SB 250 First Engrossed establishes the Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to enhance support for rural communities in Florida. This office will coordinate state efforts to foster economic growth and address the unique challenges faced by these areas, including administering the Renaissance Grants Program, which provides block grants to eligible counties to stimulate population growth and economic viability. The bill also mandates the creation of regional rural community liaison centers and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among various entities to ensure effective implementation of rural development initiatives. Additionally, it introduces provisions for expedited payment requests from rural areas and requires state agencies to report their activities to the Office of Rural Prosperity.

The legislation includes several amendments aimed at improving funding distribution and program criteria for rural development, such as the allocation of sales tax revenues to fiscally constrained counties and the establishment of new funding mechanisms for infrastructure projects. It also introduces the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators Program, which offers financial assistance for student loan repayment to educators in rural areas. Furthermore, the bill outlines new requirements for educational funding and construction, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to support community development and economic growth. Overall, SB 250 seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for enhancing the economic viability and educational services in Florida's rural communities.

Statutes affected:
S 250 Filed: 202.18, 212.20, 215.971, 218.67, 288.007, 288.019, 288.065, 288.1226, 319.32, 339.0801, 339.2817, 339.68, 381.402, 395.6061, 420.9073, 420.9075, 1013.62, 1013.64, 163.3187, 212.205, 257.191, 257.193, 265.283, 443.191, 571.26, 571.265
S 250 e1: 202.18, 212.20, 215.971, 218.67, 288.007, 288.019, 288.065, 288.1226, 319.32, 339.0801, 339.2817, 339.68, 381.402, 420.9073, 420.9075, 1013.64, 163.3187, 212.205, 257.191, 257.193, 265.283, 443.191, 571.26, 571.265