Bill > S1664

This bill: - Transfers the duties and functions of Enterprise Florida, Inc. to the newly created Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce will be the state's chief agency for business recruitment and expansion and economic development. - Renames the Department of Economic Opportunity as the Department of Commerce, and designates the Secretary of Commerce as the Governor's chief negotiator for business recruitment, expansion, and economic development. - Requires the Department of Commerce and Enterprise Florida, Inc. to coordinate the development and implementation of a transition plan by August 1, 2023. Enterprise Florida, Inc. may continue operations until December 1, 2023. - Prohibits the approval of any new applications, certifications, contracts, agreements, or awards for various economic development programs established under former sections of law. Any existing contracts or agreements for these programs will continue. - Appropriates funds for the 2023-2024 fiscal year to the Department of Commerce and a direct-support organization to carry out the provisions of the bill. - Makes conforming changes throughout Florida Statutes to reflect the organizational changes.

Budget and Finance

Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development (S), Commerce and Tourism (S), Fiscal Policy (S)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1664