House Bill 1125 seeks to enhance economic development and streamline government operations in Florida by amending various sections of the Florida Statutes. A significant aspect of the bill is the establishment of the Office of Secure Florida within the Department of Commerce, which will oversee compliance with employment authorization and foreign property registration. The bill also introduces the Rural Accelerator Program to support rural communities in securing grants and collaborating with the Florida Regional Economic Development Association. Notably, it removes provisions related to the Black Business Loan Program and the Florida Minority Business Loan Mobilization Program, as well as repealing the Florida Regional Planning Council Act, thereby focusing on supporting businesses in economically disadvantaged areas.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing definitions and requirements for economic development initiatives, emphasizing the participation of businesses in economically disadvantaged areas rather than solely minority-owned businesses. It establishes the Office of Supplier Development Diversity to assist these businesses in becoming suppliers to state government and mandates that state agencies prioritize contracting opportunities for them. The bill also introduces a certification task force to create uniform criteria for businesses in economically disadvantaged areas, ensuring accountability and integrity in the certification process. Overall, HB 1125 aims to create a more inclusive economic environment, streamline procurement processes, and enhance support for small businesses across Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1125 Filed: 187.201, 120.52, 212.08, 253.025, 288.001, 288.0065, 288.1229, 288.124, 288.702, 288.703, 288.705, 288.776, 290.0056, 331.302, 331.351, 445.004, 447.203, 120.525, 163.3245, 186.003, 186.006, 215.559, 320.08058, 369.303, 369.307, 380.045, 403.723, 403.503, 403.522, 420.609, 17.11, 24.113, 120.65, 163.3177, 163.3178, 163.568, 164.1031, 186.008, 186.803, 255.101, 255.102, 255.20, 258.501, 287.012, 287.0931, 287.094, 287.0943, 287.09431, 287.09451, 287.0947, 288.1167, 288.12266, 288.7015, 288.7031, 290.0057, 320.63, 334.045, 335.188, 338.227, 339.155, 339.175, 341.041, 343.54, 373.309, 373.607, 376.84, 380.055, 380.061, 380.0651, 380.507, 381.986, 403.50663, 403.507, 403.518, 403.526, 403.5272, 403.5365, 403.704, 403.7226, 403.9403, 403.941, 403.9422, 403.973, 501.171, 625.3255, 627.3511, 657.042, 658.67, 957.09, 1001.706, 1013.30, 1013.46, 212.055, 212.096, 339.285, 376.3072, 377.703, 378.411, 380.031, 409.901, 440.45, 641.217, 947.02, 947.021, 1004.435