The proposed bill establishes a new section, 288.9964, titled the Rural Connectivity Innovation Act, aimed at enhancing high-speed broadband access in underserved farming communities in Florida. It creates a state-funded grant program within the Florida Office of Broadband to support broadband infrastructure projects, prioritizing public-private partnerships and cooperative organizations. The program will have an annual funding cap of $50 million, and recipients will be required to submit annual progress reports detailing their project milestones and improvements in broadband access. Additionally, the Office of Broadband will conduct performance audits to ensure effective use of funds.

Farmers in these underserved areas will also be eligible for state tax credits of up to $10,000 annually for expenses related to the purchase, installation, or maintenance of broadband-enabled technologies. The bill mandates the Office of Broadband to conduct public awareness campaigns to inform communities about grant opportunities and tax credits, as well as provide technical training programs to assist farmers in adopting these technologies. The provisions of this section will remain in effect until December 31, 2030, unless extended or amended by the Legislature, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.