The bill aims to provide various exemptions and incentives to support rural counties in Florida. It introduces a sales and use tax exemption for industrial machinery and equipment used by food wholesalers in fiscally constrained counties. Additionally, it clarifies provisions related to agreements funded with federal or state assistance, requiring state agencies to expedite payment requests for rural communities. The bill also prohibits the state from purchasing land in fiscally constrained counties if federal and state-owned lands exceed 40% of the total land, with certain exceptions. Furthermore, it increases funding for the Small County Road Assistance Program and establishes a new Small County Outreach Program, both aimed at enhancing infrastructure in rural areas.

Moreover, the bill creates the Rural District Graduate Placement Incentive Pilot Program within the Department of Education, which financially rewards rural school districts and charter schools for increasing the employment of graduates with in-demand certifications. The program includes provisions for verifying employment and mandates that funds received from bonuses be used to benefit workforce education programs. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes various insertions to existing statutes to implement these changes effectively.

Statutes affected:
H 723 Filed: 215.971, 339.2816, 409.975