The Florida Senate

215.01  Fiscal year.

215.02  Manner of paying money into the Treasury.

215.03  Party to be reimbursed on reversal of judgment for state.

215.04  Department of Banking and Finance to report delinquents.

215.05  Department of Banking and Finance to certify accounts of delinquents.

215.06  Certified accounts of delinquents as evidence.

215.07  Preference of state in case of insolvency.

215.08  Delinquent collectors to be reported to state attorney.

215.09  Delinquent collectors; forfeiture of commissions.

215.10  Delinquent collectors; suspension.

215.11  Defaulting officers; Department of Banking and Finance to report to clerk.

215.12  Defaulting officers; duty of clerk.

215.15  School appropriations to have priority.

215.16  Appropriations from General Revenue Fund for public schools, state institutions of higher learning, and community colleges; reduction.

215.18  Transfers between funds; limitation.

215.195  Agency deposits relating to the Statewide Cost Allocation Plan.

215.196  Architects Incidental Trust Fund; creation; assessment.

215.20  Certain income and certain trust funds to contribute to the General Revenue Fund.

215.211  Service charge; elimination or reduction for specified proceeds.

215.22  Certain income and certain trust funds exempt.

215.23  When contributions to be made.

215.24  Exemptions where federal contributions or private grants.

215.245  Contracts with Federal Government; indemnification authorized in certain circumstances.

215.25  Manner of contributions; rules and regulations.

215.26  Repayment of funds paid into State Treasury through error.

215.28  United States securities, purchase by state and county officers and employees; deductions from salary.

215.29  Classification of Comptroller's warrants; report.

215.31  State funds; deposit in State Treasury.

215.311  State funds; exceptions.

215.32  State funds; segregation.

215.3206  Trust funds; termination or re-creation.

215.3207  Trust funds; establishment; criteria.

215.3208  Trust funds; legislative review.

215.321  Regulatory Trust Fund.

215.322  Acceptance of credit cards, charge cards, or debit cards by state agencies, units of local government, and the judicial branch.

215.34  State funds; noncollectible items; procedure.

215.35  State funds; warrants and their issuance.

215.36  State funds; laws not repealed.

215.37  Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the boards to be financed from fees collected; deposit of funds; service charge; appropriation.

215.405  State agencies and the judicial branch authorized to collect costs of fingerprinting.

215.42  Purchases from appropriations, proof of delivery.

215.422  Warrants, vouchers, and invoices; processing time limits; dispute resolution; agency or judicial branch compliance.

215.425  Extra compensation claims prohibited.

215.43  Public bonds, notes, and other securities.

215.431  Issuance of bond anticipation notes.

215.44  Board of Administration; powers and duties in relation to investment of trust funds.

215.441  Board of Administration; appointment of executive director.

215.444  Investment Advisory Council.

215.45  Sale and exchange of securities.

215.47  Investments; authorized securities; loan of securities.

215.471  Divestiture by the State Board of Administration.

215.472  Prohibited investments.

215.475  Investment plan.

215.48  Consent and ratification of appropriate board, agency, or of the judicial branch.

215.49  Making funds available for investment.

215.50  Custody of securities purchased; income.

215.51  Investment accounts; changes, notice, etc.

215.515  Investment accounts; charges for services.

215.52  Rules and regulations.

215.53  Powers of existing officers and boards, the judicial branch, and agencies not affected.

215.55  Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund; county distribution.

215.551  Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund; county distribution.

215.552  Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund; land within military installations; county distribution.

215.555  Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

215.556  Exemption.

215.557  Reports of insured values.

215.559  Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program.

215.56005  Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation.

215.5601  Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund.

215.5602  Florida Biomedical Research Program.

215.57  Short title.

215.58  Definitions relating to State Bond Act.

215.59  State bonds, revenue bonds; issuance.

215.60  State bonds for financing road acquisition and construction.

215.605  State bonds for right-of-way acquisition or bridge construction.

215.61  State system of public education capital outlay bonds.

215.615  Fixed-guideway transportation systems funding.

215.616  State bonds for federal aid highway construction.

215.618  Bonds for acquisition and improvement of land, water areas, and related property interests and resources.

215.62  Division of Bond Finance.

215.63  Transfer to division of assets and liabilities of the Revenue Bond Department of Development Commission.

215.64  Powers of the division.

215.65  Bond Fee Trust Fund, expenditures; schedule of fees.

215.655  Arbitrage Compliance Program, expenditures; schedule of fees.

215.66  Request for issuance of bonds; procedure requirements.

215.67  Issuance of state bonds.

215.68  Issuance of bonds; form; maturity date, execution, sale.

215.684  Limitation on engaging services of securities broker or bond underwriter convicted of fraud.

215.69  State Board of Administration to administer funds.

215.70  State Board of Administration to act in case of defaults.

215.71  Application of bond proceeds.

215.72  Covenants with bondholders.

215.73  Approval of bond issue by State Board of Administration.

215.74  Pledge of constitutional fuel tax; consent by counties and state agency supervising state road system.

215.75  Bonds securities for public bodies.

215.76  Exemption of bonds from taxation.

215.77  Trust funds.

215.78  Remedies.

215.79  Refunding bonds.

215.80  Annual report.

215.81  Pledge of state.

215.82  Validation; when required.

215.821  Issuance of bonds by state agencies.

215.83  Construction of State Bond Act.

215.835  Rulemaking authority.

215.84  Government bonds; maximum rate of interest.

215.845  Certain special laws establishing interest rates on bonds prohibited.

215.85  Direct deposit of public funds.

215.86  Management systems and controls.

215.90  Short title.

215.91  Florida Financial Management Information System; board; council.

215.92  Definitions relating to Florida Financial Management Information System Act.

215.93  Florida Financial Management Information System.

215.94  Designation, duties, and responsibilities of functional owners.

215.95  Financial Management Information Board.

215.96  Coordinating council and design and coordination staff.

215.962  Standards for state agency use of card-based technology.

215.964  Process for acquisition of commodities or services that include the use of card-based technology.

215.965  Disbursement of state moneys.

215.966  Refinancing of bonds.

215.97  Florida Single Audit Act.

215.98  State debt fiscal responsibility.

215.981  Audits of state agency direct-support organizations and citizen support organizations.

215.01  Fiscal year.--The fiscal year shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30 in each and every year.

History.--s. 5, ch. 515, 1853; RS 405; GS 597; RGS 1032; s. 1, ch. 10124, 1925; s. 1, ch. 10130, 1925; CGL 1343.

215.02  Manner of paying money into the Treasury.--Whenever any officer of this state or other person desires to pay any money into the Treasury of the state on account of his or her indebtedness to the state, the person shall first go into the Department of Banking and Finance, and there ascertain from the department's books the amount of his or her indebtedness to the state, and thereupon the department shall give that person a memorandum or certificate of the amount of such indebtedness, and on what account. Second, the person shall take said certificate with him or her to the Department of Insurance and deliver the same and pay over to the Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer the amount called for in said certificate. Third, the Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer shall receive the money, make a proper entry thereof, file the certificate of the Department of Banking and Finance, and give a certificate to the party paying over the money, acknowledging the receipt of the money, and on what account; which certificate thus received, the party shall return to the Department of Banking and Finance, on receipt of which the department shall give the party a receipt for the amount, and enter a credit on the party's account in his or her books for the amount thus paid by him or her to the Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer, and file the certificate received from the Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer.

History.--s. 1, ch. 1292, 1861; RS 406; GS 598; RGS 1033; CGL 1344; ss. 12, 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1136, ch. 95-147.

215.03  Party to be reimbursed on reversal of judgment for state.--Whenever upon appeal in civil cases, any judgment in favor of the state has been or shall be reversed and set aside, which may have been paid in part by the appellant, the Comptroller shall issue his or her warrant upon the Treasurer to reimburse the appellant for all sums paid in discharge of such judgment and cost, provided the appellant shall adduce satisfactory evidence to the Comptroller of the sums paid as aforesaid.

History.--s. 1, ch. 723, 1855; GS 615; RGS 1051; CGL 1362; s. 21, ch. 63-559; s. 1137, ch. 95-147.

215.04  Department of Banking and Finance to report delinquents.--The Department of Banking and Finance shall report to the state attorney of the proper circuit the name of any delinquent officer whose delinquency concerns the department, so soon as such delinquency shall occur; and the state attorney shall proceed forthwith against such delinquent.

History.--s. 4, Mar. 4, 1839; RS 407; GS 599; RGS 1034; CGL 1345; ss. 12, 35, ch. 69-106.

215.05  Department of Banking and Finance to certify accounts of delinquents.--When any revenue officer or other person accountable for public money shall neglect or refuse to pay into the treasury the sum or balance reported to be due to the state, upon the adjustment of that person's account, the Department of Banking and Finance shall immediately hand over to the state attorney of the proper circuit the statement of the sum or balance certified under its seal of office, so due; and the state attorney shall institute suit for the recovery of the same, adding to the sum or balance stated to be due on such account the commissions of the delinquent, which shall be forfeited in every instance where suit is commenced and judgment is obtained thereon, and an interest of 8 percent per annum from the time of the delinquent's receiving the money until it shall be paid into the State Treasury.

History.--s. 1, Feb. 10, 1832; RS 408; GS 600; RGS 1035; CGL 1346; ss. 12, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1138, ch. 95-147.

215.06  Certified accounts of delinquents as evidence.--In every case of delinquency, where suit has been or shall be instituted, the certified statement provided for in s. 215.05, shall be admitted as evidence and shall be prima facie proof of the facts therein stated. All copies of bonds, contracts, or other papers relating to or connected with the settlement of any account between the state and an individual, when certified as aforesaid to be true copies of the original, may be annexed to such statement aforesaid, and shall have equal validity and be entitled to the same degree of credit which would be due to the original papers if produced and authenticated in court; provided, where suit is brought upon a bond or other sealed instrument, and the defendant shall plead non est factum, or upon motion to the court, such plea or motion being verified by the oath of the defendant, it is lawful for the court to take the same into consideration, and, if it shall appear necessary for the attainment of justice, to require the production of the original bond, contract, or other paper specified in such affidavit.

History.--s. 2, Feb. 10, 1832; RS 409; GS 601; RGS 1036; CGL 1347.

215.07  Preference of state in case of insolvency.--When any revenue officer or other person now indebted or hereafter becoming indebted to the state, by bond or otherwise, shall become insolvent, or when the estate of any deceased debtor in the hands of executors or administrators shall not be sufficient to pay all the debt due from the deceased, the debt due to the state shall be first satisfied; and the priority established shall be deemed to extend as well to cases in which a debtor, not having sufficient property to pay all his or her debts, shall make a voluntary assignment thereof, or in which the estate and effects of an absconding, concealed or absent debtor shall be attached by process of law, as to cases in which the party shall be insolvent.

History.--s. 5, Feb. 10, 1832; RS 410; GS 602; RGS 1037; CGL 1348; s. 1139, ch. 95-147.

215.08  Delinquent collectors to be reported to state attorney.--The Department of Revenue, the county court judge, the chair of the board of county commissioners and the members of the said board representing the same, after sufficient time has expired to receive the reports required of the tax collector by law and they have not received them, or if the collector has failed to turn over money collected to either the proper state or county officer as provided by law, shall report the same to the state attorney of the circuit in which the collector resides; and the state attorney shall institute such proper proceedings, both civil and criminal, as are authorized by law; and the said state attorney shall, in case the said defaulting tax collector shall either attempt to collect taxes or perform any other act prohibited by law, or shall fail or refuse to deliver all the official tax rolls and books, with the statement required by law, to his or her successor or the person appointed by the Governor to perform the duties appertaining to the office of the collector of any county in lieu of any such defaulting collector, apply in a summary way, by petition to the circuit court or to the judge thereof in vacation, of the proper county, for an order prohibiting and enjoining in the one case such defaulting collector from collecting or attempting to collect taxes, or performing any other act prohibited to him or her by law, and requiring the defaulting collector in the other case to deliver to his or her successor, or to the person appointed by the Governor to perform his or her duties as aforesaid, all the official tax rolls and books, with the statement required by law; and the said court or judge in vacation may make such order and compel the performance of, or obedience to, such order by attachment and punishment as for a contempt of court.

History.--s. 3, ch. 1977, 1874; RS 411; GS 603; RGS 1038; CGL 1349; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 20, ch. 73-334; s. 1140, ch. 95-147.

215.09  Delinquent collectors; forfeiture of commissions.--For any failure on the part of any tax collector to make reports or to pay over any money as required by law, the tax collector shall forfeit for every week's delay one-fifth of his or her commissions, and if the delay extends beyond 30 days he or she shall forfeit all commissions on all amounts to which such failure applies, and all future commissions upon all collections to be made; provided, that the Department of Revenue, for good cause shown, may suspend the force and operation of this section with regard to such defaulting collector.

History.--s. 5, ch. 1977, 1874; RS 412; GS 604; RGS 1039; CGL 1350; ss. 21, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1141, ch. 95-147.

215.10  Delinquent collectors; suspension.--For a failure or refusal of any tax collector or other officer, whose duty it is to perform any act connected with the assessment or collection of taxes, to perform any duty or act, to make any return, or pay over any money required by law, the Governor, by his or her written order, may suspend any such defaulting or noncomplying collector or other officer from office, and from further acting in his or her office until the Governor's further order, but not beyond the adjournment of the next session of the Senate; and appoint or designate some other person to perform and discharge all the duties of such collector or other officer, who shall discharge such duties until the further order of the Governor, but not beyond the adjournment of the next session of the Senate, and to whom the official tax rolls, books and statements as required by law shall be delivered.

