FL S1718

Authorizes counties to levy a sales surtax of up to 0.5 percent for higher education institutions, subject to county referendum approval.

Surtax proceeds must be split 90 percent to Florida College System institutions and 10 percent to state universities, deposited in Florida Prime accounts and used for maintenance, infrastructure, academic programs, and land acquisition.

Establishes a seven-member oversight board appointed by the chamber of commerce, United Way, institution boards, and county legislative delegation to review and approve annual spending plans from the institutions.

Requires county ordinances to include a detailed plan for surtax use and mandates at least 30 days' notice before the referendum election; referendum expenses cannot be paid with student fees or state funds.

Prohibits reduction of state funding to institutions receiving surtax revenue and sets the surtax expiration date at 5 years after implementation.