FL H0589

Creates an honorary position of State Poet Laureate within the Department of State, effective July 1, 2013.

Assigns the Florida Council on Arts and Culture to solicit nominations from literary sources and the public, then recommend at least five nominees to the Secretary of State.

Requires the Secretary of State to submit three finalists to the Governor, who appoints one as State Poet Laureate; appointees must be permanent Florida residents with significant public literary standing and ability to perform outreach and mentoring duties.

Establishes a 4-year term for the State Poet Laureate, with vacancies filled in the same manner; all former poets laureate receive the title of State Poet Laureate Emeritus or Emerita.

Specifies that the State Poet Laureate and all emeritus/emerita holders serve without compensation.