FL H0627

Creates the "Be Ready Task Force" within the Department of Health to develop a comprehensive statewide response strategy to prevent the spread of avian influenza in livestock and prepare for potential human-to-human transmission.

Task force membership includes 2 infectious disease physicians appointed by the Governor, the State Surgeon General (serving as chair), the Deputy Secretary of Health, 2 Division of Emergency Management representatives, 3 county health department representatives (at least one from a rural county), 1 water management district representative, and 2 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services representatives.

Task force must develop recommendations on monitoring and reporting livestock outbreaks (including locations), wastewater monitoring for avian influenza, cost-effective statewide testing implementation, and statewide prevention strategies for both livestock and human populations.

Report of recommendations must be submitted to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker by October 1, 2025, after which the task force is dissolved.

Members serve without compensation but are eligible for per diem and travel expense reimbursement under s. 112.061, Florida Statutes; meetings may be conducted via teleconference or other electronic means.