FL S0724

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 cost-efficient technologies for restoring coastal seagrass ecosystems

Designates Mote Marine Laboratory as the lead administrative entity, capping its administrative costs at 5% of awarded funds, and requires leveraging state funds with private and federal sources

Requires creation of a 10-year Florida Seagrass Restoration Plan and mandates annual reports beginning January 15, 2024, to the Governor, legislative leaders, Secretary of Environmental Protection, and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission executive director

Creates the Initiative Technology Advisory Council with 7 members, including co-chairs from Mote Marine Laboratory and the University of Florida, plus appointees from the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, DEP, and FWC, serving staggered 2-year terms without compensation

Appropriates $2 million annually from General Revenue for fiscal years 2023-2024 through 2027-2028, with the initiative set to expire June 30, 2028, and requires seagrass restoration projects to be procured on a payment-for-performance basis