History.--s. 4, ch. 1977, 1874; RS 413; GS 605; RGS 1040; CGL 1351; s. 1142, ch. 95-147.

215.11  Defaulting officers; Department of Banking and Finance to report to clerk.--The Department of Banking and Finance shall, within 90 days after the expiration of the term of office of any tax collector, sheriff, clerk of the circuit or county court, treasurer, or any other officer of any county who has the collection, custody, and control of any state funds, who shall be in arrears in his or her accounts with the state, make up and forward to the clerk of the circuit court of such county a statement of his or her accounts with the state.

History.--s. 1, ch. 3854, 1889; RS 417; GS 606; RGS 1041; CGL 1352; ss. 12, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 20, ch. 73-334; s. 1143, ch. 95-147.

215.12  Defaulting officers; duty of clerk.--The clerk of the circuit court to whom any such statement shall be forwarded, shall file the same in his or her office, and within 10 days thereafter shall furnish each of the sureties of such delinquent officer with an abstract of such statement, showing the amount of indebtedness of such delinquent officer to the state, and shall at the same time furnish the sureties with a statement showing his or her indebtedness to the county, if there be any.

History.--s. 2, ch. 3854, 1889; RS 418; GS 607; RGS 1042; CGL 1353; s. 1144, ch. 95-147.

215.15  School appropriations to have priority.--Appropriations, other than from the General Revenue Fund, made for school purposes under any statute or law, shall be payable out of the first funds available after payment of the salaries of public officers and other current expenses as hereinbefore provided, and the moneys for such appropriations shall be available as fast as they come in, without waiting for the whole amount of any such appropriation to be received into the Treasury.

History.--s. 2, ch. 5603, 1907; RGS 1053; s. 1, ch. 19001, 1939; CGL 1364.

215.16  Appropriations from General Revenue Fund for public schools, state institutions of higher learning, and community colleges; reduction.--

(1)  All state appropriations, from the General Revenue Fund, for the benefit of the uniform system of public free schools and the state institutions of higher learning shall be on a parity with all other state appropriations for all other purposes from the General Revenue Fund; provided, that the appropriations by the Legislature of the proceeds from specific tax levies set aside and earmarked for a particular purpose shall not be affected by this section.

(2)  If the state appropriations from the General Revenue Fund for the benefit of the uniform system of public free schools, state institutions of higher learning, and community colleges cannot be paid in full during any given year, they shall be diminished only in the same proportion that appropriations for all other purposes from the General Revenue Fund are diminished during such year. Additionally, any funding reductions to public free schools, state institutions of higher learning, and community colleges shall be diminished in proportions identical to one another. For the purpose of implementing this section, general revenue funds provided for public free schools, state institutions of higher learning, and community colleges shall be restricted to general revenue funds appropriated for the Division of Public Schools and Community Education, the Division of Workforce Development, the Division of Universities, excluding the general office of the Board of Regents, and the Division of Community Colleges, excluding the division office.

History.--ss. 1, 2, ch. 19001, 1939; CGL 1940 Supp. 892; s. 1, ch. 83-49; s. 8, ch. 97-307.

215.18  Transfers between funds; limitation.--Whenever there exists in any fund provided for by s. 215.32 a deficiency which would render such fund insufficient to meet its just requirements, and there shall exist in the other funds in the State Treasury moneys which are for the time being or otherwise in excess of the amounts necessary to meet the just requirements of such last-mentioned funds, the Governor may order a temporary transfer of moneys from one fund to another in order to meet temporary deficiencies in a particular fund without resorting to the necessity of borrowing money and paying interest thereon. The fund from which any money is temporarily transferred shall be repaid the amount transferred from it not later than the end of the fiscal year in which such transfer is made, the date of repayment to be specified in the order of the Governor.

History.--s. 2, ch. 12295, 1927; CGL 1365; s. 24, ch. 57-1; s. 1, ch. 59-82; s. 15, ch. 63-572; s. 1, ch. 72-224; s. 5, ch. 81-169; s. 45, ch. 2000-371.

215.195  Agency deposits relating to the Statewide Cost Allocation Plan.--

(1)  APPLICATION FOR ALLOCABLE STATEWIDE OVERHEAD.--Each state agency, and the judicial branch, making application for federal grant or contract funds shall, in accordance with the Statewide Cost Allocation Plan, include in its application a prorated share of the cost of services provided by state central service agencies which are reimbursable to the state pursuant to the provisions of Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87.

(2)  DEPOSIT OF OVERHEAD IN THE GENERAL REVENUE FUND.--If an application for federal grant or contract funds is approved, the state agency or judicial branch receiving the federal grant or contract shall identify that portion representing reimbursement of allocable statewide overhead and deposit that amount into the General Revenue Fund unallocated as directed by the Executive Office of the Governor.

History.--ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, ch. 77-419; s. 1, ch. 78-350; s. 8, ch. 79-190; s. 119, ch. 81-259; s. 1, ch. 83-331; s. 8, ch. 92-142; s. 2, ch. 99-192.

215.196  Architects Incidental Trust Fund; creation; assessment.--

(1)  There is created the Architects Incidental Trust Fund for the purpose of providing sufficient funds for the operation of the facilities development activities of the Department of Management Services.

(2)  The department is authorized to levy and assess an amount necessary to cover the cost of administration by the department of fixed capital outlay projects on which it serves as owner representative on behalf of the state. The assessment rate is to be provided in the General Appropriations Act and statement of intent and shall be based on estimated operating cost projections for the services rendered. The total assessment shall be transferred into the Architects Incidental Trust Fund at the beginning of each fiscal year.

History.--s. 1, ch. 83-266; s. 31, ch. 85-349; s. 5, ch. 98-279; s. 18, ch. 99-399.

215.20  Certain income and certain trust funds to contribute to the General Revenue Fund.--

(1)  A service charge of 7 percent, representing the estimated pro rata share of the cost of general government paid from the General Revenue Fund, shall be deducted from all income of a revenue nature deposited in all trust funds except those enumerated in s. 215.22. Income of a revenue nature shall include all earnings received or credited by such trust funds, including the interest or benefit received from the investment of the principal of such trust funds as may be permitted by law. This provision shall be construed in favor of the General Revenue Fund in each instance. All such deductions shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund.

(2)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), funds collected for peanut, soybean, or tobacco marketing orders pursuant to ¹chapter 570 and the Florida Citrus Advertising Trust Fund shall be subject to a 3-percent service charge, to be deposited in the General Revenue Fund.

(3)  A service charge of 0.3 percent shall be deducted from income of a revenue nature deposited in the trust funds enumerated in subsection (4). Income of a revenue nature shall include all earnings received or credited by such trust funds, including the interest or benefit received from the investment of the principal of such trust funds as may be permitted by law. This provision shall be construed in favor of the General Revenue Fund in each instance. All such deductions shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund.

(4)  The income of a revenue nature deposited in the following described trust funds, by whatever name designated, is that from which the deductions authorized by subsection (3) shall be made:

(a)  The Fuel Tax Collection Trust Fund created by s. 206.875.

(b)  All income derived from outdoor advertising and overweight violations which is deposited in the State Transportation Trust Fund created by s. 206.46.

(c)  All taxes levied on motor fuels other than gasoline levied pursuant to the provisions of s. 206.87(1)(a).

(d)  The State Alternative Fuel User Fee Clearing Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 206.879(1).

(e)  The Local Alternative Fuel User Fee Clearing Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 206.879(2).

(f)  The Cigarette Tax Collection Trust Fund created by s. 210.20.

(g)  The Nonmandatory Land Reclamation Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 211.3103.

(h)  The Phosphate Research Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 211.3103.

(i)  The Land Reclamation Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 211.32(1)(f).

(j)  The Educational Certification and Service Trust Fund created by s. 231.30.

(k)  The trust funds administered by the Division of Historical Resources of the Department of State.

(l)  The Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund created by s. 370.0608, with the exception of those fees collected for recreational saltwater fishing licenses as provided in s. 370.0605.

(m)  The Local Option Fuel Tax Trust Fund created pursuant to s. 336.025.

(n)  The Florida Public Service Regulatory Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 350.113.

(o)  The State Game Trust Fund established by s. 372.09.

(p)  The Special Disability Trust Fund created by s. 440.49.

(q)  The Workers' Compensation Administration Trust Fund created by s. 440.50(1)(a).

(r)  The Employment Security Administration Trust Fund created by s. 443.211(1).

(s)  The Special Employment Security Administration Trust Fund created by s. 443.211(2).

(t)  The Professional Regulation Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 455.219.

(u)  The Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Trust Fund.

(v)  The Division of Licensing Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 493.6117.

(w)  The Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums, and Mobile Homes Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 498.019.

(x)  The trust fund of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, as defined in s. 509.072, with the exception of those fees collected for the purpose of funding of the hospitality education program as stated in s. 509.302.

(y)  The trust funds administered by the Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering and the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Promotion Trust Fund.

(z)  The General Inspection Trust Fund and subsidiary accounts thereof, unless a different percentage is authorized by s. 570.20.

(aa)  The Florida Citrus Advertising Trust Fund created by s. 601.15(7), including transfers from any subsidiary accounts thereof, unless a different percentage is authorized in that section.

(bb)  The Agents and Solicitors County Tax Trust Fund created by s. 624.506.

(cc)  The Insurance Commissioner's Regulatory Trust Fund created by s. 624.523.

(dd)  The Financial Institutions' Regulatory Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 655.049.

(ee)  The Crimes Compensation Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 960.21.

(ff)  The Records Management Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 257.375.

(gg)  The Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 561.025.

(hh)  The Health Care Trust Fund established pursuant to s. 408.16.

(ii)  The Police and Firefighters' Premium Tax Trust Fund established within the Department of Management Services.

The enumeration of the foregoing moneys or trust funds shall not prohibit the applicability thereto of s. 215.24 should the Governor determine that for the reasons mentioned in s. 215.24 the money or trust funds should be exempt herefrom, as it is the purpose of this law to exempt income from its force and effect when, by the operation of this law, federal matching funds or contributions or private grants to any trust fund would be lost to the state.

(5)  There is appropriated from the proper respective trust funds from time to time such sums as may be necessary to pay to the General Revenue Fund the service charges imposed by this section.

History.--s. 2, ch. 20890, 1941; s. 1, ch. 61-493; s. 1, ch. 63-567; s. 1, ch. 83-339; s. 10, ch. 90-110; s. 75, ch. 90-132; s. 103, ch. 91-112; s. 86, ch. 92-33; ss. 24, 59, ch. 93-120; s. 1, ch. 94-167; s. 9, ch. 95-250; s. 61, ch. 95-280; s. 128, ch. 95-417; s. 11, ch. 96-321; s. 35, ch. 96-418; s. 170, ch. 98-166; s. 70, ch. 99-255; s. 21, ch. 2001-56; s. 4, ch. 2001-225.

¹Note.--Chapter 570 contains no references to marketing orders for peanuts, soybeans, or tobacco. Provisions formerly contained in ch. 573 relating to marketing orders for peanuts, soybeans, and flue-cured tobacco were repealed by s. 6, ch. 92-4, and s. 41, ch. 92-151.

¹215.211  Service charge; elimination or reduction for specified proceeds.--

(1)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 215.20(1) and (3), the service charge provided in s. 215.20(1) and (3), which is deducted from the proceeds of the taxes distributed under ss. 206.606(1), 207.026, 212.0501(6), and 319.32(5), shall be eliminated beginning July 1, 2000.

(2)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 215.20(1) and (3), the service charge provided in s. 215.20(1) and (3), which is deducted from the proceeds of the taxes distributed under ss. 206.608 and 320.072(4), shall be eliminated beginning July 1, 2001.

(3)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 215.20(1), the service charge provided in s. 215.20(1), which is deducted from the proceeds of the local option fuel tax distributed under s. 336.025, shall be reduced as follows:

(a)  For the period July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006, the rate of the service charge shall be 3.5 percent.

(b)  Beginning July 1, 2006, and thereafter, no service charge shall be deducted from the proceeds of the local option fuel tax distributed under s. 336.025.

The increased revenues derived from this subsection shall be deposited in the State Transportation Trust Fund and used to fund the County Incentive Grant Program and the Small County Outreach Program. Up to 20 percent of such funds shall be used for the purpose of implementing the Small County Outreach Program as provided in this act. Notwithstanding any other laws to the contrary, the requirements of ss. 339.135, 339.155, and 339.175 shall not apply to these funds and programs.

History.--ss. 2, 3, 5, ch. 2000-257.

¹Note.--Section 22, ch. 2000-257, provides that "[n]otwithstanding any other law to the contrary the requirements of sections 206.46(3) and 206.606(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any funding, programs, or other provisions contained in this act."

215.22  Certain income and certain trust funds exempt.--

(1)  The following income of a revenue nature or the following trust funds shall be exempt from the deduction required by s. 215.20(1):

(a)  Student financial aid or prepaid tuition receipts.

(b)  Trust funds administered by the Department of the Lottery.

(c)  Departmental administrative assessments for administrative divisions.

(d)  Funds charged by a state agency for services provided to another state agency, by a state agency for services provided to the judicial branch, or by the judicial branch for services provided to a state agency.

