SB 250 — Rural Communities

specifying requirements for the application and application process;

authorizing the department, subject to specific appropriation, to award grants under the program;

specifying limitations on the awarding of grants;

specifying expenses for which grant funds are authorized and prohibited;

requiring the department to Page 12 of 138 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ enter into a contract with each grant recipient;

specifying requirements for the contracts;

authorizing the department to adopt rules;

requiring the department, beginning on a specified date and annually thereafter, to provide a report containing specified information to the Governor and the Legislature;

providing for future legislative review and repeal of the program;

creating s.

381.9856, F.S.;

creating the Stroke, Cardiac, and Obstetric Response and Education Grant Program within the Department of Health;

specifying the purpose of the program;

defining terms;

requiring the department to award grants under the program to certain entities meeting specified criteria;

requiring the department to give priority to certain applicants;

limiting individual grants to a specified amount per year;

requiring grant recipients to submit quarterly reports to the department;

requiring the department to monitor program implementation and outcomes;

requiring the department to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature by a specified date;

authorizing the department to adopt rules;

providing that implementation is limited to the extent specifically funded by legislative appropriation;

providing for future legislative review and repeal of the program;

395.6061, F.S.;

providing that rural hospital capital improvement grant program funding may be awarded to rural hospitals to establish mobile care units and telehealth kiosks for specified purposes;

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ defining terms;

amending s.

requiring each regional consortium service organization to submit an annual report to the DepartmentPage 12 of Education;126 CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 Department of Education;

requiring regional consortium service organizations to retain all funds received from grants or contracted services to cover indirect or administrative costs associated with the provision of Pagesuch 14services; of 138 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ such services;

requiring thatPage a13 fundof balance126 beCODING: established for specified purposes;

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 that a fund balance be established for specified purposes;

providing for the Pagecarryforward 15 of 138funds; CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ carryforward of funds;

revising thePage calculation14 methodology used to determine the amount of revenue126 thatCODING: a school district must distribute to each eligible charter school;

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 the calculation methodology used to determine the amount of revenue that a school district must distribute to each eligible charter school;

288.9935(8), F.S., relating to the PageMicrofinance 16Guarantee ofProgram, 138to CODING:incorporate the amendment made to s.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ Microfinance Guarantee Program, to incorporate the amendment made to s.

one-to-onePage match15 requirementof under126 theCODING: Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program;

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 one-to-one match requirement under the Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program;

163.3177(7)(e), F.S., relating to required and optional elements of comprehensive plans Pageand 17studies ofand 138surveys, CODING:to incorporate the amendment made to s.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ and studies and surveys, to incorporate the amendment made to s.

420.9072(4) and (6), 420.9076(7)(b), and 420.9079(2), F.S., relating to the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program, adoption of affordable housing incentive strategies and committees, and the Local Government Housing Trust Fund, respectively, to incorporate the amendment made toPage s.16 of 126 CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 to s.

powers and duties.— (3)(a) The following divisions and offices of the PageDepartment 18 of 138Commerce CODING:are established:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ Department of Commerce are established:

Provide leadership for the department’s priority issues that require integration of policy, management, and critical objectivesPage from17 multipleof programs126 andCODING: organizations internal and external to the department;

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 objectives from multiple programs and organizations internal and external to the department;

Page(a) 19The Division of 138Economic CODING:Development shall:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ (a) The Division of Economic Development shall:

Performance measures, benchmarks, and sanctions must be developed in consultation with the legislative appropriations committees and the appropriate substantive committees, and are subjectPage to18 theof review126 andCODING: approval process provided in s.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 subject to the review and approval process provided in s.

Strategies for the promotion of business formation, expansion, recruitment, and retention through aggressive marketing, attraction of venture capital and finance development, domestic trade, international development, and Pageexport 20assistance, which lead to more and better jobs and higher wages for all geographic regions, disadvantaged communities, and populations of 138the CODING:state, including rural areas, minority businesses, and urban core areas.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ export assistance, which lead to more and better jobs and higher wages for all geographic regions, disadvantaged communities, and populations of the state, including rural areas, minority businesses, and urban core areas.

Plans for the generation of foreign investment in the state which create jobs paying above-average wages and which result in reverse investment in the state, including programs that establish viable overseas markets, assist in meeting the financingPage requirements19 of export-ready126 firms,CODING: broaden opportunities for international joint venture relationships, use the resources of academic and other institutions, coordinate trade assistance and facilitation services, and facilitate availability of and access to education and training programs that assure requisite skills and competencies necessary to compete successfully in the global marketplace.

f.

The identification of business sectors that are of current or future importance to the state’s economy and to the state’s global business image, and development of specific strategies to promote the development of such sectors.

Page 21 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250financing 3-00228A-26requirements 2026250__of g.export-ready firms, broaden opportunities for international joint venture relationships, use the resources of academic and other institutions, coordinate trade assistance and facilitation services, and facilitate availability of and access to education and training programs that assure requisite skills and competencies necessary to compete successfully in the global marketplace.

f.

