HB 545 Summary

• Prohibits companies on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List or engaged in boycotts of Israel from bidding on or entering contracts with Florida agencies or local governments for any contract amount, effective July 1, 2018.

• Prohibits companies on the Sudan, Iran Petroleum Energy Sector, or Cuba/Syria lists from bidding on contracts worth $1 million or more with state and local entities.

• Requires companies to provide written certification that they are not participating in Israel boycotts or maintaining prohibited business operations before submitting bids or entering into contracts.

• Establishes penalties including civil fines up to $2 million or twice the contract amount, plus attorney fees, and bars companies found to submit false certifications from bidding for 3 years.

• Allows agencies and local governments to grant case-by-case exemptions if they determine obtaining goods or services is otherwise impossible, subject to specific conditions including evidence the prohibited activities predated statutory deadlines.