectiveness of state grant programs for rural communities or 923
1369	1369	areas, and adjustments to program design, including changes to 924
1370	1370	increase participation in state grant programs for rural 925
1371	1371
1372	1372	HB 1427 2025
1373	1373
1374	1374
1375	1375
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1379	1379	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1380	1380
1381	1381
1382	1382
1383	1383	communities or areas. 926
1384	1384	(d) This subsection e xpires July 1, 2026. 927
1385	1385	Section 9. Present paragraphs (d) and (e) of subsection 928
1386	1386	(7) of section 288.001, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as 929
1387	1387	paragraphs (e) and (f), respectively, and a new paragraph (d) is 930
1388	1388	added to that subsection, to read: 931
1389	1389	288.001 The Florida Small Business Development Center 932
1390	1390	Network.— 933
1391	1391	(7) ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDS; USES; PAY -PER-PERFORMANCE 934
1392	1392	INCENTIVES; STATEWIDE SERVICE; SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS; BEST 935
1393	1393	PRACTICES; ELIGIBILITY. — 936
1394	1394	(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), the 937
1395	1395	network shall use funds directly appropriated for the specific 938
1396	1396	purpose of expanding service in rural communities, as defined in 939
1397	1397	s. 288.0656, in addition to any funds allocated by the network 940
1398	1398	from other sources. The network shall use the funds to develop 941
1399	1399	an activity plan focused on network consultants and resources in 942
1400	1400	rural communities. In collaboration with regional economic 943
1401	1401	development organizations as defined in s. 288.018, the plan 944
1402	1402	must provide for either full - or part-time consultants to be 945
1403	1403	available for at lea st 20 hours per week in rural areas or be 946
1404	1404	permanently stationed in rural areas. This may include 947
1405	1405	establishing a circuit in specific rural locations to ensure the 948
1406	1406	consultants' availability on a regular basis. By using the funds 949
1407	1407	to create a regular presence in rural areas, the network can 950
1408	1408
1409	1409	HB 1427 2025
1410	1410
1411	1411
1412	1412
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1416	1416	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1417	1417
1418	1418
1419	1419
1420	1420	strengthen community collaboration, raise awareness of available 951
1421	1421	resources to provide opportunities for new business development 952
1422	1422	or existing business growth, and make professional experience, 953
1423	1423	education, and business informat ion available in these essential 954
1424	1424	communities. The network may dedicate funds to facilitate local 955
1425	1425	or regional events that focus on small business topics, provide 956
1426	1426	consulting services, and leverage partner organizations, such as 957
1427	1427	the regional economic developm ent organizations, local workforce 958
1428	1428	development boards as described in s. 445.07, and Florida 959
1429	1429	College System institutions. 960
1430	1430	Section 10. Section 288.007, Florida Statutes, is amended 961
1431	1431	to read: 962
1432	1432	288.007 Inventory of communities seeking to recruit 963
1433	1433	businesses.—By September 30 of each year, a county or 964
1434	1434	municipality that has a population of at least 25,000 or its 965
1435	1435	local economic development organization , and each local 966
1436	1436	government within a rural area of opportunity as defined in s. 967
1437	1437	288.0656 or its local economic development organization, shall 968
1438	1438	must submit to the department a brief overview of the strengths, 969
1439	1439	services, and economic development incentives that its community 970
1440	1440	offers. The local government or its local economic development 971
1441	1441	organization also shall must identify any industries that it is 972
1442	1442	encouraging to locate or relocate to its area. Unless otherwise 973
1443	1443	required pursuant to this section, a county or municipality 974
1444	1444	having a population of 25,000 or less fewer or its local 975
1445	1445
1446	1446	HB 1427 2025
1447	1447
1448	1448
1449	1449
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1453	1453	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1454	1454
1455	1455
1456	1456
1457	1457	economic development organization seeking to recruit businesses 976
1458	1458	may submit information as required in this section and may 977
1459	1459	participate in any activity or initiative resulting from the 978
1460	1460	collection, analysis, and reporting of the information to the 979
1461	1461	department pursuant to this section. 980
1462	1462	Section 11. Section 288.013, Florida Statutes, is created 981
1463	1463	to read: 982
1464	1464	288.013 Office of Rural Prosperity. — 983
1465	1465	(1) The Legislature finds that the unique characteristics 984
1466	1466	and nature of the rural communities in this state are integral 985
1467	1467	to making this state an attractive pla ce to visit, work, and 986
1468	1468	live. Further, the Legislature finds that building a prosperous 987
1469	1469	rural economy and vibrant rural communities is in the best 988
1470	1470	interest of this state. Rural prosperity is integral to 989
1471	1471	supporting this state's infrastructure, housing, and 990
1472	1472	agricultural and food -processing needs, as well as promoting the 991
1473	1473	health and advancement of the overall economy of this state. It 992
1474	1474	is of importance to the state that its rural areas are able to 993
1475	1475	grow, whether locally or in regional partnerships. To better 994
1476	1476	serve rural communities, and in recognition of rural Florida's 995
1477	1477	unique challenges and opportunities, the Office of Rural 996
1478	1478	Prosperity is established to ensure these efforts are 997
1479	1479	coordinated, focused, and effective. 998
1480	1480	(2) The Office of Rural Prosperity is created w ithin the 999
1481	1481	Department of Commerce for the purpose of supporting rural 1000
1482	1482
1483	1483	HB 1427 2025
1484	1484
1485	1485
1486	1486
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1490	1490	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1491	1491
1492	1492
1493	1493
1494	1494	communities by helping rural stakeholders navigate available 1001
1495	1495	programs and resources and representing rural interests across 1002
1496	1496	state government. 1003
1497	1497	(3) The Governor shall appoint a director t o lead the 1004
1498	1498	office, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The director 1005
1499	1499	shall report to the secretary of the department and shall serve 1006
1500	1500	at the pleasure of the secretary. 1007
1501	1501	(4) The office shall do all of the following: 1008
1502	1502	(a) Serve as the state's point of contact for rural local 1009
1503	1503	governments. 1010
1504	1504	(b) Administer the Rural Economic Development Initiative 1011
1505	1505	("REDI") pursuant to s. 288.0656. 1012
1506	1506	(c) Provide training and technical assistance to rural 1013
1507	1507	local governments on a broad range of community and economic 1014
1508	1508	development activities. The training and technical assistance 1015
1509	1509	may be offered using communications technology or in person and 1016
1510	1510	must be recorded and posted to the office's website. The 1017
1511	1511	training and technical assistance must include, at a minimum, 1018
1512	1512	the following topics: 1019
1513	1513	1. How to access state and federal resources, including 1020
1514	1514	training on the online rural resource directory required under 1021
1515	1515	paragraph (d). 1022
1516	1516	2. Best practices relating to comprehensive planning, 1023
1517	1517	economic development, and land development in rural communiti es. 1024
1518	1518	3. Strategies to address management and administrative 1025
1519	1519
1520	1520	HB 1427 2025
1521	1521
1522	1522
1523	1523
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1527	1527	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1528	1528
1529	1529
1530	1530
1531	1531	capacity challenges unique to rural local governments. 1026
1532	1532	4. Requirements of, and updates on recent changes to, the 1027
1533	1533	Community Planning Act under s. 163.3161. 1028
1534	1534	5. Updates on other recent state and federal laws 1029
1535	1535	affecting rural local governments. 1030
1536	1536	(d) Create and maintain an online rural resource directory 1031
1537	1537	to serve as an interactive tool to navigate the various state 1032
1538	1538	and federal resources, tools, and services available to rural 1033
1539	1539	local governments. The office shall regularly maintain the 1034
1540	1540	resource directory and, to the greatest extent possible, include 1035
1541	1541	up-to-date information on state and federal programs, resources, 1036
1542	1542	tools, and services that address the needs of rural communities 1037
1543	1543	in all areas of governanc e. Each state agency shall routinely 1038
1544	1544	provide information and updates to the office for maintenance of 1039
1545	1545	the resource directory. The resource directory must allow users 1040
1546	1546	to search by indicators, such as agency name, resource type, or 1041
1547	1547	topic, and include a notif ication function to allow users to 1042
1548	1548	receive alerts when new or modified resources are available. To 1043
1549	1549	the greatest extent possible, the resource directory must 1044
1550	1550	include information on financial match requirements for the 1045
1551	1551	state and federal programs listed in th e directory. 1046
1552	1552	(5)(a) By October 1, 2025, the office shall establish and 1047
1553	1553	staff seven regional rural community liaison centers across this 1048
1554	1554	state for the purpose of providing specialized in -person state 1049
1555	1555	support to local governments in rural areas of opportun ity as 1050
1556	1556
1557	1557	HB 1427 2025
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1564	1564	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1565	1565
1566	1566
1567	1567
1568	1568	defined in s. 288.0656. The department shall by rule divide this 1051
1569	1569	state into seven regions and assign a regional rural community 1052
1570	1570	liaison center to each region. Each liaison center shall support 1053
1571	1571	the local governments within its geographic territory an d shall 1054
1572	1572	be staffed with at least two full -time department personnel. At 1055
1573	1573	a minimum, liaison centers shall have the following powers, 1056
1574	1574	duties, and functions: 1057
1575	1575	1. Work with local governments to plan and achieve goals 1058
1576	1576	for local or regional growth, economic dev elopment, and rural 1059
1577	1577	prosperity. 1060
1578	1578	2. Facilitate local government access to state and federal 1061
1579	1579	resources, such as grants, loans, and other aid or resources. 1062
1580	1580	3. Advise local governments on available waivers of 1063
1581	1581	program requirements, including financial match waivers or 1064
1582	1582	reductions, for projects using state or federal funds through 1065
1583	1583	the Rural Economic Development Initiative under s. 288.0656. 1066
1584	1584	4. Coordinate local government technical assistance needs 1067
1585	1585	with the department and other state or federal agencies. 1068
1586	1586	5. Promote model ordinances, policies, and strategies 1069
1587	1587	related to economic development. 1070
1588	1588	6. Assist local governments with regulatory and reporting 1071
1589	1589	compliance. 1072
1590	1590	(b) To the greatest extent possible, the regional rural 1073
1591	1591	community liaison centers shall coordinat e with local and 1074
1592	1592	regional governmental entities, regional economic development 1075
1593	1593
1594	1594	HB 1427 2025
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1596	1596
1597	1597
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1601	1601	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1602	1602
1603	1603
1604	1604
1605	1605	organizations as defined in s. 288.018, and other appropriate 1076
1606	1606	entities to establish a network to foster community -driven 1077
1607	1607	solutions that promote viable and sustainable rural comm unities. 1078
1608	1608	(c) The regional rural community liaison centers shall 1079
1609	1609	regularly engage with the Rural Economic Development Initiative 1080
1610	1610	established in s. 288.0656, and at least one staff member from 1081
1611	1611	each liaison center shall attend, either in person or by means 1082
1612	1612	of electronic communication, the monthly meetings required by s. 1083
1613	1613	288.0656(6)(c). 1084
1614	1614	(6) By December 1, 2025, and each year thereafter, the 1085
1615	1615	director of the office shall submit to the Administration 1086
1616	1616	Commission in the Executive Office of the Governor a written 1087
1617	1617	report describing the office's operations and accomplishments 1088
1618	1618	for the preceding year, inclusive of the Rural Economic 1089
1619	1619	Development Initiative report required by s. 288.0656(8). In 1090
1620	1620	consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer 1091
1621	1621	Services, the office shall also include in the annual report 1092
1622	1622	recommendations for policies, programs, and funding to further 1093
1623	1623	support the needs of rural communities in this state. The office 1094
1624	1624	shall submit the annual report to the President of the Senate 1095
1625	1625	and the Speaker of t he House of Representatives by December 1 of 1096
1626	1626	each year and publish the annual report on the office's website. 1097
1627	1627	The director shall present, in person at the next scheduled 1098
1628	1628	Administration Commission meeting, detailed information from the 1099
1629	1629	annual report require d by this subsection. 1100
1630	1630
1631	1631	HB 1427 2025
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1638	1638	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1639	1639
1640	1640
1641	1641
1642	1642	(7)(a) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and 1101
1643	1643	Government Accountability (OPPAGA) shall review the 1102
1644	1644	effectiveness of the office by December 15, 2026, and each year 1103
1645	1645	thereafter until 2028. Beginning in 2029, OPPAGA shall review 1104
1646	1646	and evaluate the office every 3 years and shall submit a report 1105
1647	1647	based on its findings. Each report must recommend policy and 1106
1648	1648	statutory modifications for consideration by the Legislature. 1107
1649	1649	OPPAGA shall submit each report to the President of the Senate 1108
1650	1650	and the Speaker of the House of Representatives pursuant to the 1109
1651	1651	schedule. 1110
1652	1652	(b) OPPAGA shall review strategies implemented by other 1111
1653	1653	states on rural community preservation, enhancement, and 1112
1654	1654	revitalization and report on their effectiveness and potential 1113
1655	1655	for implementation in this state. OPPAGA shall include its 1114
1656	1656	findings in its report to the President of the Senate and the 1115
1657	1657	Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 15, 2027, 1116
1658	1658	and every 3 years thereafter. 1117
1659	1659	(c)1. OPPAGA shall review each state -funded or state-1118
1660	1660	administered grant and loan program available to local 1119
1661	1661	governments to: 1120
1662	1662	a. Identify any specified local government financial match 1121
1663	1663	requirements and whether any portion of a match may be waived or 1122
1664	1664	is required to be waived, pursuant to law, and programs where a 1123
1665	1665	financial match waiver may be appropriate for rural local 1124
1666	1666	government applicants, if not contemplated by law. 1125
1667	1667
1668	1668	HB 1427 2025
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1670	1670
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1675	1675	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1676	1676
1677	1677
1678	1678
1679	1679	b. Identify grant and loan application evaluation 1126
1680	1680	criteria, including scoring procedures, for programs that may be 1127
1681	1681	perceived to be overly burd ensome for rural local government 1128
1682	1682	applicants, and whether special accommodations or preferences 1129
1683	1683	for rural local governments may be appropriate. 1130
1684	1684	2. OPPAGA shall produce a report based on its review and 1131
1685	1685	submit the report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker 1132
1686	1686	of the House of Representatives by December 15, 2026. This 1133
1687	1687	paragraph expires June 30, 2027. 1134
1688	1688	Section 12. Section 288.014, Florida Statutes, is created 1135
1689	1689	to read: 1136
1690	1690	288.014 Renaissance Grants Program. — 1137
1691	1691	(1) The Legislature finds that it has tr aditionally 1138
1692	1692	provided programs to assist rural communities with economic 1139
1693	1693	development and enhance their ability to attract businesses and 1140
1694	1694	that, by providing that extra component of economic viability, 1141
1695	1695	rural communities are able to attract new businesses and grow 1142
1696	1696	existing ones. However, the Legislature finds that a subset of 1143
1697	1697	rural communities has decreased in population over the past 1144
1698	1698	decade, contributing to a decline in local business activity and 1145
1699	1699	economic development. The Legislature further finds that the 1146
1700	1700	state must transform its assistance to these specific rural 1147
1701	1701	communities to help them achieve a necessary precursor of 1148
1702	1702	economic viability. The Legislature further finds that the 1149
1703	1703	approach intended by the creation of renaissance grants is to 1150
1704	1704
1705	1705	HB 1427 2025
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1707	1707
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1712	1712	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1713	1713
1714	1714
1715	1715
1716	1716	focus on reversing the economic deterioration in rural 1151
1717	1717	communities by retaining and attracting residents by giving them 1152
1718	1718	a reason to stay, which is the impetus of natural economic 1153
1719	1719	growth, business opportunities, and increased quality of life. 1154
1720	1720	(2) The Office of Rural Prosperity within the department 1155
1721	1721	shall administer the Renaissance Grants Program to provide block 1156
1722	1722	grants to eligible counties. By October 1, 2025, the Office of 1157
1723	1723	Economic and Demographic Research shall certify to the Office of 1158
1724	1724	Rural Prosperity which countie s are growth-impeded. For the 1159
1725	1725	purposes of this section, "growth -impeded" means a county that, 1160
1726	1726	as of the most recent population estimate, has had a declining 1161
1727	1727	population over the last 10 years. After an initial 1162
1728	1728	certification, the Office of Economic and Demog raphic Research 1163
1729	1729	shall annually certify whether the county remains growth -1164
1730	1730	impeded, until the county has 3 consecutive years of population 1165
1731	1731	growth. Upon such certification of population growth, the county 1166
1732	1732	is eligible to participate in the program for 1 additi onal year 1167
1733	1733	in order for the county to prepare for the end of block grant 1168
1734	1734	funding. 1169
1735	1735	(3)(a) Each participating county shall enter into an 1170
1736	1736	agreement with the Office of Rural Prosperity to receive the 1171
1737	1737	block grant. Each county has broad authority to design its 1172
1738	1738	specific plan to achieve population growth within the broad 1173
1739	1739	parameters identified in this section. The Office of Rural 1174
1740	1740	Prosperity may not determine the manner in which the county 1175
1741	1741
1742	1742	HB 1427 2025
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1744	1744
1745	1745
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1749	1749	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1750	1750
1751	1751
1752	1752
1753	1753	implements the block grant. However, regional rural community 1176
1754	1754	liaison center staff shall provide assistance in developing the 1177
1755	1755	county's plan, upon request. 1178
1756	1756	(b) Each participating county shall report annually to the 1179
1757	1757	Office of Rural Prosperity on activities undertaken, 1180
1758	1758	intergovernmental agreements entered into, and other information 1181
1759	1759	as required by the office. 1182
1760	1760	(c) Each participating county shall receive $1 million 1183
1761	1761	from the funds appropriated to the program. Counties 1184
1762	1762	participating in the program shall make all attempts to limit 1185
1763	1763	expenses for administrative costs, consistent with the n eed for 1186
1764	1764	prudent management and accountability in the use of public 1187
1765	1765	funds. Each county may contribute other funds for block grant 1188
1766	1766	purposes, including local, state, or federal grant funds, or 1189
1767	1767	seek out in-kind or financial contributions from private or 1190
1768	1768	public sources to assist in fulfilling the activities 1191
1769	1769	undertaken. 1192
1770	1770	(4)(a) A participating county shall hire and retain a 1193
1771	1771	renaissance coordinator and may use block grant funds for this 1194
1772	1772	purpose. The renaissance coordinator is responsible for: 1195
1773	1773	1. Ensuring that block grant funds are used as provided in 1196
1774	1774	this section; 1197
1775	1775	2. Coordinating with other local governments, school 1198
1776	1776	boards, Florida College System institutions, or other entities; 1199
1777	1777	and 1200
1778	1778
1779	1779	HB 1427 2025
1780	1780
1781	1781
1782	1782
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1786	1786	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1787	1787
1788	1788
1789	1789
1790	1790	3. Reporting as necessary to the state, including 1201
1791	1791	information necessary purs uant to subsection (7). 1202
1792	1792	(b) The Office of Rural Prosperity regional rural 1203
1793	1793	community liaison center staff shall provide assistance, upon 1204
1794	1794	request, and training to the renaissance coordinator to ensure 1205
1795	1795	successful implementation of the block grant. 1206
1796	1796	(5) A participating county shall design a plan to make 1207
1797	1797	targeted investments in the community to achieve population 1208
1798	1798	growth and increase the economic vitality of the community. The 1209
1799	1799	plan must include the following key features for use of the 1210
1800	1800	state support: 1211
1801	1801	(a) Technology centers with extended hours located within 1212
1802	1802	schools or on school premises, administered by the local school 1213
1803	1803	board, for such schools which provide extended hours and support 1214
1804	1804	for access by students. 1215
1805	1805	(b) Facilities that colocate adult day care with c hild 1216
1806	1806	care facilities. The site -sharing facilities must be managed to 1217
1807	1807	also provide opportunities for direct interaction between 1218
1808	1808	generations and increase the health and well -being of both 1219
1809	1809	younger and older participants, reduce social isolation, and 1220
1810	1810	create cost and time efficiencies for working family members. 1221
1811	1811	The regional rural community liaison center staff of the Office 1222
1812	1812	of Rural Prosperity shall assist the county, upon request, with 1223
1813	1813	bringing to the Rural Economic Development Initiative or 1224
1814	1814	directly to the appropriate state agency recommendations 1225
1815	1815
1816	1816	HB 1427 2025
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1823	1823	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1824	1824
1825	1825
1826	1826
1827	1827	necessary to streamline any required state permits, licenses, 1226
1828	1828	regulations, or other requirements. 1227
1829	1829	(c) Technology labs managed in agreement with the nearest 1228
1830	1830	Florida College System institution or a career center as 1229
1831	1831	established under s. 1001.44. Repurposing vacant industrial 1230
1832	1832	sites or existing office space must be given priority in the 1231
1833	1833	selection of lab locations. Each local technology lab must be 1232
1834	1834	staffed and open for extended hours with the capacity to 1233
1835	1835	provide: 1234
1836	1836	1. Access to trainers and equipment necessary for users to 1235
1837	1837	earn various certificates or online degrees in technology; 1236
1838	1838	2. Hands-on assistance with applying for appropriate 1237
1839	1839	remote work opportunities; and 1238
1840	1840	3. Studio space with equipment for graduates and other 1239
1841	1841	qualifying residents to perform remote work that is based on the 1240
1842	1842	use of technology. Collaboration with community partners, 1241
1843	1843	including the local workforce development board as described in 1242
1844	1844	s. 445.007, to provide training opportunities, in -kind support 1243
1845	1845	such as transportation to and from the lab, financing of 1244
1846	1846	equipment for in-home use, or basic maintenance of such 1245
1847	1847	equipment is required. 1246
1848	1848	(6) In addition to the hiring of a renaissance 1247
1849	1849	coordinator, a participating county shall develop 1248
1850	1850	intergovernmental agreements for shared responsibilities with 1249
1851	1851	its municipalities, school board, and Florida College System 1250
1852	1852
1853	1853	HB 1427 2025
1854	1854
1855	1855
1856	1856
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1860	1860	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1861	1861
1862	1862
1863	1863
1864	1864	institution or career center and enter into necessary contracts 1251
1865	1865	with providers and community partners in order to implement the 1252
1866	1866	plan. 1253
1867	1867	(7)(a) Every 2 years, the Auditor General shall conduct an 1254
1868	1868	operational audit as defined in s. 11.45 of each county's grant 1255
1869	1869	activities, beginning in 2026. 1256
1870	1870	(b) On December 31, 2026, and every year thereafter, the 1257
1871	1871	Office of Economic and Demographic Research shall submit an 1258
1872	1872	annual report of renaissance block grant recipients by county to 1259
1873	1873	the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of 1260
1874	1874	Representatives. The report must provide key economic indicators 1261
1875	1875	that measure progress in altering longer -term trends in the 1262
1876	1876	county. The Office of Rural Prosperity shall provide the Office 1263
1877	1877	of Economic and Demographic Research with information as 1264
1878	1878	requested to complete the report. 1265
1879	1879	(8) Notwithstanding s. 216.301, funds appropriated for the 1266
1880	1880	purposes of this section are not subject to reversion. 1267
1881	1881	(9) This section expires June 30, 2040. 1268
1882	1882	Section 13. Section 288.0175, Florida Statutes, is created 1269
1883	1883	to read: 1270
1884	1884	288.0175 Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant 1271
1885	1885	Program.— 1272
1886	1886	(1) The Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant 1273
1887	1887	Program is establishe d within the Office of Rural Prosperity 1274
1888	1888	within the department to fund and support the development of 1275
1889	1889
1890	1890	HB 1427 2025
1891	1891
1892	1892
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1897	1897	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1898	1898
1899	1899
1900	1900
1901	1901	public infrastructure smart technology projects in communities 1276
1902	1902	located in rural areas of opportunity, subject to legislative 1277