The identification of business sectors that are of current or future importance to the state’s economy and to the state’s global business image, and development of specific strategies to promote the development of such sectors.

g.

8.Page 20 of 126 CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 8.

A detailed report of the performance of the Black PageBusiness 22Loan Program and a cumulative summary of 138quarterly CODING:report data required under s.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ Business Loan Program and a cumulative summary of quarterly report data required under s.

The state land planning agency shall consult with the Office of Rural Prosperity when awarding fundingPage pursuant21 toof this126 section.CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 funding pursuant to this section.

All taxes Pagecollected 23under ofthis 138chapter, CODING:except taxes distributed to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to subsections (1) and (2), are subject to the service charge imposed in s.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ collected under this chapter, except taxes distributed to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to subsections (1) and (2), are subject to the service charge imposed in s.

(4) After the required distributions to the Land AcquisitionPage Trust22 Fund pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) and deduction of the126 serviceCODING: charge imposed pursuant to s.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to subsections (1) and (2) and deduction of the service charge imposed pursuant to s.

202.18 Allocation and disposition of tax proceeds.—The Pageproceeds 24 of 138the CODING:communications services taxes remitted under this chapter shall be treated as follows:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ proceeds of the communications services taxes remitted under this chapter shall be treated as follows:

Thirty percent of such proceeds shall bePage distributed23 pursuantof to126 s.CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 be distributed pursuant to s.

The department shall distribute the appropriate amount to each municipality and county each month at the same time that Pagelocal 25communications ofservices 138taxes CODING:are distributed pursuant to subsection (3).

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ local communications services taxes are distributed pursuant to subsection (3).

2.Page 24 of 126 CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 2.

and Pageb. 26 of 138 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ b.

After the distributions under subparagraphs 1., 2., and 3., 1.3653 percent of the available proceeds shall be transferred monthly to the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for MunicipalitiesPage pursuant25 toof s.126 CODING:

218.215.

If the total revenue to be distributed pursuant to this subparagraph is at least as great as the amount due from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999-2000, no municipality shall receive less than the amount due from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999-2000.

If the total proceeds to be distributed are less than the amount received in combination from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance Page 27 of 138 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26First 2026250__Engrossed Trust2026250e1 FundMunicipalities inpursuant state fiscal year 1999-2000, each municipality shall receive an amount proportionate to thes. amount it was due in state fiscal year 1999-2000.

218.215.

If the total revenue to be distributed pursuant to this subparagraph is at least as great as the amount due from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999-2000, no municipality shall receive less than the amount due from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999-2000.

If the total proceeds to be distributed are less than the amount received in combination from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for Municipalities and the former Municipal Financial Assistance Trust Fund in state fiscal year 1999-2000, each municipality shall receive an amount proportionate to the amount it was due in state fiscal year 1999-2000.

550.135 be paid directly to the district school board, special district, or a municipal government, such payment must continue until the local or specialPage law26 isof amended126 orCODING: repealed.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 special law is amended or repealed.

550.135 Pagebefore 28July of1, 1382000. CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ before July 1, 2000.

288.11631 for a facility used by a single spring training franchise, or up to $166,667Page monthly27 toof each126 certifiedCODING: applicant as defined in s.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 $166,667 monthly to each certified applicant as defined in s.

A certified applicant identified in this sub-subparagraph may not receive more in distributions than expended by the applicant for the public Pagepurposes 29provided ofin 138s. CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ purposes provided in s.

215.97, or that provides federal financial assistance to a subrecipient, as defined by applicable United States Office of Management and Budget circulars, must include allPage 28 of the126 following:CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 all of the following:

This provision is not intended to require reimbursement to the county, municipality, or rural area of Pageopportunity 30for invoices paid, but to allow the agency to provide for the payment of 138invoices CODING:due.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ opportunity for invoices paid, but to allow the agency to provide for the payment of invoices due.

SectionPage 7.29 of 126 CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 Section 7.

(2) Each fiscally constrained county government that Pageparticipates 31in ofthe 138local CODING:government half-cent sales tax shall be eligible to receive an additional distribution from the Local Government Half-cent Sales Tax Clearing Trust Fund, as provided in s.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ participates in the local government half-cent sales tax shall be eligible to receive an additional distribution from the Local Government Half-cent Sales Tax Clearing Trust Fund, as provided in s.

(a)Page The30 contribution-to-revenue relative revenue-raising- capacity factor for each participating county must equal 100 multiplied by a quotient, the numerator of which126 isCODING: the county’s population and the denominator of which is the state sales and use tax collections attributable to the county shall be the ability of the eligible county to generate ad valorem revenues from 1 mill of taxation on a per capita basis.

