FL S0560

Defines "small business" as independently owned Florida entities with 50 or fewer full-time employees, 3+ years in-state domicile, average annual gross sales not exceeding $1-5 million (depending on business type), and net worth not exceeding $5 million.

Requires state agencies to structure contracts to facilitate small business competition, conduct market research before issuing bundled contract solicitations, and include written summaries and analyses explaining why bundling is necessary.

Mandates agencies annually award at least 35 percent of total contract dollar amounts to small businesses either directly or as subcontractors, with vendors required to expend a minimum of 35 percent of gross contract amounts on small business subcontracting.

Prohibits agencies, general contractors, and prime contractors from requiring bid bonds, performance bonds, or other sureties for contracts not exceeding $500,000, and establishes payment requirements of 12 calendar days for agency-to-prime contractor payments and 2 calendar days for prime-to-subcontractor payments.

Directs the rules ombudsman in the Executive Office of the Governor to establish a reporting system tracking small business participation in state contracting and submit annual compliance reports to the Governor, Cabinet, and legislature by February 1.