1903	1903	appropriation. 1278
1904	1904	(2) As used in this section, the term: 1279
1905	1905	(a) "Public infrastructure smart technology" means systems 1280
1906	1906	and applications that use connectivity, data analytics, and 1281
1907	1907	automation to improve public infrastructure by increasing 1282
1908	1908	efficiency, enhancing public services, and promotin g sustainable 1283
1909	1909	development. 1284
1910	1910	(b) "Rural area of opportunity" has the same meaning as in 1285
1911	1911	s. 288.0656. 1286
1912	1912	(c) "Smart technology lead organization" means a not -for-1287
1913	1913	profit corporation organized under s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal 1288
1914	1914	Revenue Code which has been in e xistence for at least 3 years 1289
1915	1915	and specializes in smart region planning. 1290
1916	1916	(3)(a) The Office of Rural Prosperity shall contract with 1291
1917	1917	one or more smart technology lead organizations to administer 1292
1918	1918	the grant program for the purpose of deploying public 1293
1919	1919	infrastructure smart technology in rural communities. In 1294
1920	1920	accordance with the terms required by the office, the smart 1295
1921	1921	technology lead organization shall provide grants to counties 1296
1922	1922	and municipalities located within a rural area of opportunity 1297
1923	1923	for public infrastructu re smart technology projects. 1298
1924	1924	(b) The office's contract with a smart technology lead 1299
1925	1925	organization must specify the contract deliverables, including 1300
1926	1926
1927	1927	HB 1427 2025
1928	1928
1929	1929
1930	1930
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1934	1934	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1935	1935
1936	1936
1937	1937
1938	1938	financial reports and other reports due the office, timeframes 1301
1939	1939	for achieving contractual obligations, and any other 1302
1940	1940	requirements the office determines are necessary. The contract 1303
1941	1941	must require the smart technology lead organization to do the 1304
1942	1942	following: 1305
1943	1943	1. Collaborate with counties and municipalities located in 1306
1944	1944	rural areas of opportunity to identify opportunit ies for local 1307
1945	1945	governments to institute cost -effective smart technology 1308
1946	1946	solutions for improving public services and infrastructure. 1309
1947	1947	2. Provide technical assistance to counties and 1310
1948	1948	municipalities located in rural areas of opportunity in 1311
1949	1949	developing plans for public infrastructure smart technology 1312
1950	1950	projects. 1313
1951	1951	3. Assist counties and municipalities located in rural 1314
1952	1952	areas of opportunity in connecting with other communities, 1315
1953	1953	companies, and other entities to leverage the impact of each 1316
1954	1954	public infrastructure smart technology project. 1317
1955	1955	(4) The office shall include in its annual report required 1318
1956	1956	by s. 288.013(6) a description of the projects funded under this 1319
1957	1957	section. 1320
1958	1958	Section 14. Subsections (1), (2), and (4) of section 1321
1959	1959	288.018, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 1322
1960	1960	288.018 Regional Rural Development Grants Program. — 1323
1961	1961	(1)(a) For the purposes of this section, the term 1324
1962	1962	"regional economic development organization" means an economic 1325
1963	1963
1964	1964	HB 1427 2025
1965	1965
1966	1966
1967	1967
1968	1968	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
1969	1969	hb1427-00
1970	1970	Page 54 of 150
1971	1971	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
1972	1972
1973	1973
1974	1974
1975	1975	development organization located in or contracted to serve a 1326
1976	1976	rural area of opport unity, as defined in s. 288.0656 s. 1327
1977	1977	288.0656(2)(d). 1328
1978	1978	(b) Subject to appropriation, the Office of Rural 1329
1979	1979	Prosperity department shall establish a grant program to provide 1330
1980	1980	funding to regional economic development organizations for the 1331
1981	1981	purpose of building the professional capacity of those 1332
1982	1982	organizations. Building the professional capacity of a regional 1333
1983	1983	economic development organization includes hiring professional 1334
1984	1984	staff to develop, deliver, and provide needed economic 1335
1985	1985	development professional services, includin g technical 1336
1986	1986	assistance, education and leadership development, marketing, and 1337
1987	1987	project recruitment. Grants may also be used by a regional 1338
1988	1988	economic development organization to provide technical 1339
1989	1989	assistance to local governments, local economic development 1340
1990	1990	organizations, and existing and prospective businesses. 1341
1991	1991	(c) A regional economic development organization may apply 1342
1992	1992	annually to the office department for a grant. The office 1343
1993	1993	department is authorized to approve, on an annual basis, grants 1344
1994	1994	to such regional econo mic development organizations. The office 1345
1995	1995	may award a maximum amount of $50,000 in a year to maximum 1346
1996	1996	amount an organization may receive in any year will be $50,000 , 1347
1997	1997	or $250,000 each to for any three regional economic development 1348
1998	1998	organizations that serve an entire region of a rural area of 1349
1999	1999	opportunity designated pursuant to s. 288.0656(7) if they are 1350
2000	2000
2001	2001	HB 1427 2025
2002	2002
2003	2003
2004	2004
2005	2005	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2006	2006	hb1427-00
2007	2007	Page 55 of 150
2008	2008	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2009	2009
2010	2010
2011	2011
2012	2012	recognized by the office department as serving such a region. 1351
2013	2013	(2) In approving the participants, the office department 1352
2014	2014	shall require the following: 1353
2015	2015	(a) Documentation of official commitments of support from 1354
2016	2016	each of the units of local government represented by the 1355
2017	2017	regional organization. 1356
2018	2018	(b) Demonstration that the organization is in existence 1357
2019	2019	and actively involved in economic development activities serving 1358
2020	2020	the region. 1359
2021	2021	(c) Demonstration of the manner in which the organization 1360
2022	2022	is or will coordinate its efforts with those of other local and 1361
2023	2023	state organizations. 1362
2024	2024	(4) Except as otherwise provided in the General 1363
2025	2025	Appropriations Act, the department may expend up to $750,000 1364
2026	2026	each fiscal year from funds appropriated to the Rural Community 1365
2027	2027	Development Revolving Loan Fund for the purposes outlined in 1366
2028	2028	this section. 1367
2029	2029	Section 15. Section 288.019, Florida Statutes, is amended 1368
2030	2030	to read: 1369
2031	2031	288.019 Rural considerations in gra nt review and 1370
2032	2032	evaluation processes ; financial match waiver or reduction .— 1371
2033	2033	(1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the fullest 1372
2034	2034	extent possible, each agency and organization the member 1373
2035	2035	agencies and organizations of the Rural Economic Development 1374
2036	2036	Initiative (REDI) as defined in s. 288.0656 s. 288.0656(6)(a) 1375
2037	2037
2038	2038	HB 1427 2025
2039	2039
2040	2040
2041	2041
2042	2042	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2043	2043	hb1427-00
2044	2044	Page 56 of 150
2045	2045	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2046	2046
2047	2047
2048	2048
2049	2049	shall review: 1376
2050	2050	(a) All grant and loan application evaluation criteria and 1377
2051	2051	scoring procedures to ensure the fullest access for rural 1378
2052	2052	communities counties as defined in s. 288.0656 s. 288.0656(2) to 1379
2053	2053	resources available throughout the state ; and 1380
2054	2054	(b) The financial match requirements for projects in rural 1381
2055	2055	communities. 1382
2056	2056	(2)(1) Each REDI agency and organization shall consider 1383
2057	2057	the impact on and ability of rural communities to meet and be 1384
2058	2058	competitive under su ch criteria, scoring, and requirements. Upon 1385
2059	2059	review, each REDI agency and organization shall review all 1386
2060	2060	evaluation and scoring procedures and develop a proposal for 1387
2061	2061	modifications to those procedures which minimize the financial 1388
2062	2062	and resource impact to a rur al community, including waiver or 1389
2063	2063	reduction of any required financial match requirements impact of 1390
2064	2064	a project within a rural area . 1391
2065	2065	(a)(2) Evaluation criteria and scoring procedures must 1392
2066	2066	provide for an appropriate ranking , when ranking is a component 1393
2067	2067	of the program, based on the proportionate impact that projects 1394
2068	2068	have on a rural area when compared with similar project impacts 1395
2069	2069	on an urban area. Additionally, 1396
2070	2070	(3) evaluation criteria and scoring procedures must 1397
2071	2071	recognize the disparity of available fiscal r esources for an 1398
2072	2072	equal level of financial support from an urban county or 1399
2073	2073	municipality and a rural county or municipality. 1400
2074	2074
2075	2075	HB 1427 2025
2076	2076
2077	2077
2078	2078
2079	2079	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2080	2080	hb1427-00
2081	2081	Page 57 of 150
2082	2082	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2083	2083
2084	2084
2085	2085
2086	2086	(a) The evaluation criteria should weight contribution in 1401
2087	2087	proportion to the amount of funding available at the local 1402
2088	2088	level. 1403
2089	2089	(b) Match requirements must be waived or reduced for rural 1404
2090	2090	communities. When appropriate, an in-kind match must should be 1405
2091	2091	allowed and applied as a financial match when a rural community 1406
2092	2092	county is experiencing economic financial distress as defined in 1407
2093	2093	s. 288.0656 through elevated unemployment at a rate in excess of 1408
2094	2094	the state's average by 5 percentage points or because of the 1409
2095	2095	loss of its ad valorem base . Donations of land, though usually 1410
2096	2096	not recognized as an in -kind match, may be treated as such. As 1411
2097	2097	appropriate, each agency and organization that applies for or 1412
2098	2098	receives federal funding must request federal approval to waive 1413
2099	2099	or reduce the financial match requirements, if any, for projects 1414
2100	2100	in rural communities. 1415
2101	2101	(3)(4) For existing programs, The proposal modified 1416
2102	2102	evaluation criteria and scoring procedure must be submitted 1417
2103	2103	delivered to the Office of Rural Prosperity department for 1418
2104	2104	distribution to the REDI agencies and organizations. The REDI 1419
2105	2105	agencies and organizations shall review and make comments and 1420
2106	2106	recommendations that. Future rules, programs, evaluation 1421
2107	2107	criteria, and scoring processes must be brought before a REDI 1422
2108	2108	meeting for review, discussion, and recommendation to allow 1423
2109	2109	rural communities counties fuller access to the state's 1424
2110	2110	resources. 1425
2111	2111
2112	2112	HB 1427 2025
2113	2113
2114	2114
2115	2115
2116	2116	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2117	2117	hb1427-00
2118	2118	Page 58 of 150
2119	2119	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2120	2120
2121	2121
2122	2122
2123	2123	(4) Each REDI agency and organization shall ensure that 1426
2124	2124	related administrative rules or policies are modified, as 1427
2125	2125	necessary, to reflect the finalized proposal and that 1428
2126	2126	information about the authorized wavier or reduction is included 1429
2127	2127	in the online rural resource directory of the Of fice of Rural 1430
2128	2128	Prosperity required in s. 288.013(4)(d). 1431
2129	2129	(5) The rural liaison from the related regional district 1432
2130	2130	shall assist the rural community to make requests of waiver or 1433
2131	2131	reduction of match. 1434
2132	2132	Section 16. Subsection (3) is added to section 288.021, 1435
2133	2133	Florida Statutes, to read: 1436
2134	2134	288.021 Economic development liaison. — 1437
2135	2135	(3) When practicable, the staff member appointed as the 1438
2136	2136	economic development liaison shall also serve as the agency 1439
2137	2137	representative for the Rural Economic Development Initiative 1440
2138	2138	pursuant to s. 288.0656. 1441
2139	2139	Section 17. Section 288.065, Florida Statutes, is amended 1442
2140	2140	to read: 1443
2141	2141	288.065 Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund. — 1444
2142	2142	(1) The Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund 1445
2143	2143	Program is established within the Office of Rural Prosperity 1446
2144	2144	department to facilitate the use of existing federal, state, and 1447
2145	2145	local financial resources by providing local governments with 1448
2146	2146	financial assistance to further promote the economic viability 1449
2147	2147	of rural communities. These funds may be used to financ e 1450
2148	2148
2149	2149	HB 1427 2025
2150	2150
2151	2151
2152	2152
2153	2153	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2154	2154	hb1427-00
2155	2155	Page 59 of 150
2156	2156	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2157	2157
2158	2158
2159	2159
2160	2160	initiatives directed toward maintaining or developing the 1451
2161	2161	economic base of rural communities, especially initiatives 1452
2162	2162	addressing employment opportunities for residents of these 1453
2163	2163	communities. 1454
2164	2164	(2)(a) The program shall provide for long -term loans, loan 1455
2165	2165	guarantees, and loan loss reserves to units of local 1456
2166	2166	governments, or economic development organizations substantially 1457
2167	2167	underwritten by a unit of local government ., 1458
2168	2168	(b) For purposes of this section, the term "unit of local 1459
2169	2169	government" means: 1460
2170	2170	1. A county within counties with a population populations 1461
2171	2171	of 75,000 or less. fewer, or within any 1462
2172	2172	2. A county with a population of 125,000 or less fewer 1463
2173	2173	which is contiguous to a county with a population of 75,000 or 1464
2174	2174	less. fewer 1465
2175	2175	3. A municipality within a county de scribed in 1466
2176	2176	subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2. 1467
2177	2177	4. A county or municipality within a rural area of 1468
2178	2178	opportunity. 1469
2179	2179	1470
2180	2180	For purposes of this paragraph, population is determined in 1471
2181	2181	accordance with the most recent official estimates pursuant to 1472
2182	2182	s. 186.901 and must include those residing in incorporated and 1473
2183	2183	unincorporated areas of a county , based on the most recent 1474
2184	2184	official population estimate as determined under s. 186.901, 1475
2185	2185
2186	2186	HB 1427 2025
2187	2187
2188	2188
2189	2189
2190	2190	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2191	2191	hb1427-00
2192	2192	Page 60 of 150
2193	2193	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2194	2194
2195	2195
2196	2196
2197	2197	including those residing in incorporated areas and those 1476
2198	2198	residing in unincorporated areas of the county, or to units of 1477
2199	2199	local government, or economic development organizations 1478
2200	2200	substantially underwritten by a unit of local government, within 1479
2201	2201	a rural area of opportunity . 1480
2202	2202	(c)(b) Requests for loans must shall be made by 1481
2203	2203	application to the office department. Loans must shall be made 1482
2204	2204	pursuant to agreements specifying the terms and conditions 1483
2205	2205	agreed to between the applicant and the office department. The 1484
2206	2206	loans are shall be the legal obligations of the applicant. 1485
2207	2207	(d)(c) All repayments of principal and interest shall be 1486
2208	2208	returned to the loan fund and made available for loans to other 1487
2209	2209	applicants. However, in a rural area of opportunity designated 1488
2210	2210	under s. 288.0656 by the Governor, and upon approval by the 1489
2211	2211	office department, repayments of principal and inte rest may be 1490
2212	2212	retained by the applicant if such repayments are dedicated and 1491
2213	2213	matched to fund regionally based economic development 1492
2214	2214	organizations representing the rural area of opportunity. 1493
2215	2215	(3) The office department shall manage the fund, 1494
2216	2216	establishing loan practices that must include, but are not 1495
2217	2217	limited to, procedures for establishing loan interest rates, 1496
2218	2218	uses of funding, application procedures, and application review 1497
2219	2219	procedures. The office has department shall have final approval 1498
2220	2220	authority for any loan und er this section. 1499
2221	2221	(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 216.301, funds 1500
2222	2222
2223	2223	HB 1427 2025
2224	2224
2225	2225
2226	2226
2227	2227	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2228	2228	hb1427-00
2229	2229	Page 61 of 150
2230	2230	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2231	2231
2232	2232
2233	2233
2234	2234	appropriated for this loan fund may purpose shall not be subject 1501
2235	2235	to reversion. 1502
2236	2236	(5) The office shall include in its annual report required 1503
2237	2237	under s. 288.013 detailed information abo ut the fund, including 1504
2238	2238	loans made during the previous fiscal year, loans active, loans 1505
2239	2239	terminated or repaid, and the amount of funds not obligated as 1506
2240	2240	of 14 days before the date the report is due. 1507
2241	2241	Section 18. Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section 1508
2242	2242	288.0655, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (6) is 1509
2243	2243	added to that section, to read: 1510
2244	2244	288.0655 Rural Infrastructure Fund. — 1511
2245	2245	(1) There is created within the Office of Rural Prosperity 1512
2246	2246	department the Rural Infrastructure Fund to facilitate the 1513
2247	2247	planning, preparing, and financing of infrastructure projects in 1514
2248	2248	rural communities which will encourage job creation, capital 1515
2249	2249	investment, and the strengthening and diversification of rural 1516
2250	2250	economies by promoting tourism, trade, and economic development. 1517
2251	2251	(2)(a) Funds appropriated by the Legislature shall be 1518
2252	2252	distributed by the office department through grant programs that 1519
2253	2253	maximize the use of federal, local, and private resources, 1520
2254	2254	including, but not limited to, those available under the Small 1521
2255	2255	Cities Community Development Block Grant Program. 1522
2256	2256	(b) To facilitate access of rural communities and rur al 1523
2257	2257	areas of opportunity as defined by the Rural Economic 1524
2258	2258	Development Initiative to infrastructure funding programs of the 1525
2259	2259
2260	2260	HB 1427 2025
2261	2261
2262	2262
2263	2263
2264	2264	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2265	2265	hb1427-00
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2267	2267	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2268	2268
2269	2269
2270	2270
2271	2271	Federal Government, such as those offered by the United States 1526
2272	2272	Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of 1527
2273	2273	Commerce, and state programs, including those offered by Rural 1528
2274	2274	Economic Development Initiative agencies, and to facilitate 1529
2275	2275	local government or private infrastructure funding efforts, the 1530
2276	2276	office department may award grants for up to 75 percent of the 1531
2277	2277	total infrastructure project cost, or up to 100 percent of the 1532
2278	2278	total infrastructure project cost for a project located in a 1533
2279	2279	rural community as defined in s. 288.0656(2) which is also 1534
2280	2280	located in a fiscally constrained county as defined in s. 1535
2281	2281	218.67(1) or a rural area of o pportunity as defined in s. 1536
2282	2282	288.0656(2). Eligible uses of funds may include improving any 1537
2283	2283	inadequate infrastructure that has resulted in regulatory action 1538
2284	2284	that prohibits economic or community growth and reducing the 1539
2285	2285	costs to community users of proposed inf rastructure improvements 1540
2286	2286	that exceed such costs in comparable communities. Eligible uses 1541
2287	2287	of funds include improvements to public infrastructure for 1542
2288	2288	industrial or commercial sites and upgrades to or development of 1543
2289	2289	public tourism infrastructure. Authorized i nfrastructure may 1544
2290	2290	include the following public or public -private partnership 1545
2291	2291	facilities: storm water systems; telecommunications facilities; 1546
2292	2292	roads or other remedies to transportation impediments; nature -1547
2293	2293	based tourism facilities; or other physical requireme nts 1548
2294	2294	necessary to facilitate tourism, trade, and economic development 1549
2295	2295	activities in the community. Authorized infrastructure may also 1550
2296	2296
2297	2297	HB 1427 2025
2298	2298
2299	2299
2300	2300
2301	2301	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2302	2302	hb1427-00
2303	2303	Page 63 of 150
2304	2304	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2305	2305
2306	2306
2307	2307
2308	2308	include publicly or privately owned self -powered nature-based 1551
2309	2309	tourism facilities, publicly owned telecommunications 1552
2310	2310	facilities, and additions to the distribution facilities of the 1553
2311	2311	existing natural gas utility as defined in s. 366.04(3)(c), the 1554
2312	2312	existing electric utility as defined in s. 366.02, or the 1555
2313	2313	existing water or wastewater utility as defined in s. 1556
2314	2314	367.021(12), or any oth er existing water or wastewater facility, 1557
2315	2315	which owns a gas or electric distribution system or a water or 1558
2316	2316	wastewater system in this state when: 1559
2317	2317	1. A contribution-in-aid of construction is required to 1560
2318	2318	serve public or public -private partnership facilities u nder the 1561
2319	2319	tariffs of any natural gas, electric, water, or wastewater 1562
2320	2320	utility as defined herein; and 1563
2321	2321	2. Such utilities as defined herein are willing and able 1564
2322	2322	to provide such service. 1565
2323	2323	(c) The office department may award grants of up to 1566
2324	2324	$300,000 for infrastructure feasibility studies, design and 1567
2325	2325	engineering activities, or other infrastructure planning and 1568
2326	2326	preparation or site readiness activities. Site readiness 1569
2327	2327	expenses may include clearing title, surveys, permitting, 1570
2328	2328	environmental studies, and regulatory c ompliance costs. Grants 1571
2329	2329	awarded under this paragraph may be used in conjunction with 1572
2330	2330	grants awarded under paragraph (b). In evaluating applications 1573
2331	2331	under this paragraph, the office department shall consider the 1574
2332	2332	extent to which the application seeks to mini mize administrative 1575
2333	2333
2334	2334	HB 1427 2025
2335	2335
2336	2336
2337	2337
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2341	2341	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2342	2342
2343	2343
2344	2344
2345	2345	and consultant expenses. 1576
2346	2346	(d) The office department shall participate in a 1577
2347	2347	memorandum of agreement with the United States Department of 1578
2348	2348	Agriculture under which state funds available through the Rural 1579
2349	2349	Infrastructure Fund may be advanced , in excess of the prescribed 1580
2350	2350	state share, for a project that has received from the United 1581
2351	2351	States Department of Agriculture a preliminary determination of 1582
2352	2352	eligibility for federal financial support. State funds in excess 1583
2353	2353	of the prescribed state share which are advanced pursuant to 1584
2354	2354	this paragraph and the memorandum of agreement shall be 1585
2355	2355	reimbursed when funds are awarded under an application for 1586
2356	2356	federal funding. 1587
2357	2357	(e) To enable local governments to access the resources 1588
2358	2358	available pursuant to s. 403.973(17), the office department may 1589
2359	2359	award grants for surveys, feasibility studies, and other 1590
2360	2360	activities related to the identification and preclearance review 1591
2361	2361	of land which is suitable for preclearance review. Authorized 1592
2362	2362	grants under this paragraph may not exceed $75,00 0 each, except 1593
2363	2363	in the case of a project in a rural area of opportunity, in 1594
2364	2364	which case the grant may not exceed $300,000. Any funds awarded 1595
2365	2365	under this paragraph must be matched at a level of 50 percent 1596
2366	2366	with local funds, except that any funds awarded for a p roject in 1597
2367	2367	a rural area of opportunity do not require a match of local 1598
2368	2368	funds. If an application for funding is for a catalyst site, as 1599
2369	2369	defined in s. 288.0656, the requirement for local match may be 1600
2370	2370
2371	2371	HB 1427 2025
2372	2372
2373	2373
2374	2374
2375	2375	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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2377	2377	Page 65 of 150
2378	2378	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2379	2379
2380	2380
2381	2381
2382	2382	waived pursuant to the process in s. 288.06561. In evaluating 1601
2383	2383	applications under this paragraph, the office department shall 1602
2384	2384	consider the extent to which the application seeks to minimize 1603
2385	2385	administrative and consultant expenses. 1604
2386	2386	(3) The office department, in consultation with the 1605
2387	2387	Department of Transportation Florida Tourism Industry Marketing 1606
2388	2388	Corporation, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the 1607
2389	2389	Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as 1608
2390	2390	appropriate, shall review and certify applications pursuant to 1609
2391	2391	s. 288.061. The review must include an eval uation of the 1610
2392	2392	economic benefit and long -term viability. The office has 1611
2393	2393	department shall have final approval for any grant under this 1612
2394	2394	section. 1613
2395	2395	(6) The office shall include in its annual report required 1614
2396	2396	under s. 288.013 detailed information about the fund, including 1615
2397	2397	grants made for the year, grants active, grants terminated or 1616
2398	2398	complete, and the amount of funds not obligated as of 14 days 1617
2399	2399	before the date the report is due. 1618
2400	2400	Section 19. Subsection (1), paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) 1619
2401	2401	of subsection (2), subsec tions (3) and (6), paragraph (c) of 1620
2402	2402	subsection (7), and subsection (8) of section 288.0656, Florida 1621
2403	2403	Statutes, are amended to read: 1622
2404	2404	288.0656 Rural Economic Development Initiative. — 1623
2405	2405	(1)(a) Recognizing that rural communities and regions 1624
2406	2406	continue to face extraordinary challenges in their efforts to 1625
2407	2407
2408	2408	HB 1427 2025
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2415	2415	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2416	2416
2417	2417
2418	2418
2419	2419	significantly improve their economies, specifically in terms of 1626
2420	2420	personal income, job creation, average wages, and strong tax 1627
