Bill > H1243

This bill establishes the Florida Museum of Black History, designating Opa-locka as its permanent location and the Opa-locka Historic City Hall and Fire Station as its temporary site. The bill creates a governing board of up to 25 members appointed by various government entities, including the Governor, legislative leaders, and local Miami-Dade County officials, with at least three members being academic scholars in Black studies or African-American history. The governing board will be responsible for predevelopment activities, including site visits, design planning, community engagement, and securing funding, and must submit a written report by March 1, 2026. The Ten North Group, a local nonprofit, is tasked with creating exhibits for the temporary museum, with the Department of State providing administrative support and historical artifacts. The bill appropriates $750,000 for predevelopment activities and another $750,000 for the Ten North Group to create museum exhibits, with restrictions on administrative expenses. The museum is envisioned as a multipurpose facility with archival research facilities, meeting rooms, banquet spaces, and a performing arts theater, aimed at generating revenue to offset operating costs and preserving and presenting Black history in Florida.

Government Affairs

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1243