FL S7048

Secretary of Economic Opportunity serves as manager for state contracts with Space Florida and must submit annual reports on Space Florida's activities and accomplishments to Governor and Legislature.

Space Florida board composition changes from 13-member Enterprise Florida board to independent board with Governor as chair, Secretary of Transportation, 4 Governor-appointed members (subject to Senate confirmation), and members appointed by Senate President and House Speaker, with specific experience requirements for appointees.

Space Florida must submit proposed operating budget to Governor and Legislature by August 15 each year and annual performance reports by October 1, including operations data, spaceport master plan progress, and aerospace industry economic impact information.

Board members serve 4-year staggered terms with limit of two consecutive terms, receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses, and board must hold meetings at least quarterly with open meeting and public records laws applying.

Space Florida authority expanded to own, acquire, construct, and operate facilities within spaceport territory; contracts exceeding $250,000 for 12+ months must include provisions for auditor assessments; Space Florida prohibited from endorsing political candidates or contributing to campaigns.