FL H1193

Increases the maximum annual grant amount under the Regional Rural Development Grants Program from $50,000 to $250,000 for organizations in rural areas of opportunity recommended by the Rural Economic Development Initiative and designated by the Governor.

Reduces the matching requirement for organizations in rural areas of opportunity from an equivalent amount of nonstate resources to half of the grant amount, while maintaining equal matching requirements for other rural organizations.

Allows grants to be used for building professional capacity of economic development organizations and providing technical assistance to businesses in rural counties and communities they serve.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.