(e)  State, agency, or political subdivision investments by the Treasurer.

(f)  Retirement or employee benefit funds.

(g)  Self-insurance programs administered by the Treasurer.

(h)  Funds held for the payment of citrus canker eradication and compensation.

(i)  Medicaid, Medicare, or third-party receipts for client custodial care.

(j)  Bond proceeds or revenues dedicated for bond repayment, except for the Documentary Stamp Clearing Trust Fund administered by the Department of Revenue.

(k)  Trust funds administered by the Department of Education.

(l)  Trust funds administered by the Department of Transportation.

(m)  Trust funds administered by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

(n)  The Motor Vehicle License Clearing Trust Fund.

(o)  The Solid Waste Management Trust Fund.

(p)  The Coconut Grove Playhouse Trust Fund.

(q)  The Communications Working Capital Trust Fund of the Department of Management Services.

(r)  The Camp Blanding Management Trust Fund.

(s)  The Indigent Criminal Defense Trust Fund.

(t)  That portion of the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund funded by the motorcycle safety education fee collected pursuant to s. 320.08(1)(c).

(u)  The Save the Manatee Trust Fund.

(v)  Tobacco Settlement Trust Funds administered by any agency.

(w)  The Save Our Everglades Trust Fund.

(2)  Moneys and income of a revenue nature shared with political subdivisions or received from taxes or fees authorized to be levied by any political subdivision shall be exempt from the deduction required by s. 215.20(1).

(3)  In addition to the exemptions enumerated in subsections (1) and (2), the Executive Office of the Governor is authorized to exempt any income when, by the operation of this law and pursuant to s. 215.24, federal matching funds or contributions or private grants to any trust fund would be lost to the state.

(4)  Notwithstanding the exemptions granted in subsections (1), (2), and (3), this section shall not exempt income of a revenue nature or any trust fund which was subject to the service charge pursuant to s. 215.20 on January 1, 1990.

History.--s. 4, ch. 20890, 1941; s. 2, ch. 61-493; s. 2, ch. 63-235; s. 1, ch. 63-249; s. 16, ch. 63-572; s. 2, ch. 63-496; ss. 1, 28-30, ch. 65-269; s. 4, ch. 65-337; ss. 32, 35, ch. 69-106; ss. 53, 60, 65, ch. 69-353; s. 1, ch. 69-394; s. 2, ch. 71-98; s. 45, ch. 71-355; ss. 2, 3, ch. 73-57; s. 2, ch. 75-184; s. 62, ch. 77-104; s. 3, ch. 79-36; s. 63, ch. 79-40; s. 7, ch. 80-95; s. 120, ch. 81-259; s. 33, ch. 83-3; s. 41, ch. 83-310; s. 2, ch. 83-339; s. 1, ch. 84-70; s. 8, ch. 84-80; s. 4, ch. 84-369; s. 6, ch. 86-159; ss. 9, 70, ch. 86-163; s. 28, ch. 86-269; s. 56, ch. 87-224; s. 20, ch. 88-129; s. 11, ch. 90-110; s. 76, ch. 90-132; s. 198, ch. 90-363; s. 6, ch. 90-364; s. 104, ch. 91-112; s. 9, ch. 92-142; s. 8, ch. 92-350; s. 2, ch. 94-167; s. 2, ch. 94-226; s. 67, ch. 96-418; s. 10, ch. 97-107; s. 1, ch. 98-90; s. 8, ch. 98-414; s. 1, ch. 2000-129; s. 3, ch. 2000-152; s. 46, ch. 2000-371.

215.23  When contributions to be made.--The deductions required by s. 215.20 shall be paid into the appropriate fund by the Department of Banking and Finance or by the State Treasurer, as the case may be, for quarterly periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, and when so paid shall thereupon become a part of that fund to be accounted for and disbursed as provided by law.

History.--s. 5, ch. 20890, 1941; ss. 12, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 106, ch. 91-112.

215.24  Exemptions where federal contributions or private grants.--

(1)  Should any state fund be the recipient of federal contributions or private grants, either by the matching of state funds or by a general donation to state funds, and the payment of moneys into the General Revenue Fund under s. 215.20 should cause such fund to lose federal or private assistance, the Governor shall certify to the Department of Banking and Finance and to the State Treasurer that said income is for that reason exempt from the force and effect of s. 215.20.

(2)  Should it be determined by the Governor that by reason of payments already made into the General Revenue Fund by any fund under this law, such fund is subject to the loss of federal or private assistance, then the Governor shall certify to the Department of Banking and Finance and to the State Treasurer that the income from such assistance is exempt from the provisions of this law, and the Department of Banking and Finance or the State Treasurer, as the case may be, shall thereupon refund and pay over to such fund any amount previously paid into the General Revenue Fund from such income.

History.--s. 6, ch. 20890, 1941; s. 5, ch. 61-493; ss. 12, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 77, ch. 90-132; s. 3, ch. 94-167.

215.245  Contracts with Federal Government; indemnification authorized in certain circumstances.--The state and its political subdivisions, which are authorized to enter into cooperative agreements or otherwise contract or participate with the Federal Government in constructing water resources development projects under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army, are authorized to agree in such contracts or participation agreements to indemnify and hold harmless the United States from damages due to the construction, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and rehabilitation of the projects and any state or local sponsor project-related betterments, except for damages due to the fault or negligence of the United States or its contractors; however, this section does not obligate the Legislature to provide future appropriations and does not abrogate the provisions of s. 45.062.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-325.

215.25  Manner of contributions; rules and regulations.--The Department of Banking and Finance and the State Treasurer are hereby authorized to ascertain and determine the manner in which the required amounts shall be deducted and paid and to adopt and effectuate such rules and procedure as may be necessary for carrying out the provisions of this law. Such rules and procedure shall be approved by the Executive Office of the Governor.

History.--s. 7, ch. 20890, 1941; ss. 2, 3, ch. 67-371; ss. 12, 31, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 95, ch. 79-190.

215.26  Repayment of funds paid into State Treasury through error.--

(1)  The Comptroller of the state may refund to the person who paid same, or his or her heirs, personal representatives, or assigns, any moneys paid into the State Treasury which constitute:

(a)  An overpayment of any tax, license, or account due;

(b)  A payment where no tax, license, or account is due; and

(c)  Any payment made into the State Treasury in error;

and if any such payment has been credited to an appropriation, such appropriation shall at the time of making any such refund, be charged therewith. There are appropriated from the proper respective funds from time to time such sums as may be necessary for such refunds.

(2)  Application for refunds as provided by this section must be filed with the Comptroller, except as otherwise provided in this subsection, within 3 years after the right to the refund has accrued or else the right is barred. Except as provided in chapter 198 and s. 220.23, an application for a refund of a tax enumerated in s. 72.011, which tax was paid after September 30, 1994, and before July 1, 1999, must be filed with the Comptroller within 5 years after the date the tax is paid, and within 3 years after the date the tax was paid for taxes paid on or after July 1, 1999. The Comptroller may delegate the authority to accept an application for refund to any state agency, or the judicial branch, vested by law with the responsibility for the collection of any tax, license, or account due. The application for refund must be on a form approved by the Comptroller and must be supplemented with additional proof the Comptroller deems necessary to establish the claim; provided, the claim is not otherwise barred under the laws of this state. Upon receipt of an application for refund, the judicial branch or the state agency to which the funds were paid shall make a determination of the amount due. If an application for refund is denied, in whole or in part, the judicial branch or such state agency shall notify the applicant stating the reasons therefor. Upon approval of an application for refund, the judicial branch or such state agency shall furnish the Comptroller with a properly executed voucher authorizing payment.

(3)  No refund of moneys referred to in this section shall be made of an amount which is less than $1, except upon application.

(4)  This section is the exclusive procedure and remedy for refund claims between individual funds and accounts in the State Treasury.

(5)  When a taxpayer has pursued administrative remedies before the Department of Revenue pursuant to s. 213.21 and has failed to comply with the time limitations and conditions provided in ss. 72.011 and 120.80(14)(b), a claim of refund under subsection (1) shall be denied by the Comptroller. However, the Comptroller may entertain a claim for refund under this subsection when the taxpayer demonstrates that his or her failure to pursue remedies under chapter 72 was not due to neglect or for the purpose of delaying payment of lawfully imposed taxes and can demonstrate reasonable cause for such failure.

(6)  A taxpayer may contest a denial of refund of tax, interest, or penalty paid under a section or chapter specified in s. 72.011(1) pursuant to the provisions of s. 72.011.

History.--s. 1, ch. 22008, 1943; s. 14, ch. 57-1; s. 1, ch. 57-18; s. 1, ch. 59-181; s. 1, ch. 63-271; s. 2, ch. 78-352; s. 28, ch. 83-339; s. 18, ch. 86-152; s. 3, ch. 91-112; s. 10, ch. 92-142; s. 10, ch. 94-314; ss. 26, 50, ch. 94-353; s. 1506, ch. 95-147; s. 43, ch. 96-410; s. 10, ch. 99-239.

215.28  United States securities, purchase by state and county officers and employees; deductions from salary.--

(1)  Upon the request in writing, signed by any officer or employee of the state, or of any county, of any other political subdivision or subordinate agency of the state or any county, or of the judicial branch, any officer or employee who acts as disbursing agent for the payment of salaries and wages is authorized and empowered to deduct from the salary or wages of such officer or employee, periodically, such sum as authorized by such written application, for the purchase of United States securities.

(2)  The participation in such payroll deduction plan by any officer or employee shall be entirely voluntary at all times, and any officer or employee may from time to time increase or decrease the amount to be so deducted, or cancel his or her payroll deduction authorization, or change the form of registration for securities to be purchased.

(3)  All deductions so made by any such disbursing authority shall be deposited in a trust account separate and apart from the funds of the state, county, or subordinate agency. Such account will be subject to withdrawal only for the purchase of United States securities on behalf of officers and employees, or for refunds to such persons in accordance with the provisions of this law. Whenever the sum of $18.75 or the purchase price of the security requested to be purchased is accumulated from deductions so made from the salaries or wages of an officer or employee, such disbursing agent shall arrange the purchase of the bond or security applied for and have it registered in the name or names requested in the deduction authorization. Securities so purchased will be delivered in such manner as may be convenient for the issuing agent and the purchaser. Any interest earned on moneys in such account while awaiting the accumulation of the purchase price of the security shall be transferred to the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund as reimbursement for administrative costs incurred by the Department of Management Services under this section.

(4)  Upon request, the disbursing agent will advise the officer or employee of the amount accumulated in his or her account for the purchase of United States securities. A periodic statement showing amounts accumulated to the credit of the officer or employee need not be issued.

(5)  When an officer or employee leaves the service of the state, county, or subordinate governmental agency, the payroll deduction authorization will be canceled automatically and any amount credited to the officer or employee's account shall immediately be refunded and paid to the officer or employee entitled to receive the same. In case of the death of the officer or employee, the payroll deduction authorization will be canceled automatically and any amount to the credit of the officer or employee's account will be paid immediately to the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the officer or employee, according to and as provided by ss. 222.15 and 222.16.

(6)  The disbursing agent is authorized to promulgate such reasonable rules and regulations with reference to the handling of such payroll deduction plan as will promote the purposes thereof and as will most conveniently meet the facilities of the office of such disbursing agent.

History.--ss. 1-6, ch. 21794, 1943; s. 1, ch. 84-124; s. 11, ch. 92-142; s. 1145, ch. 95-147; s. 71, ch. 99-255.

215.29  Classification of Comptroller's warrants; report.--All disbursements made by the state upon Comptroller's warrants shall be classified according to officers, offices, bureaus, divisions, boards, commissions, institutions, other agencies and undertakings, or the judicial branch, and shall be further classified according to personal services, contractual services, commodities, current charges, current obligations, capital outlays, debt payments, or investments or such additional classifications as may be prescribed or authorized by law. Such detail classifications shall be printed in the Comptroller's annual reports.

History.--s. 1, ch. 22901, 1945; s. 5, ch. 85-61; s. 12, ch. 92-142.

215.31  State funds; deposit in State Treasury.--Revenue, including licenses, fees, imposts, or exactions collected or received under the authority of the laws of the state by each and every state official, office, employee, bureau, division, board, commission, institution, agency, or undertaking of the state or the judicial branch shall be promptly deposited in the State Treasury, and immediately credited to the appropriate fund as herein provided, properly accounted for by the Department of Banking and Finance as to source and no money shall be paid from the State Treasury except as appropriated and provided by the annual General Appropriations Act, or as otherwise provided by law.

History.--s. 2, ch. 22833, 1945; ss. 12, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 73-305; s. 13, ch. 92-142.

215.311  State funds; exceptions.--The provisions of s. 215.31 shall not apply to funds collected by and under the direction and supervision of the Division of Blind Services of the Department of Labor and Employment Security as provided under ss. 413.011, 413.041, and 413.051; however, nothing in this section shall be construed to except from the provisions of s. 215.31 any appropriations made by the state to the division.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29872, 1955; ss. 19, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 22, ch. 77-259; s. 4, ch. 95-327.

215.32  State funds; segregation.--

(1)  All moneys received by the state shall be deposited in the State Treasury unless specifically provided otherwise by law and shall be deposited in and accounted for by the Treasurer and the Department of Banking and Finance within the following funds, which funds are hereby created and established:

(a)  General Revenue Fund.