A county that raises no more than $25 per capita from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of 1;

a county that raises more than $25 but no more than $30 per capita from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of 0.75;

and a county that raises more than $30 but no more than Page 32 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250(a) 3-00228A-26The 2026250__contribution-to-revenue $50relative perrevenue-raising- capitacapacity factor for each participating county must equal 100 multiplied by a quotient, the numerator of which is the county’s population and the denominator of which is the state sales and use tax collections attributable to the county shall be the ability of the eligible county to generate ad valorem revenues from 1 mill shallof betaxation assignedon a valueper ofcapita 0.5.basis.

A county that raises no more than $25 per capita from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of 1;

a county that raises more than $25 but no more than $30 per capita from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of 0.75;

and a county that raises more than $30 but no more than $50 per capita from 1 mill shall be assigned a value of 0.5.

The proportional rate computation must be carried to the fifth decimal place, and the amount to distribute toPage each31 countyof must126 beCODING: rounded to the nearest whole dollar amount.

The counties that are eligible to receive an allocation under this subsection and the amount available to be distributed to such counties do shall not include counties participating in the phaseout period under subsection (4) or the amounts they remain eligible to receive during the phaseout.

(4) For those counties that no longer qualify under the requirements of subsection (1) after the effective date of this act, there shall be a 2-year phaseout period.

Beginning on July 1 of the year following the year in which the value of a mill for that county exceeds $10 $5 million in revenue, the county Page 33 of 138 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26First 2026250__Engrossed shall2026250e1 receiveto two-thirdseach of the amount received in the prior year, and beginning on July 1 of the second year following the year in which the value of a mill for that county exceedsmust $10be $5rounded millionto in revenue, the countynearest shallwhole receivedollar one-thirdamount. of the amount received in the last year that the county qualified as a fiscally constrained county.

The counties that are eligible to receive an allocation under this subsection and the amount available to be distributed to such counties do shall not include counties participating in the phaseout period under subsection (4) or the amounts they remain eligible to receive during the phaseout.

(4) For those counties that no longer qualify under the requirements of subsection (1) after the effective date of this act, there shall be a 2-year phaseout period.

Beginning on July 1 of the year following the year in which the value of a mill for that county exceeds $10 $5 million in revenue, the county shall receive two-thirds of the amount received in the prior year, and beginning on July 1 of the second year following the year in which the value of a mill for that county exceeds $10 $5 million in revenue, the county shall receive one-third of the amount received in the last year that the county qualified as a fiscally constrained county.

633.102, and emergency medical technicians or paramedics as those terms are definedPage in32 s.of 126 CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 defined in s.

Page288.001 34The ofFlorida 138Small CODING:Business Development Center Network.— (7) ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDS;

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ 288.001 The Florida Small Business Development Center Network.— (7) ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDS;

By using the funds toPage create33 a regular presence in rural areas, the network will strengthen community collaboration, raise awareness of available126 resourcesCODING: to provide opportunities for new business development or existing business growth, and make professional experience, education, and business information available in these essential communities.

The network may dedicate funds to facilitate local or regional events that focus on small business topics, provide consulting services, and leverage partner organizations, such as the regional economic development organizations, local workforce development boards as described in s.

445.007, and Florida College System institutions.

Page 35 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250to 3-00228A-26create 2026250__a Sectionregular 9.presence in rural areas, the network will strengthen community collaboration, raise awareness of available resources to provide opportunities for new business development or existing business growth, and make professional experience, education, and business information available in these essential communities.

The network may dedicate funds to facilitate local or regional events that focus on small business topics, provide consulting services, and leverage partner organizations, such as the regional economic development organizations, local workforce development boards as described in s.

445.007, and Florida College System institutions.

Section 9.

Unless otherwise required pursuant to this section, a county or municipality having a population of 25,000 or less fewer or its local economic development organization seeking to recruit businesses may submit information as required inPage this34 section and may participate in any activity or initiative resulting from the collection, analysis, and reporting of the126 informationCODING: to the department pursuant to this section.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 in this section and may participate in any activity or initiative resulting from the collection, analysis, and reporting of the information to the department pursuant to this section.

The Legislature further finds that fostering a prosperous rural Pageeconomy 36and vibrant rural communities serves the best interests of 138this CODING:state.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ economy and vibrant rural communities serves the best interests of this state.

(4)Page The35 office shall do all of the126 following:CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 (4) The office shall do all of the following:

In addition, the office shall post a recorded training and technical assistance video to the office’s website which covers Pageall 37 of 138the CODING:required topics.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ all of the required topics.

The office shall ensure the directory is regularly updated and, to the greatest extent possible, includes current informationPage on36 programs, resources, and services that address the needs of rural126 communitiesCODING: in all areas of governance.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 information on programs, resources, and services that address the needs of rural communities in all areas of governance.

(5)(a) By October 1, 2026, the office shall establish and Pageprovide 38staff for seven regional rural community liaison centers across this state to provide specialized in-person state support to rural local governments located in rural areas of 138opportunity CODING:as defined in s.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ provide staff for seven regional rural community liaison centers across this state to provide specialized in-person state support to rural local governments located in rural areas of opportunity as defined in s.

