This bill amends section 334.044 of the Florida Statutes, which outlines the powers and duties of the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding construction projects. The bill revises the percentage of the contracted amount that the DOT must allocate for the purchase of plant materials, establishing a tiered allocation system based on the total project cost. Specifically, it sets the allocation at 1.5% for projects up to $50 million, decreasing to 0.1% for projects of $500 million or more. Additionally, it mandates that at least 50% of the allocated funds be used for large plant materials and requires that all plant materials be sourced from Florida commercial nurseries, ensuring a competitive bidding process.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions allowing the DOT to contract with nonprofit organizations focused on developing youth employment opportunities. It also specifies that department districts cannot spend landscaping funds on projects limited to resurfacing existing lanes without prior approval from the department's secretary or their designee. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 504 Filed: 334.044