FL S0214

Creates the Black Cultural Tourism Enhancement Commission within the Department of State to independently exercise its powers while receiving administrative and staff support from the department.

Commission shall provide financial and technical assistance to black cultural sites, train tour guides and operators, support educator resources on black history, and establish the Florida State Museum and Institute on Black American History and Culture.

Commission consists of 13 members appointed by the Governor (3), President of the Senate (2), Speaker of the House (2), Secretary of State (2), Commissioner of Education (2), and Florida Conference of Black State Legislators (2), with 4-year terms and reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses.

Commission is authorized to create a direct-support organization as a not-for-profit corporation to raise funds and receive gifts and grants, with the organization's board composed of commission members and subject to public records and meetings requirements.

Direct-support organization must operate under written contract with the commission requiring approval of articles and bylaws, annual budgets, annual compliance certification, and adherence to audit requirements, with all administrative costs paid by private funds.