FL H0149

Establishes the Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute within the University of South Florida Polytechnic, transferring it from its previous location.

Creates the Phosphate Research and Activities Board with five members: two phosphate industry representatives appointed by the Governor, one environmental conservation representative appointed by the Governor, the Secretary of Environmental Protection or designee, and the USF Polytechnic Campus Executive Officer.

Board members appointed by the Governor serve 3-year terms and receive no compensation but are reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses; the board must approve annual reports on fund expenditures from the Phosphate Research Trust Fund.

Designates an executive director to manage daily institute operations and consult with the board on projects using trust fund moneys; the director serves at the pleasure of the USF Polytechnic Campus Executive Officer.

Authorizes the institute to establish mining efficiency methods, conduct environmental and health studies, research reclamation technologies, study phosphatic clay disposal, maintain a public library, secure grants, enter contracts, commercialize technologies, and provide consulting services.