2421	2421	bases, it is the intent of the Legislature to encourage and 1628
2422	2422	facilitate the location and expansion of major economic 1629
2423	2423	development projects of significant scale in such rural 1630
2424	2424	communities. The Legislature finds that rural communities are 1631
2425	2425	the essential conduits for the economy's distribution, 1632
2426	2426	manufacturing, and food supply. 1633
2427	2427	(b) The Rural Econom ic Development Initiative, known as 1634
2428	2428	"REDI," is created within the Office of Rural Prosperity 1635
2429	2429	department, and all the participation of state and regional 1636
2430	2430	agencies listed in paragraph (6)(a) shall participate in this 1637
2431	2431	initiative is authorized. 1638
2432	2432	(2) As used in this section, the term: 1639
2433	2433	(a) "Catalyst project" means a business locating or 1640
2434	2434	expanding in a rural area of opportunity to serve as an economic 1641
2435	2435	generator of regional significance for the growth of a regional 1642
2436	2436	target industry cluster. The project must provi de capital 1643
2437	2437	investment on a scale significant enough to affect the entire 1644
2438	2438	region and result in the development of high -wage and high-skill 1645
2439	2439	jobs. 1646
2440	2440	(b) "Catalyst site" means a parcel or parcels of land 1647
2441	2441	within a rural area of opportunity that has been priorit ized as 1648
2442	2442	a geographic site for economic development through partnerships 1649
2443	2443	with state, regional, and local organizations. The site must be 1650
2444	2444
2445	2445	HB 1427 2025
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2452	2452	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2453	2453
2454	2454
2455	2455
2456	2456	reviewed by REDI and approved by the department for the purposes 1651
2457	2457	of locating a catalyst project. 1652
2458	2458	(c)(e) "Rural community" means: 1653
2459	2459	1. A county with a population of 75,000 or less fewer. 1654
2460	2460	2. A county with a population of 125,000 or less fewer 1655
2461	2461	which is contiguous to a county with a population of 75,000 or 1656
2462	2462	less fewer. 1657
2463	2463	3. A municipality within a county described in 1658
2464	2464	subparagraph 1. or subparagraph 2. 1659
2465	2465	4. An unincorporated federal enterprise community or an 1660
2466	2466	incorporated rural city with a population of 25,000 or less 1661
2467	2467	fewer and an employment base focused on traditional agricultural 1662
2468	2468	or resource-based industries, located in a county not defined as 1663
2469	2469	rural, which has at least three or more of the economic distress 1664
2470	2470	factors identified in paragraph (a) paragraph (c) and verified 1665
2471	2471	by the department. 1666
2472	2472	1667
2473	2473	For purposes of this paragraph, population shall be determined 1668
2474	2474	in accordance with the most recent official estimate pursuant to 1669
2475	2475	s. 186.901. 1670
2476	2476	(3) REDI shall be responsible for coordinating and 1671
2477	2477	focusing the efforts and resources of state an d regional 1672
2478	2478	agencies on the problems which affect the fiscal, economic, and 1673
2479	2479	community viability of Florida's economically distressed rural 1674
2480	2480	communities, working with local governments, community -based 1675
2481	2481
2482	2482	HB 1427 2025
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2489	2489	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2490	2490
2491	2491
2492	2492
2493	2493	organizations, and private organizations that have an int erest 1676
2494	2494	in the growth and development of these communities to find ways 1677
2495	2495	to balance environmental and growth management issues with local 1678
2496	2496	needs. 1679
2497	2497	(6)(a) By August 1 of each year, the head of each of the 1680
2498	2498	following agencies and organizations shall designate a deputy 1681
2499	2499	secretary or higher-level staff person from within the agency or 1682
2500	2500	organization to serve as the REDI representative for the agency 1683
2501	2501	or organization: 1684
2502	2502	1. The Department of Transportation. 1685
2503	2503	2. The Department of Environmental Protection. 1686
2504	2504	3. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 1687
2505	2505	4. The Department of State. 1688
2506	2506	5. The Department of Health. 1689
2507	2507	6. The Department of Children and Families. 1690
2508	2508	7. The Department of Corrections. 1691
2509	2509	8. The Department of Education. 1692
2510	2510	9. The Department of Juvenile Just ice. 1693
2511	2511	10. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 1694
2512	2512	11. Each water management district. 1695
2513	2513	12. CareerSource Florida, Inc. 1696
2514	2514	13. VISIT Florida. 1697
2515	2515	14. The Florida Regional Planning Council Association. 1698
2516	2516	15. The Agency for Health Care Administration. 1699
2517	2517	16. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences 1700
2518	2518
2519	2519	HB 1427 2025
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2526	2526	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2527	2527
2528	2528
2529	2529
2530	2530	(IFAS). 1701
2531	2531	(b) An alternate for each designee must shall also be 1702
2532	2532	chosen, who must also be a deputy secretary or higher -level 1703
2533	2533	staff person, and the names of the designees and alternates must 1704
2534	2534	shall be reported sent to the director of the Office of Rural 1705
2535	2535	Prosperity. At least one rural liaison from each regional rural 1706
2536	2536	community liaison center must participate in the REDI meetings 1707
2537	2537	Secretary of Commerce . 1708
2538	2538	(c) REDI shall meet at least each month, but may meet m ore 1709
2539	2539	often as necessary. Each REDI representative, or his or her 1710
2540	2540	designee, shall be physically present or available by means of 1711
2541	2541	electronic communication for each meeting. 1712
2542	2542	(d)(b) Each REDI representative must have comprehensive 1713
2543	2543	knowledge of his or her agen cy's functions, both regulatory and 1714
2544	2544	service in nature, and of the state's economic goals, policies, 1715
2545	2545	and programs. This person shall be the primary point of contact 1716
2546	2546	for his or her agency with REDI on issues and projects relating 1717
2547	2547	to economically distressed rural communities and with regard to 1718
2548	2548	expediting project review, shall ensure a prompt effective 1719
2549	2549	response to problems arising with regard to rural issues, and 1720
2550	2550	shall work closely with the other REDI representatives in the 1721
2551	2551	identification of opportunities for p referential awards of 1722
2552	2552	program funds, contractual or other agreement provisions which 1723
2553	2553	meet the requirements of s. 215.971, and allowances and waiver 1724
2554	2554	of program requirements when necessary to encourage and 1725
2555	2555
2556	2556	HB 1427 2025
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2558	2558
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2563	2563	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2564	2564
2565	2565
2566	2566
2567	2567	facilitate long-term private capital investment and job 1726
2568	2568	creation. 1727
2569	2569	(e)(c) The REDI representatives shall work with REDI in 1728
2570	2570	the review and evaluation of statutes and rules for adverse 1729
2571	2571	impact on rural communities and the development of alternative 1730
2572	2572	proposals to mitigate that impact. 1731
2573	2573	(f)(d) Each REDI representative shall be responsible for 1732
2574	2574	ensuring that each district office or facility of his or her 1733
2575	2575	agency is informed quarterly about the Rural Economic 1734
2576	2576	Development Initiative and for providing assistance throughout 1735
2577	2577	the agency in the implementation of REDI acti vities. 1736
2578	2578	(7) 1737
2579	2579	(c) Each rural area of opportunity may designate catalyst 1738
2580	2580	projects, provided that each catalyst project is specifically 1739
2581	2581	recommended by REDI and confirmed as a catalyst project by the 1740
2582	2582	department. All state agencies and departments shall use a ll 1741
2583	2583	available tools and resources to the extent permissible by law 1742
2584	2584	to promote the creation and development of each catalyst project 1743
2585	2585	and the development of catalyst sites. 1744
2586	2586	(8) REDI shall submit a report to the Office of Rural 1745
2587	2587	Prosperity department on all REDI activities for the previous 1746
2588	2588	fiscal year as a supplement to the office's department's annual 1747
2589	2589	report required under s. 288.013 s. 20.60. This supplementary 1748
2590	2590	report must include: 1749
2591	2591	(a) A status report on every project all projects 1750
2592	2592
2593	2593	HB 1427 2025
2594	2594
2595	2595
2596	2596
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2600	2600	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2601	2601
2602	2602
2603	2603
2604	2604	currently being coordinat ed through REDI, the number of 1751
2605	2605	preferential awards and allowances made pursuant to this section 1752
2606	2606	in detail by award, allowance, or match type , the dollar amount 1753
2607	2607	of such awards, and the names of the recipients. 1754
2608	2608	(b) A description of all waivers of program r equirements 1755
2609	2609	granted, including a list by program of each waiver that was 1756
2610	2610	granted. If waivers were requested but were not granted, a list 1757
2611	2611	of ungranted waivers, including reasons why the waivers were not 1758
2612	2612	granted, must be included . 1759
2613	2613	(c) Detailed information as to the economic impact of the 1760
2614	2614	projects coordinated by REDI. 1761
2615	2615	(d) Recommendations based on the review and evaluation of 1762
2616	2616	statutes and rules having an adverse impact on rural communities 1763
2617	2617	and proposals to mitigate such adverse impacts. 1764
2618	2618	(e) Legislative recommendations for statutory waivers or 1765
2619	2619	reductions of specified economic development program 1766
2620	2620	requirements, including financial match waivers or reductions, 1767
2621	2621	for applicants within rural areas of opportunity. 1768
2622	2622	(f) Outcomes of proposals submitted pursuant to s . 1769
2623	2623	288.019. 1770
2624	2624	Section 20. Section 288.06561, Florida Statutes, is 1771
2625	2625	repealed. 1772
2626	2626	Section 21. Subsections (2), (3), and (4) of section 1773
2627	2627	288.0657, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 1774
2628	2628	288.0657 Florida rural economic development strategy 1775
2629	2629
2630	2630	HB 1427 2025
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2637	2637	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2638	2638
2639	2639
2640	2640
2641	2641	grants.— 1776
2642	2642	(2) The Office of Rural Prosperity shall provide 1777
2643	2643	department may accept and administer moneys appropriated to the 1778
2644	2644	department for providing grants to assist rural communities to 1779
2645	2645	develop and implement strategic economic development plans. 1780
2646	2646	Grants may be provided to assist with costs associated with 1781
2647	2647	marketing a site to business and site selectors for an economic 1782
2648	2648	development project that is part of an economic development 1783
2649	2649	plan, either as part of funding to develop and implement a plan 1784
2650	2650	or related to an already adopted p lan. 1785
2651	2651	(3) A rural community, an economic development 1786
2652	2652	organization in a rural area, or a regional organization 1787
2653	2653	representing at least one rural community or such economic 1788
2654	2654	development organizations may apply for such grants. The rural 1789
2655	2655	liaison for the rural c ommunity shall assist those applying for 1790
2656	2656	such grants. 1791
2657	2657	(4) The office department shall establish criteria for 1792
2658	2658	reviewing grant applications. These criteria must shall include, 1793
2659	2659	but are not limited to, the degree of participation and 1794
2660	2660	commitment by the local community and the application's 1795
2661	2661	consistency with local comprehensive plans or the application's 1796
2662	2662	proposal to ensure such consistency. Grants for marketing may 1797
2663	2663	include funding for advertising campaign materials and costs 1798
2664	2664	associated with meetings, trade missi ons, and professional 1799
2665	2665	development affiliated with site preparation and marketing. The 1800
2666	2666
2667	2667	HB 1427 2025
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2669	2669
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2674	2674	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2675	2675
2676	2676
2677	2677
2678	2678	office department shall review each application for a grant. The 1801
2679	2679	department may approve grants only to the extent that funds are 1802
2680	2680	appropriated for such grants by the Legis lature. 1803
2681	2681	Section 22. Paragraph (f) of subsection (2) and paragraphs 1804
2682	2682	(a), (b), and (c) of subsection (4) of section 288.9961, Florida 1805
2683	2683	Statutes, are amended, and subsections (6) and (7) are added to 1806
2684	2684	that section, to read: 1807
2685	2685	288.9961 Promotion of broadband adoption; Florida Office 1808
2686	2686	of Broadband.— 1809
2687	2687	(2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term: 1810
2688	2688	(f) "Underserved" means a geographic area of this state in 1811
2689	2689	which there is no provider of broadband Internet service that 1812
2690	2690	offers a connection to the Internet wi th a capacity for 1813
2691	2691	transmission at a consistent speed of at least 100 megabits per 1814
2692	2692	second downstream and at least 20 10 megabits per second 1815
2693	2693	upstream. 1816
2694	2694	(4) FLORIDA OFFICE OF BROADBAND. —The Florida Office of 1817
2695	2695	Broadband is created within the Division of Commun ity 1818
2696	2696	Development in the department for the purpose of developing, 1819
2697	2697	marketing, and promoting broadband Internet services in this 1820
2698	2698	state. The office, in the performance of its duties, shall do 1821
2699	2699	all of the following: 1822
2700	2700	(a) Create a strategic plan that has goals and strategies 1823
2701	2701	for increasing and improving the availability of, access to, and 1824
2702	2702	use of broadband Internet service in this state. In development 1825
2703	2703
2704	2704	HB 1427 2025
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2706	2706
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2711	2711	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2712	2712
2713	2713
2714	2714
2715	2715	of the plan, the department shall incorporate applicable federal 1826
2716	2716	broadband activities, including any efforts or initiatives of 1827
2717	2717	the Federal Communications Commission, to improve broadband 1828
2718	2718	Internet service in this state. The plan must identify available 1829
2719	2719	federal funding sources for the expansion or improvement of 1830
2720	2720	broadband. The strategic plan must be submitted to the Governor, 1831
2721	2721	the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of 1832
2722	2722	Representatives by June 30, 2022. The strategic plan must be 1833
2723	2723	updated biennially thereafter. The plan must include a process 1834
2724	2724	to review and verify public input regarding transmission speeds 1835
2725	2725	and availability of broadband Internet service throughout this 1836
2726	2726	state. The office shall consult with each regional rural 1837
2727	2727	community liaison center within the Office of Rural Prosperity 1838
2728	2728	on the development and upda te of the plan. 1839
2729	2729	(b) Build and facilitate local technology planning teams 1840
2730	2730	or partnerships with members representing cross -sections of the 1841
2731	2731	community, which may include, but are not limited to, 1842
2732	2732	representatives from the following organizations and industries : 1843
2733	2733	libraries, K-12 education, colleges and universities, local 1844
2734	2734	health care providers, private businesses, community 1845
2735	2735	organizations, economic development organizations, local 1846
2736	2736	governments, tourism, parks and recreation, and agriculture. The 1847
2737	2737	local technology planning teams or partnerships shall work with 1848
2738	2738	rural communities to help the communities understand their 1849
2739	2739	current broadband availability, locate unserved and underserved 1850
2740	2740
2741	2741	HB 1427 2025
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2748	2748	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2749	2749
2750	2750
2751	2751
2752	2752	businesses and residents, identify assets relevant to broadband 1851
2753	2753	deployment, build partne rships with broadband service providers, 1852
2754	2754	and identify opportunities to leverage assets and reduce 1853
2755	2755	barriers to the deployment of broadband Internet services in the 1854
2756	2756	community. The teams or partnerships must be proactive in rural 1855
2757	2757	communities as defined in s. 288.0656 fiscally constrained 1856
2758	2758	counties in identifying and providing assistance , in 1857
2759	2759	coordination with the regional rural community liaison centers 1858
2760	2760	within the Office of Rural Prosperity, with applying for federal 1859
2761	2761	grants for broadband Internet service. 1860
2762	2762	(c) Provide technical and planning assistance to rural 1861
2763	2763	communities in coordination with the regional rural community 1862
2764	2764	liaison centers within the Office of Rural Prosperity. 1863
2765	2765	(6) The office shall submit to the Governor, the President 1864
2766	2766	of the Senate, and the Spea ker of the House of Representatives a 1865
2767	2767	quarterly report detailing the implementation of broadband 1866
2768	2768	activities in rural, unserved, and underserved communities. Such 1867
2769	2769	information must be listed by county and include the amount of 1868
2770	2770	state and federal funds allocat ed and expended in the county by 1869
2771	2771	program; the progress toward deploying broadband in the county; 1870
2772	2772	any technical assistance provided; the activities of the local 1871
2773	2773	technology planning teams and partnerships; and the fulfillment 1872
2774	2774	of any other duties of the offic e required by this part. 1873
2775	2775	(7) By December 31 each year, the office shall submit to 1874
2776	2776	the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of 1875
2777	2777
2778	2778	HB 1427 2025
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2785	2785	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2786	2786
2787	2787
2788	2788
2789	2789	the House of Representatives an annual report on the office's 1876
2790	2790	operations and accomplishments for that calendar year and the 1877
2791	2791	status of broadband Internet service access and use in this 1878
2792	2792	state. The report must also incorporate the quarterly reports on 1879
2793	2793	rural, unserved, and underserved communities required by 1880
2794	2794	subsection (6). 1881
2795	2795	Section 23. Section 290.06561, Florida S tatutes, is 1882
2796	2796	repealed. 1883
2797	2797	Section 24. Paragraph (a) of subsection (5) of section 1884
2798	2798	319.32, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1885
2799	2799	319.32 Fees; service charges; disposition. — 1886
2800	2800	(5)(a) Forty-seven dollars of each fee collected, except 1887
2801	2801	for fees charged on a ce rtificate of title for a motor vehicle 1888
2802	2802	for hire registered under s. 320.08(6), for each applicable 1889
2803	2803	original certificate of title and each applicable duplicate copy 1890
2804	2804	of a certificate of title shall be deposited as follows: into 1891
2805	2805	the State Transportation Trust Fund. Deposits to the State 1892
2806	2806	Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to this paragraph may not 1893
2807	2807	exceed $200 million in any fiscal year, and from any collections 1894
2808	2808	in excess of that amount during the fiscal year, 1895
2809	2809	1. The first $30 million collected shall be deposi ted into 1896
2810	2810	the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund ;, and 1897
2811	2811	2. Any remaining collections shall be paid into the State 1898
2812	2812	Transportation Trust General Revenue Fund. 1899
2813	2813	Section 25. Subsection (37) is added to section 334.044, 1900
2814	2814
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2822	2822	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2823	2823
2824	2824
2825	2825
2826	2826	Florida Statutes, to read: 1901
2827	2827	334.044 Powers and duties of the department. —The 1902
2828	2828	department shall have the following general powers and duties: 1903
2829	2829	(37) To provide technical assistance and support from the 1904
2830	2830	appropriate district of the department to counties that are not 1905
2831	2831	located in a metropolitan pl anning organization created pursuant 1906
2832	2832	to s. 339.175. 1907
2833	2833	Section 26. Section 339.0801, Florida Statutes, is amended 1908
2834	2834	to read: 1909
2835	2835	339.0801 Allocation of increased revenues derived from 1910
2836	2836	amendments to s. 319.32(5)(a) by ch. 2012-128.— 1911
2837	2837	(1) The first $200 millio n of funds that result from 1912
2838	2838	increased revenues to the State Transportation Trust Fund 1913
2839	2839	derived from the amendments to s. 319.32(5)(a) made by s. 11, 1914
2840	2840	chapter 2012-128, Laws of Florida, this act must be used 1915
2841	2841	annually, first as set forth in paragraph (a) subsection (1) and 1916
2842	2842	then as set forth in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) subsections 1917
2843	2843	(2)-(4), notwithstanding any other provision of law: 1918
2844	2844	(a)1.(1)(a) Beginning in the 2013 -2014 fiscal year and 1919
2845	2845	annually for 30 years thereafter, $10 million shall be for the 1920
2846	2846	purpose of funding any seaport project identified in the adopted 1921
2847	2847	work program of the Department of Transportation, to be known as 1922
2848	2848	the Seaport Investment Program. 1923
2849	2849	2.(b) The revenues may be assigned, pledged, or set aside 1924
2850	2850	as a trust for the payment of principal or interest on revenue 1925
2851	2851
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2859	2859	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2860	2860
2861	2861
2862	2862
2863	2863	bonds, or other forms of indebtedness issued by an individual 1926
2864	2864	port or appropriate local government having jurisdiction 1927
2865	2865	thereof, or collectively by interlocal agreement among any of 1928
2866	2866	the ports, or used to purchase credit support to permit such 1929
2867	2867	borrowings. Alternatively, revenue bonds shall be issued by the 1930
2868	2868	Division of Bond Finance at the request of the Department of 1931
2869	2869	Transportation under the State Bond Act and shall be secured by 1932
2870	2870	such revenues as are provided in this subsection. 1933
2871	2871	3.(c) Revenue bonds or other indebtedness issued hereunder 1934
2872	2872	are not a general obligation of the state and are secured solely 1935
2873	2873	by a first lien on the r evenues distributed under this 1936
2874	2874	subsection. 1937
2875	2875	4.(d) The state covenants with holders of the revenue 1938
2876	2876	bonds or other instruments of indebtedness issued pursuant to 1939
2877	2877	this subsection that it will not repeal this subsection; nor 1940
2878	2878	take any other action, including b ut not limited to amending 1941
2879	2879	this subsection, that will materially and adversely affect the 1942
2880	2880	rights of such holders so long as revenue bonds or other 1943
2881	2881	indebtedness authorized by this subsection are outstanding. 1944
2882	2882	5.(e) The proceeds of any revenue bonds or othe r 1945
2883	2883	indebtedness, after payment of costs of issuance and 1946
2884	2884	establishment of any required reserves, shall be invested in 1947
2885	2885	projects approved by the Department of Transportation and 1948
2886	2886	included in the department's adopted work program, by amendment 1949
2887	2887	if necessary. As required under s. 11(f), Art. VII of the State 1950
2888	2888
2889	2889	HB 1427 2025
2890	2890
2891	2891
2892	2892
2893	2893	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2894	2894	hb1427-00
2895	2895	Page 79 of 150
2896	2896	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2897	2897
2898	2898
2899	2899
2900	2900	Constitution, the Legislature approves projects included in the 1951
2901	2901	department's adopted work program, including any projects added 1952
2902	2902	to the work program by amendment under s. 339.135(7). 1953
2903	2903	6.(f) Any revenues that ar e not used for the payment of 1954
2904	2904	bonds as authorized by this subsection may be used for purposes 1955
2905	2905	authorized under the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic 1956
2906	2906	Development Program. This revenue source is in addition to any 1957
2907	2907	amounts provided for and appropria ted in accordance with ss. 1958
2908	2908	311.07 and 320.20(3) and (4). 1959
2909	2909	(b)(2) Beginning in the 2013 -2014 fiscal year and annually 1960
2910	2910	thereafter, $10 million shall be transferred to the 1961
2911	2911	Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund, to be used as specified 1962
2912	2912	in s. 427.0159. 1963
2913	2913	(c)(3) Beginning in the 2013 -2014 fiscal year and annually 1964
2914	2914	thereafter, $10 million shall be allocated to the Small County 1965
2915	2915	Outreach Program to be used as specified in s. 339.2818. These 1966
2916	2916	funds are in addition to the funds provided for the program 1967
2917	2917	pursuant to s. 201.15(4)(a)2. 1968
2918	2918	(d)(4) After the distributions required pursuant to 1969
2919	2919	paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) subsections (1)-(3), the remaining 1970
2920	2920	funds shall be used annually for transportation projects within 1971
2921	2921	this state for existing or planned strategic transportatio n 1972
2922	2922	projects which connect major markets within this state or 1973
2923	2923	between this state and other states, which focus on job 1974
2924	2924	creation, and which increase this state's viability in the 1975
2925	2925
2926	2926	HB 1427 2025
2927	2927
2928	2928
2929	2929
2930	2930	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2931	2931	hb1427-00
2932	2932	Page 80 of 150
2933	2933	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2934	2934
2935	2935
2936	2936
2937	2937	national and global markets. 1976
2938	2938	(2) The remaining funds that result from increased revenue 1977
2939	2939	to the State Transportation Trust Fund derived pursuant to s. 1978
2940	2940	319.32(5)(a) must be used annually, notwithstanding any other 1979
2941	2941	law, beginning in the 2025 -2026 fiscal year and annually 1980
2942	2942	thereafter, for the Small County Road Assistance Program as 1981
2943	2943	prescribed in s. 339.2816. 1982
2944	2944	(3)(5) Pursuant to s. 339.135(7), the department shall 1983
2945	2945	amend the work program to add the projects provided for in this 1984
2946	2946	section. 1985
2947	2947	Section 27. Subsection (3) and paragraph (a) of subsection 1986
2948	2948	(4) of section 339.2816, Florida Statutes, are amended, and 1987
2949	2949	paragraph (c) of subsection (4) of that section is reenacted, to 1988
2950	2950	read: 1989
2951	2951	339.2816 Small County Road Assistance Program. — 1990
2952	2952	(3) Beginning with fiscal year 1999-2000 until fiscal year 1991
2953	2953	2009-2010, and beginning again with fiscal year 2012-2013, up to 1992
