FL H0897

Amends Section 413.014, Florida Statutes, to establish minimum standards for community rehabilitation programs to enter into cooperative agreements with the Division of Blind Services, including nonprofit status under 501(c)(3), national accreditation, and certified staff

Programs meeting requirements receive priority service provider status for funding and must demonstrate evidence-supported outcomes aligned with federal Rehabilitation Services Administration performance indicators

Authorizes the Division to contract with private vendors when community rehabilitation programs cannot serve specific clients due to client choice, capacity, or timeliness, with notification required to the local community rehabilitation program

Requires the Florida Association of Agencies Serving the Blind, Inc. to coordinate with the Division to ensure cooperative agreements meet client needs and to advocate on behalf of blind and visually impaired clients

Division must disperse appropriated funds to priority service providers within 45 days of receiving qualified invoices, with monthly payments thereafter; effective date is July 1, 2026