FL S1242

Designates the Department of Economic Opportunity as the single state entity to receive and manage all federal Department of Commerce State Broadband Initiative funds and establish a public-private partnership for broadband adoption efforts.

Requires broadband deployment mapping at the census block level (rather than census tract level) to identify geographic gaps, transmission speeds, and baseline statewide broadband availability.

Directs the department to create a strategic plan using consumer research data, build local technology planning teams, and award grants prioritizing education access, sustainable adoption in unserved areas, and broadband-enabled applications like telemedicine and e-learning.

Transfers all powers, duties, functions, records, and unexpended appropriations related to the Broadband Initiative Program from the Department of Management Services to the Department of Economic Opportunity through a type two transfer.

Requires the Department of Management Services to request federal approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce to transfer the federal broadband grant to the Department of Economic Opportunity and submit a budget amendment if approved.