The bill amends section 1013.64 of the Florida Statutes to revise the funding formula for the remodeling, renovation, maintenance, repairs, and site improvements of existing educational facilities. It mandates that school boards allocate at least one-tenth of their annual funding to address unsafe, unhealthy, or unsanitary conditions in their facilities. The bill also updates the criteria for school districts to request funds from the Special Facility Construction Account, requiring the Department of Education to be involved in the design review process and conduct site visits. Additionally, it introduces new requirements for selecting architects and construction managers, prohibits elected state officials from participating in the selection process, and allows school boards to enter into contingency construction contracts.

Moreover, the bill deletes obsolete language and modifies existing provisions to enhance accountability and efficiency in funding and construction processes. It specifies that school districts must levy the maximum millage against their nonexempt assessed property value for a minimum of three years before applying for special facilities projects. The bill also establishes that if a construction contract is not signed within 120 days after bids are advertised, the funding will revert to the Special Facility New Construction Account. It further removes the requirement for school boards to demonstrate compliance with building and life safety codes before June 1 of the application year and modifies the composition of the Special Facility Construction Committee. The bill introduces an exemption for unfinished construction projects for new educational plant space that began on or before July 1, 2030, and updates the calculation methodology for charter school capital outlay funding. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1646 Filed: 1013.62