This bill seeks to improve higher education and related programs in Florida by introducing several key amendments to existing statutes. It authorizes the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to create contracts with institutions in the State University System for evaluative research assistance. Additionally, it provides tuition assistance for active members of the Florida State Guard and revises the duties of the Office of Ocean Economy to foster collaboration with educational institutions. The bill also renames the Florida Educational Equity Act to the Florida Educational Equality Act, emphasizing strategies to increase participation among underrepresented students and establishing cooperative agreements among Florida College System institutions.

Moreover, the bill modifies the eligibility criteria for the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars award, requiring a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 2.5 and volunteer or paid work hours for students. It introduces provisions for the PIPELINE Fund to support health care industry-related programs and updates university campus master plan requirements. Notably, the bill replaces the term "minority" with "underrepresented" in various contexts and allows for single-sex programs in specific situations. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance educational access, equity, and collaboration while ensuring compliance with updated regulations across Florida's educational landscape.

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