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 laws. The bill introduces the Rural Accelerator Program to support rural communities in securing grants and collaborating with the Florida Regional Economic Development Association. Additionally, it emphasizes entrepreneurship in economically disadvantaged areas and modifies existing definitions and requirements for economic development initiatives, including the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and the Florida Sports Foundation.

The bill also makes notable deletions, including the removal of provisions related to the Black Business Loan Program and the Florida Minority Business Loan Mobilization Program, as well as the repeal of several sections concerning regional planning councils. It replaces references to "minority business enterprises" with "business enterprises in economically disadvantaged areas," broadening the focus of support. Furthermore, the bill introduces the "Assistance to Small Businesses and Businesses in Economically Disadvantaged Areas" Act, which reflects a shift towards supporting businesses based on economic status rather than solely on minority status. Overall, HB 1125 aims to create a more inclusive economic environment by enhancing opportunities for small businesses and those in economically disadvantaged areas while streamlining regulatory processes and promoting local governance.

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