Bill > H1209

This bill aims to provide financial assistance and support for rural communities and areas of opportunity in Florida. It requires certain agency agreements to include a provision allowing the agency to directly pay invoices to eligible counties or municipalities experiencing financial hardship, up to the extent allowed by federal or state law. The bill also increases the maximum grant amount the Department of Economic Opportunity can award through the Rural Infrastructure Fund, from 50% to 75% of the total infrastructure project cost, or up to 100% for projects in fiscally constrained rural communities or rural areas of opportunity. Additionally, the bill expands the eligible uses of the Rural Infrastructure Fund to include improvements to public infrastructure for industrial, commercial, and tourism sites, as well as public-private partnership facilities. It also authorizes the department to provide grants of up to $300,000 for infrastructure planning and preparation activities.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

Commerce Committee (H), Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee (H), Ways & Means Committee (H)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1209