FL H1415

Amends s. 288.018, F.S. to revise the Regional Rural Development Grants Program established by the Department of Economic Opportunity.

Sets maximum grant funding at $50,000 annually for most organizations, or $250,000 for each of the three designated rural areas of opportunity organizations (North Florida Economic Development Partnership, Opportunity Florida, and Florida's Heartland).

Authorizes use of grant funds for professional services, staff compensation, technical assistance, education, leadership development, marketing, and project recruitment to support rural economic development.

Deletes the Department's authority to contract for development of enterprise zone web portals or websites.

Reduces the maximum annual expenditure from the Rural Community Development Revolving Loan Fund from $1 million to $750,000 per fiscal year.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.