summary
Introduced
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
In Committee
02/28/2025
02/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to the Florida State Guard; amending s. 115.07, F.S.; authorizing leaves of absence for members of the Florida State Guard when they are engaged in certain ordered training; revising legislative intent; amending s. 258.0145, F.S.; providing a discount on annual entrance passes to state parks for current members of the Florida State Guard; amending s. 379.354, F.S.; creating and specifying the annual fee for the Florida State Guard gold sportsman’s license for hunting and fishing; specifying application requirements for the license; providing construction; creating s. 1009.8959, F.S.; creating the Florida State Guard Scholarship Program for a specified purpose; requiring the Department of Education to administer the program according to rules and procedures established by the State Board of Education; specifying eligibility requirements for initial and recurring funding under the program; providing for the issuance of awards under the program; requiring the Department of Education to issue the awards annually, subject to legislative appropriation; specifying requirements if appropriated funds are not sufficient to fully fund awards; requiring the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors to adopt rules and regulations, respectively; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill enhances benefits and support for members of the Florida State Guard (FSG) by implementing several key provisions. It allows state and local government employees who are FSG members to receive leaves of absence for training without losing pay or efficiency ratings, similar to provisions for military reservists and National Guard members. The bill creates a new annual Florida State Guard gold sportsman's license for hunting and fishing at $34.48, available to current FSG members. Additionally, it establishes a Florida State Guard Scholarship Program to reward members who have completed at least 4 years of active service, providing financial support for eligible members pursuing postsecondary education. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition and fees at state universities and colleges, or a fixed award at independent institutions, with potential textbook stipends. Members must maintain certain academic standards to continue receiving funding, and awards will be prorated if legislative appropriations are insufficient. The bill also provides a 15% discount on annual state park entrance passes for current FSG members, further recognizing their service and commitment to the state.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Died in Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/884 |
| Analysis - Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/884/Analyses/2025s00884.ms.PDF |
| Analysis - Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/884/Analyses/2025s00884.pre.ms.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/884/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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