2954	2954	$25 million annually from the State Transportation Trust Fund 1993
2955	2955	must may be used for the purposes of funding the Small County 1994
2956	2956	Road Assistance Program as described in this section. In 1995
2957	2957	addition, beginning with fiscal year 2025 -2026, the department 1996
2958	2958	must use the additional revenues allocated by s. 339.0801 for 1997
2959	2959	the Small County Road Assistance Program. 1998
2960	2960	(4)(a) Small counties shall be eligible to compete for 1999
2961	2961	funds that have been designated for the Small County Road 2000
2962	2962
2963	2963	HB 1427 2025
2964	2964
2965	2965
2966	2966
2967	2967	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
2968	2968	hb1427-00
2969	2969	Page 81 of 150
2970	2970	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
2971	2971
2972	2972
2973	2973
2974	2974	Assistance Program for resurfac ing or reconstruction projects on 2001
2975	2975	county roads that were part of the county road system on June 2002
2976	2976	10, 1995. Capacity improvements on county roads are shall not be 2003
2977	2977	eligible for funding under the program unless a safety issue 2004
2978	2978	exists or the department finds it necessary to widen existing 2005
2979	2979	lanes as part of a resurfacing or reconstruction project . 2006
2980	2980	(c) The following criteria must be used to prioritize road 2007
2981	2981	projects for funding under the program: 2008
2982	2982	1. The primary criterion is the physical condition of the 2009
2983	2983	road as measured by the department. 2010
2984	2984	2. As secondary criteria the department may consider: 2011
2985	2985	a. Whether a road is used as an evacuation route. 2012
2986	2986	b. Whether a road has high levels of agricultural travel. 2013
2987	2987	c. Whether a road is considered a major arterial route. 2014
2988	2988	d. Whether a road is considered a feeder road. 2015
2989	2989	e. Whether a road is located in a fiscally constrained 2016
2990	2990	county, as defined in s. 218.67(1). 2017
2991	2991	f. Other criteria related to the impact of a project on 2018
2992	2992	the public road system or on the state or local economy as 2019
2993	2993	determined by the department. 2020
2994	2994	Section 28. Subsections (1), (2), (3), (6), (7), and (8) 2021
2995	2995	of section 339.2818, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 2022
2996	2996	339.2818 Small County Outreach Program. — 2023
2997	2997	(1) There is created within the department of 2024
2998	2998	Transportation the Small County Outreach Program. The purpose of 2025
2999	2999
3000	3000	HB 1427 2025
3001	3001
3002	3002
3003	3003
3004	3004	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3005	3005	hb1427-00
3006	3006	Page 82 of 150
3007	3007	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3008	3008
3009	3009
3010	3010
3011	3011	this program is to assist small county governments in repairing 2026
3012	3012	or rehabilitating county bridges, paving unpaved roads, 2027
3013	3013	addressing road-related drainage improvements, resurfacing or 2028
3014	3014	reconstructing county r oads, or constructing capacity or safety 2029
3015	3015	improvements to county roads. 2030
3016	3016	(2) For the purposes of this section, the term "small 2031
3017	3017	county" means any county that has a population of 200,000 or 2032
3018	3018	less as determined by the most recent official population census 2033
3019	3019	determination estimate pursuant to s. 186.901. 2034
3020	3020	(3) Funds allocated under this program, pursuant to s. 4, 2035
3021	3021	ch. 2000-257, Laws of Florida, are in addition to any funds 2036
3022	3022	provided pursuant to s. 339.2816, for the Small County Road 2037
3023	3023	Assistance Program. 2038
3024	3024	(5)(6) Funds paid into the State Transportation Trust Fund 2039
3025	3025	pursuant to ss. 201.15, 320.072, and 339.0801 s. 201.15 for the 2040
3026	3026	purposes of the Small County Outreach Program are hereby 2041
3027	3027	annually appropriated for expenditure to support the Small 2042
3028	3028	County Outreach Program. 2043
3029	3029	(6)(7) Subject to a specific appropriation in addition to 2044
3030	3030	funds annually appropriated for projects under this section, a 2045
3031	3031	municipality within a rural area of opportunity or a rural area 2046
3032	3032	of opportunity community designated under s. 288.0656(7)(a) may 2047
3033	3033	compete for the additional project funding using the criteria 2048
3034	3034	listed in subsection (3) (4) at up to 100 percent of project 2049
3035	3035	costs, excluding capacity improvement projects. 2050
3036	3036
3037	3037	HB 1427 2025
3038	3038
3039	3039
3040	3040
3041	3041	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3042	3042	hb1427-00
3043	3043	Page 83 of 150
3044	3044	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3045	3045
3046	3046
3047	3047
3048	3048	(8) Subject to a specific appropriation in addition to 2051
3049	3049	funds appropriated for projects under this section, a local 2052
3050	3050	government either wholly or partially within the Everglades 2053
3051	3051	Agricultural Area as defined in s. 373.4592(15), the Peace River 2054
3052	3052	Basin, or the Suwannee River Basin may compete for additional 2055
3053	3053	funding using the criteria listed in para graph (4)(c) at up to 2056
3054	3054	100 percent of project costs on state or county roads used 2057
3055	3055	primarily as farm-to-market connections between rural 2058
3056	3056	agricultural areas and market distribution centers, excluding 2059
3057	3057	capacity improvement projects. 2060
3058	3058	Section 29. Section 339. 68 is amended to read: 2061
3059	3059	(Substantial rewording of section. 2062
3060	3060	See s. 339.68, F.S., for present text.) 2063
3061	3061	339.68 Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program. — 2064
3062	3062	(1) The Legislature finds that increasing demands continue 2065
3063	3063	to be placed on rural arterial roads in this state by a fast -2066
3064	3064	growing economy, continued population growth, and increased 2067
3065	3065	tourism. Investment in the rural arterial roads of this state is 2068
3066	3066	needed to maintain the safety, mobility, reliability, and 2069
3067	3067	resiliency of the transportation system in order to support the 2070
3068	3068	movement of people, goods, and commodities; to enhance economic 2071
3069	3069	prosperity and competitiveness; and to enrich the quality of 2072
3070	3070	life of the rural communities and the environment of this state. 2073
3071	3071	(2) The Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program is 2074
3072	3072	created within the department to make capacity and safety 2075
3073	3073
3074	3074	HB 1427 2025
3075	3075
3076	3076
3077	3077
3078	3078	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3079	3079	hb1427-00
3080	3080	Page 84 of 150
3081	3081	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3082	3082
3083	3083
3084	3084
3085	3085	improvements to two-lane arterial roads located in rural 2076
3086	3086	communities. For purposes of this section, the term "rural 2077
3087	3087	community" has the same meaning as provided in s. 288.0656. 2078
3088	3088	(3) Beginning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the department 2079
3089	3089	shall allocate from the State Transportation Trust Fund a 2080
3090	3090	minimum of $50 million in each fiscal year for purposes of 2081
3091	3091	funding the program. This funding is in addition to any other 2082
3092	3092	funding provided to the program by any other law. 2083
3093	3093	(4) The department shall use the following criteria to 2084
3094	3094	prioritize projects for funding under the program: 2085
3095	3095	(a) Whether the road has documented safety concerns or 2086
3096	3096	requires additional safety and design improvements. This may be 2087
3097	3097	evidenced by the number of fatalities or crashes per vehicle 2088
3098	3098	mile traveled. 2089
3099	3099	(b) Whether the road has or is projected to have a 2090
3100	3100	significant amount of truck tractor traffic as determined by the 2091
3101	3101	department. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "truck 2092
3102	3102	tractor" has the same meaning as in s. 320.01(11). 2093
3103	3103	(c) Whether the road is used to transport agricultural 2094
3104	3104	products and commodities from the farm to the market or other 2095
3105	3105	sale or distribution point. 2096
3106	3106	(d) Whether the road is used to transport goods to or from 2097
3107	3107	warehouses, distribution centers, or intermodal logistics 2098
3108	3108	centers as defined in s. 311.101(2). 2099
3109	3109	(e) Whether the road is used as an evacuation route. 2100
3110	3110
3111	3111	HB 1427 2025
3112	3112
3113	3113
3114	3114
3115	3115	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3116	3116	hb1427-00
3117	3117	Page 85 of 150
3118	3118	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3119	3119
3120	3120
3121	3121
3122	3122	(f) Whether the physical condition of the road meets 2101
3123	3123	department standards. 2102
3124	3124	(g) Whether the road currently has, o r is projected to 2103
3125	3125	have within the next 5 years, a level of service of D, E, or F. 2104
3126	3126	(h) Any other criteria related to the impact of a project 2105
3127	3127	on the public road system or on the state or local economy as 2106
3128	3128	determined by the department. 2107
3129	3129	(5) By January 1, 20 27, and every 2 years thereafter, the 2108
3130	3130	department shall submit to the Governor, the President of the 2109
3131	3131	Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report 2110
3132	3132	regarding the use and condition of arterial roads located in 2111
3133	3133	rural communities, which repor t must include the following: 2112
3134	3134	(a) A map of roads located in rural communities which are 2113
3135	3135	designated as arterial roads. 2114
3136	3136	(b) A needs assessment that must include, but is not 2115
3137	3137	limited to, consideration of infrastructure improvements to 2116
3138	3138	improve capacity on a rterial roads in rural communities. 2117
3139	3139	(c) A synopsis of the department's project prioritization 2118
3140	3140	process. 2119
3141	3141	(d) An estimate of the local and state economic impact of 2120
3142	3142	improving capacity on arterial roads in rural communities. 2121
3143	3143	(e) A listing of the arterial roads and the associated 2122
3144	3144	improvements to be included in the program and a schedule or 2123
3145	3145	timeline for the inclusion of such projects in the work program. 2124
3146	3146	Section 30. (1) The Department of Transportation shall 2125
3147	3147
3148	3148	HB 1427 2025
3149	3149
3150	3150
3151	3151
3152	3152	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3153	3153	hb1427-00
3154	3154	Page 86 of 150
3155	3155	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3156	3156
3157	3157
3158	3158
3159	3159	allocate the additional funds provided by thi s act to implement 2126
3160	3160	the Small County Road Assistance Program as created by s. 2127
3161	3161	339.2816, Florida Statutes, and amend the current tentative work 2128
3162	3162	program for the 2025 -2026 through 2031-2032 fiscal years to 2129
3163	3163	include additional projects. In addition, before adopt ion of the 2130
3164	3164	work program, the department shall submit a budget amendment 2131
3165	3165	pursuant to s. 339.135(7), Florida Statutes, requesting budget 2132
3166	3166	authority necessary to implement the additional projects. 2133
3167	3167	(2) The department shall allocate sufficient funds to 2134
3168	3168	implement the Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program, 2135
3169	3169	develop a plan to expend the revenues as specified in s. 339.68, 2136
3170	3170	Florida Statutes, and, before its adoption, amend the current 2137
3171	3171	tentative work program for the 2025 -2026 through 2031-2032 2138
3172	3172	fiscal years to include the program's projects. In addition, 2139
3173	3173	before adoption of the work program, the department shall submit 2140
3174	3174	a budget amendment pursuant to s. 339.135(7), Florida Statutes, 2141
3175	3175	requesting budget authority necessary to implement the program 2142
3176	3176	as specified in s. 33 9.68, Florida Statutes. 2143
3177	3177	(3) Notwithstanding any other law, the increase in revenue 2144
3178	3178	to the State Transportation Trust Fund derived from the 2145
3179	3179	amendments to ss. 201.15 and 319.32, Florida Statutes, made by 2146
3180	3180	this act and deposited into the trust fund pursuant to ss. 2147
3181	3181	201.15 and 339.0801, Florida Statutes, shall be used by the 2148
3182	3182	department to fund the programs as specified in this section. 2149
3183	3183	Section 31. Section 381.403, Florida Statutes, is created 2150
3184	3184
3185	3185	HB 1427 2025
3186	3186
3187	3187
3188	3188
3189	3189	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3190	3190	hb1427-00
3191	3191	Page 87 of 150
3192	3192	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3193	3193
3194	3194
3195	3195
3196	3196	to read: 2151
3197	3197	381.403 Rural Access to Primary and Preventive Care Gr ant 2152
3198	3198	Program.—The Legislature recognizes that access to primary and 2153
3199	3199	preventive health care is critical for the well -being of the 2154
3200	3200	residents of this state. The Legislature also recognizes that 2155
3201	3201	many rural areas of this state have significantly fewer 2156
3202	3202	available physicians and autonomous advanced practice registered 2157
3203	3203	nurses who serve those areas. To increase the availability of 2158
3204	3204	health care in such underserved rural areas, there is created 2159
3205	3205	the Rural Access to Primary and Preventive Care Grant Program 2160
3206	3206	within the Department of Health to use grants to incentivize 2161
3207	3207	physicians and autonomous advanced practice registered nurses to 2162
3208	3208	open or expand practices in those areas. 2163
3209	3209	(1) As used in this section, the term: 2164
3210	3210	(a) "Autonomous advanced practice registered nurse" means 2165
3211	3211	an advanced practice registered nurse who is registered under s. 2166
3212	3212	464.0123 to engage in autonomous practice. 2167
3213	3213	(b) "Majority ownership" means ownership of more than 50 2168
3214	3214	percent of the interests in a private practice. 2169
3215	3215	(c) "Physician" means a physician licensed under chapter 2170
3216	3216	458 or chapter 459. 2171
3217	3217	(d) "Preventive care" means routine health care services 2172
3218	3218	designed to prevent illness. The term includes, but is not 2173
3219	3219	limited to, general physical examinations provided on an annual 2174
3220	3220	basis, screenings for acute or chronic illnesses, and patient 2175
3221	3221
3222	3222	HB 1427 2025
3223	3223
3224	3224
3225	3225
3226	3226	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3227	3227	hb1427-00
3228	3228	Page 88 of 150
3229	3229	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3230	3230
3231	3231
3232	3232
3233	3233	counseling to promote overall wellness and avoid the need for 2176
3234	3234	emergency services. 2177
3235	3235	(e) "Primary care" means health care services focused 2178
3236	3236	primarily on preventive care, wellness care, and treatment for 2179
3237	3237	common illnesses. The term may i nclude the health care provider 2180
3238	3238	serving as a patient's entry point into the overall health care 2181
3239	3239	system and coordinating a patient's care among specialists or 2182
3240	3240	acute care settings. The term does not include elective services 2183
3241	3241	provided solely for cosmetic purp oses. 2184
3242	3242	(f) "Program" means the Rural Access to Primary and 2185
3243	3243	Preventive Care Grant Program. 2186
3244	3244	(g) "Qualifying rural area" means a rural community as 2187
3245	3245	defined in s. 288.0657 in this state which is also designated as 2188
3246	3246	a health professional shortage area by the Health Resources and 2189
3247	3247	Services Administration of the United States Department of 2190
3248	3248	Health and Human Services. 2191
3249	3249	(2) The department shall award grants under the program to 2192
3250	3250	physicians and autonomous advanced practice registered nurses 2193
3251	3251	who intend to open a new p rivate practice in a qualifying rural 2194
3252	3252	area or who intend to open a new location within a qualifying 2195
3253	3253	rural area if the current private practice is located in a 2196
3254	3254	different county. To qualify for a grant, an applicant must meet 2197
3255	3255	all of the following criteria: 2198
3256	3256	(a) The practice must: 2199
3257	3257	1. Have majority ownership by physicians or autonomous 2200
3258	3258
3259	3259	HB 1427 2025
3260	3260
3261	3261
3262	3262
3263	3263	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3264	3264	hb1427-00
3265	3265	Page 89 of 150
3266	3266	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3267	3267
3268	3268
3269	3269
3270	3270	advanced practice registered nurses. Majority ownership may 2201
3271	3271	include up to five physicians or autonomous advanced practice 2202
3272	3272	registered nurses in partnership. 2203
3273	3273	2. Be physically located in a qualifying rural area and 2204
3274	3274	serve at that location patients who live in that qualifying 2205
3275	3275	rural area or in other nearby qualifying rural areas. While the 2206
3276	3276	practice may use telehealth to supplement the services provided 2207
3277	3277	at the location, the majority of services provided by the 2208
3278	3278	practice must be provided at the physical location. 2209
3279	3279	3. Accept Medicaid patients. 2210
3280	3280	4. Provide services in one or more of the following 2211
3281	3281	specialties: 2212
3282	3282	a. If the practice has majority ownership by one or more 2213
3283	3283	autonomous advanced practice registered nurses, provide services 2214
3284	3284	solely in primary or preventive care. 2215
3285	3285	b. If the practice has majority ownership by one or more 2216
3286	3286	physicians, provide services in primary care, obstetrics, 2217
3287	3287	gynecology, general and family practice, geriat rics, internal 2218
3288	3288	medicine, pediatrics, or psychiatry. 2219
3289	3289	(b) The owners of the practice must commit to providing 2220
3290	3290	the following information to the department on an annual basis, 2221
3291	3291	and upon request by the department: 2222
3292	3292	1. Deidentified patient encounter data. 2223
3293	3293	2. A detailed report on the use of grant funds until such 2224
3294	3294	funds are expended. 2225
3295	3295
3296	3296	HB 1427 2025
3297	3297
3298	3298
3299	3299
3300	3300	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3301	3301	hb1427-00
3302	3302	Page 90 of 150
3303	3303	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3304	3304
3305	3305
3306	3306
3307	3307	(3) By March 1, 2026, the department shall create an 2226
3308	3308	application process for eligible physicians and autonomous 2227
3309	3309	advanced practice registered nurses to apply for grants under 2228
3310	3310	the program. The application must require a detailed budget of 2229
3311	3311	anticipated use of grant funds and how the new or existing 2230
3312	3312	practice will meet the requirements of subsection (2). The 2231
3313	3313	department shall establish a ranking system to determine which 2232
3314	3314	applicants will be awarded grants if there are more applicants 2233
3315	3315	for the program than can be awarded grants with available 2234
3316	3316	appropriated funds. 2235
3317	3317	(4) Subject to specific appropriation, the department may 2236
3318	3318	award grants of up to $250,000 to eligible applicants. Only one 2237
3319	3319	grant may be awarded per practice. Grant funds awarded for 2238
3320	3320	establishing a new private practice or a new practice location 2239
3321	3321	may be used for any of the following expenses: 2240
3322	3322	(a) Facility construction, acquisition, renovation, or 2241
3323	3323	lease. 2242
3324	3324	(b) Purchasing medical equip ment. 2243
3325	3325	(c) Purchasing or implementing information technology 2244
3326	3326	equipment or services. 2245
3327	3327	(d) Purchasing or implementing telehealth technology. 2246
3328	3328	(e) Training on the use of medical equipment, information 2247
3329	3329	technology, or telehealth technology implemented under paragraph 2248
3330	3330	(b), paragraph (c), or paragraph (d), respectively. 2249
3331	3331	(5) Grant funds may not be used for any of the following: 2250
3332	3332
3333	3333	HB 1427 2025
3334	3334
3335	3335
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3340	3340	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3341	3341
3342	3342
3343	3343
3344	3344	(a) Salaries. 2251
3345	3345	(b) Utilities. 2252
3346	3346	(c) Internet or telecommunications services other than 2253
3347	3347	those necessary for implementing telehealth technology under 2254
3348	3348	paragraph (4)(d). 2255
3349	3349	(d) Insurance. 2256
3350	3350	(e) Incidental maintenance and repairs. 2257
3351	3351	(f) Disposable medical supplies. 2258
3352	3352	(g) Medicines or vaccines. 2259
3353	3353	(h) Licensing or certification fees, including costs for 2260
3354	3354	continuing education other than trainin g under paragraph (4)(e). 2261
3355	3355	(6) The department shall enter into a contract with each 2262
3356	3356	grant recipient which details the requirements for the 2263
3357	3357	expenditure of grant funds for that recipient. The contract must 2264
3358	3358	include, at a minimum, all of the following: 2265
3359	3359	(a) The purpose of the contract. 2266
3360	3360	(b) Specific performance standards and responsibilities 2267
3361	3361	for the recipient under the contract, including penalties for 2268
3362	3362	not meeting such performance standards and responsibilities. 2269
3363	3363	(c) A detailed project or contract budget, i f applicable. 2270
3364	3364	(d) Reporting requirements for grant recipients to provide 2271
3365	3365	information to the department under paragraph (2)(b) as well as 2272
3366	3366	any additional information the department deems necessary for 2273
3367	3367	the administration of the program. 2274
3368	3368	(7) The department may adopt rules to implement the 2275
3369	3369
3370	3370	HB 1427 2025
3371	3371
3372	3372
3373	3373
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3377	3377	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3378	3378
3379	3379
3380	3380
3381	3381	program. 2276
3382	3382	(8) Beginning July 1, 2026, and each year thereafter in 2277
3383	3383	which there are outstanding contracts with grant recipients 2278
3384	3384	under subsection (6), the department shall provide a report to 2279
3385	3385	the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of 2280
3386	3386	the House of Representatives which includes, but need not be 2281
3387	3387	limited to, all of the following: 2282
3388	3388	(a) Each grant awarded, including the proposed uses for 2283
3389	3389	each grant. 2284
3390	3390	(b) The progress on each outstanding con tract. 2285
3391	3391	(c) The number of patients residing in rural areas who 2286
3392	3392	were served by grant awardees. 2287
3393	3393	(d) The number of Medicaid recipients who were served by 2288
3394	3394	grant awardees. 2289
3395	3395	(e) The number and types of services provided during 2290
3396	3396	patient encounters in locations opened under the program. 2291
3397	3397	(f) The number of health care practitioners, delineated by 2292
3398	3398	licensure type, providing services in locations opened under the 2293
3399	3399	program. 2294
3400	3400	(9) This section is repealed July 1, 2035, unless reviewed 2295
3401	3401	and saved from repeal through ree nactment by the Legislature. 2296
3402	3402	Section 32. Section 381.9856, Florida Statutes, is created 2297
3403	3403	to read: 2298
3404	3404	381.9856 Stroke, Cardiac, and Obstetric Response and 2299
3405	3405	Education Grant Program. — 2300
3406	3406
3407	3407	HB 1427 2025
3408	3408
3409	3409
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3414	3414	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3415	3415
3416	3416
3417	3417
3418	3418	(1) PROGRAM CREATION. —The Stroke, Cardiac, and Obstetric 2301
3419	3419	Response and Education (SCORE) Grant Program is created within 2302
3420	3420	the Department of Health. 2303
3421	3421	(2) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the program is to improve 2304
3422	3422	patient outcomes and the coordination of emergency medical care 2305
3423	3423	in rural communities by increasing access to high -quality 2306
3424	3424	stroke, cardiac, and obstetric care through the application of 2307
3425	3425	technology and innovative training, such as blended learning 2308
3426	3426	training programs. Blended learning training programs ensure 2309
3427	3427	that participants gain both the theoretical foundations of 2310
3428	3428	diagnosis and management as well as real -world clinical 2311
3429	3429	experience through scenario -based learning, ultimately enhancing 2312
3430	3430	decisionmaking and patient outcomes. 2313
3431	3431	(3) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term: 2314
3432	3432	(a) "Blended learning training program" means a structured 2315
3433	3433	educational model that uses blended learning methodologies, 2316
3434	3434	including simulation -based training, virtual reality, and 2317
3435	3435	distance learning technologies, in conjunction with hands -on 2318
3436	3436	instruction, such as simulation -based practice, and in -person 2319
3437	3437	skills sessions to provide comprehensive education. 2320
3438	3438	(b) "High-risk care provider" means a licensed health care 2321
3439	3439	facility or licensed ambulance service that regularly provides 2322
3440	3440	emergency or ongoing care to patients experiencing a stroke, 2323
3441	3441	heart attack, or pregnancy -related emergency. 2324
3442	3442	(c) "Rural community" has the same meaning as provided in 2325
3443	3443
3444	3444	HB 1427 2025
3445	3445
3446	3446
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3451	3451	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3452	3452
3453	3453
3454	3454
3455	3455	s. 288.0657. 2326
3456	3456	(4) GRANT PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. — 2327
3457	3457	(a) The department shall award grants to high -risk care 2328
3458	3458	providers serving rural communities to accomplish at least one 2329
3459	3459	of the following initiatives: 2330
3460	3460	1. Implement a blended learning training program for 2331
3461	3461	health care providers in stroke care protocols and best 2332
3462	3462	practices. 2333
3463	3463	2. Purchase simulation equipment and technology for 2334
3464	3464	training. 2335
3465	3465	3. Establish telehealth capabilities between prehospital 2336
3466	3466	providers, such as paramedics or emergency medical technicians, 2337
3467	3467	and in-hospital providers, such as neurologists, to expedite 2338
3468	3468	emergency stroke care, emergency cardiac care, or emergency 2339
3469	3469	obstetric care. 2340
3470	3470	4. Develop quality improvement programs i n one or more of 2341
3471	3471	the following specialty areas: emergency stroke care, emergency 2342
3472	3472	cardiac care, or emergency obstetric care. 2343
3473	3473	(b) Priority must be given to proposals that: 2344
3474	3474	1. Demonstrate collaboration between prehospital and in -2345
3475	3475	hospital providers; or 2346
3476	3476	2. Show potential for significant improvement in patient 2347
3477	3477	outcomes in rural communities. 2348
3478	3478	(5) FUNDING LIMITS; REPORTING. — 2349
3479	3479	(a) Individual grants may not exceed $100,000 per year. 2350
3480	3480
3481	3481	HB 1427 2025
3482	3482
3483	3483
3484	3484
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3488	3488	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3489	3489
3490	3490
3491	3491
3492	3492	(b) Grant recipients must submit quarterly reports to the 2351