(b)  Trust funds.

(c)  Working Capital Fund.

(d)  Budget Stabilization Fund.

(2)  The source and use of each of these funds shall be as follows:

(a)  The General Revenue Fund shall consist of all moneys received by the state from every source whatsoever, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c). Such moneys shall be expended pursuant to General Revenue Fund appropriations acts or transferred as provided in paragraph (c). Annually, at least 5 percent of the estimated increase in General Revenue Fund receipts for the upcoming fiscal year over the current year General Revenue Fund effective appropriations shall be appropriated for state-level capital outlay, including infrastructure improvement and general renovation, maintenance, and repairs.

(b)1.  The trust funds shall consist of moneys received by the state which under law or under trust agreement are segregated for a purpose authorized by law. The state agency or branch of state government receiving or collecting such moneys shall be responsible for their proper expenditure as provided by law. Upon the request of the state agency or branch of state government responsible for the administration of the trust fund, the Comptroller may establish accounts within the trust fund at a level considered necessary for proper accountability. Once an account is established within a trust fund, the Comptroller may authorize payment from that account only upon determining that there is sufficient cash and releases at the level of the account.

2.  In order to maintain a minimum number of trust funds in the State Treasury, each state agency or the judicial branch may consolidate, if permitted under the terms and conditions of their receipt, the trust funds administered by it; provided, however, the agency or judicial branch employs effectively a uniform system of accounts sufficient to preserve the integrity of such trust funds; and provided, further, that consolidation of trust funds is approved by the Governor or the Chief Justice.

3.  All such moneys are hereby appropriated to be expended in accordance with the law or trust agreement under which they were received, subject always to the provisions of chapter 216 relating to the appropriation of funds and to the applicable laws relating to the deposit or expenditure of moneys in the State Treasury.

4.a.  Notwithstanding any provision of law restricting the use of trust funds to specific purposes, unappropriated cash balances from selected trust funds may be authorized by the Legislature for transfer to the Budget Stabilization Fund and Working Capital Fund in the General Appropriations Act.

b.  This subparagraph does not apply to trust funds required by federal programs or mandates; trust funds established for bond covenants, indentures, or resolutions whose revenues are legally pledged by the state or public body to meet debt service or other financial requirements of any debt obligations of the state or any public body; the State Transportation Trust Fund; the trust fund containing the net annual proceeds from the Florida Education Lotteries; the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund; trust funds under the management of the Board of Regents, where such trust funds are for auxiliary enterprises, self-insurance, and contracts, grants, and donations, as those terms are defined by general law; trust funds that serve as clearing funds or accounts for the Comptroller or state agencies; trust funds that account for assets held by the state in a trustee capacity as an agent or fiduciary for individuals, private organizations, or other governmental units; and other trust funds authorized by the State Constitution.

(c)1.  The Budget Stabilization Fund shall consist of amounts equal to at least 5 percent of net revenue collections for the General Revenue Fund during the last completed fiscal year. The Budget Stabilization Fund's principal balance shall not exceed an amount equal to 10 percent of the last completed fiscal year's net revenue collections for the General Revenue Fund. As used in this paragraph, the term "last completed fiscal year" means the most recently completed fiscal year prior to the regular legislative session at which the Legislature considers the General Appropriations Act for the year in which the transfer to the Budget Stabilization Fund must be made under this paragraph.

2.  By September 15 of each year, the Governor shall authorize the Comptroller to transfer, and the Comptroller shall transfer pursuant to appropriations made by law, to the Budget Stabilization Fund the amount of money needed for the balance of that fund to equal the amount specified in subparagraph 1., less any amounts expended and not restored. The moneys needed for this transfer may be appropriated by the Legislature from any funds.

3.  Unless otherwise provided in this subparagraph, an expenditure from the Budget Stabilization Fund must be restored pursuant to a restoration schedule that provides for making five equal annual transfers from the General Revenue Fund, beginning in the fiscal year following that in which the expenditure was made. For any Budget Stabilization Fund expenditure, the Legislature may establish by law a different restoration schedule and such change may be made at any time during the restoration period. Moneys are hereby appropriated for transfers pursuant to this subparagraph.

4.  The Budget Stabilization Fund and the Working Capital Fund may be used as revolving funds for transfers as provided in s. 18.125; however, any interest earned must be deposited in the General Revenue Fund.

5.  The Comptroller and the Department of Management Services shall transfer funds to water management districts to pay eligible water management district employees for all benefits due under s. 373.6065, as long as funds remain available for the program described under s. 100.152.

(d)  The Working Capital Fund shall consist of moneys in the General Revenue Fund which are in excess of the amount needed to meet General Revenue Fund appropriations for the current fiscal year. Each year, no later than the publishing date of the annual financial statements for the state by the Comptroller under s. 216.102, funds shall be transferred between the Working Capital Fund and the General Revenue Fund to establish the balance of the Working Capital Fund for that fiscal year at the amount determined pursuant to this paragraph.

History.--s. 3, ch. 22833, 1945; s. 1, ch. 59-91; s. 2, ch. 59-257; s. 1, ch. 61-119; s. 1, ch. 65-266; s. 3, ch. 65-420; ss. 2, 3, ch. 67-371; ss. 12, 31, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 73-196; ss. 1, 2, ch. 73-316; s. 1, ch. 77-352; s. 15, ch. 79-190; s. 2, ch. 80-114; s. 6, ch. 81-169; s. 2, ch. 81-231; s. 9, ch. 81-295; ss. 2, 25, ch. 83-49; s. 31, ch. 87-247; s. 8, ch. 87-331; s. 44, ch. 87-548; s. 47, ch. 89-356; s. 5, ch. 91-79; s. 1, ch. 91-109; s. 14, ch. 92-142; s. 1, ch. 93-159; s. 1146, ch. 95-147; s. 12, ch. 98-73; s. 83, ch. 99-2; s. 13, ch. 2000-169; s. 47, ch. 2000-371; s. 18, ch. 2001-256.

215.3206  Trust funds; termination or re-creation.--

(1)  Prior to the regular session of the Legislature immediately preceding the date on which any executive or judicial branch trust fund is scheduled to be terminated, pursuant to the provisions of s. 19(f), Art. III of the State Constitution, or such earlier date as the Legislature may specify, the agency responsible for the administration of the trust fund and the Governor, for executive branch trust funds, or the Chief Justice, for judicial branch trust funds, shall recommend to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives whether the trust fund should be allowed to terminate or should be re-created. Each recommendation shall be based on a review of the purpose and use of the trust fund and a determination of whether the trust fund will continue to be necessary. A recommendation to re-create the trust fund may include suggested modifications to the purpose, sources of receipts, and allowable expenditures for the trust fund. Recommendations from an agency or the Chief Justice shall be made as a part of the legislative budget request to the Legislature pursuant to s. 216.023. Recommendations from the Governor shall be made as part of the recommended budget presented to the Legislature pursuant to s. 216.162.

(2)  If the trust fund is terminated and not immediately re-created, all cash balances and income of the trust fund shall be deposited into the General Revenue Fund. The agency or Chief Justice shall pay any outstanding debts of the trust fund as soon as practicable, and the Comptroller shall close out and remove the trust fund from the various state accounting systems, using generally accepted accounting practices concerning warrants outstanding, assets, and liabilities. No appropriation or budget amendment shall be construed to authorize any encumbrance of funds from a trust fund after the date on which the trust fund is terminated or is judicially determined to be invalid.

(3)  On or before September 1 of each year, the Comptroller shall submit to the Executive Office of the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a list of trust funds that are scheduled to terminate within 12 months after that date and also, beginning September 1, 1996, a list of all trust funds that are exempt from automatic termination pursuant to the provisions of s. 19(f)(3), Art. III of the State Constitution, listing revenues of the trust funds by major revenue category for each of the last 4 fiscal years.

(4)  For the purposes of this section, the Governor, Chief Justice, and agencies shall review the trust funds as they are identified by a unique 6-digit code in the Florida Accounting Information Resource Subsystem at a level composed of the 2-digit organization level 1, the 1-digit state fund type 2, and the first three digits of the fund identifier. The Governor, Chief Justice, and agencies may also conduct their review and make recommendations concerning accounts within such trust funds.

History.--s. 2, ch. 93-159; s. 5, ch. 97-259; s. 13, ch. 99-155.

215.3207  Trust funds; establishment; criteria.--A trust fund may be created by law only by the Legislature and only if passed by a three-fifths vote of the membership of each house in a separate bill for that purpose only. Except for trust funds being re-created by the Legislature, each trust fund must be created by statutory language that specifies at least the following:

(1)  The name of the trust fund.

(2)  The agency or branch of state government responsible for administering the trust fund.

(3)  The requirements or purposes that the trust fund is established to meet.

(4)  The sources of moneys to be credited to the trust fund or specific sources of receipts to be deposited in the trust fund.

History.--s. 17, ch. 92-142; s. 3, ch. 93-159; s. 1, ch. 94-67.

215.3208  Trust funds; legislative review.--

(1)  In order to implement s. 19(f), Art. III of the State Constitution, for the purpose of reviewing trust funds prior to their automatic termination pursuant to the provisions of s. 19(f)(2), Art. III of the State Constitution, the Legislature shall review all state trust funds at least once every 4 years. The schedule for such review may be included in the legislative budget instructions developed pursuant to the requirements of s. 216.023. The Legislature shall review trust funds as they are identified by a unique 6-digit code in the Florida Accounting Information Resource Subsystem at a level composed of the 2-digit organization level 1, the 1-digit state fund type 2, and the first three digits of the fund identifier. When a statutorily created trust fund that was in existence on November 4, 1992, has more than one 6-digit code, the Legislature may treat it as a single trust fund for the purposes of this section. The Legislature may also conduct its review concerning accounts within such trust funds.

(2)(a)  When the Legislature terminates a trust fund, the agency or branch of state government that administers the trust fund shall pay any outstanding debts or obligations of the trust fund as soon as practicable, and the Comptroller shall close out and remove the trust fund from the various state accounting systems, using generally accepted accounting principles concerning assets, liabilities, and warrants outstanding.

(b)  If the Legislature determines to terminate a trust fund, it may provide for the distribution of moneys in that trust fund. If such a distribution is not provided, the moneys remaining after all outstanding obligations of the trust fund are met shall be deposited in the General Revenue Fund.

History.--s. 4, ch. 93-159; s. 2, ch. 94-67; s. 55, ch. 94-356; s. 21, ch. 99-8; s. 14, ch. 99-155; s. 26, ch. 2000-158; s. 22, ch. 2000-210; s. 48, ch. 2000-371.

215.321  Regulatory Trust Fund.--All funds received pursuant to ss. 494.001-494.0077, chapter 497, chapter 516, chapter 520, or part I of chapter 559 shall be deposited into the Regulatory Trust Fund.

History.--s. 1, ch. 72-174; s. 1, ch. 72-222; s. 44, ch. 79-164; s. 121, ch. 81-259; s. 54, ch. 91-245.

215.322  Acceptance of credit cards, charge cards, or debit cards by state agencies, units of local government, and the judicial branch.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage state agencies, the judicial branch and units of local government to make their goods, services, and information more convenient to the public through the acceptance of payments by credit cards, charge cards, and debit cards to the maximum extent practicable when the benefits to the participating agency and the public substantiate the cost of accepting these types of payments.

(2)  A state agency as defined in s. 216.011, or the judicial branch, may accept credit cards, charge cards, or debit cards in payment for goods and services with the prior approval of the Treasurer. When the Internet or other related electronic methods are to be used as the collection medium, the State Technology Office shall review and recommend to the Treasurer whether to approve the request with regard to the process or procedure to be used.

(3)  The Treasurer shall adopt rules governing the establishment and acceptance of credit cards, charge cards, or debit cards by state agencies or the judicial branch, including, but not limited to, the following:

(a)  Utilization of a standardized contract between the financial institution or other appropriate intermediaries and the agency or judicial branch which shall be developed by the Treasurer or approval by the Treasurer of a substitute agreement.

(b)  Procedures which permit an agency or officer accepting payment by credit card, charge card, or debit card to impose a convenience fee upon the person making the payment. However, the total amount of such convenience fees shall not exceed the total cost to the state agency. A convenience fee is not refundable to the payor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this section shall not be construed to permit surcharges on any other credit card purchase in violation of s. 501.0117.

(c)  All service fees payable pursuant to this section when practicable shall be invoiced and paid by state warrant or such other manner that is satisfactory to the Comptroller in accordance with the time periods specified in s. 215.422.

(d)  Submission of information to the Treasurer concerning the acceptance of credit cards, charge cards, or debit cards by all state agencies or the judicial branch.

(e)  A methodology for agencies to use when completing the cost-benefit analysis referred to in subsection (1). The methodology must consider all quantifiable cost reductions, other benefits to the agency, and potential impact on general revenue. The methodology must also consider nonquantifiable benefits such as the convenience to individuals and businesses that would benefit from the ability to pay for state goods and services through the use of credit cards, charge cards, and debit cards.

