This bill amends section 337.195 of the Florida Statutes to clarify the liability of contractors working with the Department of Transportation. It establishes that a contractor is considered an agent of the state when acting within the scope of their contract. Additionally, the bill mandates that contract documents must include provisions for indemnifying the Department of Transportation against any liability, including reasonable attorney fees, that arises from the negligence of the contractor or its employees.

The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2026. The new legal language inserted into the statute emphasizes the contractor's role as an agent of the state and outlines the requirement for indemnification in contract documents, thereby enhancing the Department's protection against potential liabilities.