Coordinate technical assistance needs with the departmentPage and37 otherof state126 orCODING: federal agencies.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 department and other state or federal agencies.

Page(c) 39Each ofregional 138rural CODING:community liaison center shall regularly engage with REDI established in s.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ (c) Each regional rural community liaison center shall regularly engage with REDI established in s.

At the next scheduled meetingPage of38 the Administration Commission following submission of the126 report,CODING: the director shall, in person, present detailed information from the report required under this subsection.

(7)(a) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) shall evaluate the effectiveness of the office and submit a report of its findings, including any recommended policy or statutory changes, to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 15, 2027, and each year thereafter through 2029.

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

(b) OPPAGA shall review strategies implemented by other Page 40 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250meeting 3-00228A-26of 2026250__the statesAdministration forCommission ruralfollowing communitysubmission preservation,of enhancement,the andreport, revitalizationthe anddirector evaluateshall, theirin effectivenessperson, andpresent potentialdetailed applicabilityinformation infrom the report required under this state.subsection.

(7)(a) The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) shall evaluate the effectiveness of the office and submit a report of its findings, including any recommended policy or statutory changes, to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 15, 2027, and each year thereafter through 2029.

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

(b) OPPAGA shall review strategies implemented by other states for rural community preservation, enhancement, and revitalization and evaluate their effectiveness and potential applicability in this state.

The Legislature therefore determines that statePage assistance39 mustof evolve126 toCODING: support these communities in achieving the foundation necessary for economic viability.

The intent of the Renaissance Grants Program is to reverse economic deterioration in such rural communities by retaining and attracting residents by giving them a reason to stay, which will stimulate natural economic growth, business opportunities, and improved quality of life.

(2) The Office of Rural Prosperity within the department shall administer the Renaissance Grants Program to provide block grants to eligible counties.

By October 1, 2026, the Office of Economic and Demographic Research shall certify to the Office of Page 41 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250state 3-00228A-26assistance 2026250__must Ruralevolve Prosperityto whichsupport countiesthese arecommunities growth-impeded.in achieving the foundation necessary for economic viability.

The intent of the Renaissance Grants Program is to reverse economic deterioration in such rural communities by retaining and attracting residents by giving them a reason to stay, which will stimulate natural economic growth, business opportunities, and improved quality of life.

(2) The Office of Rural Prosperity within the department shall administer the Renaissance Grants Program to provide block grants to eligible counties.

By October 1, 2026, the Office of Economic and Demographic Research shall certify to the Office of Rural Prosperity which counties are growth-impeded.

However, regional rural community liaison center staff shall provide assistance in developingPage the40 county’sof plan,126 uponCODING: the county’s request.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 developing the county’s plan, upon the county’s request.

PageCounties 42may ofsupplement 138the CODING:block grant with other funding sources, including local, state, or federal grants, and may seek public or private contributions or in-kind support to advance program activities.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ Counties may supplement the block grant with other funding sources, including local, state, or federal grants, and may seek public or private contributions or in-kind support to advance program activities.

(5)Page Each41 participatingof county126 shallCODING: design a plan for targeted community investments designed to achieve population growth and increase the economic vitality.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 (5) Each participating county shall design a plan for targeted community investments designed to achieve population growth and increase the economic vitality.

The site-sharing facilities must be managed to also encourage interaction between generations and increase the health and well-being of younger and older participants, reduce Pagesocial 43isolation, ofand 138create CODING:cost and time efficiencies for working families.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ social isolation, and create cost and time efficiencies for working families.

Studio space equipped for remote technology-based work availablePage for42 graduatesof and126 otherCODING: qualifying residents.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 available for graduates and other qualifying residents.

(6) In addition to hiring a renaissance coordinator, each participating county shall develop intergovernmental agreements for shared responsibilities with its municipalities, school Pageboard, 44and ofFlorida 138College CODING:System institution or career center and enter into necessary contracts with providers and community partners in order to implement the plan.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ board, and Florida College System institution or career center and enter into necessary contracts with providers and community partners in order to implement the plan.

Section 288.0175, Florida Statutes, is created toPage read:43 of 126 CODING:

288.0175 Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant Program.— (1) The Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant Program is established within the Office of Rural Prosperity within the department to fund and support public infrastructure smart technology projects in communities located in rural areas of opportunity, subject to legislative appropriation.

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

(a) “Public infrastructure smart technology” means systems or applications that use connectivity, data analytics, or Page 45 of 138 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26First 2026250__Engrossed automation2026250e1 to improveread: public infrastructure by increasing efficiency, enhancing public services, and promoting sustainable development.

288.0175 Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant Program.— (1) The Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant Program is established within the Office of Rural Prosperity within the department to fund and support public infrastructure smart technology projects in communities located in rural areas of opportunity, subject to legislative appropriation.