3493	3493	department documenting program activities, expenditures, and 2352
3494	3494	outcomes. 2353
3495	3495	(6) ADMINISTRATION. —The department shall monitor program 2354
3496	3496	implementation and outcomes. The department shall submit an 2355
3497	3497	annual report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and 2356
3498	3498	the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 1 of 2357
3499	3499	each year, detailing program implementation and outcomes. 2358
3500	3500	(7) RULEMAKING.—The department may adopt rules to 2359
3501	3501	implement this section. 2360
3502	3502	(8) IMPLEMENTATION. —This section may be implemented only 2361
3503	3503	to the extent specifi cally funded by legislative appropriation. 2362
3504	3504	(9) REPEAL.—This section is repealed July 1, 2030, unless 2363
3505	3505	reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the 2364
3506	3506	Legislature. 2365
3507	3507	Section 33. Subsection (2) of section 395.6061, Florida 2366
3508	3508	Statutes, is amended t o read: 2367
3509	3509	395.6061 Rural hospital capital improvement. —There is 2368
3510	3510	established a rural hospital capital improvement grant program. 2369
3511	3511	(2)(a) Each rural hospital as defined in s. 395.602 shall 2370
3512	3512	receive a minimum of $100,000 annually, subject to legislative 2371
3513	3513	appropriation, upon application to the Department of Health, for 2372
3514	3514	projects to acquire, repair, improve, or upgrade systems, 2373
3515	3515	facilities, or equipment. Such projects may include, but are not 2374
3516	3516	limited to, the following: 2375
3517	3517
3518	3518	HB 1427 2025
3519	3519
3520	3520
3521	3521
3522	3522	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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3525	3525	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3526	3526
3527	3527
3528	3528
3529	3529	1. Establishing mobile care units to provide primary care 2376
3530	3530	services, behavioral health services, or obstetric and 2377
3531	3531	gynecological services in rural health professional shortage 2378
3532	3532	areas. 2379
3533	3533	2. Establishing telehealth kiosks to provide urgent care 2380
3534	3534	and primary care services remotely in rural health professio nal 2381
3535	3535	shortage areas. 2382
3536	3536	(b) As used in this subsection, the term: 2383
3537	3537	1. "Preventive care" means routine health care services 2384
3538	3538	designed to prevent illness. The term includes, but is not 2385
3539	3539	limited to, general physical examinations provided on an annual 2386
3540	3540	basis, screenings for acute or chronic illnesses, and patient 2387
3541	3541	counseling to promote overall wellness and avoid the need for 2388
3542	3542	emergency services. 2389
3543	3543	2. "Primary care" means health care services focused 2390
3544	3544	primarily on preventive care, wellness care, and treatment for 2391
3545	3545	common illnesses. The term may include the health care provider 2392
3546	3546	serving as a patient's entry point into the overall health care 2393
3547	3547	system and coordinating a patient's care among specialists or 2394
3548	3548	acute care settings. The term does not include elective services 2395
3549	3549	provided solely for cosmetic purposes. 2396
3550	3550	3. "Rural health professional shortage area" means a rural 2397
3551	3551	community as defined in s. 288.0657 which is also designated as 2398
3552	3552	a health professional shortage area by the Health Resources and 2399
3553	3553	Services Administration of the Uni ted States Department of 2400
3554	3554
3555	3555	HB 1427 2025
3556	3556
3557	3557
3558	3558
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3562	3562	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3563	3563
3564	3564
3565	3565
3566	3566	Health and Human Services. 2401
3567	3567	Section 34. Subsection (3) of section 420.9073, Florida 2402
3568	3568	Statutes, is amended to read: 2403
3569	3569	420.9073 Local housing distributions. — 2404
3570	3570	(3) Calculation of guaranteed amounts: 2405
3571	3571	(a) The guaranteed amount unde r subsection (1) shall be 2406
3572	3572	calculated for each state fiscal year by multiplying $1 million 2407
3573	3573	$350,000 by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of 2408
3574	3574	funds distributed to the Local Government Housing Trust Fund 2409
3575	3575	pursuant to s. 201.15(4)(c) and the denom inator of which is the 2410
3576	3576	total amount of funds distributed to the Local Government 2411
3577	3577	Housing Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15. 2412
3578	3578	(b) The guaranteed amount under subsection (2) shall be 2413
3579	3579	calculated for each state fiscal year by multiplying $1 million 2414
3580	3580	$350,000 by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of 2415
3581	3581	funds distributed to the Local Government Housing Trust Fund 2416
3582	3582	pursuant to s. 201.15(4)(d) and the denominator of which is the 2417
3583	3583	total amount of funds distributed to the Local Government 2418
3584	3584	Housing Trust Fund p ursuant to s. 201.15. 2419
3585	3585	Section 35. Paragraph (n) of subsection (5) of section 2420
3586	3586	420.9075, Florida Statutes, is amended, paragraph (o) is added 2421
3587	3587	to that subsection, and paragraph (b) of subsection (13) of that 2422
3588	3588	section is reenacted, to read: 2423
3589	3589	420.9075 Local housing assistance plans; partnerships. — 2424
3590	3590	(5) The following criteria apply to awards made to 2425
3591	3591
3592	3592	HB 1427 2025
3593	3593
3594	3594
3595	3595
3596	3596	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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3599	3599	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3600	3600
3601	3601
3602	3602
3603	3603	eligible sponsors or eligible persons for the purpose of 2426
3604	3604	providing eligible housing: 2427
3605	3605	(n) Funds from the local housing distribution not used to 2428
3606	3606	meet the criteria established in paragraph (a) , or paragraph 2429
3607	3607	(c), or paragraph (o), or not used for the administration of a 2430
3608	3608	local housing assistance plan must be used for housing 2431
3609	3609	production and finance activities, including, but not limited 2432
3610	3610	to, financing preconstruction a ctivities or the purchase of 2433
3611	3611	existing units, providing rental housing, and providing home 2434
3612	3612	ownership training to prospective home buyers and owners of 2435
3613	3613	homes assisted through the local housing assistance plan. 2436
3614	3614	1. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph s (a) and 2437
3615	3615	(c), program income as defined in s. 420.9071(26) may also be 2438
3616	3616	used to fund activities described in this paragraph. 2439
3617	3617	2. When preconstruction due -diligence activities conducted 2440
3618	3618	as part of a preservation strategy show that preservation of the 2441
3619	3619	units is not feasible and will not result in the production of 2442
3620	3620	an eligible unit, such costs shall be deemed a program expense 2443
3621	3621	rather than an administrative expense if such program expenses 2444
3622	3622	do not exceed 3 percent of the annual local housing 2445
3623	3623	distribution. 2446
3624	3624	3. If both an award under the local housing assistance 2447
3625	3625	plan and federal low -income housing tax credits are used to 2448
3626	3626	assist a project and there is a conflict between the criteria 2449
3627	3627	prescribed in this subsection and the requirements of s. 42 of 2450
3628	3628
3629	3629	HB 1427 2025
3630	3630
3631	3631
3632	3632
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3636	3636	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3637	3637
3638	3638
3639	3639
3640	3640	the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the county or 2451
3641	3641	eligible municipality may resolve the conflict by giving 2452
3642	3642	precedence to the requirements of s. 42 of the Internal Revenue 2453
3643	3643	Code of 1986, as amended, in lieu of following the criteria 2454
3644	3644	prescribed in this subsection with the exception of paragraphs 2455
3645	3645	(a) and (g) of this subsection. 2456
3646	3646	4. Each county and each eligible municipality may award 2457
3647	3647	funds as a grant for construction, rehabilitation, or repair as 2458
3648	3648	part of disaster recovery or emergency repairs or to remedy 2459
3649	3649	accessibility or health and safety deficiencies. Any other 2460
3650	3650	grants must be approved as part of the local housing assistance 2461
3651	3651	plan. 2462
3652	3652	(o) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (c), up to 25 2463
3653	3653	percent of the funds made available in each county and eligible 2464
3654	3654	municipality from the local housing distribution may be used to 2465
3655	3655	preserve multifamily affordable rental housing funded through 2466
3656	3656	United States Department of Agriculture loans. These funds may 2467
3657	3657	be used to rehabilitate housing, extend affordability periods, 2468
3658	3658	or acquire or transfer pr operties in partnership with private 2469
3659	3659	organizations. This paragraph expires on June 30, 2031. 2470
3660	3660	(13) 2471
3661	3661	(b) If, as a result of its review of the annual report, 2472
3662	3662	the corporation determines that a county or eligible 2473
3663	3663	municipality has failed to implement a local h ousing incentive 2474
3664	3664	strategy, or, if applicable, a local housing incentive plan, it 2475
3665	3665
3666	3666	HB 1427 2025
3667	3667
3668	3668
3669	3669
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3673	3673	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3674	3674
3675	3675
3676	3676
3677	3677	shall send a notice of termination of the local government's 2476
3678	3678	share of the local housing distribution by certified mail to the 2477
3679	3679	affected county or eligible municipality. 2478
3680	3680	1. The notice must specify a date of termination of the 2479
3681	3681	funding if the affected county or eligible municipality does not 2480
3682	3682	implement the plan or strategy and provide for a local response. 2481
3683	3683	A county or eligible municipality shall respond to the 2482
3684	3684	corporation within 30 days after receipt of the notice of 2483
3685	3685	termination. 2484
3686	3686	2. The corporation shall consider the local response that 2485
3687	3687	extenuating circumstances precluded implementation and grant an 2486
3688	3688	extension to the timeframe for implementation. Such an extension 2487
3689	3689	shall be made in the form of an extension agreement that 2488
3690	3690	provides a timeframe for implementation. The chief elected 2489
3691	3691	official of a county or eligible municipality or his or her 2490
3692	3692	designee shall have the authority to enter into the agreement on 2491
3693	3693	behalf of the local governmen t. 2492
3694	3694	3. If the county or the eligible municipality has not 2493
3695	3695	implemented the incentive strategy or entered into an extension 2494
3696	3696	agreement by the termination date specified in the notice, the 2495
3697	3697	local housing distribution share terminates, and any uncommitted 2496
3698	3698	local housing distribution funds held by the affected county or 2497
3699	3699	eligible municipality in its local housing assistance trust fund 2498
3700	3700	shall be transferred to the Local Government Housing Trust Fund 2499
3701	3701	to the credit of the corporation to administer. 2500
3702	3702
3703	3703	HB 1427 2025
3704	3704
3705	3705
3706	3706
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3710	3710	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3711	3711
3712	3712
3713	3713
3714	3714	4.a. If the affected local government fails to meet the 2501
3715	3715	timeframes specified in the agreement, the corporation shall 2502
3716	3716	terminate funds. The corporation shall send a notice of 2503
3717	3717	termination of the local government's share of the local housing 2504
3718	3718	distribution by certified mail to th e affected local government. 2505
3719	3719	The notice shall specify the termination date, and any 2506
3720	3720	uncommitted funds held by the affected local government shall be 2507
3721	3721	transferred to the Local Government Housing Trust Fund to the 2508
3722	3722	credit of the corporation to administer. 2509
3723	3723	b. If the corporation terminates funds to a county, but an 2510
3724	3724	eligible municipality receiving a local housing distribution 2511
3725	3725	pursuant to an interlocal agreement maintains compliance with 2512
3726	3726	program requirements, the corporation shall thereafter 2513
3727	3727	distribute directly t o the participating eligible municipality 2514
3728	3728	its share calculated in the manner provided in ss. 420.9072 and 2515
3729	3729	420.9073. 2516
3730	3730	c. Any county or eligible municipality whose local 2517
3731	3731	distribution share has been terminated may subsequently elect to 2518
3732	3732	receive directly its l ocal distribution share by adopting the 2519
3733	3733	ordinance, resolution, and local housing assistance plan in the 2520
3734	3734	manner and according to the procedures provided in ss. 420.907 -2521
3735	3735	420.9079. 2522
3736	3736	Section 36. Subsections (1), (2), and (5) of section 2523
3737	3737	1001.451, Florida Stat utes, are amended, and subsection (6) is 2524
3738	3738	added to that section, to read: 2525
3739	3739
3740	3740	HB 1427 2025
3741	3741
3742	3742
3743	3743
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3747	3747	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3748	3748
3749	3749
3750	3750
3751	3751	1001.451 Regional consortium service organizations. —In 2526
3752	3752	order to provide a full range of programs to larger numbers of 2527
3753	3753	students, minimize duplication of services, and encourage the 2528
3754	3754	development of new programs and services: 2529
3755	3755	(1) School districts with 20,000 or fewer unweighted full -2530
3756	3756	time equivalent students, developmental research (laboratory) 2531
3757	3757	schools established pursuant to s. 1002.32, and the Florida 2532
3758	3758	School for the Deaf and the Blind may enter into cooperative 2533
3759	3759	agreements to form a regional consortium service organization. 2534
3760	3760	Each regional consortium service organization shall provide any 2535
3761	3761	of, at a minimum, three of the following services determined 2536
3762	3762	necessary and appropriate by the board o f directors: 2537
3763	3763	(a) Exceptional student education; 2538
3764	3764	(b) Safe schools support teacher education centers; 2539
3765	3765	environmental education ; 2540
3766	3766	(c) State and federal grant procurement and coordination; 2541
3767	3767	(d) Data services processing; health 2542
3768	3768	(e) Insurance services; 2543
3769	3769	(f) Risk management insurance; 2544
3770	3770	(g) Professional learning; 2545
3771	3771	(h) College, career, and workforce development; 2546
3772	3772	(i) Business and operational services staff development; 2547
3773	3773	(j) Purchasing; or 2548
3774	3774	(k) Planning and accountability. 2549
3775	3775	(2)(a) Each regional consort ium service organization that 2550
3776	3776
3777	3777	HB 1427 2025
3778	3778
3779	3779
3780	3780
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3784	3784	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3785	3785
3786	3786
3787	3787
3788	3788	consists of four or more school districts is eligible to 2551
3789	3789	receive, through the Department of Education, subject to the 2552
3790	3790	funds provided in the General Appropriations Act, an allocation 2553
3791	3791	incentive grant of $150,000 $50,000 per school district and 2554
3792	3792	eligible member to be used for the delivery of services within 2555
3793	3793	the participating school districts. The determination of 2556
3794	3794	services and use of such funds must shall be established by the 2557
3795	3795	board of directors of the regional consortium service 2558
3796	3796	organization. The funds must shall be distributed to each 2559
3797	3797	regional consortium service organization no later than 30 days 2560
3798	3798	following the release of the funds to the department. Each 2561
3799	3799	regional consortium service organization shall submit an annual 2562
3800	3800	report to the department regarding the use of funds for 2563
3801	3801	consortia services. Unexpended amounts in any fund in a 2564
3802	3802	consortium's current year operating budget must be carried 2565
3803	3803	forward and included as the balance forward for that fund in the 2566
3804	3804	approved operating budget for the following year. Each regional 2567
3805	3805	consortium service organization shall provide quarterly 2568
3806	3806	financial reports to member districts. 2569
3807	3807	(b) Member districts shall designate a district that will 2570
3808	3808	serve as a fiscal agent for contractual and reporting purposes. 2571
3809	3809	Such fiscal agent district is entitled to reasonable 2572
3810	3810	compensation for accounting and other services performed. The 2573
3811	3811	regional consortium service organization shall retain all funds 2574
3812	3812	received from grants or contracted services to cover indirect or 2575
3813	3813
3814	3814	HB 1427 2025
3815	3815
3816	3816
3817	3817
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3819	3819	hb1427-00
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3821	3821	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3822	3822
3823	3823
3824	3824
3825	3825	administrative costs associated with the provision of such 2576
3826	3826	services. The regional consortium service organization board of 2577
3827	3827	directors shall determine the products and services to be 2578
3828	3828	provided by the consortium; however, in all contractual matters, 2579
3829	3829	the school board of the fisca l agent district shall act on 2580
3830	3830	proposed actions of the regional consortium service 2581
3831	3831	organization. 2582
3832	3832	(c) The regional consortium service organization board of 2583
3833	3833	directors shall recommend establishment of positions and 2584
3834	3834	individuals for appointment to the fiscal a gent district. 2585
3835	3835	Personnel must be employed under the personnel policies of the 2586
3836	3836	fiscal agent district and are deemed to be public employees of 2587
3837	3837	the fiscal agent district. The regional consortium service 2588
3838	3838	organization board of directors may recommend a salary s chedule 2589
3839	3839	and job descriptions specific to its personnel. 2590
3840	3840	(d) The regional consortium service organization may 2591
3841	3841	purchase or lease property and facilities essential for its 2592
3842	3842	operations and is responsible for their maintenance and 2593
3843	3843	associated overhead costs. 2594
3844	3844	(e) If a regional consortium service organization is 2595
3845	3845	dissolved, any revenue from the sale of assets must be 2596
3846	3846	distributed among the member districts as determined by the 2597
3847	3847	board of directors Application for incentive grants shall be 2598
3848	3848	made to the Commissioner of Education by July 30 of each year 2599
3849	3849	for distribution to qualifying regional consortium service 2600
3850	3850
3851	3851	HB 1427 2025
3852	3852
3853	3853
3854	3854
3855	3855	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3856	3856	hb1427-00
3857	3857	Page 105 of 150
3858	3858	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3859	3859
3860	3860
3861	3861
3862	3862	organizations by January 1 of the fiscal year . 2601
3863	3863	(5) The board of directors of a regional consortium 2602
3864	3864	service organization may use various means to generate revenu e 2603
3865	3865	in support of its activities , including, but not limited to, 2604
3866	3866	contracting for services to nonmember districts . The board of 2605
3867	3867	directors may acquire, enjoy, use, and dispose of patents, 2606
3868	3868	copyrights, and trademarks and any licenses and associated other 2607
3869	3869	rights or interests thereunder or therein . Ownership of all such 2608
3870	3870	patents, copyrights, trademarks, licenses, and associated rights 2609
3871	3871	or interests thereunder or therein shall vest in the state, with 2610
3872	3872	the board of directors having full right of use and full right 2611
3873	3873	to retain associated the revenues derived therefrom. Any funds 2612
3874	3874	realized from contracted services, patents, copyrights, 2613
3875	3875	trademarks, or licenses are shall be considered internal funds 2614
3876	3876	as provided in s. 1011.07. A fund balance must be established 2615
3877	3877	for maintaining or expanding services, facilities maintenance, 2616
3878	3878	terminal pay, and other liabilities Such funds shall be used to 2617
3879	3879	support the organization's marketing and research and 2618
3880	3880	development activities in order to improve and increase services 2619
3881	3881	to its member districts . 2620
3882	3882	(6) A regional consortium service organization is 2621
3883	3883	authorized to administer the Regional Consortia Service 2622
3884	3884	Organization Supplemental Services Program under s. 1001.4511. 2623
3885	3885	Section 37. Section 1001.4511, Florida Statutes, is 2624
3886	3886	created to read: 2625
3887	3887
3888	3888	HB 1427 2025
3889	3889
3890	3890
3891	3891
3892	3892	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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3895	3895	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3896	3896
3897	3897
3898	3898
3899	3899	1001.4511 Regional Consortia Service Organization 2626
3900	3900	Supplemental Services Program. — 2627
3901	3901	(1) There is created the Regional Consortia Service 2628
3902	3902	Organization Supplemental Services Program to increase the 2629
3903	3903	ability of regional consortium service organizations under s. 2630
3904	3904	1001.451 to provide programs and services to consortia members 2631
3905	3905	through cooperative agreements. Program funds may be used to 2632
3906	3906	supplement member needs related to transportation; district 2633
3907	3907	finance personnel services; property insurance; cybersecurity 2634
3908	3908	support; school safety; college, career, and workforce 2635
3909	3909	development; academic support; and behavior support within 2636
3910	3910	exceptional student education services. 2637
3911	3911	(2) Each regional consortium service organization shall 2638
3912	3912	annually report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker 2639
3913	3913	of the House of Representatives the distribution of funds, 2640
3914	3914	including members awarded and services provided. 2641
3915	3915	(3) Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, 2642
3916	3916	funds allocated for this purpose which are not disbursed by June 2643
3917	3917	30 of the fiscal year in which the funds are allocated may be 2644
3918	3918	carried forward for up to 5 years after the effective date of 2645
3919	3919	the original appropriation. 2646
3920	3920	Section 38. Section 1009.635, Florida Statutes, is created 2647
3921	3921	to read: 2648
3922	3922	1009.635 Rural Incentive for Professional Educators. — 2649
3923	3923	(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Rural Incentive for Professional 2650
3924	3924
3925	3925	HB 1427 2025
3926	3926
3927	3927
3928	3928
3929	3929	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
3930	3930	hb1427-00
3931	3931	Page 107 of 150
3932	3932	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3933	3933
3934	3934
3935	3935
3936	3936	Educators (RIPE) Program is established within the Department of 2651
3937	3937	Education to support the recruitment and retention of qualified 2652
3938	3938	instructional personnel in rural communities. The program shall 2653
3939	3939	provide financial assistance for the repayment of student loans 2654
3940	3940	for eligible participants who establish permanent residency and 2655
3941	3941	employment in rural areas of opportunity. 2656
3942	3942	(2) ELIGIBILITY.—An individual is eligible to participate 2657
3943	3943	in the RIPE Program if he or she does all of the following: 2658
3944	3944	(a) Establishes permanent residency on or after July 1, 2659
3945	3945	2025, in a rural area of opportunity as designated pursuant to 2660
3946	3946	s. 288.0656. The address on an individual's state -issued 2661
3947	3947	identification card or driver license is eviden ce of residence. 2662
3948	3948	(b) Secures full-time employment as a teacher or 2663
3949	3949	administrator in a private school as defined in s. 1002.01, or 2664
3950	3950	as instructional or administrative personnel as those terms are 2665
3951	3951	defined in s. 1012.01(2) and (3), respectively, in the public 2666
3952	3952	school district located within the same rural area of 2667
3953	3953	opportunity as he or she resides. 2668
3954	3954	(c) Holds an associate degree, bachelor's degree, 2669
3955	3955	postgraduate degree, or certificate from an accredited 2670
3956	3956	institution earned before establishing residency. 2671
3957	3957	(d) Has an active student loan balance incurred for the 2672
3958	3958	completion of the qualifying degree or certificate. 2673
3959	3959	(3) LOAN REPAYMENT. —Eligible participants may receive up 2674
3960	3960	to $15,000 in total student loan repayment assistance over 5 2675
3961	3961
3962	3962	HB 1427 2025
3963	3963
3964	3964
3965	3965
3966	3966	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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3969	3969	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
3970	3970
3971	3971
3972	3972
3973	3973	years, disbursed in annual payments not to exceed $3,000 per 2676
3974	3974	year. Payments shall be made directly to the lender servicing 2677
3975	3975	the participant's student loan. 2678
3976	3976	(4) AWARD DISTRIBUTION. —Before disbursement of an award, 2679
3977	3977	the department shall verify that the participant: 2680
3978	3978	(a) Has maintained continu ous employment with the school 2681
3979	3979	district in an instructional or administrative position; 2682
3980	3980	(b) Has received a rating of effective or highly effective 2683
3981	3981	pursuant to s. 1012.34; and 2684
3982	3982	(c) Has not been placed on probation, had his or her 2685
3983	3983	certificate suspended or revoked, or been placed on the 2686
3984	3984	disqualification list, pursuant to s. 1012.796. 2687
3985	3985	(5) ADMINISTRATION. —The program shall be administered by 2688
3986	3986	the Office of Student Financial Assistance within the Department 2689
3987	3987	of Education, which shall: 2690
3988	3988	(a) Develop application procedures requiring 2691
3989	3989	documentation, including proof of residency, verification of 2692
3990	3990	employment, official academic transcripts, and details of 2693
3991	3991	outstanding student loans. 2694
3992	3992	(b) Monitor compliance with program requirements. 2695
3993	3993	(6) RULEMAKING.—The State Board of Education shall adopt 2696
3994	3994	rules no later than January 31, 2026, to administer this 2697
3995	3995	section. 2698
3996	3996	Section 39. Subsection (3) of section 1013.62, Florida 2699
3997	3997	Statutes, is amended to read: 2700
3998	3998
3999	3999	HB 1427 2025
4000	4000
4001	4001
4002	4002
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4005	4005	Page 109 of 150
4006	4006	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4007	4007
4008	4008
4009	4009
4010	4010	1013.62 Charter schools capital outlay funding. — 2701
4011	4011	(3) If the school board l evies the discretionary millage 2702
4012	4012	authorized in s. 1011.71(2), the department must shall use the 2703
4013	4013	following calculation methodology to determine the amount of 2704
4014	4014	revenue that a school district must distribute to each eligible 2705