(4)  The Treasurer is authorized to establish contracts with one or more financial institutions, credit card companies, or other entities which may lawfully provide such services, in a manner consistent with chapter 287, for processing credit card, charge card, or debit card collections for deposit into the State Treasury or another qualified public depository. Any state agency, or the judicial branch, which accepts payment by credit card, charge card, or debit card shall use at least one of the contractors established by the Treasurer unless the state agency or judicial branch obtains authorization from the Treasurer to use another contractor which is more advantageous to such state agency or the judicial branch. Such contracts may authorize a unit of local government to use the services upon the same terms and conditions for deposit of credit card, charge card, or debit card transactions into its qualified public depositories.

(5)  A unit of local government, which term means a municipality, special district, or board of county commissioners or other governing body of a county, however styled, including that of a consolidated or metropolitan government, and means any clerk of the circuit court, sheriff, property appraiser, tax collector, or supervisor of elections, is authorized to accept payment by use of credit cards, charge cards, and bank debit cards for financial obligations that are owing to such unit of local government and to surcharge the person who uses a credit card, charge card, or bank debit card in payment of taxes, license fees, tuition, fines, civil penalties, court-ordered payments, or court costs, or other statutorily prescribed revenues an amount sufficient to pay the service fee charges by the financial institution, vending service company, or credit card company for such services. A unit of local government shall verify both the validity of any credit card, charge card, or bank debit card used pursuant to this subsection and the existence of appropriate credit with respect to the person using the card. The unit of local government does not incur any liability as a result of such verification or any subsequent action taken.

(6)  Credit card account numbers in the possession of a state agency, a unit of local government, or the judicial branch are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1).

(7)  Any action required to be performed by a state officer or agency pursuant to this section shall be performed within 10 working days after receipt of the request for approval or be deemed approved if not acted upon within that time.

(8)  Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit a state agency or the judicial branch from continuing to accept charge cards or debit cards pursuant to a contract which was lawfully entered into prior to the effective date of this act unless specifically directed otherwise in the General Appropriations Act. However, such contract shall not be extended or renewed after the effective date of this act unless such renewal and extension conforms to the requirements of this section.

History.--s. 1, ch. 83-332; s. 15, ch. 88-119; s. 53, ch. 90-360; s. 18, ch. 92-142; s. 1, ch. 92-300; s. 16, ch. 96-324; s. 69, ch. 96-406; s. 11, ch. 97-241; s. 30, ch. 2000-164.

215.34  State funds; noncollectible items; procedure.--

(1)  Any check, draft, or other order for the payment of money in payment of any licenses, fees, taxes, commissions, or charges of any sort authorized to be made under the laws of the state and deposited in the State Treasury as provided herein, which may be returned for any reason by the bank or other payor upon which same shall have been drawn shall be forthwith returned by the State Treasurer for collection to the state officer, the state agency, or the entity of the judicial branch making the deposit. In such case, the Treasurer is hereby authorized to issue a debit memorandum charging an account of the agency, officer, or entity of the judicial branch which originally received the payment. The original of the debit memorandum shall state the reason for the return of the check, draft, or other order and shall accompany the item being returned to the officer, agency, or entity of the judicial branch being charged, and a copy of the debit memorandum shall be sent to the Comptroller. The officer, agency, or entity of the judicial branch receiving the charged-back item shall prepare a journal transfer which shall debit the charge against the fund or account to which the same shall have been originally credited. Such procedure for handling noncollectible items shall not be construed as paying funds out of the State Treasury without an appropriation, but shall be considered as an administrative procedure for the efficient handling of state records and accounts.

(2)  Whenever a check, draft, or other order for the payment of money is returned by the State Treasurer, or by a qualified public depository as defined in s. 280.02, to a state officer, a state agency, or the judicial branch for collection, the officer, agency, or judicial branch shall add to the amount due a service fee of $15 or 5 percent of the face amount of the check, draft, or order, whichever is greater. An agency or the judicial branch may adopt a rule which prescribes a lesser maximum service fee, which shall be added to the amount due for the dishonored check, draft, or other order tendered for a particular service, license, tax, fee, or other charge, but in no event shall the fee be less than $15. The service fee shall be in addition to all other penalties imposed by law, except that when other charges or penalties are imposed by an agency related to a noncollectible item, the amount of the service fee shall not exceed $150. Proceeds from this fee shall be deposited in the same fund as the collected item. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorization to deposit moneys outside the State Treasury unless specifically authorized by law.

(3)  When a county or municipal official or agency is acting for a state official or agency or the judicial branch in the collection of fees or other charges, the service fee collected under this section shall be retained by the collector of the fee.

History.--s. 5, ch. 22833, 1945; s. 1, ch. 75-56; s. 3, ch. 86-51; s. 5, ch. 87-331; s. 1, ch. 90-212; s. 19, ch. 92-142; s. 38, ch. 95-280.

215.35  State funds; warrants and their issuance.--All warrants issued by the Comptroller shall be numbered in chronological order commencing with number one in each fiscal year and each warrant shall refer to the Comptroller's voucher by the number thereof, which voucher shall also be numbered as above set forth. Each warrant shall state the name of the payee thereof and the amount allowed, and said warrant shall be stated in words at length. No warrant shall issue until same has been authorized by an appropriation made by law but such warrant need not state or set forth such authorization. The Comptroller shall register and maintain a record of each warrant in his or her office. The record shall show the funds, accounts, purposes, and departments involved in the issuance of each warrant. In those instances where the expenditure of funds of regulatory boards or commissions has been provided for by laws other than the annual appropriations bill, warrants shall be issued upon requisition to the State Comptroller by the governing body of such board or commission.

History.--s. 6, ch. 22833, 1945; s. 1, ch. 73-305; s. 1147, ch. 95-147; s. 31, ch. 95-312.

215.36  State funds; laws not repealed.--Nothing in ss. 215.31-215.32, 215.34-215.36 shall be construed as repealing ss. 215.20, 215.22 to 215.25, inclusive, or as affecting the proceeds of 2 cents per gallon of the total tax levied by state law upon gasoline and other like products of petroleum, now known as the "constitutional fuel tax," and upon other fuels used to propel motor vehicles, placed in the State Treasury and divided and distributed as required by s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885 as adopted by the 1968 revised constitution or by s. 9, Art. XII of such revision.

History.--s. 7, ch. 22833, 1945; s. 18, ch. 69-216; s. 34, ch. 83-3; s. 129, ch. 95-417.

215.37  Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the boards to be financed from fees collected; deposit of funds; service charge; appropriation.--

(1)  All fees, licenses, and other charges assessed to practitioners of professions, as defined in chapter 455, by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or a board within the department shall be collected by the department and shall be deposited in the State Treasury into the Professional Regulation Trust Fund to the credit of the department.

(2)  The regulation by the department of professions, as defined in chapter 455, shall be financed solely from revenue collected by it from fees and other charges and deposited in the Professional Regulation Trust Fund, and all such revenue is hereby appropriated to the department. However, it is legislative intent that each profession shall operate within its anticipated fees.

(3)  The department shall be charged a service charge pursuant to chapter 215 on funds deposited in the Professional Regulation Trust Fund.

(4)  The department shall submit a balanced legislative budget for its regulation of professions, as defined in chapter 455, by division and operating budgets as required of all governmental subdivisions in chapters 215 and 216, to be based upon anticipated revenues. Prior to development of the department's budget request to the Legislature, the department shall request that each board submit its proposed budget for the operation of the board, the board's office, and other activities or expanded programs of the board for possible inclusion in the department's budget request. Prior to submission of the department's budget request to the Legislature, each board, at a regularly scheduled board meeting, shall review the proposed request related to its regulation of a profession, as defined in chapter 455, and either approve the proposed request or submit to the secretary written exceptions to the department's proposed budget. Any board making such exceptions must specify its objections, the reasons for such exceptions, and proposed alternatives to the department's request. The secretary shall consider all exceptions. When a majority of boards agree on an exception, the secretary shall make adjustments to the department's budget request related to its regulation of professions, as defined in chapter 455, to reflect the majority position. If appropriate, the secretary shall file an exception on behalf of the department. The secretary shall submit to the Legislature the department's amended budget request along with any unresolved exceptions.

(5)  The department shall maintain separate accounts in the Professional Regulation Trust Fund, as provided in s. 455.219, for every profession within the department.

History.--s. 8, ch. 28115, s. 3, ch. 28231, 1953; s. 24, ch. 57-1; s. 13, ch. 59-1; s. 1, ch. 61-514; s. 12, ch. 63-195; s. 2, ch. 65-170; s. 4, ch. 65-295; s. 4, ch. 65-420; ss. 2, 3, ch. 67-371; ss. 6, 30, 31, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 16, ch. 69-353; s. 2, ch. 72-29; s. 1, ch. 72-304; s. 1, ch. 73-305; s. 64, ch. 73-333; s. 1, ch. 73-353; s. 9, ch. 75-201; s. 37, ch. 77-147; s. 15, ch. 78-140; s. 26, ch. 78-155; s. 2, ch. 78-253; s. 22, ch. 78-436; s. 4, ch. 79-36; s. 96, ch. 79-190; s. 78, ch. 83-217; s. 6, ch. 83-339; s. 2, ch. 92-149; s. 2, ch. 94-119; s. 23, ch. 94-218; s. 15, ch. 98-166; s. 3, ch. 2000-160.

215.405  State agencies and the judicial branch authorized to collect costs of fingerprinting.--Any state agency, or the judicial branch, exercising regulatory authority and authorized to take fingerprints of persons within or seeking to come within such agency's or the judicial branch's regulatory power may collect from the person or entity on whose behalf the fingerprints were submitted the actual costs of processing such fingerprints including, but not limited to, any charges imposed by the Department of Law Enforcement or any agency or branch of the United States Government. This provision shall constitute express authority for state agencies and the judicial branch to collect the actual costs of processing the fingerprints either prior to or subsequent to the actual processing and shall supersede any other law to the contrary. To administer the provisions of this section, a state agency, or the judicial branch, electing to collect the cost of fingerprinting is empowered to promulgate and adopt rules to establish the amounts and the methods of payment needed to collect such costs. Collections made under these provisions shall be deposited with the Treasurer to an appropriate trust fund account to be designated by the Executive Office of the Governor.

History.--s. 1, ch. 82-149; s. 1, ch. 82-201; s. 20, ch. 92-142.

215.42  Purchases from appropriations, proof of delivery.--The State Comptroller may require proof, as he or she deems necessary, of delivery and receipt of purchases before honoring any voucher for payment from appropriations made in the General Appropriations Act or otherwise provided by law.

History.--s. 20, ch. 28115, s. 14, ch. 28231, 1953; s. 1148, ch. 95-147.

215.422  Warrants, vouchers, and invoices; processing time limits; dispute resolution; agency or judicial branch compliance.--

(1)  The voucher authorizing payment of an invoice submitted to an agency of the state or the judicial branch, required by law to be filed with the Comptroller, shall be filed with the Comptroller not later than 20 days after receipt of the invoice and receipt, inspection, and approval of the goods or services, except that in the case of a bona fide dispute the voucher shall contain a statement of the dispute and authorize payment only in the amount not disputed. The Comptroller may establish dollar thresholds and other criteria for all invoices and may delegate to a state agency or the judicial branch responsibility for maintaining the official vouchers and documents for invoices which do not exceed the thresholds or which meet the established criteria. Such records shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements established by the Secretary of State. The electronic payment request transmission to the Comptroller shall constitute filing of a voucher for payment of invoices for which the Comptroller has delegated to an agency custody of official records. Approval and inspection of goods or services shall take no longer than 5 working days unless the bid specifications, purchase order, or contract specifies otherwise. If a voucher filed within the 20-day period is returned by the Department of Banking and Finance because of an error, it shall nevertheless be deemed timely filed. The 20-day filing requirement may be waived in whole or in part by the Department of Banking and Finance on a showing of exceptional circumstances in accordance with rules and regulations of the department. For the purposes of determining the receipt of invoice date, the agency or the judicial branch is deemed to receive an invoice on the date on which a proper invoice is first received at the place designated by the agency or the judicial branch. The agency or the judicial branch is deemed to receive an invoice on the date of the invoice if the agency or the judicial branch has failed to annotate the invoice with the date of receipt at the time the agency or the judicial branch actually received the invoice or failed at the time the order is placed or contract made to designate a specific location to which the invoice must be delivered.

(2)  The warrant in payment of an invoice submitted to an agency of the state or the judicial branch shall be issued not later than 10 days after filing of the voucher authorizing payment. However, this requirement may be waived in whole or in part by the Department of Banking and Finance on a showing of exceptional circumstances in accordance with rules and regulations of the department. If the 10-day period contains fewer than 6 working days, the Department of Banking and Finance shall be deemed in compliance with this subsection if the warrant is issued within 6 working days without regard to the actual number of calendar days. For purposes of this section, a payment is deemed to be issued on the first working day that payment is available for delivery or mailing to the vendor.

(3)(a)  Each agency of the state or the judicial branch which is required by law to file vouchers with the Comptroller shall keep a record of the date of receipt of the invoice; dates of receipt, inspection, and approval of the goods or services; date of filing of the voucher; and date of issuance of the warrant in payment thereof. If the voucher is not filed or the warrant is not issued within the time required, an explanation in writing by the agency head or the Chief Justice shall be submitted to the Department of Banking and Finance in a manner prescribed by it. Agencies and the judicial branch shall continue to deliver or mail state payments promptly.

