The bill CS for SB 110 First Engrossed seeks to enhance support for rural communities in Florida by establishing the Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce. This office will oversee various initiatives, including the Renaissance Grants Program and the Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant Program, aimed at promoting economic growth and improving infrastructure in rural areas. The bill mandates that local governments in these regions receive preference for technical assistance funding and requires state agencies to report their rural development activities to the Office of Rural Prosperity. Additionally, it revises the distribution of sales and use tax revenue to include fiscally constrained counties and outlines specific funding criteria for programs designed to bolster economic development and infrastructure improvements.

Furthermore, the bill introduces several key provisions, including the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators Program, which offers financial assistance for student loan repayment to educators who move to rural areas. It also establishes the Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund and the Rural Infrastructure Fund to provide financial assistance for rural initiatives. The legislation emphasizes collaboration among state agencies and local governments, streamlining processes to enhance the effectiveness of rural development efforts. Overall, the bill aims to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Florida, ensuring their growth and prosperity through targeted support and resources.

Statutes affected:
S 110 Filed: 202.18, 212.20, 215.971, 218.67, 288.007, 288.019, 288.065, 319.32, 339.0801, 395.6061, 420.9073, 420.9075, 1013.62, 1013.64, 163.3187, 212.205, 257.191, 257.193, 265.283, 443.191, 571.26, 571.265
S 110 c1: 202.18, 212.20, 215.971, 218.67, 288.007, 288.019, 288.065, 288.1226, 319.32, 339.0801, 339.2817, 339.68, 395.6061, 420.9073, 420.9075, 1013.62, 1013.64, 163.3187, 212.205, 257.191, 265.283, 443.191, 571.26, 571.265
S 110 e1: 202.18, 212.20, 215.971, 218.67, 288.007, 288.019, 288.065, 288.1226, 319.32, 339.0801, 339.2817, 339.68, 395.6061, 420.9073, 420.9075, 1013.62, 1013.64, 163.3187, 212.205, 257.191, 257.193, 265.283, 443.191, 571.26, 571.265