FL S0170

Revises legislative intent of the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) to focus on job creation, infrastructure improvement, workforce development, and health care access in rural areas.

Expands the definition of "rural area of opportunity" to include regions facing competitive disadvantages such as low labor force participation, low educational attainment, high unemployment, and poor school district grades.

Eliminates the cap limiting REDI designations to three rural areas of opportunity and removes the requirement that catalyst projects be identified by Enterprise Florida, Inc.

Restructures REDI membership to include heads of state agencies, regional economic development organization chairs, and five private sector members appointed by the executive director and legislative leadership.

Requires REDI to submit annual reports by September 1 to the Governor and Legislature detailing operations, accomplishments, waivers granted, economic impact, and recommendations for statutory or regulatory changes benefiting rural communities.