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 property registration by foreign principals. The bill also introduces the Rural Accelerator Program to support grant applications from rural communities and emphasizes entrepreneurship in economically disadvantaged areas. 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 shifting the focus towards supporting businesses in economically disadvantaged areas.

Additionally, the bill modifies definitions and requirements for economic development initiatives, including the composition of advisory boards and reporting requirements for the Department of Commerce. It replaces references to "minority business enterprises" with "business enterprises in economically disadvantaged areas," broadening the scope of support for these businesses. The bill also establishes a comprehensive reporting system for state agencies to monitor their procurement activities with businesses in economically disadvantaged areas, ensuring equitable access to contracting opportunities. Overall, HB 1125 aims to foster economic growth, improve public service efficiency, and enhance participation from local businesses in state initiatives.

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