CS/HB 1181 - Seagrass Restoration

• Establishes the Seagrass Restoration Technology Development Initiative within the Department of Environmental Protection as a partnership between the Aquatic Preserve Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, and the University of Florida to develop innovative restoration technologies for coastal seagrass ecosystems.

• Designates Mote Marine Laboratory as the lead administrative component and restricts its use of awarded funds to no more than 5 percent for direct annual administration and coordination costs.

• Requires creation of a 10-year Florida Seagrass Restoration Plan and annual reporting beginning January 15, 2024 to the Governor, Legislature, and relevant state agencies.

• Creates the Initiative Technology Advisory Council composed of representatives from private enterprises, universities, marine environmental organizations, and state agencies, meeting at least twice annually with staggered 2-year terms and no compensation.

• Appropriates $2 million annually from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal years 2023-2024 through 2027-2028, with the initiative expiring June 30, 2028.