4015	4015	charter school: 2706
4016	4016	(a) Reduce the total discretionary millage revenue by the 2707
4017	4017	school district's annual debt service obligation incurred as of 2708
4018	4018	March 1, 2017, which has not been subsequently retired, and : 2709
4019	4019	1. Beginning in the 2025 -2026 fiscal year, for any 2710
4020	4020	district with an active project or an outstanding participation 2711
4021	4021	requirement balance, any amount of participation requirement 2712
4022	4022	pursuant to s. 1013.64(2)(a)8. that is being satisfied by 2713
4023	4023	revenues raised by the discretionary millage ; or 2714
4024	4024	2. For construction projects for which Special Facilities 2715
4025	4025	Construction Account funding is sought beginning in the 2025 -2716
4026	4026	2026 fiscal year, the value of 1 mill from the revenue generated 2717
4027	4027	pursuant to s. 1013.64(2)(a)8.b . 2718
4028	4028	(b) Divide the school district's adjusted discretionary 2719
4029	4029	millage revenue by the district's total c apital outlay full-time 2720
4030	4030	equivalent membership and the total number of full -time 2721
4031	4031	equivalent students of each eligible charter school to determine 2722
4032	4032	a capital outlay allocation per full -time equivalent student. 2723
4033	4033	(c) Multiply the capital outlay allocation per full-time 2724
4034	4034	equivalent student by the total number of full -time equivalent 2725
4035	4035
4036	4036	HB 1427 2025
4037	4037
4038	4038
4039	4039
4040	4040	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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4042	4042	Page 110 of 150
4043	4043	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4044	4044
4045	4045
4046	4046
4047	4047	students of each eligible charter school to determine the 2726
4048	4048	capital outlay allocation for each charter school. 2727
4049	4049	(d) If applicable, reduce the capital outlay allocation 2728
4050	4050	identified in paragraph (c) by the total amount of state funds 2729
4051	4051	allocated to each eligible charter school in subsection (2) to 2730
4052	4052	determine the maximum calculated capital outlay allocation. The 2731
4053	4053	amount of funds a school district must distribute to charter 2732
4054	4054	schools shall be as f ollows: 2733
4055	4055	1. For fiscal year 2023 -2024, the amount is 20 percent of 2734
4056	4056	the amount calculated under this paragraph. 2735
4057	4057	2. For fiscal year 2024 -2025, the amount is 40 percent of 2736
4058	4058	the amount calculated under this paragraph. 2737
4059	4059	3. For fiscal year 2025 -2026, the amount is 60 percent of 2738
4060	4060	the amount calculated under this paragraph. 2739
4061	4061	4. For fiscal year 2026 -2027, the amount is 80 percent of 2740
4062	4062	the amount calculated under this paragraph. 2741
4063	4063	5. For fiscal year 2027 -2028, and each fiscal year 2742
4064	4064	thereafter, the amount is 100 p ercent of the amount calculated 2743
4065	4065	under this paragraph. 2744
4066	4066	(e) School districts shall distribute capital outlay funds 2745
4067	4067	to eligible charter schools no later than February 1 of each 2746
4068	4068	year, as required by this subsection, based on the amount of 2747
4069	4069	funds received by the district school board. School districts 2748
4070	4070	shall distribute any remaining capital outlay funds, as required 2749
4071	4071	by this subsection, upon the receipt of such funds until the 2750
4072	4072
4073	4073	HB 1427 2025
4074	4074
4075	4075
4076	4076
4077	4077	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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4079	4079	Page 111 of 150
4080	4080	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4081	4081
4082	4082
4083	4083
4084	4084	total amount calculated pursuant to this subsection is 2751
4085	4085	distributed. 2752
4086	4086	2753
4087	4087	By October 1 of each year, each school district shall certify to 2754
4088	4088	the department the amount of debt service that and participation 2755
4089	4089	requirement that complies with the requirement of paragraph (a) 2756
4090	4090	and can be reduced from the total discretionary millage revenue. 2757
4091	4091	Each school district shall also certify the amount of the 2758
4092	4092	participation requirement that complies with paragraph (a), or 2759
4093	4093	certify the value of 1 mill from revenue generated pursuant to 2760
4094	4094	s. 1013.64(2)(a)8.b. that can be reduced from the total 2761
4095	4095	discretionary millage revenue, as applicable. The Auditor 2762
4096	4096	General shall verify compliance with the requirements of 2763
4097	4097	paragraph (a) and s. 1011.71(2)(e) during scheduled operational 2764
4098	4098	audits of school districts. 2765
4099	4099	Section 40. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section 2766
4100	4100	1013.64, Florida Stat utes, is amended to read: 2767
4101	4101	1013.64 Funds for comprehensive educational plant needs; 2768
4102	4102	construction cost maximums for school district capital 2769
4103	4103	projects.—Allocations from the Public Education Capital Outlay 2770
4104	4104	and Debt Service Trust Fund to the various boards for capital 2771
4105	4105	outlay projects shall be determined as follows: 2772
4106	4106	(2)(a) The department shall establish, as a part of the 2773
4107	4107	Public Education Capital Outlay and Debt Service Trust Fund, a 2774
4108	4108	separate account, in an amount determined by the Legislature, to 2775
4109	4109
4110	4110	HB 1427 2025
4111	4111
4112	4112
4113	4113
4114	4114	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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4117	4117	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4118	4118
4119	4119
4120	4120
4121	4121	be known as the "Special Facility Construction Account." The 2776
4122	4122	Special Facility Construction Account shall be used to provide 2777
4123	4123	necessary construction funds to school districts which have 2778
4124	4124	urgent construction needs but which lack sufficient resources at 2779
4125	4125	present, and cannot reasonably anticipate sufficient resources 2780
4126	4126	within the period of the next 3 years, for these purposes from 2781
4127	4127	currently authorized sources of capital outlay revenue. A school 2782
4128	4128	district requesting funding from the Special Facility 2783
4129	4129	Construction Account shall subm it one specific construction 2784
4130	4130	project, not to exceed one complete educational plant, to the 2785
4131	4131	Special Facility Construction Committee. A district may not 2786
4132	4132	receive funding for more than one approved project in any 3 -year 2787
4133	4133	period or while any portion of the distr ict's participation 2788
4134	4134	requirement is outstanding . The first year of the 3 -year period 2789
4135	4135	shall be the first year a district receives an appropriation. 2790
4136	4136	The department shall encourage a construction program that 2791
4137	4137	reduces the average size of schools in the district . The request 2792
4138	4138	must meet the following criteria to be considered by the 2793
4139	4139	committee: 2794
4140	4140	1. The project must be deemed a critical need and must be 2795
4141	4141	recommended for funding by the Special Facility Construction 2796
4142	4142	Committee. Before developing construction plans for t he proposed 2797
4143	4143	facility, the district school board must request a 2798
4144	4144	preapplication review by the Special Facility Construction 2799
4145	4145	Committee or a project review subcommittee convened by the chair 2800
4146	4146
4147	4147	HB 1427 2025
4148	4148
4149	4149
4150	4150
4151	4151	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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4154	4154	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4155	4155
4156	4156
4157	4157
4158	4158	of the committee to include two representatives of the 2801
4159	4159	department and two staff members from school districts not 2802
4160	4160	eligible to participate in the program. A school district may 2803
4161	4161	request a preapplication review at any time; however, if the 2804
4162	4162	district school board seeks inclusion in the department's next 2805
4163	4163	annual capital outlay leg islative budget request, the 2806
4164	4164	preapplication review request must be made before February 1. 2807
4165	4165	Within 90 days after receiving the preapplication review 2808
4166	4166	request, the committee or subcommittee must meet in the school 2809
4167	4167	district to review the project proposal and e xisting facilities. 2810
4168	4168	To determine whether the proposed project is a critical need, 2811
4169	4169	the committee or subcommittee shall consider, at a minimum, the 2812
4170	4170	capacity of all existing facilities within the district as 2813
4171	4171	determined by the Florida Inventory of School House s; the 2814
4172	4172	district's pattern of student growth; the district's existing 2815
4173	4173	and projected capital outlay full -time equivalent student 2816
4174	4174	enrollment as determined by the demographic, revenue, and 2817
4175	4175	education estimating conferences established in s. 216.136; the 2818
4176	4176	district's existing satisfactory student stations; the use of 2819
4177	4177	all existing district property and facilities; grade level 2820
4178	4178	configurations; and any other information that may affect the 2821
4179	4179	need for the proposed project. 2822
4180	4180	2. The construction project must be recommended in the 2823
4181	4181	most recent survey or survey amendment cooperatively prepared by 2824
4182	4182	the district and the department, and approved by the department 2825
4183	4183
4184	4184	HB 1427 2025
4185	4185
4186	4186
4187	4187
4188	4188	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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4191	4191	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4192	4192
4193	4193
4194	4194
4195	4195	under the rules of the State Board of Education. If a district 2826
4196	4196	employs a consultant in the preparation of a survey or s urvey 2827
4197	4197	amendment, the consultant may not be employed by or receive 2828
4198	4198	compensation from a third party that designs or constructs a 2829
4199	4199	project recommended by the survey. 2830
4200	4200	3. The construction project must appear on the district's 2831
4201	4201	approved project priority list und er the rules of the State 2832
4202	4202	Board of Education. 2833
4203	4203	4. The district must have selected and had approved a site 2834
4204	4204	for the construction project in compliance with s. 1013.36 and 2835
4205	4205	the rules of the State Board of Education. 2836
4206	4206	5. The district shall have developed a di strict school 2837
4207	4207	board adopted list of facilities that do not exceed the norm for 2838
4208	4208	net square feet occupancy requirements under the State 2839
4209	4209	Requirements for Educational Facilities, using all possible 2840
4210	4210	programmatic combinations for multiple use of space to obtain 2841
4211	4211	maximum daily use of all spaces within the facility under 2842
4212	4212	consideration. 2843
4213	4213	6. Upon construction, the total cost per student station, 2844
4214	4214	including change orders, must not exceed the cost per student 2845
4215	4215	station as provided in subsection (6) unless approved by the 2846
4216	4216	Special Facility Construction Committee. At the discretion of 2847
4217	4217	the committee, costs that exceed the cost per student station 2848
4218	4218	for special facilities may include legal and administrative 2849
4219	4219	fees, the cost of site improvements or related offsite 2850
4220	4220
4221	4221	HB 1427 2025
4222	4222
4223	4223
4224	4224
4225	4225	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4226	4226	hb1427-00
4227	4227	Page 115 of 150
4228	4228	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4229	4229
4230	4230
4231	4231
4232	4232	improvements, the cost of complying with public shelter and 2851
4233	4233	hurricane hardening requirements, cost overruns created by a 2852
4234	4234	disaster as defined in s. 252.34(2), costs of security 2853
4235	4235	enhancements approved by the school safety specialist, and 2854
4236	4236	unforeseeable circumstances beyond the district's control. 2855
4237	4237	7. There shall be an agreement signed by the district 2856
4238	4238	school board stating that it will advertise for bids within 30 2857
4239	4239	days of receipt of its encumbrance authorization from the 2858
4240	4240	department. 2859
4241	4241	8.a.(I) For construction projects for which Special 2860
4242	4242	Facilities Construction Account funding is sought before the 2861
4243	4243	2019-2020 fiscal year, the district shall, at the time of the 2862
4244	4244	request and for a continuing period necessary to meet the 2863
4245	4245	district's participation requirement, levy the maximum millage 2864
4246	4246	against its nonexempt assessed property value as allowed in s. 2865
4247	4247	1011.71(2) or shall raise an equivalent amount of revenue from 2866
4248	4248	the school capital outlay surtax authorized under s. 212.055(6). 2867
4249	4249	(II) Beginning with construction projects for which 2868
4250	4250	Special Facilities Construction Account funding is sought in the 2869
4251	4251	2019-2020 fiscal year, the district shall, for a minimum of 3 2870
4252	4252	years before submitting the request and for a continuing period 2871
4253	4253	necessary to meet its participation requirement, levy the 2872
4254	4254	maximum millage agains t the district's nonexempt assessed 2873
4255	4255	property value as authorized under s. 1011.71(2) or shall raise 2874
4256	4256	an equivalent amount of revenue from the school capital outlay 2875
4257	4257
4258	4258	HB 1427 2025
4259	4259
4260	4260
4261	4261
4262	4262	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4263	4263	hb1427-00
4264	4264	Page 116 of 150
4265	4265	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4266	4266
4267	4267
4268	4268
4269	4269	surtax authorized under s. 212.055(6). 2876
4270	4270	(III) Beginning with the 2025 -2026 fiscal year, any 2877
4271	4271	district with an a new or active project or an outstanding 2878
4272	4272	participation requirement balance , funded under the provisions 2879
4273	4273	of this subsection, shall be required to budget no more than the 2880
4274	4274	value of 1 mill per year to the project until the district's 2881
4275	4275	participation requirement relating to the local discretionary 2882
4276	4276	capital improvement millage or the equivalent amount of revenue 2883
4277	4277	from the school capital outlay surtax is satisfied. 2884
4278	4278	b. For construction projects for which Special Facilities 2885
4279	4279	Construction Account funding is sought beginning in the 2025 -2886
4280	4280	2026 fiscal year, the district shall, for a minimum of 3 years 2887
4281	4281	before submitting the requ est and for the initial year of the 2888
4282	4282	appropriation and the 2 years following the initial 2889
4283	4283	appropriation, levy the maximum millage against the district's 2890
4284	4284	nonexempt assessed property value as authorized under s. 2891
4285	4285	1011.71(2) or shall raise an equivalent amount o f revenue from 2892
4286	4286	the school capital outlay surtax authorized under s. 212.055(6). 2893
4287	4287	The district is not required to budget the funds toward the 2894
4288	4288	project, but must use the funds as authorized pursuant to s. 2895
4289	4289	1011.71 or s. 212.055(6), as applicable. 2896
4290	4290	9. If a contract has not been signed 90 days after the 2897
4291	4291	advertising of bids, the funding for the specific project must 2898
4292	4292	shall revert to the Special Facility New Construction Account to 2899
4293	4293	be reallocated to other projects on the list. However, an 2900
4294	4294
4295	4295	HB 1427 2025
4296	4296
4297	4297
4298	4298
4299	4299	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4300	4300	hb1427-00
4301	4301	Page 117 of 150
4302	4302	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4303	4303
4304	4304
4305	4305
4306	4306	additional 90 days may be g ranted by the commissioner. 2901
4307	4307	10. The department shall certify the inability of the 2902
4308	4308	district to fund the survey -recommended project over a 2903
4309	4309	continuous 3-year period using projected capital outlay revenue 2904
4310	4310	derived from s. 9(d), Art. XII of the State Constitut ion, as 2905
4311	4311	amended, paragraph (3)(a) of this section, and s. 1011.71(2). 2906
4312	4312	11.a. For projects funded before the 2025 -2026 fiscal 2907
4313	4313	year, the district shall have on file with the department an 2908
4314	4314	adopted resolution acknowledging its commitment to satisfy its 2909
4315	4315	participation requirement, which is equivalent to all 2910
4316	4316	unencumbered and future revenue acquired from s. 9(d), Art. XII 2911
4317	4317	of the State Constitution, as amended, paragraph (3)(a) of this 2912
4318	4318	section, and s. 1011.71(2), in the year of the initial 2913
4319	4319	appropriation and for the 2 years immediately following the 2914
4320	4320	initial appropriation. 2915
4321	4321	b. For projects funded during the 2025 -2026 fiscal year, 2916
4322	4322	and thereafter, the district shall have on file with the 2917
4323	4323	department an adopted resolution acknowledging its commitment to 2918
4324	4324	comply with the requirements of this paragraph. 2919
4325	4325	12. Phase I plans must be approved by the district school 2920
4326	4326	board as being in compliance with the building and life safety 2921
4327	4327	codes before June 1 of the year the application is made. 2922
4328	4328	Section 41. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sum of $1 2923
4329	4329	million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is 2924
4330	4330	appropriated to the Florida Small Business Development Center 2925
4331	4331
4332	4332	HB 1427 2025
4333	4333
4334	4334
4335	4335
4336	4336	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4337	4337	hb1427-00
4338	4338	Page 118 of 150
4339	4339	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4340	4340
4341	4341
4342	4342
4343	4343	Network under s. 288.001, Florida Statutes, to expand services 2926
4344	4344	in rural communities. The funds shall be allocated to t he Office 2927
4345	4345	of Rural Prosperity budget entity within the Department of 2928
4346	4346	Commerce in the Special Categories –SBDCN Rural Services specific 2929
4347	4347	appropriation category. 2930
4348	4348	Section 42. (1) For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sums 2931
4349	4349	of $1,827,591 in recurring funds and $652,327 in nonrecurring 2932
4350	4350	funds are appropriated from the General Revenue Fund to the 2933
4351	4351	Department of Commerce. 2934
4352	4352	(2) The recurring general revenue funds shall be allocated 2935
4353	4353	to the Office of Rural Prosperity budget entity in the following 2936
4354	4354	specific appropriations categories: $1,585,823 in Salaries and 2937
4355	4355	Benefits, $175,961 in Expenses, $50,000 in Contracted Services, 2938
4356	4356	$10,000 in Operating Capital Outlay, and $5,807 in Transfer to 2939
4357	4357	the Department of Management Services/Statewide Human Resources 2940
4358	4358	Contract. 2941
4359	4359	(3) The nonrecurring general revenue funds shall be 2942
4360	4360	allocated to the Office of Rural Prosperity budget entity in the 2943
4361	4361	following specific appropriations categories: $92,327 in 2944
4362	4362	Expenses and $560,000 in Acquisition of Motor Vehicles. 2945
4363	4363	(4) The Department of C ommerce is authorized to establish 2946
4364	4364	17.00 full-time equivalent positions with associated salary rate 2947
4365	4365	of 1,060,000 in the Office of Rural Prosperity for the purpose 2948
4366	4366	of implementing this act. The following specific positions, 2949
4367	4367	classifications, and pay plans ar e authorized: 1.00 Director of 2950
4368	4368
4369	4369	HB 1427 2025
4370	4370
4371	4371
4372	4372
4373	4373	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4374	4374	hb1427-00
4375	4375	Page 119 of 150
4376	4376	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4377	4377
4378	4378
4379	4379
4380	4380	General Operation, Class Code 9327, Pay Grade 940; 15.00 2951
4381	4381	Government Analyst II, Class Code 2225, Pay Grade 026; and 1.00 2952
4382	4382	Administrative Assistant II, Class Code 0712, Pay Grade 018. 2953
4383	4383	Section 43. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the recurring 2954
4384	4384	sum of $8 million from the General Revenue Fund is appropriated 2955
4385	4385	to the Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of 2956
4386	4386	Commerce to implement the Renaissance Grants Program created by 2957
4387	4387	s. 288.014, Florida Statutes. No funds may be used by the state 2958
4388	4388	for administrative costs. 2959
4389	4389	Section 44. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the recurring 2960
4390	4390	sum of $500,000 from the Grants and Donations Trust Fund is 2961
4391	4391	appropriated to the Office of Rural Prosperity within the 2962
4392	4392	Department of Commerce to implement th e Public Infrastructure 2963
4393	4393	Smart Technology Grant Program created by s. 288.0175, Florida 2964
4394	4394	Statutes. 2965
4395	4395	Section 45. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sums of $4 2966
4396	4396	million in nonrecurring funds and $1 million in recurring funds 2967
4397	4397	from the General Revenue Fund are appropriated to the Office of 2968
4398	4398	Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to implement 2969
4399	4399	the Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund under s. 2970
4400	4400	288.065, Florida Statutes, as amended by this act. 2971
4401	4401	Section 46. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, th e sums of $40 2972
4402	4402	million in nonrecurring funds and $5 million in recurring funds 2973
4403	4403	from the General Revenue Fund are appropriated to the Office of 2974
4404	4404	Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to implement 2975
4405	4405
4406	4406	HB 1427 2025
4407	4407
4408	4408
4409	4409
4410	4410	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4411	4411	hb1427-00
4412	4412	Page 120 of 150
4413	4413	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4414	4414
4415	4415
4416	4416
4417	4417	the Rural Infrastructure Fund under s. 288.0655, F lorida 2976
4418	4418	Statutes, as amended by this act. 2977
4419	4419	Section 47. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sum of 2978
4420	4420	$250,000 in recurring funds from the Grants and Donations Trust 2979
4421	4421	Fund is appropriated to the Office of Rural Prosperity within 2980
4422	4422	the Department of Commerce to i mplement s. 288.0657, Florida 2981
4423	4423	Statutes, as amended by this act. 2982
4424	4424	Section 48. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sum of $30 2983
4425	4425	million in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is 2984
4426	4426	appropriated to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to be 2985
4427	4427	used to preserve affordable multifamily rental housing in rural 2986
4428	4428	communities funded through United States Department of 2987
4429	4429	Agriculture loans. The funds provided in this appropriation 2988
4430	4430	shall be used to issue competitive requests for application for 2989
4431	4431	the rehabilitation or acquisition of such properties to ensure 2990
4432	4432	continued affordability. By October 1, 2026, the Florida Housing 2991
4433	4433	Finance Corporation shall submit a report to the President of 2992
4434	4434	the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on 2993
4435	4435	projects funded pursua nt to this section, which report must 2994
4436	4436	include the number of units preserved and the financing 2995
4437	4437	portfolio for each project. 2996
4438	4438	Section 49. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sum of $25 2997
4439	4439	million in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is 2998
4440	4440	appropriated to the Department of Health for the purpose of 2999
4441	4441	implementing the Rural Access to Primary and Preventive Care 3000
4442	4442
4443	4443	HB 1427 2025
4444	4444
4445	4445
4446	4446
4447	4447	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4448	4448	hb1427-00
4449	4449	Page 121 of 150
4450	4450	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4451	4451
4452	4452
4453	4453
4454	4454	Grant Program created under s. 381.403, Florida Statutes. Grant 3001
4455	4455	funds shall be awarded over a 5 -year period. Notwithstanding s. 3002
4456	4456	216.301, Florida Statutes, and pursuant to s. 216.351, Florida 3003
4457	4457	Statutes, the unexpended balance of funds appropriated pursuant 3004
4458	4458	to this section which is not disbursed by June 30 of the fiscal 3005
4459	4459	year in which funds are appropriated may be carried forward 3006
4460	4460	through the 2033-2034 fiscal year. 3007
4461	4461	Section 50. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sum of $5 3008
4462	4462	million in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is 3009
4463	4463	appropriated to the Department of Health for the purpose of 3010
4464	4464	implementing the Stroke, Cardiac, and Obstetric Response a nd 3011
4465	4465	Education Grant Program under s. 381.9856, Florida Statutes. 3012
4466	4466	Notwithstanding s. 216.301, Florida Statutes, and pursuant to s. 3013
4467	4467	216.351, Florida Statutes, the unexpended balance of funds 3014
4468	4468	appropriated pursuant to this section which is not disbursed by 3015
4469	4469	June 30 of the fiscal year in which funds are appropriated may 3016
4470	4470	be carried forward through the 2029 -2030 fiscal year. 3017
4471	4471	Section 51. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sum of $25 3018
4472	4472	million in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is 3019
4473	4473	appropriated in fixed capital outlay to the Department of Health 3020
4474	4474	for the purpose of implementing the rural hospital capital 3021
4475	4475	improvement grant program under s. 395.6061, Florida Statutes. 3022
4476	4476	Section 52. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sums of 3023
4477	4477	$1,499,261 in recurring fund s from the General Revenue Fund and 3024
4478	4478	$1,933,112 in recurring funds from the Medical Care Trust Fund 3025
4479	4479
4480	4480	HB 1427 2025
4481	4481
4482	4482
4483	4483
4484	4484	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4485	4485	hb1427-00
4486	4486	Page 122 of 150
4487	4487	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4488	4488
4489	4489
4490	4490
4491	4491	are appropriated to the Agency for Health Care Administration to 3026
4492	4492	establish a Diagnosis -Related Grouping (DRG) reimbursement 3027
4493	4493	methodology for critical access h ospitals, as defined in s. 3028
4494	4494	408.07, Florida Statutes, for the purpose of providing inpatient 3029
4495	4495	reimbursement to such a hospital in amounts comparable to the 3030
4496	4496	reimbursement the hospital would receive for inpatient services 3031
4497	4497	from the federal Medicare program. The 2025-2026 fiscal year 3032
4498	4498	General Appropriations Act shall establish the DRG reimbursement 3033
4499	4499	methodology for critical access hospital inpatient services as 3034
4500	4500	directed in s. 409.905(5)(c), Florida Statutes. 3035
4501	4501	Section 53. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sums o f 3036
4502	4502	$4,840,182 in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund and 3037
4503	4503	$6,240,820 in recurring funds from the Medical Care Trust Fund 3038
4504	4504	are appropriated to the Agency for Health Care Administration to 3039
4505	4505	establish an Enhanced Ambulatory Patient Grouping (EAPG) 3040
