FL S1560

Revises legislative findings to establish broadband as "essential" (rather than "beneficial") for all state residents, libraries, schools, health care providers, and community organizations.

Increases broadband speed standards: redefines "underserved" areas as those lacking 100 megabits per second downstream and 10 megabits per second upstream (previously 10 and 1), and creates new "unserved" category for areas lacking 25 megabits per second downstream and 3 megabits per second upstream.

Requires the Florida Office of Broadband to develop geographic information system maps by June 30, 2022, consistent with Federal Communications Commission standards, showing broadband availability, speeds, and service gaps, with annual updates and public input mechanisms.

Creates the Broadband Opportunity Program to award grants for broadband infrastructure deployment in unserved and underserved areas, with maximum $5 million per project and requiring at least 50 percent matching funds (exception for fiscally constrained counties).

Establishes grant evaluation criteria prioritizing projects serving important community institutions, economically distressed areas, and high transmission speeds, with provisions allowing broadband service providers to challenge applications claiming they already serve or will serve proposed areas.