This bill aims to enhance higher education and related programs in Florida by introducing several key provisions. It authorizes the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to contract with institutions in the State University System for evaluative research assistance and provides tuition assistance for active members of the Florida State Guard. The bill also revises the duties of the Office of Ocean Economy to promote collaboration with educational institutions and industries, updates qualifications for the Assistive Technology Advisory Council, and renames the Florida Educational Equity Act to the Florida Educational Equality Act, changing "gender" to "sex" and requiring strategies to increase participation among underrepresented students. Additionally, the bill modifies various sections of Florida Statutes to improve the administration of apprenticeship programs and educational equity. It emphasizes the inclusion of underrepresented groups in apprenticeship programs, replaces the previous focus on minority and gender diversity, and introduces measures to support underrepresented students in traditionally underrepresented fields. The bill also establishes regional consortium service organizations for small colleges in rural areas, updates requirements for nonpublic religious postsecondary institutions, and revises financial aid provisions to assist underrepresented students. Other amendments include changes to the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award eligibility and the allocation of funds from the PIPELINE Fund to health care programs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1624 Filed: 251.001, 381.853, 446.032, 446.041, 1000.21, 1001.706, 1001.7065, 1004.0971, 1007.35, 1009.23, 1009.26, 1009.536, 1013.46, 1007.27
S 1624 c1: 251.001, 381.853, 446.032, 446.041, 1000.21, 1001.706, 1001.7065, 1004.0971, 1007.35, 1009.23, 1009.536, 1013.30, 1013.46, 1007.27
S 1624 c2: 251.001, 381.853, 446.032, 446.041, 1000.21, 1001.706, 1001.7065, 1004.0971, 1005.06, 1007.35, 1009.23, 1009.536, 1013.30, 1013.46, 1007.27