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

(a) “Public infrastructure smart technology” means systems or applications that use connectivity, data analytics, or automation to improve public infrastructure by increasing efficiency, enhancing public services, and promoting sustainable development.

Under such contracts, the smart technology lead organization shall award grantsPage to44 counties and municipalities located within a rural area of opportunity126 forCODING: eligible public infrastructure smart technology projects.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 grants to counties and municipalities located within a rural area of opportunity for eligible public infrastructure smart technology projects.

Provide technical assistance to counties and Pagemunicipalities 46located in rural areas of 138opportunity CODING:in developing public infrastructure smart technology project plans.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ municipalities located in rural areas of opportunity in developing public infrastructure smart technology project plans.

(b) Subject to appropriation, the Office of Rural Prosperity department shall establish a grant program to provide funding to regional economic development organizations for the purposePage of45 building the professional capacity of those126 organizations.CODING:

Building the professional capacity of a regional economic development organization includes hiring professional staff to develop, deliver, and provide needed economic development professional services, including technical assistance, education and leadership development, marketing, and project recruitment.

Grants may also be used by a regional economic development organization to provide technical assistance to local governments, local economic development organizations, and existing and prospective businesses.

(c) A regional economic development organization may apply Page 47 of 138 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26First 2026250__Engrossed annually2026250e1 topurpose of building the officeprofessional departmentcapacity forof athose grant.organizations.

Building the professional capacity of a regional economic development organization includes hiring professional staff to develop, deliver, and provide needed economic development professional services, including technical assistance, education and leadership development, marketing, and project recruitment.

Grants may also be used by a regional economic development organization to provide technical assistance to local governments, local economic development organizations, and existing and prospective businesses.

(c) A regional economic development organization may apply annually to the office department for a grant.

(c) Demonstration of the manner in which the organization isPage or46 will coordinate its efforts with those of other126 localCODING: and state organizations.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 is or will coordinate its efforts with those of other local and state organizations.

financial match waiver or reduction.— Page(1) 48Notwithstanding any other law, and to the fullest extent possible, each agency and organization the member agencies and organizations of 138the CODING:Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) as defined in s.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ (1) Notwithstanding any other law, and to the fullest extent possible, each agency and organization the member agencies and organizations of the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) as defined in s.

Upon review, each REDI agency and organization shall review all evaluation and scoring procedures and develop a proposal for modifications to those procedures which minimize the financial and resource impact to a rural community, including waiver or reductionPage of47 any required financial match requirements impact of a126 projectCODING: within a rural area.

(a)(2) Evaluation criteria and scoring procedures must provide for an appropriate ranking, when ranking is a component of the program, based on the proportionate impact that projects have on a rural area when compared with similar project impacts on an urban area.

Additionally, (3) evaluation criteria and scoring procedures must recognize the disparity of available fiscal resources for an equal level of financial support from an urban county or municipality and a rural county or municipality.

Page 49 of 138 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26First 2026250__Engrossed (a)2026250e1 Thereduction evaluationof criteriaany mustrequired shouldfinancial weightmatch contributionrequirements inimpact proportion to the amount of fundinga availableproject atwithin thea localrural level.area.

(a)(2) Evaluation criteria and scoring procedures must provide for an appropriate ranking, when ranking is a component of the program, based on the proportionate impact that projects have on a rural area when compared with similar project impacts on an urban area.

Additionally, (3) evaluation criteria and scoring procedures must recognize the disparity of available fiscal resources for an equal level of financial support from an urban county or municipality and a rural county or municipality.

(a) The evaluation criteria must should weight contribution in proportion to the amount of funding available at the local level.

(3)(4) For existing programs, The proposal developed under subsection (2) modified evaluation criteria and scoring procedure must be submitted delivered to the Office of Rural ProsperityPage department48 forof distribution126 toCODING: the REDI agencies and organizations.

The REDI agencies and organizations shall review and make comments and recommendations that.

Future rules, programs, evaluation criteria, and scoring processes must be brought before a REDI meeting for review, discussion, and recommendation to allow rural communities counties fuller access to the state’s resources.

(4) Each REDI agency and organization shall ensure that related administrative rules or policies are modified, as necessary, to reflect the finalized proposal and that information about the authorized waiver or reduction is included Page 50 of 138 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26First 2026250__Engrossed in2026250e1 theProsperity onlinedepartment ruralfor resourcedistribution directoryto of the OfficeREDI ofagencies Ruraland Prosperityorganizations. required in s.

The REDI agencies and organizations shall review and make comments and recommendations that.

Future rules, programs, evaluation criteria, and scoring processes must be brought before a REDI meeting for review, discussion, and recommendation to allow rural communities counties fuller access to the state’s resources.

(4) Each REDI agency and organization shall ensure that related administrative rules or policies are modified, as necessary, to reflect the finalized proposal and that information about the authorized waiver or reduction is included in the online rural resource directory of the Office of Rural Prosperity required in s.

