How SB 884 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes new benefits and programs for members of the Florida State Guard, including leaves of absence, discounted state park fees, a special fishing and hunting license, and a scholarship program.

• s. 115.07, F.S.

  members of the National Guard, or members of the Florida State Guard → members of the National Guard, or members of the Florida State Guard are entitled to leaves of absence from their respective duties, without loss of vacation leave, pay, time, or efficiency rating, on all days during which they are engaged in training ordered under the provisions of the United States military or naval training regulations for such personnel when assigned to active or inactive duty or training ordered by the Florida State Guard, as applicable.

  This change ensures that members of the Florida State Guard are explicitly included in the existing leave of absence provisions for training.

• s. 115.07, F.S.

  It is the intent of the Legislature that the state, its several counties, and its municipalities and political subdivisions shall grant leaves of absence for active or inactive training to all employees who are members of the United States Reserve Forces or the National Guard or members of the Florida State Guard → It is the intent of the Legislature that the state, its several counties, and its municipalities and political subdivisions shall grant leaves of absence for active or inactive training to all employees who are members of the United States Reserve Forces or the National Guard or members of the Florida State Guard, to ensure the state and national security at all times through a strong armed force of qualified and mobilization-ready personnel.

  This change clarifies the legislative intent regarding the support of the Florida State Guard for state and national security.

• s. 258.0145, F.S.

  Current members of the Florida State Guard shall receive a 15-percent discount on annual entrance passes. → Current members of the Florida State Guard shall receive a 15-percent discount on annual entrance passes.

  This change introduces a new discount for current members of the Florida State Guard on state park fees.

• s. 379.354, F.S.

  Annual Florida State Guard gold sportsman’s license, $34.48. A resident who is a current member of the Florida State Guard may purchase the Florida State Guard gold sportsman’s license upon presenting a current Florida State Guard identification card. The annual Florida State Guard gold sportsman’s license authorizes the same activities as the annual gold sportsman’s license.

  This establishes a new Florida State Guard gold sportsman’s license specifically for hunting and fishing at a designated fee.

• s. 1009.8959, F.S.

  The Florida State Guard Scholarship Program is created to reward members of the Florida State Guard enrolled in eligible Florida public or independent postsecondary educational institutions who meet the eligibility criteria established in subsection (2).

  This creates a new scholarship program for members of the Florida State Guard to support their education.

• s. 1009.8959, F.S.

  To be eligible to receive a scholarship under the program, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: Have completed 4 years of active service with the Florida State Guard.

  This specifies eligibility requirements for the scholarship program based on service duration.

• s. 1009.8959, F.S.

  Department of Education shall issue awards as follows: Students enrolled in a state university or a Florida College System institution are eligible for an award equal to 100 percent of tuition and fees.

  This establishes a scholarship funding structure based on the type of educational institution.

• s. 1009.8959, F.S.

  If funds appropriated are not adequate to provide the maximum allowable award to each eligible applicant, awards in all components of the program must be prorated using the same percentage reduction.

  This ensures equitable funding distribution if sufficient funds are not available for the scholarship program.