The bill establishes the Florida Center for Nursing within the University of South Florida, which will oversee the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Fund. This center is responsible for promoting LINE funding, publishing administrative guidelines, providing technical assistance to eligible institutions, and conducting a biennial analysis of the nursing workforce. It will also facilitate partnerships between academic institutions and healthcare providers, review grant proposals, and award funds for up to three academic years, requiring institutions to report on the use of these funds. Key provisions include the definition of the "Center" and stipulations on the permissible uses of the funds, which include student scholarships and program expansion, while explicitly prohibiting the use of funds for constructing new buildings.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes regarding tuition and fees at state universities, allowing university boards of trustees to establish out-of-state fees for nonresident students and removing previous limitations on certain fees. The Board of Governors is tasked with ensuring that nonresident student enrollment thresholds are not exceeded. The bill also mandates that state universities waive out-of-pocket expenses for eligible students in specific programs after all other financial aid has been applied. These changes aim to enhance the accessibility and affordability of higher education in Florida while addressing the nursing workforce needs in the state. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 2512 Filed: 464.0195