FL S1552

Establishes the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative as a partnership between the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and Mote Marine Laboratory to develop prevention, control, and mitigation technologies for red tide.

Requires the initiative to submit annual reports by January 15 starting in 2021 to the Governor, Legislature, Secretary of Environmental Protection, and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission detailing accomplishments and priorities.

Creates the Initiative Technology Advisory Council with seven members including representatives from commercial enterprises, universities, marine environmental organizations, Department of Environmental Protection, and Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, meeting at least twice annually.

Limits Mote Marine Laboratory's administrative costs to 5 percent of awarded funds and permits use of up to 5 percent of funds for engagement with other marine science organizations.

Appropriates $3 million annually from the General Revenue Fund to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for fiscal years 2019-2020 through 2024-2025, with the initiative expiring June 30, 2025.