CS/CS/HB 1103 Summary

• Regional rural development grants may be used to hire professional staff for regional economic development organizations and provide technical assistance to local governments, businesses, and economic development organizations in rural areas.

• Maximum annual grant amounts are $50,000 per organization or $250,000 for each of three regional economic development organizations serving designated rural areas of opportunity; matching funds requirement reduced to 25 percent of state contribution.

• All contracts or agreements involving grant fund expenditures exceeding $35,000 must be posted on websites for 14 days before execution and include purpose, performance standards, budget details, service values, and projected travel/entertainment expenses.

• Department of Economic Opportunity may establish a "Florida Site Readiness Program" or "ReadySites" to enhance rural communities' competitiveness and job creation, with implementation and management controlled by the department.

• Rural infrastructure grant awards increased from 30 percent to 50 percent of total project cost (40 percent for catalyst sites); broadband Internet service improvements may be included in eligible projects.

• Effective date: July 1, 2018.