House Bill 1125 seeks to enhance economic development and streamline government operations in Florida by amending various sections of the Florida Statutes. A significant focus 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, while updating definitions and responsibilities within the Department of Commerce to emphasize support for businesses in economically disadvantaged areas.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language throughout the statutes to replace references to "minority business enterprises" with "business enterprises in economically disadvantaged areas," broadening the scope of assistance. It establishes a certification task force to create uniform criteria for certifying these businesses and mandates that state agencies consider opportunities for contracting with them. The bill also emphasizes the importance of intergovernmental coordination in planning processes and includes provisions for enhancing public participation in local government activities. Overall, HB 1125 aims to create a more inclusive economic environment, streamline regulatory processes, and improve 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