4506	4506	reimbursement methodology for critical access hospitals, as 3041
4507	4507	defined in s. 408.07, Florida Statutes, for the purpose of 3042
4508	4508	providing outpatient reimbursement to such a hospital in amounts 3043
4509	4509	comparable to the reimbursement the hospital would receive for 3044
4510	4510	outpatient services from the federal Medicare program. The 2025 -3045
4511	4511	2026 fiscal year General Appropriations Act shall establish the 3046
4512	4512	EAPG reimbursement methodology for critical access hospital 3047
4513	4513	outpatient services as directed in s. 409.905(6)(b), Florida 3048
4514	4514	Statutes. 3049
4515	4515	Section 54. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sum of $3.6 3050
4516	4516
4517	4517	HB 1427 2025
4518	4518
4519	4519
4520	4520
4521	4521	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4522	4522	hb1427-00
4523	4523	Page 123 of 150
4524	4524	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4525	4525
4526	4526
4527	4527
4528	4528	million in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund is 3051
4529	4529	appropriated to the Department of Education to implement s. 3052
4530	4530	1001.451, Florida Statutes, as amended by this act. 3053
4531	4531	Section 55. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sum of $25 3054
4532	4532	million in recurring funds is appropriated from the General 3055
4533	4533	Revenue Fund to the Department of Education to be distributed to 3056
4534	4534	regional consortium service organizations under s. 1001.451, 3057
4535	4535	Florida Statutes, in order to provide fu nds pursuant to s. 3058
4536	4536	1001.4511, Florida Statutes. These funds shall be allocated as 3059
4537	4537	follows: $5,555,149 to the Heartland Educational Consortium; 3060
4538	4538	$11,912,923 to the North East Florida Educational Consortium; 3061
4539	4539	and $7,531,928 to the Panhandle Area Educational Co nsortium. The 3062
4540	4540	funds must be distributed to each regional consortium service 3063
4541	4541	organization no later than 30 days following the release of the 3064
4542	4542	funds to the department. 3065
4543	4543	Section 56. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the sum of $7 3066
4544	4544	million in recurring funds fro m the General Revenue Fund is 3067
4545	4545	appropriated to the Department of Education to implement the 3068
4546	4546	Rural Incentive for Professional Educators (RIPE) Program, s. 3069
4547	4547	1009.635, Florida Statutes, as created by this act. 3070
4548	4548	Section 57. Subsection (3) of section 163.3187, Florida 3071
4549	4549	Statutes, is amended to read: 3072
4550	4550	163.3187 Process for adoption of small scale comprehensive 3073
4551	4551	plan amendment.— 3074
4552	4552	(3) If the small scale development amendment involves a 3075
4553	4553
4554	4554	HB 1427 2025
4555	4555
4556	4556
4557	4557
4558	4558	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4559	4559	hb1427-00
4560	4560	Page 124 of 150
4561	4561	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4562	4562
4563	4563
4564	4564
4565	4565	site within a rural area of opportunity as defined under s. 3076
4566	4566	288.0656 s. 288.0656(2)(d) for the duration of such designation, 3077
4567	4567	the acreage limit listed in subsection (1) shall be increased by 3078
4568	4568	100 percent. The local government approving the small scale plan 3079
4569	4569	amendment shall certify to the state land planning agency that 3080
4570	4570	the plan amendment furthers the economic objectives set forth in 3081
4571	4571	the executive order issued under s. 288.0656(7), and the 3082
4572	4572	property subject to the plan amendment shall undergo public 3083
4573	4573	review to ensure that all concurrency requirements and federal, 3084
4574	4574	state, and local environmenta l permit requirements are met. 3085
4575	4575	Section 58. Section 212.205, Florida Statutes, is amended 3086
4576	4576	to read: 3087
4577	4577	212.205 Sales tax distribution reporting. —By March 15 of 3088
4578	4578	each year, each person who received a distribution pursuant to 3089
4579	4579	s. 212.20(6)(d)7.b. and c. s. 212.20(6)(d)6.b. and c. in the 3090
4580	4580	preceding calendar year shall report to the Office of Economic 3091
4581	4581	and Demographic Research the following information: 3092
4582	4582	(1) An itemized accounting of all expenditures of the 3093
4583	4583	funds distributed in the preceding calendar year, includ ing 3094
4584	4584	amounts spent on debt service. 3095
4585	4585	(2) A statement indicating what portion of the distributed 3096
4586	4586	funds have been pledged for debt service. 3097
4587	4587	(3) The original principal amount and current debt service 3098
4588	4588	schedule of any bonds or other borrowing for which the 3099
4589	4589	distributed funds have been pledged for debt service. 3100
4590	4590
4591	4591	HB 1427 2025
4592	4592
4593	4593
4594	4594
4595	4595	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4596	4596	hb1427-00
4597	4597	Page 125 of 150
4598	4598	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4599	4599
4600	4600
4601	4601
4602	4602	Section 59. Section 257.191, Florida Statutes, is amended 3101
4603	4603	to read: 3102
4604	4604	257.191 Construction grants. —The Division of Library and 3103
4605	4605	Information Services may accept and administer library 3104
4606	4606	construction moneys appropriated to it and shall allocate such 3105
4607	4607	appropriation to municipal, county, and regional libraries in 3106
4608	4608	the form of library construction grants on a matching basis. The 3107
4609	4609	local matching portion shall be no less than the grant amount, 3108
4610	4610	on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to the maximum grant amount, 3109
4611	4611	unless the matching requirement is waived pursuant to s. 288.019 3110
4612	4612	by s. 288.06561. Initiation of a library construction project 12 3111
4613	4613	months or less prior to the grant award under this section does 3112
4614	4614	shall not affect the eligibility of an applicant to receive a 3113
4615	4615	library construction grant. The division shall adopt rules for 3114
4616	4616	the administration of library construction grants. For the 3115
4617	4617	purposes of this section, s. 257.21 does not apply. 3116
4618	4618	Section 60. Subsection (2) of section 257.193, Florida 3117
4619	4619	Statutes, is amended to read: 3118
4620	4620	257.193 Community Libraries in Caring Program. — 3119
4621	4621	(2) The purpose of the Community Libraries in Caring 3120
4622	4622	Program is to assist libraries in rural communities, as defined 3121
4623	4623	in s. 288.0656(2) and subject to the provisions of s. 288.019 s. 3122
4624	4624	288.06561, to strengthen their collections and services, improve 3123
4625	4625	literacy in their communities, and improve the economic 3124
4626	4626	viability of their communities. 3125
4627	4627
4628	4628	HB 1427 2025
4629	4629
4630	4630
4631	4631
4632	4632	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4633	4633	hb1427-00
4634	4634	Page 126 of 150
4635	4635	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4636	4636
4637	4637
4638	4638
4639	4639	Section 61. Subsection (17) of section 265.283, Florida 3126
4640	4640	Statutes, is amended to read: 3127
4641	4641	265.283 Definitions. —The following definitions shall apply 3128
4642	4642	to ss. 265.281-265.703: 3129
4643	4643	(17) "Underserved arts community assistance program 3130
4644	4644	grants" means grants used by qualified organizations under the 3131
4645	4645	Rural Economic Development Initiative, pursuant to s. 288.0656 3132
4646	4646	and subject to the provisions of s. 288.019 ss. 288.0656 and 3133
4647	4647	288.06561, for the purpose of economic and organizational 3134
4648	4648	development for underserved cultural organizations. 3135
4649	4649	Section 62. Paragraphs (a) and (d) of subsection (3) of 3136
4650	4650	section 288.11621, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 3137
4651	4651	288.11621 Spring training baseball franchi ses.— 3138
4652	4652	(3) USE OF FUNDS.— 3139
4653	4653	(a) A certified applicant may use funds provided under s. 3140
4654	4654	212.20(6)(d)7.b. s. 212.20(6)(d)6.b. only to: 3141
4655	4655	1. Serve the public purpose of acquiring, constructing, 3142
4656	4656	reconstructing, or renovating a facility for a spring training 3143
4657	4657	franchise. 3144
4658	4658	2. Pay or pledge for the payment of debt service on, or to 3145
4659	4659	fund debt service reserve funds, arbitrage rebate obligations, 3146
4660	4660	or other amounts payable with respect thereto, bonds issued for 3147
4661	4661	the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or renovatio n of 3148
4662	4662	such facility, or for the reimbursement of such costs or the 3149
4663	4663	refinancing of bonds issued for such purposes. 3150
4664	4664
4665	4665	HB 1427 2025
4666	4666
4667	4667
4668	4668
4669	4669	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4670	4670	hb1427-00
4671	4671	Page 127 of 150
4672	4672	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4673	4673
4674	4674
4675	4675
4676	4676	3. Assist in the relocation of a spring training franchise 3151
4677	4677	from one unit of local government to another only if the 3152
4678	4678	governing board of the cu rrent host local government by a 3153
4679	4679	majority vote agrees to relocation. 3154
4680	4680	(d)1. All certified applicants must place unexpended state 3155
4681	4681	funds received pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.b. s. 3156
4682	4682	212.20(6)(d)6.b. in a trust fund or separate account for use 3157
4683	4683	only as authorized in this section. 3158
4684	4684	2. A certified applicant may request that the Department 3159
4685	4685	of Revenue suspend further distributions of state funds made 3160
4686	4686	available under s. 212.20(6)(d)7.b. s. 212.20(6)(d)6.b. for 12 3161
4687	4687	months after expiration of an existing agreement wit h a spring 3162
4688	4688	training franchise to provide the certified applicant with an 3163
4689	4689	opportunity to enter into a new agreement with a spring training 3164
4690	4690	franchise, at which time the distributions shall resume. 3165
4691	4691	3. The expenditure of state funds distributed to an 3166
4692	4692	applicant certified before July 1, 2010, must begin within 48 3167
4693	4693	months after the initial receipt of the state funds. In 3168
4694	4694	addition, the construction of, or capital improvements to, a 3169
4695	4695	spring training facility must be completed within 24 months 3170
4696	4696	after the project's comm encement. 3171
4697	4697	Section 63. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) and paragraphs 3172
4698	4698	(a), (c), and (d) of subsection (3) of section 288.11631, 3173
4699	4699	Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 3174
4700	4700	288.11631 Retention of Major League Baseball spring 3175
4701	4701
4702	4702	HB 1427 2025
4703	4703
4704	4704
4705	4705
4706	4706	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4707	4707	hb1427-00
4708	4708	Page 128 of 150
4709	4709	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4710	4710
4711	4711
4712	4712
4713	4713	training baseball franchises. — 3176
4714	4714	(2) CERTIFICATION PROCESS. — 3177
4715	4715	(c) Each applicant certified on or after July 1, 2013, 3178
4716	4716	shall enter into an agreement with the department which: 3179
4717	4717	1. Specifies the amount of the state incentive funding to 3180
4718	4718	be distributed. The amount of state incentive funding per 3181
4719	4719	certified applicant may not exceed $20 million. However, if a 3182
4720	4720	certified applicant's facility is used by more than one spring 3183
4721	4721	training franchise, the maximum amount may not exceed $50 3184
4722	4722	million, and the Department of Revenue shall make distributions 3185
4723	4723	to the applicant pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.c. s. 3186
4724	4724	212.20(6)(d)6.c. 3187
4725	4725	2. States the criteria that the certified applicant must 3188
4726	4726	meet in order to remain certified. These criteria must include a 3189
4727	4727	provision stating that the spring training franchise must 3190
4728	4728	reimburse the state for any funds received if the franchise does 3191
4729	4729	not comply with the terms of the contract. If bonds were issued 3192
4730	4730	to construct or renovate a facility for a spring training 3193
4731	4731	franchise, the required reimbursement must be equal to the total 3194
4732	4732	amount of state distributions expected to be paid from the date 3195
4733	4733	the franchise violates the agreement with the applicant through 3196
4734	4734	the final maturity of the bonds. 3197
4735	4735	3. States that the certified applicant is subject to 3198
4736	4736	decertification if the certified applicant fails to c omply with 3199
4737	4737	this section or the agreement. 3200
4738	4738
4739	4739	HB 1427 2025
4740	4740
4741	4741
4742	4742
4743	4743	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4744	4744	hb1427-00
4745	4745	Page 129 of 150
4746	4746	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4747	4747
4748	4748
4749	4749
4750	4750	4. States that the department may recover state incentive 3201
4751	4751	funds if the certified applicant is decertified. 3202
4752	4752	5. Specifies the information that the certified applicant 3203
4753	4753	must report to the department. 3204
4754	4754	6. Includes any provision deemed prudent by the 3205
4755	4755	department. 3206
4756	4756	(3) USE OF FUNDS.— 3207
4757	4757	(a) A certified applicant may use funds provided under s. 3208
4758	4758	212.20(6)(d)7.c. s. 212.20(6)(d)6.c. only to: 3209
4759	4759	1. Serve the public purpose of constructing or renovating 3210
4760	4760	a facility for a spring training franchise. 3211
4761	4761	2. Pay or pledge for the payment of debt service on, or to 3212
4762	4762	fund debt service reserve funds, arbitrage rebate obligations, 3213
4763	4763	or other amounts payable with respect thereto, bonds issued for 3214
4764	4764	the construction or renovation of such fa cility, or for the 3215
4765	4765	reimbursement of such costs or the refinancing of bonds issued 3216
4766	4766	for such purposes. 3217
4767	4767	(c) The Department of Revenue may not distribute funds 3218
4768	4768	under s. 212.20(6)(d)7.c. s. 212.20(6)(d)6.c. until July 1, 3219
4769	4769	2016. Further, the Department of Reven ue may not distribute 3220
4770	4770	funds to an applicant certified on or after July 1, 2013, until 3221
4771	4771	it receives notice from the department that: 3222
4772	4772	1. The certified applicant has encumbered funds under 3223
4773	4773	either subparagraph (a)1. or subparagraph (a)2.; and 3224
4774	4774	2. If applicable, any existing agreement with a spring 3225
4775	4775
4776	4776	HB 1427 2025
4777	4777
4778	4778
4779	4779
4780	4780	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4781	4781	hb1427-00
4782	4782	Page 130 of 150
4783	4783	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4784	4784
4785	4785
4786	4786
4787	4787	training franchise for the use of a facility has expired. 3226
4788	4788	(d)1. All certified applicants shall place unexpended 3227
4789	4789	state funds received pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.c. s. 3228
4790	4790	212.20(6)(d)6.c. in a trust fund or separate account for use 3229
4791	4791	only as authorized in this section. 3230
4792	4792	2. A certified applicant may request that the department 3231
4793	4793	notify the Department of Revenue to suspend further 3232
4794	4794	distributions of state funds made available under s. 3233
4795	4795	212.20(6)(d)7.c. s. 212.20(6)(d)6.c. for 12 months after 3234
4796	4796	expiration of an existing agreement with a spring training 3235
4797	4797	franchise to provide the certified applicant with an opportunity 3236
4798	4798	to enter into a new agreement with a spring training franchise, 3237
4799	4799	at which time the distributions shal l resume. 3238
4800	4800	3. The expenditure of state funds distributed to an 3239
4801	4801	applicant certified after July 1, 2013, must begin within 48 3240
4802	4802	months after the initial receipt of the state funds. In 3241
4803	4803	addition, the construction or renovation of a spring training 3242
4804	4804	facility must be completed within 24 months after the project's 3243
4805	4805	commencement. 3244
4806	4806	Section 64. Subsection (1) of section 443.191, Florida 3245
4807	4807	Statutes, is amended to read: 3246
4808	4808	443.191 Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund; 3247
4809	4809	establishment and control. — 3248
4810	4810	(1) There is established , as a separate trust fund apart 3249
4811	4811	from all other public funds of this state, an Unemployment 3250
4812	4812
4813	4813	HB 1427 2025
4814	4814
4815	4815
4816	4816
4817	4817	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4818	4818	hb1427-00
4819	4819	Page 131 of 150
4820	4820	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4821	4821
4822	4822
4823	4823
4824	4824	Compensation Trust Fund, which shall be administered by the 3251
4825	4825	Department of Commerce exclusively for the purposes of this 3252
4826	4826	chapter. The fund must consist of: 3253
4827	4827	(a) All contributions and reimbursements collected under 3254
4828	4828	this chapter; 3255
4829	4829	(b) Interest earned on any moneys in the fund; 3256
4830	4830	(c) Any property or securities acquired through the use of 3257
4831	4831	moneys belonging to the fund; 3258
4832	4832	(d) All earnings of these properties or securities ; 3259
4833	4833	(e) All money credited to this state's account in the 3260
4834	4834	federal Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund under 42 U.S.C. s. 3261
4835	4835	1103; 3262
4836	4836	(f) All money collected for penalties imposed pursuant to 3263
4837	4837	s. 443.151(6)(a); 3264
4838	4838	(g) Advances on the amount in the federal Unempl oyment 3265
4839	4839	Compensation Trust Fund credited to the state under 42 U.S.C. s. 3266
4840	4840	1321, as requested by the Governor or the Governor's designee; 3267
4841	4841	and 3268
4842	4842	(h) All money deposited in this account as a distribution 3269
4843	4843	pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.e. s. 212.20(6)(d)6.e. 3270
4844	4844	3271
4845	4845	Except as otherwise provided in s. 443.1313(4), all moneys in 3272
4846	4846	the fund must be mingled and undivided. 3273
4847	4847	Section 65. Section 571.26, Florida Statutes, is amended 3274
4848	4848	to read: 3275
4849	4849
4850	4850	HB 1427 2025
4851	4851
4852	4852
4853	4853
4854	4854	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4855	4855	hb1427-00
4856	4856	Page 132 of 150
4857	4857	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4858	4858
4859	4859
4860	4860
4861	4861	571.26 Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign Trust 3276
4862	4862	Fund.—There is hereby created t he Florida Agricultural 3277
4863	4863	Promotional Campaign Trust Fund within the Department of 3278
4864	4864	Agriculture and Consumer Services to receive all moneys related 3279
4865	4865	to the Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign. Moneys 3280
4866	4866	deposited in the trust fund shall be appropriated for the sole 3281
4867	4867	purpose of implementing the Florida Agricultural Promotional 3282
4868	4868	Campaign, except for money deposited in the trust fund pursuant 3283
4869	4869	to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.h. s. 212.20(6)(d)6.h., which shall be held 3284
4870	4870	separately and used solely for the purposes identified in s. 3285
4871	4871	571.265. 3286
4872	4872	Section 66. Subsection (2) of section 571.265, Florida 3287
4873	4873	Statutes, is amended to read: 3288
4874	4874	571.265 Promotion of Florida thoroughbred breeding and of 3289
4875	4875	thoroughbred racing at Florida thoroughbred tracks; distribution 3290
4876	4876	of funds.— 3291
4877	4877	(2) Funds deposited into the Florida Agricultural 3292
4878	4878	Promotional Campaign Trust Fund pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)7.f. 3293
4879	4879	s. 212.20(6)(d)6.f. shall be used by the department to encourage 3294
4880	4880	the agricultural activity of breeding thoroughbred racehorses in 3295
4881	4881	this state and to enhance tho roughbred racing conducted at 3296
4882	4882	thoroughbred tracks in this state as provided in this section. 3297
4883	4883	If the funds made available under this section are not fully 3298
4884	4884	used in any one fiscal year, any unused amounts shall be carried 3299
4885	4885	forward in the trust fund into future fiscal years and made 3300
4886	4886
4887	4887	HB 1427 2025
4888	4888
4889	4889
4890	4890
4891	4891	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4892	4892	hb1427-00
4893	4893	Page 133 of 150
4894	4894	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4895	4895
4896	4896
4897	4897
4898	4898	available for distribution as provided in this section. 3301
4899	4899	Section 67. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3302
4900	4900	made by this act to section 20.60, Florida Statutes, in a 3303
4901	4901	reference thereto, subsection (8) of section 288.9935, F lorida 3304
4902	4902	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3305
4903	4903	288.9935 Microfinance Guarantee Program. — 3306
4904	4904	(8) The department must, in the department's report 3307
4905	4905	required under s. 20.60(10), include an annual report on the 3308
4906	4906	program. The report must, at a minimum, provide: 3309
4907	4907	(a) A comprehensive description of the program, including 3310
4908	4908	an evaluation of its application and guarantee activities, 3311
4909	4909	recommendations for change, and identification of any other 3312
4910	4910	state programs that overlap with the program; 3313
4911	4911	(b) An assessment of the current avail ability of and 3314
4912	4912	access to credit for entrepreneurs and small businesses in this 3315
4913	4913	state; 3316
4914	4914	(c) A summary of the financial and employment results of 3317
4915	4915	the entrepreneurs and small businesses receiving loan 3318
4916	4916	guarantees, including the number of full -time equivalent jobs 3319
4917	4917	created as a result of the guaranteed loans and the amount of 3320
4918	4918	wages paid to employees in the newly created jobs; 3321
4919	4919	(d) Industry data about the borrowers, including the six -3322
4920	4920	digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 3323
4921	4921	code; 3324
4922	4922	(e) The name and location of lenders that receive loan 3325
4923	4923
4924	4924	HB 1427 2025
4925	4925
4926	4926
4927	4927
4928	4928	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4929	4929	hb1427-00
4930	4930	Page 134 of 150
4931	4931	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4932	4932
4933	4933
4934	4934
4935	4935	guarantees; 3326
4936	4936	(f) The number of loan guarantee applications received; 3327
4937	4937	(g) The number, duration, location, and amount of 3328
4938	4938	guarantees made; 3329
4939	4939	(h) The number and amount of guaranteed loans outstanding, 3330
4940	4940	if any; 3331
4941	4941	(i) The number and amount of guaranteed loans with 3332
4942	4942	payments overdue, if any; 3333
4943	4943	(j) The number and amount of guaranteed loans in default, 3334
4944	4944	if any; 3335
4945	4945	(k) The repayment history of the guaranteed loans made; 3336
4946	4946	and 3337
4947	4947	(l) An evaluation of the program's ab ility to meet the 3338
4948	4948	financial performance measures and objectives specified in 3339
4949	4949	subsection (3). 3340
4950	4950	Section 68. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3341
4951	4951	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3342
4952	4952	reference thereto, paragraph (c) of subse ction (5) of section 3343
4953	4953	125.0104, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3344
4954	4954	125.0104 Tourist development tax; procedure for levying; 3345
4955	4955	authorized uses; referendum; enforcement. — 3346
4956	4956	(5) AUTHORIZED USES OF REVENUE. — 3347
4957	4957	(c) A county located adjacent to the Gulf of M exico or the 3348
4958	4958	Atlantic Ocean, except a county that receives revenue from taxes 3349
4959	4959	levied pursuant to s. 125.0108, which meets the following 3350
4960	4960
4961	4961	HB 1427 2025
4962	4962
4963	4963
4964	4964
4965	4965	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
4966	4966	hb1427-00
4967	4967	Page 135 of 150
4968	4968	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
4969	4969
4970	4970
4971	4971
4972	4972	criteria may use up to 10 percent of the tax revenue received 3351
4973	4973	pursuant to this section to reimburse expenses incurred in 3352
4974	4974	providing public safety services, including emergency medical 3353
4975	4975	services as defined in s. 401.107(3), and law enforcement 3354
4976	4976	services, which are needed to address impacts related to 3355
4977	4977	increased tourism and visitors to an area. However, if taxes 3356
4978	4978	collected pursuant to this section are used to reimburse 3357
4979	4979	emergency medical services or public safety services for tourism 3358
4980	4980	or special events, the governing board of a county or 3359
4981	4981	municipality may not use such taxes to supplant the normal 3360
4982	4982	operating expenses of an emergency med ical services department, 3361
4983	4983	a fire department, a sheriff's office, or a police department. 3362
4984	4984	To receive reimbursement, the county must: 3363
4985	4985	1.a. Generate a minimum of $10 million in annual proceeds 3364
4986	4986	from any tax, or any combination of taxes, authorized to be 3365
4987	4987	levied pursuant to this section; 3366
4988	4988	b. Have at least three municipalities; and 3367
4989	4989	c. Have an estimated population of less than 275,000, 3368
4990	4990	according to the most recent population estimate prepared 3369
4991	4991	pursuant to s. 186.901, excluding the inmate population; or 3370
4992	4992	2. Be a fiscally constrained county as described in s. 3371
4993	4993	218.67(1). 3372
4994	4994	3373
4995	4995	The board of county commissioners must by majority vote approve 3374
4996	4996	reimbursement made pursuant to this paragraph upon receipt of a 3375
4997	4997
4998	4998	HB 1427 2025
4999	4999
5000	5000
5001	5001
5002	5002	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5003	5003	hb1427-00
5004	5004	Page 136 of 150
5005	5005	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5006	5006
5007	5007
5008	5008
5009	5009	recommendation from the tourist development council. 3376
5010	5010	Section 69. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3377
5011	5011	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3378
5012	5012	reference thereto, subsection (3) of section 193.624, Florida 3379
5013	5013	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3380
5014	5014	193.624 Assessment of renewable energy source device s.— 3381
5015	5015	(3) This section applies to the installation of a 3382
5016	5016	renewable energy source device installed on or after January 1, 3383
5017	5017	2013, to new and existing residential real property. This 3384
5018	5018	section applies to a renewable energy source device installed on 3385
5019	5019	or after January 1, 2018, to all other real property, except 3386
5020	5020	when installed as part of a project planned for a location in a 3387
5021	5021	fiscally constrained county, as defined in s. 218.67(1), and for 3388
5022	5022	which an application for a comprehensive plan amendment or 3389
5023	5023	planned unit develop ment zoning has been filed with the county 3390
5024	5024	on or before December 31, 2017. 3391
5025	5025	Section 70. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3392
5026	5026	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3393
5027	5027	reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 196.182, Flori da 3394
5028	5028	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3395