288.065 Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund.— (1) The Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund Program is established within the Office of Rural Prosperity department to facilitate the use of existing federal, state, and localPage financial49 resources by providing local governments with financial assistance to further promote the economic viability of rural126 communities.CODING:

These funds may be used to finance initiatives directed toward maintaining or developing the economic base of rural communities, especially initiatives addressing employment opportunities for residents of these communities.

(2)(a) The program shall provide for long-term loans, loan guarantees, and loan loss reserves to units of local governments, or economic development organizations substantially underwritten by a unit of local government., Page 51 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250local 3-00228A-26financial 2026250__resources (b)by Forproviding purposeslocal ofgovernments thiswith section,financial theassistance termto “unitfurther ofpromote localthe government”economic meansviability any of therural following:communities.

These funds may be used to finance initiatives directed toward maintaining or developing the economic base of rural communities, especially initiatives addressing employment opportunities for residents of these communities.

(2)(a) The program shall provide for long-term loans, loan guarantees, and loan loss reserves to units of local governments, or economic development organizations substantially underwritten by a unit of local government., (b) For purposes of this section, the term “unit of local government” means any of the following:

186.901, including those residing in incorporated areas and those residingPage in50 unincorporated areas of the126 county,CODING: or to units of local government, or economic development organizations substantially underwritten by a unit of local government, within a rural area of opportunity.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 residing in unincorporated areas of the county, or to units of local government, or economic development organizations substantially underwritten by a unit of local government, within a rural area of opportunity.

(d)(c) All repayments of principal and interest must shall be returned to the loan fund and made available for loans to Pageother 52applicants. of 138 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ other applicants.

288.013 detailed information about the fund, including loansPage made51 during the previous fiscal year, loans active, loans terminated or repaid, and the amount of funds126 notCODING: obligated as of 14 days before the date the report is due.

Section 17.

Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section 288.0655, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (6) is added to that section, to read:

288.0655 Rural Infrastructure Fund.— (1) There is created within the Office of Rural Prosperity department the Rural Infrastructure Fund to facilitate the planning, preparing, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities which will encourage job creation, capital Page 53 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250loans 3-00228A-26made 2026250__during investment,the previous fiscal year, loans active, loans terminated or repaid, and the strengtheningamount andof diversificationfunds not obligated as of rural14 economiesdays bybefore promotingthe tourism,date trade,the andreport economicis development.due.

Section 17.

Subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section 288.0655, Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsection (6) is added to that section, to read:

288.0655 Rural Infrastructure Fund.— (1) There is created within the Office of Rural Prosperity department the Rural Infrastructure Fund to facilitate the planning, preparing, and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities which will encourage job creation, capital investment, and the strengthening and diversification of rural economies by promoting tourism, trade, and economic development.

(b) To facilitate access of rural communities and rural areas of opportunity as defined by the Rural Economic Development Initiative to infrastructure funding programs of the Federal Government, such as those offered by the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Commerce, and state programs, including those offered by Rural Economic Development Initiative agencies, and to facilitate local government or private infrastructure funding efforts, the office department may award grants for up to 75 percent of the total infrastructure project cost, or up to 100 percent of the total infrastructure project cost for a project located in a Page 5452 of 138126 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250(b) 3-00228A-26To 2026250__facilitate access of rural communities and rural areas of opportunity as defined by the Rural Economic Development Initiative to infrastructure funding programs of the Federal Government, such as those offered by the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Commerce, and state programs, including those offered by Rural Economic Development Initiative agencies, and to facilitate local government or private infrastructure funding efforts, the office department may award grants for up to 75 percent of the total infrastructure project cost, or up to 100 percent of the total infrastructure project cost for a project located in a rural community as defined in s.

Authorized infrastructure may also include publicly or privately owned self-powered nature-based tourismPage facilities,53 publicly owned telecommunications facilities, and additions to the distribution facilities of the126 existingCODING: natural gas utility as defined in s.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 tourism facilities, publicly owned telecommunications facilities, and additions to the distribution facilities of the existing natural gas utility as defined in s.

A contribution-in-aid of construction is required to serve public or public-private partnership facilities under the tariffs of any natural gas, electric, water, or wastewater Pageutility 55as ofdefined 138herein; CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ utility as defined herein;

(d) The office department shall participate in a memorandum of agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture under which state funds available through the Rural Infrastructure Fund may be advanced, in excess of the prescribed statePage share,54 for a project that has received from the United States Department of Agriculture126 aCODING: preliminary determination of eligibility for federal financial support.

State funds in excess of the prescribed state share which are advanced pursuant to this paragraph and the memorandum of agreement must shall be reimbursed when funds are awarded under an application for federal funding.

(e) To enable local governments to access the resources available pursuant to s.

403.973(17), the office department may award grants for surveys, feasibility studies, and other activities related to the identification and preclearance review Page 56 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250state 3-00228A-26share, 2026250__for a project that has received from the United States Department of landAgriculture whicha ispreliminary suitabledetermination of eligibility for preclearancefederal review.financial support.

