FL S0702

Revives section 288.386, Florida Statutes, establishing the Florida-Caribbean Basin Trade Initiative within the Seaport Employment Training Grant Program, contingent upon specific appropriation.

Requires the Department of Economic Opportunity to assist small and medium-sized businesses in international activities, particularly in urban communities, by providing export readiness services, internships, seminars, workshops, and mentoring.

Directs the department to coordinate with Enterprise Florida, Inc., United States Export Assistance Centers, Florida Export Finance Corporation, Small Business Development Centers, and other appropriate organizations to avoid duplicating services.

Requires the department to develop performance measures for the initiative including the number of businesses assisted, number of urban businesses assisted, and increase in export value to the Caribbean attributable to the initiative.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.