FL S2038

Requires the Department of Management Services, working with the Department of Corrections, to privatize management and operation of correctional facilities in Florida's Southern Florida Region (18 counties) through competitive requests for proposals, excluding the South Florida Reception Center and facilities scheduled for closure before June 30, 2012.

Mandates that privatization proposals achieve at least 7 percent cost savings compared to 2010-2011 fiscal year costs, with costs in subsequent contract years limited to increases equal to the Consumer Price Index; the Auditor General must review and certify all cost calculations.

Requires contracts to include performance measures covering inmate safety, security, programming, and rehabilitation (batteries per 1,000 inmates, escape rates, drug test results, education completion rates, recidivism, and work release employment); contractors must report monthly, quarterly, and annual data.

Stipulates that inmates be classified without regard to whether facilities are state or privately operated; 20 percent of cost savings must be directed to the Department of Juvenile Justice for the CINS/FINS program.

Protects current employees by requiring first preference for continued employment with the contractor and requires the state to assist displaced employees; contractors must reimburse the state for unused employee leave and escapee apprehension costs, and cannot employ workers with strike rights.