State funds in excess of the prescribed state share which are advanced pursuant to this paragraph and the memorandum of agreement must shall be reimbursed when funds are awarded under an application for federal funding.

(e) To enable local governments to access the resources available pursuant to s.

403.973(17), the office department may award grants for surveys, feasibility studies, and other activities related to the identification and preclearance review of land which is suitable for preclearance review.

(3) The office department, in consultation with the Department of Transportation Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as appropriate, shall review and certify applications pursuant to s.Page 55 of 126 CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 s.

Subsection (1), paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) of subsection (2), subsections (3) and (6), paragraphs (b) and (c) Pageof 57subsection (7), and subsection (8) of 138section CODING:288.0656, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ of subsection (7), and subsection (8) of section 288.0656, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

(2)Page As56 usedof in126 thisCODING: section, the term:

(a) “Catalyst project” means a business locating or expanding in a rural area of opportunity to serve as an economic generator of regional significance for the growth of a regional target industry cluster.

The project must provide capital investment on a scale significant enough to affect the entire region and result in the development of high-wage and high-skill jobs.

(b) “Catalyst site” means a parcel or parcels of land within a rural area of opportunity that has been prioritized as a geographic site for economic development through partnerships Page 58 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250(2) 3-00228A-26As 2026250__used within state,this regional,section, andthe localterm: organizations.

(a) “Catalyst project” means a business locating or expanding in a rural area of opportunity to serve as an economic generator of regional significance for the growth of a regional target industry cluster.

The project must provide capital investment on a scale significant enough to affect the entire region and result in the development of high-wage and high-skill jobs.

(b) “Catalyst site” means a parcel or parcels of land within a rural area of opportunity that has been prioritized as a geographic site for economic development through partnerships with state, regional, and local organizations.

ForPage purposes57 of this126 paragraph,CODING: population must shall be determined in accordance with the most recent official estimate pursuant to s.

186.901.

(3) REDI shall be responsible for coordinating and focusing the efforts and resources of state and regional agencies on the problems which affect the fiscal, economic, and community viability of Florida’s economically distressed rural communities, working with local governments, community-based organizations, and private organizations that have an interest in the growth and development of these communities to find ways to balance environmental and growth management issues with local Page 59 of 138 CODING:

FloridaSB Senate250 -First 2026Engrossed SB2026250e1 250For 3-00228A-26purposes 2026250__of needs.this paragraph, population must shall be determined in accordance with the most recent official estimate pursuant to s.

186.901.

(3) REDI shall be responsible for coordinating and focusing the efforts and resources of state and regional agencies on the problems which affect the fiscal, economic, and community viability of Florida’s economically distressed rural communities, working with local governments, community-based organizations, and private organizations that have an interest in the growth and development of these communities to find ways to balance environmental and growth management issues with local needs.

13.Page 58 of 126 CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 13.

Page(c) 60REDI ofshall 138meet CODING:at least each month but may meet more frequently if necessary.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ (c) REDI shall meet at least each month but may meet more frequently if necessary.

215.971, and allowances and waiver of program requirements when necessary to encourage and facilitate rural growth, including, but not limitedPage to,59 long-termof private126 capitalCODING: investment and job creation.

(e)(c) The REDI representatives shall work with REDI in the review and evaluation of statutes and rules for adverse impact on rural communities and the development of alternative proposals to mitigate that impact.

(f)(d) Each REDI representative shall be responsible for ensuring that each district office or facility of his or her agency is informed quarterly about the Rural Economic Development Initiative and for providing assistance throughout the agency in the implementation of REDI activities.

Page 61 of 138 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26First 2026250__Engrossed (7)2026250e1 (b)limited Designationto, aslong-term aprivate ruralcapital areainvestment ofand opportunityjob undercreation. this subsection is shall be contingent upon the execution of a memorandum of agreement among the Office of Rural Prosperity department;

(e)(c) The REDI representatives shall work with REDI in the review and evaluation of statutes and rules for adverse impact on rural communities and the development of alternative proposals to mitigate that impact.

(f)(d) Each REDI representative shall be responsible for ensuring that each district office or facility of his or her agency is informed quarterly about the Rural Economic Development Initiative and for providing assistance throughout the agency in the implementation of REDI activities.

(7) (b) Designation as a rural area of opportunity under this subsection is shall be contingent upon the execution of a memorandum of agreement among the Office of Rural Prosperity department;

All state agencies and departments shall use all available tools and resources to the extent permissible by law toPage promote60 the creation and development of each126 catalystCODING: project and the development of catalyst sites.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 to promote the creation and development of each catalyst project and the development of catalyst sites.

(a) A status report on every project all projects currently being coordinated through REDI;, the number of preferential awards and allowances made pursuant to this section in detail by award, allowance, or match type;, the dollar amount of such Pageawards;, 62and the names of 138the CODING:recipients.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ awards;, and the names of the recipients.

