HB 1621 Summary

• Authorizes the Department of Children and Families to create a direct-support organization as a not-for-profit corporation under Florida law to support the department's mission and serve children and adults.

• Requires the direct-support organization to operate under a written contract with the department that includes approval of bylaws, annual budgets, departmental certification of compliance, and reversion of assets to the state if the organization ceases operations.

• Permits the department to allow the direct-support organization to use department facilities, property, and personnel services at no charge, subject to conditions including equal employment and membership opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin.

• Authorizes the organization to collect and expend funds for addressing service gaps, prevention efforts, activities supporting departmental goals, and board functions, with prohibited use of funds for lobbying activities.

• Sets the repeal date for subsection (1) at October 1, 2028, and subsection (2) at October 1, 2024, unless reviewed and reenacted by the Legislature; effective July 1, 2023.