(b)  If a warrant in payment of an invoice is not issued within 40 days after receipt of the invoice and receipt, inspection, and approval of the goods and services, the agency or judicial branch shall pay to the vendor, in addition to the amount of the invoice, interest at a rate as established pursuant to s. 55.03(1) on the unpaid balance from the expiration of such 40-day period until such time as the warrant is issued to the vendor. Such interest shall be added to the invoice at the time of submission to the Comptroller for payment whenever possible. If addition of the interest penalty is not possible, the agency or judicial branch shall pay the interest penalty payment within 15 days after issuing the warrant. The provisions of this paragraph apply only to undisputed amounts for which payment has been authorized. Disputes shall be resolved in accordance with rules developed and adopted by the Chief Justice for the judicial branch, and rules adopted by the Department of Banking and Finance or in a formal administrative proceeding before an administrative law judge of the Division of Administrative Hearings for state agencies, provided that, for the purposes of ss. 120.569 and 120.57(1), no party to a dispute involving less than $1,000 in interest penalties shall be deemed to be substantially affected by the dispute or to have a substantial interest in the decision resolving the dispute. In the case of an error on the part of the vendor, the 40-day period shall begin to run upon receipt by the agency or the judicial branch of a corrected invoice or other remedy of the error. The provisions of this paragraph do not apply when the filing requirement under subsection (1) or subsection (2) has been waived in whole by the Department of Banking and Finance. The various state agencies and the judicial branch shall be responsible for initiating the penalty payments required by this subsection and shall use this subsection as authority to make such payments. The budget request submitted to the Legislature shall specifically disclose the amount of any interest paid by any agency or the judicial branch pursuant to this subsection. The temporary unavailability of funds to make a timely payment due for goods or services does not relieve an agency or the judicial branch from the obligation to pay interest penalties under this section.

(c)  An agency or the judicial branch may make partial payments to a contractor upon partial delivery of goods or services or upon partial completion of construction when a request for such partial payment is made by the contractor and approved by the agency. Provisions of this section and rules of the Department of Banking and Finance shall apply to partial payments in the same manner as they apply to full payments.

(4)  If the terms of the invoice provide a discount for payment in less than 30 days, agencies of the state and the judicial branch shall preferentially process it and use all diligence to obtain the saving by compliance with the invoice terms.

(5)  All purchasing agreements between a state agency or the judicial branch and a vendor, applicable to this section, shall include a statement of the vendor's rights and the state's responsibilities under this section. The vendor's rights shall include being provided with the telephone number of the vendor ombudsman within the Department of Banking and Finance, which information shall also be placed on all agency or judicial branch purchase orders.

(6)  The Department of Banking and Finance shall monitor each agency's and the judicial branch's compliance with the time limits and interest penalty provisions of this section. The department shall provide a report to an agency or to the judicial branch if the department determines that the agency or the judicial branch has failed to maintain an acceptable rate of compliance with the time limits and interest penalty provisions of this section. The department shall establish criteria for determining acceptable rates of compliance. The report shall also include a list of late vouchers or payments, the amount of interest owed or paid, and any corrective actions recommended. The department shall perform monitoring responsibilities, pursuant to this section, using the Management Services and Purchasing Subsystem or the Florida Accounting Information Resource Subsystem provided in s. 215.94. Each agency and the judicial branch shall be responsible for the accuracy of information entered into the Management Services and Purchasing Subsystem and the Florida Accounting Information Resource Subsystem for use in this monitoring.

(7)  There is created a vendor ombudsman within the Department of Banking and Finance who shall be responsible for the following functions:

(a)  Performing the duties of the department pursuant to subsection (6).

(b)  Reviewing requests for waivers due to exceptional circumstances.

(c)  Disseminating information relative to the prompt payment policies of this state and assisting vendors in receiving their payments in a timely manner.

(d)  Performing such other duties as determined by the department.

(8)  The Department of Banking and Finance is authorized and directed to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to implement this section and for resolution of disputes involving amounts of less than $1,000 in interest penalties for state agencies. No agency or the judicial branch shall adopt any rule or policy that is inconsistent with this section or the Department of Banking and Finance's rules or policies.

(9)  Each agency and the judicial branch shall include in the official position description of every officer or employee who is responsible for the approval or processing of vendors' invoices or distribution of warrants to vendors that the requirements of this section are mandatory.

(10)  Persistent failure to comply with this section by any agency of the state or the judicial branch shall constitute good cause for discharge of employees duly found responsible, or predominantly responsible, for failure to comply.

(11)  Travel and other reimbursements to state officers and employees must be the same as payments to vendors under this section, except payment of Class C travel subsistence. Class C travel subsistence shall be paid in accordance with the schedule established by the Comptroller pursuant to s. 112.061(5)(b). This section does not apply to payments made to state agencies, the judicial branch, or the legislative branch.

(12)  In the event that a state agency or the judicial branch contracts with a third party, uses a revolving fund, or pays from a local bank account to process and pay invoices for goods or services, all requirements for financial obligations and time processing set forth in this section shall be applicable and the state agency or the judicial branch shall be responsible for paying vendors the interest assessed for untimely payment. The state agency or the judicial branch may, through its contract with a third party, require the third party to pay interest from the third party's funds.

(13)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (3) and (12), in order to alleviate any hardship that may be caused to a health care provider as a result of delay in receiving reimbursement for services, any payment or payments for hospital, medical, or other health care services which are to be reimbursed by a state agency or the judicial branch, either directly or indirectly, shall be made to the health care provider not more than 35 days from the date eligibility for payment of such claim is determined. If payment is not issued to a health care provider within 35 days after the date eligibility for payment of the claim is determined, the state agency or the judicial branch shall pay the health care provider interest at a rate of 1 percent per month calculated on a calendar day basis on the unpaid balance from the expiration of such 35-day period until such time as payment is made to the health care provider, unless a waiver in whole has been granted by the Department of Banking and Finance pursuant to subsection (1) or subsection (2).

(14)  The Comptroller may adopt rules to authorize advance payments for goods and services, including, but not limited to, maintenance agreements and subscriptions. Such rules shall provide objective criteria for determining when it is in the best interest of the state to make payments in advance and shall also provide for adequate protection to ensure that such goods or services will be provided.

(15)  Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to be an appropriation. Any interest which becomes due and owing pursuant to this section shall only be payable from the appropriation charged for such goods or services.

(16)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 24.120(3), applicable to warrants issued for payment of invoices submitted by the Department of the Lottery, the Comptroller may, by written agreement with the Department of the Lottery, establish a shorter time requirement than the 10 days provided in subsection (2) for warrants issued for payment. Pursuant to such written agreement, the Department of the Lottery shall reimburse the Comptroller for costs associated with processing invoices under the agreement.

History.--s. 1, ch. 74-7; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 1, ch. 78-352; s. 3, ch. 79-106; s. 2, ch. 83-332; s. 8, ch. 85-104; s. 57, ch. 87-224; s. 1, ch. 89-200; s. 3, ch. 91-162; s. 21, ch. 92-142; s. 149, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 9, ch. 94-239; s. 1507, ch. 95-147; s. 32, ch. 95-312; s. 6, ch. 96-310; s. 44, ch. 96-410; s. 8, ch. 99-155; s. 19, ch. 99-399.

215.425  Extra compensation claims prohibited.--No extra compensation shall be made to any officer, agent, employee, or contractor after the service has been rendered or the contract made; nor shall any money be appropriated or paid on any claim the subject matter of which has not been provided for by preexisting laws, unless such compensation or claim is allowed by a law enacted by two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the Legislature. However, when adopting salary schedules for a fiscal year, a district school board or community college district board of trustees may apply the schedule for payment of all services rendered subsequent to July 1 of that fiscal year. The provisions of this section do not apply to extra compensation given to state employees who are included within the senior management group pursuant to rules adopted by the Department of Management Services; to extra compensation given to county, municipal, or special district employees pursuant to policies adopted by county or municipal ordinances or resolutions of governing boards of special districts or to employees of the clerk of the circuit court pursuant to written policy of the clerk; or to a clothing and maintenance allowance given to plainclothes deputies pursuant to s. 30.49.

History.--Formerly s. 11, Art. XVI of the Constitution of 1885, as amended; converted to statutory law by s. 10, Art. XII of the Constitution as revised in 1968; s. 27, ch. 79-190; s. 1, ch. 80-114; s. 35, ch. 84-336; s. 3, ch. 92-90; s. 83, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 2, ch. 95-169; s. 5, ch. 98-320; s. 8, ch. 99-259.

215.43  Public bonds, notes, and other securities.--

(1)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section, the following words and term shall have the following meanings:

(a)  The word "unit" shall mean any department, board, commission or other agency of Florida, or any county, city, town, village, district or any other political subdivision of the state, heretofore or hereafter created or established, or any board, commission, authority or other public agency or instrumentality which is now or may hereafter be authorized by law to issue bonds.

(b)  The term "governing body" shall mean the officer or officers, or the department, board, body, council, commission, authority or other agency which is authorized by law to take the proceedings which are required to authorize or to provide for the issuance of bonds.

(c)  The word "bonds" shall include all bonds, notes, certificates and other similar obligations and securities of a unit whether payable in whole or in part from the proceeds of ad valorem taxes, revenues or any other source.

(2)  EXECUTION OF PUBLIC SECURITIES.--

(a)  Any bonds heretofore or hereafter authorized to be issued by any unit under the provisions of any general, special or local law heretofore or hereafter enacted and any interest coupons attached thereto may, if so authorized by the governing body of such unit, bear or be executed with the facsimile signature of any official authorized by such law to sign or to execute such bonds or coupons; provided, however, that each such bond shall be manually signed by at least one official of such unit. In case any such law shall provide for the sealing of such bonds with the official or corporate seal of such unit or of its governing body or any official thereof, a facsimile of such seal may be imprinted on the bonds if so authorized by the governing body of such unit, and it shall not be necessary in such case to impress such seal physically upon such bonds.

(b)  In case any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature shall appear on any bonds or coupons shall cease to be such officer before the delivery of such bonds, such signature or such facsimile shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if he or she had remained in office until such delivery, and any bond may bear the facsimile signature of, or may be signed by, such persons as at the actual time of the execution of such bond shall be the proper officers to sign such bond although at the date of such bond such persons may not have been such officers.

History.--ss. 1, 2, ch. 57-763; s. 1149, ch. 95-147.

215.431  Issuance of bond anticipation notes.--

(1)  Each of the counties, school boards, districts, authorities, municipalities, and agencies of municipalities in the state shall have power, at any time and from time to time after the issuance of bonds thereof shall have been authorized, whether such bonds be general, special, revenue or other obligations of such county, school board, district, authority, municipality, or agency of a municipality, and, if the approval of such bonds at an election is required after the holding of such election, to borrow money for the purposes for which such bonds are to be issued in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of the sale of such bonds and within the authorized maximum amount of such bond issue. Any such loan shall be paid within 5 years after the date on which the bond anticipation notes shall have been issued or, if such bonds shall have been approved at an election, within 5 years after the date on which such election shall have been held. Bond anticipation notes shall be issued for all moneys borrowed under the provisions of this law, and such notes may be renewed from time to time; but all such notes shall mature within the time above limited for the payment of the original loan. Such notes shall be authorized by resolution of the governing body of the issuer and shall be in such denomination or denominations, shall bear interest at such rate or rates not exceeding the maximum rate permitted by law or by the resolution or ordinance authorizing the issuance of the bonds, whichever shall be the lesser, shall be in such form, and shall be executed in such manner, all as such governing body shall prescribe. Such notes may be sold at either public or private sale; or, if such notes shall be renewal notes, they may be exchanged for notes then outstanding on such terms as the governing body shall determine. The governing body may, in its discretion, retire any such notes by means of current revenues, in lieu of retiring them by means of bonds; however, before the retirement of such notes by any means other than the issuance of bonds, it shall amend or repeal the resolution or ordinance authorizing the issuance of the bonds in anticipation of the proceeds of the sale of which such notes shall have been issued so as to reduce the authorized amount of the bond issue by the amount of the notes so retired. Such amendatory or repealing resolution or ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and need not be published. All powers and rights conferred by this law shall be in addition to and supplemental to those conferred by any other general or special law and shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes hereof.

(2)  Chapter 80-42, Laws of Florida, shall be applicable to any bond anticipation notes heretofore issued and now outstanding or authorized but unissued upon July 1, 1980, as well as any bond anticipation notes authorized and issued after July 1, 1980.

History.--s. 1, ch. 59-127; ss. 1, 2, ch. 80-42; s. 122, ch. 81-259.

215.44  Board of Administration; powers and duties in relation to investment of trust funds.--

(1)  Except when otherwise specifically provided by the State Constitution and subject to any limitations of the trust agreement relating to a trust fund, the Board of Administration, hereinafter sometimes referred to as "board," composed of the Governor as chair, the Treasurer, and the Comptroller, shall invest all the funds in the System Trust Fund, as defined in s. 121.021(36), and all other funds specifically required by law to be invested by the board pursuant to ss. 215.44-215.53 to the fullest extent that is consistent with the cash requirements, trust agreement, and investment objectives of the fund. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the State Board of Administration may invest any funds of any state agency or any unit of local government pursuant to the terms of a trust agreement with the head of the state agency or the governing body of the unit of local government, which trust agreement shall govern the investment of such funds, provided that the board shall approve the undertaking of such investment before execution of the trust agreement by the State Board of Administration. The funds and the earnings therefrom are exempt from the service charge imposed by s. 215.20. As used in this subsection, the term "state agency" has the same meaning as that provided in ¹s. 216.001, and the terms "governing body" and "unit of local government" have the same meaning as that provided in s. 218.403.