SectionPage 20.61 of 126 CODING:

Subsections (2), (3), and (4) of section 288.0657, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

288.0657 Florida rural economic development strategy grants.— (2) The Office of Rural Prosperity shall provide department may accept and administer moneys appropriated to the department for providing grants to assist rural communities to develop and implement strategic economic development plans.

Grants may be provided to assist with costs associated with marketing a site to business and site selectors for an economic development project that is part of an economic development plan, either as Page 63 of 138 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26First 2026250__Engrossed part2026250e1 ofSection funding20. to develop and implement a plan or related to an already adopted plan.

Subsections (2), (3), and (4) of section 288.0657, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

288.0657 Florida rural economic development strategy grants.— (2) The Office of Rural Prosperity shall provide department may accept and administer moneys appropriated to the department for providing grants to assist rural communities to develop and implement strategic economic development plans.

Grants may be provided to assist with costs associated with marketing a site to business and site selectors for an economic development project that is part of an economic development plan, either as part of funding to develop and implement a plan or related to an already adopted plan.

The department may approve grants only to the extent that funds are appropriatedPage for62 suchof grants126 byCODING: the Legislature.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 appropriated for such grants by the Legislature.

Page3. 64 of 138 CODING:

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ 3.

Coordination of efforts with the Office of Greenways and Trails of the Department of Environmental Protection and the department to promote and assist local communities, including, butPage not63 limited to, communities designated as trail towns by the Office of Greenways126 andCODING: Trails, to maximize use of nearby trails as economic assets, including specific promotion of trail-based tourism.

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 but not limited to, communities designated as trail towns by the Office of Greenways and Trails, to maximize use of nearby trails as economic assets, including specific promotion of trail-based tourism.

Such resources may include, but are not limited to, Pagemarketing 65plans, ofmarketing 138assistance, CODING:promotional support, media development, technical expertise, marketing advice, technology training, and social marketing support.

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Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26 2026250__ marketing plans, marketing assistance, promotional support, media development, technical expertise, marketing advice, technology training, and social marketing support.

(4)Page FLORIDA64 OFFICE OF BROADBAND.—The Florida Office of Broadband126 isCODING: created within the Division of Community Development in the department for the purpose of developing, marketing, and promoting broadband Internet services in this state.

The office, in the performance of its duties, shall do all of the following:

(a) Create a strategic plan that has goals and strategies for increasing and improving the availability of, access to, and use of broadband Internet service in this state.

In development of the plan, the department shall incorporate applicable federal broadband activities, including any efforts or initiatives of Page 66 of 138 CODING:

SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 (4) FLORIDA OFFICE OF BROADBAND.—The Florida SenateOffice -of 2026Broadband SBis 250created 3-00228A-26within 2026250__the Division of Community Development in the Federaldepartment Communicationsfor Commission,the topurpose improveof developing, marketing, and promoting broadband Internet serviceservices in this state.

The office, in the performance of its duties, shall do all of the following:

(a) Create a strategic plan that has goals and strategies for increasing and improving the availability of, access to, and use of broadband Internet service in this state.

In development of the plan, the department shall incorporate applicable federal broadband activities, including any efforts or initiatives of the Federal Communications Commission, to improve broadband Internet service in this state.

libraries, K-12 education, colleges and universities, local health care providers, private businesses, community organizations,Page economic65 developmentof organizations,126 localCODING: governments, tourism, parks and recreation, and agriculture.

The local technology planning teams or partnerships shall work with rural communities to help the communities understand their current broadband availability, locate unserved and underserved businesses and residents, identify assets relevant to broadband deployment, build partnerships with broadband service providers, and identify opportunities to leverage assets and reduce barriers to the deployment of broadband Internet services in the community.

The teams or partnerships must be proactive in rural communities as defined in s.

288.0656 fiscally constrained Page 67 of 138 CODING:

Florida Senate - 2026 SB 250 3-00228A-26First 2026250__Engrossed counties2026250e1 inorganizations, identifyingeconomic anddevelopment providingorganizations, assistance,local ingovernments, coordinationtourism, withparks theand regionalrecreation, ruraland communityagriculture. liaison centers within the Office of Rural Prosperity, with applying for federal grants for broadband Internet service.

The local technology planning teams or partnerships shall work with rural communities to help the communities understand their current broadband availability, locate unserved and underserved businesses and residents, identify assets relevant to broadband deployment, build partnerships with broadband service providers, and identify opportunities to leverage assets and reduce barriers to the deployment of broadband Internet services in the community.

The teams or partnerships must be proactive in rural communities as defined in s.

288.0656 fiscally constrained counties in identifying and providing assistance, in coordination with the regional rural community liaison centers within the Office of Rural Prosperity, with applying for federal grants for broadband Internet service.

and the fulfillment of all other duties of the office required by this part.Page 66 of 126 CODING:

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SB 250 First Engrossed 2026250e1 part.

PageSection 6825. of 138 CODING: