This bill establishes the Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to enhance support for rural communities in Florida. It introduces several grant programs, including the Renaissance Grants Program and the Public Infrastructure Smart Technology Grant Program, aimed at fostering economic development and improving infrastructure in rural areas. The bill mandates that state agencies prioritize technical assistance funding for local governments in these regions and expedite payment requests. Additionally, it revises existing laws to improve the distribution of sales and use tax revenue to fiscally constrained counties and outlines criteria for the Florida Arterial Road Modernization Program. The legislation emphasizes collaboration between state agencies and local governments to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to enhance healthcare access through the Rural Access to Primary and Preventive Care Grant Program and the Stroke, Cardiac, and Obstetric Response and Education Grant Program. It also introduces the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators Program to support teacher recruitment in rural areas. The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to streamline funding processes and enhance support for economic growth, healthcare, and education in rural regions. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the quality of life in these communities by providing targeted resources and support for economic vitality and essential services.

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