The bill aims to enhance support for rural communities in Florida by establishing the Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce, which will oversee various initiatives, including the Renaissance Grants Program and the Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant Program. It mandates that local governments in rural areas receive preference for technical assistance funding and outlines the office's responsibilities, such as creating regional liaison centers to facilitate economic development. The legislation also revises the distribution of sales and use tax revenue to support fiscally constrained counties, modifies grant programs, and emphasizes collaboration among state agencies and local governments to promote economic growth and improve access to essential services in rural areas.

Additionally, the bill introduces several new programs, including the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators Program, which provides financial assistance for student loan repayment to educators in rural communities. It also establishes the Florida Office of Broadband to enhance broadband access and the Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program to improve rural road safety. The bill includes provisions for healthcare access through the Rural Access to Primary and Preventive Care Grant Program and the SCORE Grant Program, aimed at improving emergency medical care. Overall, the bill represents a comprehensive effort to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities in Florida, streamline funding processes, and enhance educational and healthcare services.

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