FL S2004

Florida Office of Broadband must create a strategic plan with short-term and long-term goals to increase availability of and access to broadband Internet service, incorporating federal broadband activities and identifying available federal funding sources.

Strategic plan must include a process to review and verify public input regarding transmission speeds and broadband availability throughout the state, and must be submitted to the Governor, Chief Justice, and Legislature by June 30, 2022, with biennial updates thereafter.

Office must provide technical and planning assistance related to broadband infrastructure to rural communities.

$1.4 million in nonrecurring funds appropriated from the State Economic Enhancement and Development Trust Fund for fiscal year 2021-2022 to commission a broadband feasibility study and develop the required strategic plan.

Effective date: July 1, 2021.