FL S1012

Converts the Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Pilot Program into a statewide program administered by the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida rather than through competitive bidding.

Expands business eligibility to include companies with 10-99 employees (previously 10-50) and annual revenue of $1-$50 million (previously $1-$25 million).

Adds new eligibility requirement that businesses must generate at least 51 percent of revenue outside Florida, be located in a rural community, or be classified within specific NAICS codes including manufacturing, wholesale trade, information, finance, and professional services.

Requires businesses to have increased either employees or gross revenues (rather than both) during 2 of the previous 6 years and removes requirement that businesses qualify for tax refund programs.

Appropriates $2 million in recurring General Revenue Fund for the 2013-2014 fiscal year to the University of Central Florida to administer the program.