(2)(a)  The board shall have the power to make purchases, sales, exchanges, investments, and reinvestments for and on behalf of the funds referred to in subsection (1), and it shall be the duty of the board to see that moneys invested under the provisions of ss. 215.44-215.53 are at all times handled in the best interests of the state.

(b)  In exercising investment authority pursuant to s. 215.47, the board may retain investment advisers or managers, or both, external to in-house staff, to assist the board in carrying out the power specified in paragraph (a).

(3)  Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, all investments made by the State Board of Administration pursuant to ss. 215.44-215.53 shall be subject to the restrictions and limitations contained in s. 215.47.

(4)  The board shall prepare and approve an operating budget each fiscal year consistent with the provisions of chapter 216. The approved operating budget shall be submitted to the legislative appropriation committees and the Executive Office of the Governor prior to July 1 of each year.

(5)  On or before January 1 of each year, the board shall provide to the Legislature a report including the following items for each fund which, by law, has been entrusted to the board for investment:

(a)  A schedule of the annual beginning and ending asset values and changes and sources of changes in the asset value of:

1.  Each fund managed by the board; and

2.  Each asset class and portfolio within the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund;

(b)  A description of the investment policy for each fund, and changes in investment policy for each fund since the previous annual report;

(c)  A description of compliance with investment strategy for each fund;

(d)  A description of the risks inherent in investing in financial instruments of the major asset classes held in the fund; and

(e)  Other information deemed of interest by the executive director of the board.

(6)  The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability shall examine the board's management of investments every 2 years. The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability shall submit such reports to the board, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and their designees.

(7)  Investment and debt purchasing procedures and contracts of funds held in trust by the State Board of Administration, whether directly or incidentally related to the investment or debt transactions, are exempt from the provisions of chapter 287.

(8)(a)  In order to effectively and efficiently administer the real estate investment program of the State Board of Administration, the Legislature finds a public necessity in protecting specified records of the board. Accordingly, records and information relating to acquiring, hypothecating, or disposing of real property or related personal property or mortgage interests in same, as well as interest in collective real estate investment funds, publicly traded securities, or private placement investments, are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) in order to protect proprietary information requisite to the board's ability to transact arms length negotiations necessary to successfully compete in the real estate investment market. All reports and documents relating to value, offers, counteroffers, or negotiations are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) until closing is complete and all funds have been disbursed. Reports and documents relating to tenants, leases, contracts, rent rolls, and negotiations in progress are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) until the executive director determines that releasing such information would not be detrimental to the interests of the board and would not cause a conflict with the fiduciary responsibilities of the State Board of Administration.

(b)  In order to effectively and efficiently administer the investment programs of the board, the Legislature finds a public necessity in protecting records other than those described in paragraph (a). Accordingly, records and other information relating to investments made by the board pursuant to its constitutional and statutory investment duties and responsibilities are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) until 30 days after completion of an investment transaction. However, if in the opinion of the executive director of the board it would be detrimental to the financial interests of the board or would cause a conflict with the fiduciary responsibilities of the board, information concerning service provider fees may be maintained as confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) until 6 months after negotiations relating to such fees have been terminated. This exemption prevents the use of confidential internal investment decisions of the State Board of Administration for improper personal gain.

(9)  In connection with any investment pursuant to s. 215.47, the State Board of Administration may enter into an indemnification agreement provided that, under any such agreement, the liability of the State Board of Administration is limited to the amount of its investment and the State Board of Administration is not obligated to indemnify against loss caused by the negligence or fault of the person seeking indemnification.

History.--ss. 1, 2, ch. 57-353; ss. 1, 10, ch. 67-354; s. 46, ch. 71-355; s. 1, ch. 77-270; s. 97, ch. 79-190; s. 2, ch. 81-295; ss. 1, 2, ch. 83-270; s. 3, ch. 83-332; s. 7, ch. 83-339; s. 52, ch. 86-152; s. 1, ch. 86-236; s. 1, ch. 89-299; s. 25, ch. 91-244; s. 4, ch. 93-162; s. 1150, ch. 95-147; s. 4, ch. 96-177; s. 70, ch. 96-406; s. 1, ch. 98-47; s. 54, ch. 2001-266.

¹Note.--Repealed by s. 61, ch. 2000-371.

215.441  Board of Administration; appointment of executive director.--The appointment of the executive director of the State Board of Administration shall be subject to the approval by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees of the State Board of Administration, and the Governor must vote on the prevailing side. Such appointment must be reaffirmed in the same manner by the board of trustees on an annual basis.

History.--s. 9, ch. 2001-235.

215.444  Investment Advisory Council.--

(1)  There is created a six-member Investment Advisory Council to review the investments made by the staff of the Board of Administration and to make recommendations to the board regarding investment policy, strategy, and procedures.

(2)  The members of the council shall be appointed by the board and shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate. These individuals shall possess special knowledge, experience, and familiarity with financial investments and portfolio management. Members shall be appointed for 4-year terms. A vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term. The council shall annually elect a chair and a vice chair from its membership. A member may not be elected to consecutive terms as chair or vice chair.

History.--s. 1, ch. 83-270; s. 2, ch. 84-94; s. 53, ch. 86-152; s. 2, ch. 86-236; ss. 1, 3, ch. 93-23; s. 1151, ch. 95-147.

215.45  Sale and exchange of securities.--Securities or investments purchased or held under the provisions of this chapter may be sold or exchanged for other securities or investments; provided, however, that no sale or exchange shall be at a price less than the market price of the securities or investments to be sold or exchanged unless such sale or exchange is pursuant to a call option having a strike price more than the price of the securities on the date the option was written or unless such sale or exchange has received the unanimous approval of the board.

History.--s. 3, ch. 57-353; s. 1, ch. 82-45.

215.47  Investments; authorized securities; loan of securities.--Subject to the limitations and conditions of the State Constitution or of the trust agreement relating to a trust fund, moneys available for investments under ss. 215.44-215.53 may be invested as follows:

(1)  Without limitation in:

(a)  Bonds, notes, or other obligations of the United States or those guaranteed by the United States or for which the credit of the United States is pledged for the payment of the principal and interest or dividends thereof.

(b)  State bonds pledging the full faith and credit of the state and revenue bonds additionally secured by the full faith and credit of the state.

(c)  Bonds of the several counties or districts in the state containing a pledge of the full faith and credit of the county or district involved.

(d)  Bonds issued or administered by the State Board of Administration secured solely by a pledge of all or part of the 2-cent constitutional fuel tax accruing under the provisions of s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended, or of s. 9, Art. XII of the 1968 revised State Constitution.

(e)  Bonds issued by the State Board of Education pursuant to ss. 18 and 19, Art. XII of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended, or to s. 9, Art. XII of the 1968 revised State Constitution, as amended.

(f)  Bonds issued by the Florida Outdoor Recreational Development Council pursuant to s. 17, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended.

(g)  Bonds issued by the Florida State Improvement Commission, Florida Development Commission, ¹Division of Bond Finance of the ²Department of General Services, or Division of Bond Finance of the State Board of Administration.

(h)  Savings accounts in, or certificates of deposit of, any bank, savings bank, or savings and loan association incorporated under the laws of this state or organized under the laws of the United States doing business and situated in this state, the accounts of which are insured by the Federal Government or an agency thereof, in an amount that does not exceed 15 percent of the net worth of the institution, or a lesser amount as determined by rule by the State Board of Administration, provided such savings accounts and certificates of deposit are secured in the manner prescribed in chapter 280.

(i)  Notes, bonds, and other obligations of agencies of the United States.

(j)  Commercial paper of prime quality of the highest letter and numerical rating as provided for by at least one nationally recognized rating service.

(k)  Time drafts or bills of exchange drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank, otherwise known as banker's acceptances, which are accepted by a member bank of the Federal Reserve System having total deposits of not less than $400 million.

(l)  Negotiable certificates of deposit issued by domestic or foreign financial institutions in United States dollars.

(m)  Short-term obligations not authorized elsewhere in this section to be purchased individually or in pooled accounts or other collective investment funds, for the purpose of providing liquidity to any fund or portfolio.

(n)  Securities of, or other interests in, any open-end or closed-end management type investment company or investment trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. ss. 80a-1 et seq., as amended from time to time, provided that the portfolio of such investment company or investment trust is limited to obligations of the United States Government or any agency or instrumentality thereof and to repurchase agreements fully collateralized by such United States Government obligations and provided that such investment company or investment trust takes delivery of such collateral either directly or through an authorized custodian.

(2)  With no more than 25 percent of any fund in:

(a)  Bonds, notes, or obligations of any municipality or political subdivision or any agency or authority of this state, if such obligations are rated in any one of the three highest ratings by two nationally recognized rating services. However, if only one nationally recognized rating service shall rate such obligations, then such rating service must have rated such obligations in any one of the two highest classifications heretofore mentioned.

(b)  Notes secured by first mortgages on Florida real property, insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

(c)  Investments collateralized by first mortgages covering single-family Florida residences, provided such mortgages do not exceed $60,000, do not exceed 80 percent of value, are not delinquent, and are originated by a lender regulated by the state or Federal Government and the aggregate of the collateral furnished is at least 150 percent of the aggregate investment under this subsection. The mortgages used for collateral shall be segregated by the lending institution so that such segregation may be confirmed by independent audit. In the event any such mortgage used as collateral becomes more than 3 months delinquent, the lender shall immediately substitute therefor a mortgage of equal or greater value.

(d)  Mortgage securities which represent participation in or are collateralized by mortgage loans secured by real property. Such securities must be issued by an agency of or enterprise sponsored by the United States Government, including, but not limited to, the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

(e)  Group annuity contracts of the pension investment type with insurers licensed to do business in this state, except that amounts invested by the board with any one insurer shall not exceed 3 percent of its assets.

(f)  Certain interests in real property and related personal property, including mortgages and related instruments on commercial or industrial real property, with provisions for equity or income participation or with provisions for convertibility to equity ownership; and interests in collective investment funds. Associated expenditures for acquisition and operation of assets purchased under this provision shall be included as a part of the cost of the investment.

1.  The title to real property acquired under this paragraph shall be vested in the name of the respective fund.

2.  For purposes of taxation of property owned by any fund, the provisions of s. 196.199(2)(b) do not apply.

3.  Real property acquired under the provisions of this paragraph shall not be considered state lands or public lands and property as defined in chapter 253, and the provisions of that chapter do not apply to such real property.

(g)  General obligations backed by the full faith and credit of a foreign government which has not defaulted on similar obligations for a minimum period of 25 years prior to purchase of the obligation and has met its payments of similar obligations when due.

(h)  A portion of the funds available for investment pursuant to this subsection may be invested in rated or unrated bonds, notes, or instruments backed by the full faith and credit of the government of Israel.

(i)  Obligations of agencies of the government of the United States, provided such obligations have been included in and authorized by the Florida Retirement System Total Fund Investment Plan established in s. 215.475.

(j)  United States dollar-denominated obligations issued by foreign governments, or political subdivisions or agencies thereof, supranational agencies, foreign corporations, or foreign commercial entities.

(3)  With no more than 80 percent of any fund in common stock, preferred stock, and interest-bearing obligations of a corporation having an option to convert into common stock, provided:

(a)  The corporation is organized under the laws of the United States, any state or organized territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia; or

(b)  The corporation is listed on any one or more of the recognized national stock exchanges in the United States and conforms with the periodic reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(c)  Not more than 75 percent of the fund may be in internally managed common stock.

The board shall not invest more than 10 percent of the equity assets of any fund in the common stock, preferred stock, and interest-bearing obligations having an option to convert into common stock, of any one issuing corporation; and the board shall not invest more than 3 percent of the equity assets of any fund in such securities of any one issuing corporation except to the extent a higher percentage of the same issue is included in a nationally recognized market index, based on market values, at least as broad as the Standard and Poor's Composite Index of 500 Companies, or except upon a specific finding by the board that such higher percentage is in the best interest of the fund.

(4)  With no more than 80 percent of any fund, in interest-bearing obligations with a fixed maturity of any corporation or commercial entity within the United States.

(5)  With no more than 20 percent of any fund in corporate obligations and securities of any kind of a foreign corporation or a foreign commercial entity having its principal office located in any country other than the United States of America or its possessions or territories, not including United States dollar-denominated securities listed and traded on a United States exchange which are a part of the ordinary investment strategy of the board.

(6)  With no more than 5 percent of any fund to be invested as deemed appropriate by the board, notwithstanding investment limitations otherwise expressed in this section. Prior to the board engaging in any investment activity not otherwise authorized under ss. 215.44-215.53, excluding investments in publicly traded securities, options, financial futures, or similar instruments, the board shall present to the Investment Advisory Council a proposed plan for such investment. Said plan shall include, but not be limited to, the expected benefits and potential risks of such activity; methods for monitoring and measuring the performance of the investment; a complete description of the type, nature, extent and purpose of the investment, including description of issuer, security in which investment is proposed to be made, voting rights or lack thereof and control to be acquired, restrictions upon voting, transfer, and other material rights of ownership, and the existence of any contracts, arrangements, understandings, or relationships with any person or entity (naming the same) with respect to the proposed investment; and assurances that sufficient investment expertise is available to the board to properly evaluate and manage such activity. The Investment Advisory Council may obtain independent investment counsel to provide expert advice with regard to such proposed investment activity by the board, and the board shall defray such costs.

