The bill establishes the Florida Museum of History at the Town of Eatonville by creating a new section in the Florida Statutes, specifically section 265.0065. It authorizes 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. The museum is required to have at least 100,000 square feet of exhibition space, a performing arts center, a banquet facility, and various other features aimed at promoting cultural and historical education. An advisory board of experts will be appointed to guide the museum's design and operations, while a governing board will oversee its administration and ensure that a significant portion of the exhibition space is dedicated to Florida's history.
Additionally, the bill outlines funding mechanisms for the museum's construction and operations, including a combination of local and state funding, with a cap of $75 million in state appropriations. It mandates the creation of an endowment to support the museum's collections and encourages the governing board to seek private donations and grants. The museum is also tasked with developing educational materials that highlight the contributions of African Americans in Florida's history. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.