5029	5029	196.182 Exemption of renewable energy source devices. — 3396
5030	5030	(2) The exemption provided in this section does not apply 3397
5031	5031	to a renewable energy source device that is installed as part of 3398
5032	5032	a project planned for a location in a f iscally constrained 3399
5033	5033	county, as defined in s. 218.67(1), and for which an application 3400
5034	5034
5035	5035	HB 1427 2025
5036	5036
5037	5037
5038	5038
5039	5039	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5040	5040	hb1427-00
5041	5041	Page 137 of 150
5042	5042	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5043	5043
5044	5044
5045	5045
5046	5046	for a comprehensive plan amendment or planned unit development 3401
5047	5047	zoning has been filed with the county on or before December 31, 3402
5048	5048	2017. 3403
5049	5049	Section 71. For the purpose of inc orporating the amendment 3404
5050	5050	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3405
5051	5051	reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 218.12, Florida 3406
5052	5052	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3407
5053	5053	218.12 Appropriations to offset reductions in ad valorem 3408
5054	5054	tax revenue in fisca lly constrained counties. — 3409
5055	5055	(1) Beginning in fiscal year 2008 -2009, the Legislature 3410
5056	5056	shall appropriate moneys to offset the reductions in ad valorem 3411
5057	5057	tax revenue experienced by fiscally constrained counties, as 3412
5058	5058	defined in s. 218.67(1), which occur as a dire ct result of the 3413
5059	5059	implementation of revisions of Art. VII of the State 3414
5060	5060	Constitution approved in the special election held on January 3415
5061	5061	29, 2008. The moneys appropriated for this purpose shall be 3416
5062	5062	distributed in January of each fiscal year among the fiscally 3417
5063	5063	constrained counties based on each county's proportion of the 3418
5064	5064	total reduction in ad valorem tax revenue resulting from the 3419
5065	5065	implementation of the revision. 3420
5066	5066	Section 72. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3421
5067	5067	made by this act to section 218.67, Flor ida Statutes, in a 3422
5068	5068	reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 218.125, Florida 3423
5069	5069	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3424
5070	5070	218.125 Offset for tax loss associated with certain 3425
5071	5071
5072	5072	HB 1427 2025
5073	5073
5074	5074
5075	5075
5076	5076	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5077	5077	hb1427-00
5078	5078	Page 138 of 150
5079	5079	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5080	5080
5081	5081
5082	5082
5083	5083	constitutional amendments affecting fiscally constrained 3426
5084	5084	counties.— 3427
5085	5085	(1) Beginning in the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the 3428
5086	5086	Legislature shall appropriate moneys to offset the reductions in 3429
5087	5087	ad valorem tax revenue experienced by fiscally constrained 3430
5088	5088	counties, as defined in s. 218.67(1), which occur as a direct 3431
5089	5089	result of the implementation of revisio ns of ss. 3(f) and 4(b), 3432
5090	5090	Art. VII of the State Constitution which were approved in the 3433
5091	5091	general election held in November 2008. The moneys appropriated 3434
5092	5092	for this purpose shall be distributed in January of each fiscal 3435
5093	5093	year among the fiscally constrained count ies based on each 3436
5094	5094	county's proportion of the total reduction in ad valorem tax 3437
5095	5095	revenue resulting from the implementation of the revisions. 3438
5096	5096	Section 73. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3439
5097	5097	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3440
5098	5098	reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 218.135, Florida 3441
5099	5099	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3442
5100	5100	218.135 Offset for tax loss associated with reductions in 3443
5101	5101	value of certain citrus fruit packing and processing equipment. — 3444
5102	5102	(1) For the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the Legislature shall 3445
5103	5103	appropriate moneys to offset the reductions in ad valorem tax 3446
5104	5104	revenue experienced by fiscally constrained counties, as defined 3447
5105	5105	in s. 218.67(1), which occur as a direct result of the 3448
5106	5106	implementation of s. 193.4516. The moneys appro priated for this 3449
5107	5107	purpose shall be distributed in January 2019 among the fiscally 3450
5108	5108
5109	5109	HB 1427 2025
5110	5110
5111	5111
5112	5112
5113	5113	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5114	5114	hb1427-00
5115	5115	Page 139 of 150
5116	5116	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5117	5117
5118	5118
5119	5119
5120	5120	constrained counties based on each county's proportion of the 3451
5121	5121	total reduction in ad valorem tax revenue resulting from the 3452
5122	5122	implementation of s. 193.4516. 3453
5123	5123	Section 74. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3454
5124	5124	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3455
5125	5125	reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 218.136, Florida 3456
5126	5126	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3457
5127	5127	218.136 Offset for ad valorem revenue loss affecting 3458
5128	5128	fiscally constrained counties. — 3459
5129	5129	(1) Beginning in fiscal year 2025 -2026, the Legislature 3460
5130	5130	shall appropriate moneys to offset the reductions in ad valorem 3461
5131	5131	tax revenue experienced by fiscally constrained counties, as 3462
5132	5132	defined in s. 218.67(1), which occur as a direc t result of the 3463
5133	5133	implementation of revisions of s. 6(a), Art. VII of the State 3464
5134	5134	Constitution approved in the November 2024 general election. The 3465
5135	5135	moneys appropriated for this purpose shall be distributed in 3466
5136	5136	January of each fiscal year among the fiscally const rained 3467
5137	5137	counties based on each county's proportion of the total 3468
5138	5138	reduction in ad valorem tax revenue resulting from the 3469
5139	5139	implementation of the revision of s. 6(a), Art. VII of the State 3470
5140	5140	Constitution. 3471
5141	5141	Section 75. For the purpose of incorporating the amendm ent 3472
5142	5142	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3473
5143	5143	reference thereto, paragraph (cc) of subsection (2) of section 3474
5144	5144	252.35, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3475
5145	5145
5146	5146	HB 1427 2025
5147	5147
5148	5148
5149	5149
5150	5150	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5151	5151	hb1427-00
5152	5152	Page 140 of 150
5153	5153	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5154	5154
5155	5155
5156	5156
5157	5157	252.35 Emergency management powers; Division of Emergency 3476
5158	5158	Management.— 3477
5159	5159	(2) The division is responsible for carrying out the 3478
5160	5160	provisions of ss. 252.31 -252.90. In performing its duties, the 3479
5161	5161	division shall: 3480
5162	5162	(cc) Prioritize technical assistance and training to 3481
5163	5163	fiscally constrained counties as defined in s. 218.67(1) on 3482
5164	5164	aspects of safety measures, preparedness, prevention, response, 3483
5165	5165	recovery, and mitigation relating to natural disasters and 3484
5166	5166	emergencies. 3485
5167	5167	Section 76. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3486
5168	5168	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3487
5169	5169	reference thereto, subsection (4) of section 288.102, Florida 3488
5170	5170	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3489
5171	5171	288.102 Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program. — 3490
5172	5172	(4) A minimum of a one -to-one match of nonstate resources, 3491
5173	5173	including local, federal, or private funds, to the state 3492
5174	5174	contribution is required. An award may not be made for a project 3493
5175	5175	that is receiving or using state funding from another state 3494
5176	5176	source or statutory program, including tax credits. The one -to-3495
5177	5177	one match requirement is waived for a public entity located in a 3496
5178	5178	fiscally constrained county as defined in s. 218.67(1). 3497
5179	5179	Section 77. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3498
5180	5180	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3499
5181	5181	reference thereto, paragraph (g) of subsection (16) of section 3500
5182	5182
5183	5183	HB 1427 2025
5184	5184
5185	5185
5186	5186
5187	5187	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5188	5188	hb1427-00
5189	5189	Page 141 of 150
5190	5190	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5191	5191
5192	5192
5193	5193
5194	5194	403.064, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3501
5195	5195	403.064 Reuse of reclaimed water. — 3502
5196	5196	(16) By November 1, 2021, domestic wastewater utilities 3503
5197	5197	that dispose of effluent, reclaimed water, or reuse water by 3504
5198	5198	surface water discharge shall submit to the department for 3505
5199	5199	review and approval a plan for eliminating nonbeneficial surface 3506
5200	5200	water discharge by January 1, 2032, subject to the requirements 3507
5201	5201	of this section. The plan must include the average gallons per 3508
5202	5202	day of effluent, reclaimed water, or reuse water that will no 3509
5203	5203	longer be discharged into surface waters and the date of such 3510
5204	5204	elimination, the average gallons per day of surface water 3511
5205	5205	discharge which will continue in accordance with the 3512
5206	5206	alternatives provided for in subparagraphs (a)2. and 3., and the 3513
5207	5207	level of treatment that the effluent, reclaimed water, or reuse 3514
5208	5208	water will receive before being discharged into a surface water 3515
5209	5209	by each alternative. 3516
5210	5210	(g) This subsection does not apply to any of the 3517
5211	5211	following: 3518
5212	5212	1. A domestic wastewater treatment facility that is 3519
5213	5213	located in a fiscally constra ined county as described in s. 3520
5214	5214	218.67(1). 3521
5215	5215	2. A domestic wastewater treatment facility that is 3522
5216	5216	located in a municipality that is entirely within a rural area 3523
5217	5217	of opportunity as designated pursuant to s. 288.0656. 3524
5218	5218	3. A domestic wastewater treatment facili ty that is 3525
5219	5219
5220	5220	HB 1427 2025
5221	5221
5222	5222
5223	5223
5224	5224	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5225	5225	hb1427-00
5226	5226	Page 142 of 150
5227	5227	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5228	5228
5229	5229
5230	5230
5231	5231	located in a municipality that has less than $10 million in 3526
5232	5232	total revenue, as determined by the municipality's most recent 3527
5233	5233	annual financial report submitted to the Department of Financial 3528
5234	5234	Services in accordance with s. 218.32. 3529
5235	5235	4. A domestic wastewater treatment facility that is 3530
5236	5236	operated by an operator of a mobile home park as defined in s. 3531
5237	5237	723.003 and has a permitted capacity of less than 300,000 3532
5238	5238	gallons per day. 3533
5239	5239	Section 78. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3534
5240	5240	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in 3535
5241	5241	references thereto, subsections (2) and (3) of section 589.08, 3536
5242	5242	Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read: 3537
5243	5243	589.08 Land acquisition restrictions. — 3538
5244	5244	(2) The Florida Forest Service may receive, hold the 3539
5245	5245	custody of, and exercise the control of any lands, and set aside 3540
5246	5246	into a separate, distinct and inviolable fund, any proceeds 3541
5247	5247	derived from the sales of the products of such lands, the use 3542
5248	5248	thereof in any manner, or the sale of such lands save the 25 3543
5249	5249	percent of the proceeds to be paid into the State School Fund as 3544
5250	5250	provided by law. The Florida Forest Service may use and apply 3545
5251	5251	such funds for the acquisition, use, custody, management, 3546
5252	5252	development, or improvement of any lands vested in or subject to 3547
5253	5253	the control of the Florida Fores t Service. After full payment 3548
5254	5254	has been made for the purchase of a state forest to the Federal 3549
5255	5255	Government or other grantor, 15 percent of the gross receipts 3550
5256	5256
5257	5257	HB 1427 2025
5258	5258
5259	5259
5260	5260
5261	5261	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5262	5262	hb1427-00
5263	5263	Page 143 of 150
5264	5264	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5265	5265
5266	5266
5267	5267
5268	5268	from a state forest shall be paid to the fiscally constrained 3551
5269	5269	county or counties, as described in s. 218.67(1), in which it is 3552
5270	5270	located in proportion to the acreage located in each county for 3553
5271	5271	use by the county or counties for school purposes. 3554
5272	5272	(3) The Florida Forest Service shall pay 15 percent of the 3555
5273	5273	gross receipts from the Goethe State Forest to each f iscally 3556
5274	5274	constrained county, as described in s. 218.67(1), in which a 3557
5275	5275	portion of the respective forest is located in proportion to the 3558
5276	5276	forest acreage located in such county. The funds must be equally 3559
5277	5277	divided between the board of county commissioners and the school 3560
5278	5278	board of each fiscally constrained county. 3561
5279	5279	Section 79. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3562
5280	5280	made by this act to section 218.67, Florida Statutes, in a 3563
5281	5281	reference thereto, paragraph (f) of subsection (1) of section 3564
5282	5282	1011.62, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3565
5283	5283	1011.62 Funds for operation of scho ols.—If the annual 3566
5284	5284	allocation from the Florida Education Finance Program to each 3567
5285	5285	district for operation of schools is not determined in the 3568
5286	5286	annual appropriations act or the substantive bill implementing 3569
5287	5287	the annual appropriations act, it shall be determined as 3570
5288	5288	follows: 3571
5289	5289	(1) COMPUTATION OF THE BASIC AMOUNT TO BE INCLUDED FOR 3572
5290	5290	OPERATION.—The following procedure shall be followed in 3573
5291	5291	determining the annual allocation to each district for 3574
5292	5292	operation: 3575
5293	5293
5294	5294	HB 1427 2025
5295	5295
5296	5296
5297	5297
5298	5298	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5299	5299	hb1427-00
5300	5300	Page 144 of 150
5301	5301	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5302	5302
5303	5303
5304	5304
5305	5305	(f) Small district factor. —An additional value per full -3576
5306	5306	time equivalent student membership is provided to each school 3577
5307	5307	district with a full -time equivalent student membership of fewer 3578
5308	5308	than 20,000 full-time equivalent students which is in a fiscally 3579
5309	5309	constrained county as described in s. 218.67(1). The amount of 3580
5310	5310	the additional value shall be specified in the General 3581
5311	5311	Appropriations Act. 3582
5312	5312	Section 80. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3583
5313	5313	made by this act to sections 218.67 and 339.2818, Florida 3584
5314	5314	Statutes, in references thereto, paragraph (c) of subsection (6) 3585
5315	5315	of section 403.0741, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3586
5316	5316	403.0741 Grease waste removal and disposal. — 3587
5317	5317	(6) REGULATION BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. — 3588
5318	5318	(c) Fiscally constrained counties as described in s. 3589
5319	5319	218.67(1) and small counties as defined in s. 339.2818 (2) may 3590
5320	5320	opt out of the requirements of this section. 3591
5321	5321	Section 81. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3592
5322	5322	made by this act to section 288.0656, Florida Statutes, in a 3593
5323	5323	reference thereto, paragraph (e) of subsection (7) of section 3594
5324	5324	163.3177, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3595
5325	5325	163.3177 Required and optional elements of comprehensive 3596
5326	5326	plan; studies and surveys. — 3597
5327	5327	(7) 3598
5328	5328	(e) This subsection does not confer the status of rural 3599
5329	5329	area of opportunity, or any of the rights or benefits derived 3600
5330	5330
5331	5331	HB 1427 2025
5332	5332
5333	5333
5334	5334
5335	5335	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5336	5336	hb1427-00
5337	5337	Page 145 of 150
5338	5338	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5339	5339
5340	5340
5341	5341
5342	5342	from such status, on any land area not otherwise designated as 3601
5343	5343	such pursuant to s. 288.0656(7). 3602
5344	5344	Section 82. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3603
5345	5345	made by this act to section 288.9961, Florida Statutes, in a 3604
5346	5346	reference thereto, paragraph (a) of subsection (7) of section 3605
5347	5347	288.9962, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3606
5348	5348	288.9962 Broadband Opportunity Program. — 3607
5349	5349	(7)(a) In evaluating grant applications and awarding 3608
5350	5350	grants, the office must give priority to applications that: 3609
5351	5351	1. Offer broadband Internet ser vice to important community 3610
5352	5352	institutions, including, but not limited to, libraries, 3611
5353	5353	educational institutions, public safety facilities, and health 3612
5354	5354	care facilities; 3613
5355	5355	2. Facilitate the use of telemedicine and electronic 3614
5356	5356	health records; 3615
5357	5357	3. Serve economical ly distressed areas of this state, as 3616
5358	5358	measured by indices of unemployment, poverty, or population loss 3617
5359	5359	that are significantly greater than the statewide average; 3618
5360	5360	4. Provide for scalability to transmission speeds of at 3619
5361	5361	least 100 megabits per second downlo ad and 10 megabits per 3620
5362	5362	second upload; 3621
5363	5363	5. Include a component to actively promote the adoption of 3622
5364	5364	the newly available broadband Internet service in the community; 3623
5365	5365	6. Provide evidence of strong support for the project from 3624
5366	5366	citizens, government, businesse s, and institutions in the 3625
5367	5367
5368	5368	HB 1427 2025
5369	5369
5370	5370
5371	5371
5372	5372	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5373	5373	hb1427-00
5374	5374	Page 146 of 150
5375	5375	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5376	5376
5377	5377
5378	5378
5379	5379	community; 3626
5380	5380	7. Provide access to broadband Internet service to the 3627
5381	5381	greatest number of unserved households and businesses; 3628
5382	5382	8. Leverage greater amounts of funding for a project from 3629
5383	5383	private sources; or 3630
5384	5384	9. Demonstrate consisten cy with the strategic plan adopted 3631
5385	5385	under s. 288.9961. 3632
5386	5386	Section 83. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3633
5387	5387	made by this act to section 319.32, Florida Statutes, in a 3634
5388	5388	reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 215.211, Florida 3635
5389	5389	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3636
5390	5390	215.211 Service charge; elimination or reduction for 3637
5391	5391	specified proceeds.— 3638
5392	5392	(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 215.20(1) and 3639
5393	5393	former s. 215.20(3), the service charge provided in s. 215.20(1) 3640
5394	5394	and former s. 215.20(3), which is deducted f rom the proceeds of 3641
5395	5395	the taxes distributed under ss. 206.606(1), 207.026, 3642
5396	5396	212.0501(6), and 319.32(5), shall be eliminated beginning July 3643
5397	5397	1, 2000. 3644
5398	5398	Section 84. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3645
5399	5399	made by this act to section 339.68, Florida Stat utes, in 3646
5400	5400	references thereto, subsections (5) and (6) of section 339.66, 3647
5401	5401	Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read: 3648
5402	5402	339.66 Upgrade of arterial highways with controlled access 3649
5403	5403	facilities.— 3650
5404	5404
5405	5405	HB 1427 2025
5406	5406
5407	5407
5408	5408
5409	5409	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5410	5410	hb1427-00
5411	5411	Page 147 of 150
5412	5412	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5413	5413
5414	5414
5415	5415
5416	5416	(5) Any existing applicable requirements relating to 3651
5417	5417	department projects shall apply to projects undertaken by the 3652
5418	5418	department pursuant to this section. The department shall take 3653
5419	5419	into consideration the guidance and recommendations of any 3654
5420	5420	previous studies or reports relevant to the projects authorized 3655
5421	5421	by this section and ss . 339.67 and 339.68, including, but not 3656
5422	5422	limited to, the task force reports prepared pursuant to chapter 3657
5423	5423	2019-43, Laws of Florida. 3658
5424	5424	(6) Any existing applicable requirements relating to 3659
5425	5425	turnpike projects apply to projects undertaken by the Turnpike 3660
5426	5426	Enterprise pursuant to this section. The Turnpike Enterprise 3661
5427	5427	shall take into consideration the guidance and recommendations 3662
5428	5428	of any previous studies or reports relevant to the projects 3663
5429	5429	authorized by this section and ss. 339.67 and 339.68, including, 3664
5430	5430	but not limited to, the task force reports prepared pursuant to 3665
5431	5431	chapter 2019-43, Laws of Florida, and with respect to any 3666
5432	5432	extension of the Florida Turnpike from its northerly terminus in 3667
5433	5433	Wildwood. 3668
5434	5434	Section 85. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3669
5435	5435	made by this act to section 420.9073, Florida Statutes, in 3670
5436	5436	references thereto, subsections (4) and (6) of section 420.9072, 3671
5437	5437	Florida Statutes, are reenacted to read: 3672
5438	5438	420.9072 State Housing Initiatives Partn ership Program.—3673
5439	5439	The State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program is created for 3674
5440	5440	the purpose of providing funds to counties and eligible 3675
5441	5441
5442	5442	HB 1427 2025
5443	5443
5444	5444
5445	5445
5446	5446	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5447	5447	hb1427-00
5448	5448	Page 148 of 150
5449	5449	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5450	5450
5451	5451
5452	5452
5453	5453	municipalities as an incentive for the creation of local housing 3676
5454	5454	partnerships, to expand production of and preserve aff ordable 3677
5455	5455	housing, to further the housing element of the local government 3678
5456	5456	comprehensive plan specific to affordable housing, and to 3679
5457	5457	increase housing-related employment. 3680
5458	5458	(4) Moneys in the Local Government Housing Trust Fund 3681
5459	5459	shall be distributed by the corpo ration to each approved county 3682
5460	5460	and eligible municipality within the county as provided in s. 3683
5461	5461	420.9073. Distributions shall be allocated to the participating 3684
5462	5462	county and to each eligible municipality within the county 3685
5463	5463	according to an interlocal agreement bet ween the county 3686
5464	5464	governing authority and the governing body of the eligible 3687
5465	5465	municipality or, if there is no interlocal agreement, according 3688
5466	5466	to population. The portion for each eligible municipality is 3689
5467	5467	computed by multiplying the total moneys earmarked for a county 3690
5468	5468	by a fraction, the numerator of which is the population of the 3691
5469	5469	eligible municipality and the denominator of which is the total 3692
5470	5470	population of the county. The remaining revenues shall be 3693
5471	5471	distributed to the governing body of the county. 3694
5472	5472	(6) The moneys that otherwise would be distributed 3695
5473	5473	pursuant to s. 420.9073 to a local government that does not meet 3696
5474	5474	the program's requirements for receipts of such distributions 3697
5475	5475	shall remain in the Local Government Housing Trust Fund to be 3698
5476	5476	administered by the corporat ion. 3699
5477	5477	Section 86. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3700
5478	5478
5479	5479	HB 1427 2025
5480	5480
5481	5481
5482	5482
5483	5483	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5484	5484	hb1427-00
5485	5485	Page 149 of 150
5486	5486	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5487	5487
5488	5488
5489	5489
5490	5490	made by this act to section 420.9073, Florida Statutes, in a 3701
5491	5491	reference thereto, paragraph (b) of subsection (7) of section 3702
5492	5492	420.9076, Florida Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3703
5493	5493	420.9076 Adoption of affordable housing incentive 3704
5494	5494	strategies; committees. — 3705
5495	5495	(7) The governing board of the county or the eligible 3706
5496	5496	municipality shall notify the corporation by certified mail of 3707
5497	5497	its adoption of an amendment of its local housing assistance 3708
5498	5498	plan to incorporate local housing incentive strategies. The 3709
5499	5499	notice must include a copy of the approved amended plan. 3710
5500	5500	(b) If a county fails to timely adopt an amended local 3711
5501	5501	housing assistance plan to incorporate local housing incentive 3712
5502	5502	strategies but an eligible munici pality receiving a local 3713
5503	5503	housing distribution pursuant to an interlocal agreement within 3714
5504	5504	the county does timely adopt an amended local housing assistance 3715
5505	5505	plan to incorporate local housing incentive strategies, the 3716
5506	5506	corporation, after issuance of a notice of termination, shall 3717
5507	5507	thereafter distribute directly to the participating eligible 3718
5508	5508	municipality its share calculated in the manner provided in s. 3719
5509	5509	420.9073. 3720
5510	5510	Section 87. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 3721
5511	5511	made by this act to section 420.9073, F lorida Statutes, in a 3722
5512	5512	reference thereto, subsection (2) of section 420.9079, Florida 3723
5513	5513	Statutes, is reenacted to read: 3724
5514	5514	420.9079 Local Government Housing Trust Fund. — 3725
5515	5515
5516	5516	HB 1427 2025
5517	5517
5518	5518
5519	5519
5520	5520	CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
5521	5521	hb1427-00
5522	5522	Page 150 of 150
5523	5523	F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
5524	5524
5525	5525
5526	5526
5527	5527	(2) The corporation shall administer the fund exclusively 3726
5528	5528	for the purpose of implementin g the programs described in ss. 3727
5529	5529	420.907-420.9076 and this section. With the exception of 3728
5530	5530	monitoring the activities of counties and eligible 3729
5531	5531	municipalities to determine local compliance with program 3730
5532	5532	requirements, the corporation shall not receive appropriat ions 3731
5533	5533	from the fund for administrative or personnel costs. For the 3732
5534	5534	purpose of implementing the compliance monitoring provisions of 3733
5535	5535	s. 420.9075(9), the corporation may request a maximum of one -3734
5536	5536	quarter of 1 percent of the annual appropriation per state 3735
5537	5537	fiscal year. When such funding is appropriated, the corporation 3736
5538	5538	shall deduct the amount appropriated prior to calculating the 3737
5539	5539	local housing distribution pursuant to ss. 420.9072 and 3738
5540	5540	420.9073. 3739
5541	5541	Section 88. This act shall take effect July 1, 2025. 3740