This bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance procurement compliance by allowing the Department of Management Services to grant governmental entities access to electronic systems that provide background information on vendors seeking to do business with the state. Specifically, a new paragraph (c) is added to subsection (6) of section 287.042, authorizing this access for specified purposes. Additionally, the bill revises section 287.138 by adding a new subsection (5) that permits governmental entities to use information, including that obtained from the electronic systems, to verify the accuracy of affidavits submitted by vendors.

Furthermore, if a governmental entity finds that an affidavit is false, it may determine that the vendor is not responsible or responsive, which would preclude the vendor from being awarded a contract. The bill clarifies that such determinations regarding the accuracy of affidavits do not constitute decisions subject to protest under existing law. The bill also redesignates existing subsections within section 287.138 and updates the numbering accordingly. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law.