FL S1452

Requires regulated public utilities with gross annual revenues exceeding $25 million to submit annual procurement plans to the Florida Public Service Commission for increasing contracts with women-owned, minority-owned, and disabled veteran-owned businesses.

Plans must include short- and long-term goals and timetables for engaging these businesses as prime contractors and subcontractors across all categories, including renewable energy and smart grid projects, but may not include quotas.

Commission must establish guidelines for regulated companies, develop eligibility verification rules, require annual implementation reports, and report progress to the Legislature by September 1 each year.

Imposes first-degree misdemeanor penalties for individuals or corporations that falsely represent a business as woman-owned, minority-owned, or disabled veteran-owned when procuring contracts from regulated utilities.

Permits corporations to implement supportive measures such as timely payments, adjusted performance bond requirements, and financing assistance to facilitate participation of these businesses in contract procurement.