FL S2744

Revises the Comprehensive Statewide Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Program to require youth-directed focus across all program components, including efforts to educate youth and their parents about tobacco health hazards.

Restructures program components to emphasize state and community interventions, health communication interventions, cessation interventions, and surveillance/evaluation rather than specific funding mandates.

Requires the State Surgeon General or designee to serve on the Tobacco Education and Use Prevention Advisory Council; council meetings must comply with public records and public meetings requirements and members must adhere to state ethics laws.

Authorizes the Department of Health to contract with entities to administer the peer review system and grant management; establishes that grants are not subject to protest under Chapter 120 and removes prior restrictions on council members participating in decisions regarding proposals from their affiliated organizations.

Authorizes the department to make advances to governmental entities and not-for-profit corporations for program startup or contracted services, not to exceed expected 3-month cash needs, with any interest income returned to the agency.