The bill establishes the Florida Museum of History at the Town of Eatonville, authorizing a partnership between the Department of State, the Orange County Commission, the Orange County public school system, and the University of Central Florida to design, construct, operate, and manage the museum. It outlines specific requirements for the museum, including a minimum of 100,000 square feet of exhibition space, a performing arts center, a banquet facility, and an archival storage area. An advisory board of experts will be appointed to develop design specifications and make recommendations regarding the museum's operation, marketing, and educational materials that align with public school curricula.
Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a governing board responsible for overseeing the museum's construction and operation, ensuring that a significant portion of the exhibition space is dedicated to Florida's history, including its Black, Hispanic, and military heritage. Funding for the museum will come from a combination of state appropriations, local government funds, and private donations, with a cap of $75 million in state funding. The governing board is also tasked with developing a marketing plan to promote the museum and ensuring its financial sustainability through various revenue-generating activities. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.