The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance government accountability and oversight, particularly through the establishment of the Florida Accountability Office. This new office will oversee audits, reviews, and investigations of governmental entities, aiming to improve fiscal transparency and operational efficiency. It will consist of multiple divisions, including the Division of the Auditor General and the Public Integrity Division, each tasked with specific responsibilities such as conducting financial and operational audits. The bill also introduces new procedures for auditing, including the authority to withhold funds from non-compliant entities and the requirement for local governmental entities to provide evidence of corrective actions in response to audit findings.

Additionally, the bill strengthens whistle-blower protections by designating the Florida Accountability Office as the entity for receiving complaints and ensuring confidentiality for those who report violations. It mandates that state agencies submit legislative budget requests by specific deadlines and enhances transparency in the budgeting process by requiring the Office of Economic and Demographic Research to post workpapers related to consensus estimating conferences online. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the integrity of financial oversight and accountability in Florida's public sector, ensuring compliance with auditing and reporting requirements across various governmental entities.

Statutes affected:
H 5203E Filed: 11.26, 11.40, 11.42, 11.45, 11.47, 112.3188, 112.3215, 112.324, 216.011, 216.137, 216.177, 216.192, 216.262, 20.055, 760.06