FL S1146

Establishes a 3-year Books to Babies Pilot Project in Seminole and Orange Counties administered by the Office of Early Learning to help children develop emergent literacy skills.

Office of Early Learning must select a local nonprofit organization qualified under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) to implement the project, such as Great Start of Seminole County.

Selected organization must use funds to provide hospital gift bags with books to newparents, early literacy education, structured parent-child playgroups, and case management services including home visits.

Organization must submit annual accountability reports by December 31 to the Office of Early Learning, both county Early Learning Coalitions, the Governor, and legislative leaders detailing state fund expenditures by type and other funding sources.

Orange County School District and Seminole County School District must provide matching funds for the program, with state expenditures verified by affidavit.