(7)  For the purpose of determining the above investment limitations, the value of bonds shall be the par value thereof, and the value of evidences of ownership and interest-bearing obligations having an option to convert to ownership shall be the cost thereof.

(8)  Investments in any securities authorized by this section may be under repurchase agreements or reverse repurchase agreements.

(9)  Investments made by the State Board of Administration shall be designed to maximize the financial return to the fund consistent with the risks incumbent in each investment and shall be designed to preserve an appropriate diversification of the portfolio. The board shall discharge its duties with respect to a plan solely in the interest of its participants and beneficiaries. The board in performing the above investment duties shall comply with the fiduciary standards set forth in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 at 29 U.S.C. s. 1104(a)(1)(A) through (C). In case of conflict with other provisions of law authorizing investments, the investment and fiduciary standards set forth in this subsection shall prevail.

(10)  The board is authorized to buy and sell futures and options, provided the instruments for such purpose are traded on a securities exchange or board of trade regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, unless the board by rule authorizes a different market.

(11)  The board is authorized to invest in domestic or foreign notional principal contracts.

(12)  The State Board of Administration, consistent with sound investment policy, may pledge up to 2 percent of the assets of the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund as collateral for housing bonds issued by the State of Florida or its political subdivisions under chapter 159, part V of chapter 420, or chapter 421 as a supplemental income program for the system. With regard to any collateral program, the State Board of Administration is authorized to coordinate or retain other governmental entities of the State of Florida or private entities to administer this program, as well as receive fees for the use of the designated collateral.

(13)  The State Board of Administration, consistent with sound investment policy, may invest the earnings accrued and collected upon the investment of the minimum balance of funds required to be maintained in the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to s. 339.135(6)(b). Such investment shall be limited as provided in s. 288.9607(7).

(14)  With no more than 5 percent of any fund in private equity through participation in limited partnerships and limited liability companies.

(15)  The State Board of Administration is authorized to invest in domestic and foreign group trusts.

(16)  Securities or investments purchased or held under the provisions of this section may be loaned to securities dealers or financial institutions, provided the loan is collateralized by cash or securities having a market value of at least 100 percent of the market value of the securities loaned.

History.--s. 5, ch. 57-353; s. 1, ch. 61-462; s. 1, ch. 63-341; s. 1, ch. 63-446; s. 1, ch. 65-551; s. 2, ch. 67-354; ss. 22, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 18, ch. 69-216; s. 1, ch. 70-47; ss. 1, 2, ch. 73-183; s. 65, ch. 73-333; s. 14, ch. 77-301; s. 2, ch. 79-262; s. 1, ch. 80-317; s. 123, ch. 81-259; s. 3, ch. 82-45; s. 35, ch. 83-3; s. 16, ch. 83-215; s. 1, ch. 83-229; s. 2, ch. 83-270; s. 1, ch. 84-137; s. 1, ch. 84-166; s. 213, ch. 85-342; s. 54, ch. 86-152; s. 3, ch. 86-236; s. 5, ch. 88-171; s. 2, ch. 88-385; s. 2, ch. 89-299; s. 26, ch. 91-244; s. 150, ch. 92-279; s. 8, ch. 92-312; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 5, ch. 93-162; s. 45, ch. 93-187; s. 64, ch. 93-268; s. 2, ch. 94-264; s. 5, ch. 94-332; s. 130, ch. 95-417; s. 5, ch. 96-177; s. 2, ch. 98-47.

¹Note.--Transferred to the State Board of Administration by s. 2, ch. 92-279.

²Note.--Redesignated as the Department of Management Services by s. 4, ch. 92-279.

¹215.471  Divestiture by the State Board of Administration.--The State Board of Administration shall divest any investment under s. 121.151 and ss. 215.44-215.53, and is prohibited from investment in stocks, securities, or other obligations of:

(1)  Any institution or company domiciled in the United States, or foreign subsidiary of a company domiciled in the United States, doing business in or with Cuba, or with agencies or instrumentalities thereof in violation of federal law.

(2)  Any institution or company domiciled outside of the United States if the President of the United States has applied sanctions against the foreign country in which the institution or company is domiciled pursuant to s. 4 of the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992.

History.--s. 2, ch. 93-218; s. 4, ch. 2000-152.

¹Note.--Section 6, ch. 93-218, provides that "[t]he Governor may waive the requirements of this act in the event that there is a collapse of the existing regime in Cuba and there is a need for immediate aid to Cuba prior to the convening of the Legislature or for humanitarian reasons as a result of a national disaster on the Island of Cuba."

¹215.472  Prohibited investments.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each state agency, as defined in s. 216.011, is prohibited from investing in:

(1)  Any financial institution or company domiciled in the United States, or foreign subsidiary of a company domiciled in the United States, which directly or through a United States or foreign subsidiary makes any loan, extends credit of any kind or character, advances funds in any manner, or purchases or trades any goods or services with Cuba, the government of Cuba, or any company doing business in or with Cuba in violation of federal law.

(2)  Any financial institution or company domiciled outside of the United States if the President of the United States has applied sanctions against the foreign country in which the institution or company is domiciled pursuant to s. 4 of the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992.

History.--s. 3, ch. 93-218.

¹Note.--Section 6, ch. 93-218, provides that "[t]he Governor may waive the requirements of this act in the event that there is a collapse of the existing regime in Cuba and there is a need for immediate aid to Cuba prior to the convening of the Legislature or for humanitarian reasons as a result of a national disaster on the Island of Cuba."

215.475  Investment plan.--

(1)  In making investments for the System Trust Fund pursuant to ss. 215.44-215.53, the board shall make no investment which is not in conformance with the Florida Retirement System Total Fund Investment Plan, hereinafter referred to as "the plan," as developed by the executive director and approved by the board. The plan must include, among other items, the investment objectives of the System Trust Fund; permitted types of securities in which the board may invest; and evaluation criteria necessary to measure the investment performance of the fund. As required from time to time, the executive director of the board may present recommended changes in the plan to the board for approval.

(2)  Prior to any recommended changes in the plan being presented to the board, the executive director of the board shall present such changes to the Investment Advisory Council for review. The council shall present the results of its review to the board prior to the board's final approval of the plan or changes in the plan.

History.--s. 3, ch. 89-299; ss. 3, 4, ch. 90-192; s. 4, ch. 93-23.

215.48  Consent and ratification of appropriate board, agency, or of the judicial branch.--By and with the consent and approval of any constitutional board or agency, or the judicial branch, now having the constitutional power to make investments, and in accordance with the provisions of ss. 215.44-215.53, the State Board of Administration shall have the power to make purchases, sales, exchanges, investments and reinvestments for and on behalf of any such board.

History.--s. 6, ch. 57-353; s. 3, ch. 67-354; s. 45, ch. 79-164; s. 22, ch. 92-142.

215.49  Making funds available for investment.--

(1)  It shall be the duty of each state agency, and the judicial branch, now or hereafter charged with the administration of the System Trust Fund, as defined in s. 121.021(36), or other funds specifically required by law to be invested by the State Board of Administration pursuant to ss. 215.44-215.53 to make such moneys available for investment as fully as is consistent with the cash requirements of the particular fund and to transfer such moneys to the board for investment.

(2)  Monthly, and more often as circumstances require, such agency and the judicial branch shall notify the State Board of Administration of the amount available for investment, the moneys shall be transferred to the board, and the investment shall be made by the board. Such notification shall include the name and number of the fund for which the investments are to be made, and of the life of the investment if the principal sum is to be required for meeting obligations; however, nothing herein shall be construed as legislative intent to make available for investment any funds other than those referred to in s. 215.44.

(3)  If requested by the board, it shall be the duty of the agency and the judicial branch to furnish the board an inventory of all securities in the particular fund, together with such additional information as may be requested.

History.--s. 7, ch. 57-353; s. 4, ch. 67-354; s. 3, ch. 81-295; s. 23, ch. 92-142.

215.50  Custody of securities purchased; income.--

(1)  All securities purchased or held may, with the approval of the board, be in the custody of the Treasurer or the Treasurer as treasurer ex officio of the board, or be deposited with a bank or trust company to be held in safekeeping by such bank or trust company for the collection of principal and interest or of the proceeds of the sale thereof.

(2)  It shall be the duty of the board or of the Treasurer, as custodian of the securities of the board, to collect the interest or other income on, and the principal of, such securities in their custody as the sums become due and payable and to pay the same, when so collected, into the investment account of the fund to which the investments belong.

(3)  The Treasurer, as custodian of securities owned by the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund and the Florida Survivor Benefit Trust Fund, shall collect the interest, dividends, prepayments, maturities, proceeds from sales, and other income accruing from such assets. As such income is collected by the Treasurer, it shall be deposited directly into a commercial bank to the credit of the State Board of Administration. Such bank accounts as may be required for this purpose shall offer satisfactory collateral security as provided by chapter 280. In the event funds so deposited according to the provisions of this section are required for the purpose of paying benefits or other operational needs, the State Board of Administration shall remit to the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund in the State Treasury such amounts as may be requested by the Department of Management Services.

(4)  Securities that the board selects to use for options operations under s. 215.45 or for lending under s. 215.47(16) shall be registered by the Treasurer in the name of a third-party nominee in order to facilitate such operations.

History.--s. 8, ch. 57-353; s. 5, ch. 67-354; s. 6, ch. 80-242; s. 2, ch. 80-317; s. 8, ch. 81-285; s. 4, ch. 82-45; s. 1, ch. 83-60; s. 79, ch. 83-217; s. 4, ch. 98-47; s. 72, ch. 99-255.

215.51  Investment accounts; changes, notice, etc.--

(1)  The board shall keep, for each fund for which investments are made, a separate account, to be designated by name and number, which shall record the individual amounts and the totals of all investments belonging to such fund. Every receipt and collection or disbursement when received or made shall be immediately reported to the board for recording to the particular fund to which it belongs.

(2)  The board shall make written report monthly to each and every interested state official or agency and the judicial branch the changes in investments made during the preceding month for their respective fund or funds, and, in addition, shall furnish the details on the investment transaction of any fund upon written request of such state official or agency or judicial branch or head thereof.

History.--s. 9, ch. 57-353; s. 24, ch. 92-142.

215.515  Investment accounts; charges for services.--

(1)  The State Board of Administration shall make reasonable charges for all investment services performed for any agency, the judicial branch, or any fund in accordance with the provisions of ss. 215.44-215.53 or other provisions of law. The agency, fund, or judicial branch shall pay the charges, and such sums as may be necessary for this purpose are hereby appropriated from earnings on investments held by such agency, fund, or the judicial branch. The amount to be paid by each agency, fund, or the judicial branch shall be determined in such proportion as the service rendered to each agency, fund, or the judicial branch bears to the total service rendered to all agencies and funds and the judicial branch.

(2)  The State Board of Administration Administrative Expense Trust Fund may be invested by the board to the extent that such investment is consistent with the cash requirements and investment objectives of the board.

History.--s. 2, ch. 77-270; s. 97, ch. 79-400; s. 5, ch. 82-45; s. 25, ch. 92-142; s. 84, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 5, ch. 98-47.

215.52  Rules and regulations.--The board shall have the power and authority to make reasonable rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of ss. 215.44-215.53.

History.--s. 10, ch. 57-353; s. 6, ch. 67-354.

215.53  Powers of existing officers and boards, the judicial branch, and agencies not affected.--It is the intent of the Legislature that transfer of the powers, duties, and responsibilities of existing state agencies or the judicial branch made by ss. 215.44-215.53 to the board shall include only the particular powers, duties, and responsibilities hereby transferred, and all other existing powers shall in no way be affected by said sections. The powers, duties, and responsibilities conferred by ss. 215.44-215.53 upon the board are additional and supplemental to the existing powers of the officers composing the said board.

History.--s. 11, ch. 57-353; s. 7, ch. 67-354; s. 26, ch. 92-142.

215.55  Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund; county distribution.--The funds collected and deposited in the Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund shall be distributed annually to the county in which the money is collected, as follows: 50 percent to the board of county commissioners and 50 percent to the school board in such counties.

History.--s. 1, ch. 59-204; s. 2, ch. 61-119; s. 1, ch. 69-300; s. 63, ch. 77-104; s. 10, ch. 95-372.

215.551  Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund; county distribution.--

(1)  The Comptroller may make distribution of the Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund, when so requested by the counties in interest, of such amounts as may be accumulated in that fund.

(2)  The Comptroller shall ascertain, from the records of the General Land Office or other departments in Washington, D.C., the number of acres of land situated in the several counties in which the Apalachicola, Choctawhatchee, Ocala, and Osceola Forest Reserves are located, the number of acres of land of such forest reserve embraced in each of the counties in each of the reserves, and, also, the amount of money received by the United States Government from each of the reserves, respectively. The Comptroller shall apportion the money on hand to each county in each reserve, respectively and separately; such distribution shall be based upon the number of acres of land embraced in the Apalachicola Forest, Choctawhatchee Forest, Ocala Forest, and Osceola Forest, respectively, in each county and shall be further based upon the amount collected by the United States from each of such forests, so that such distribution, when made, will include for each county the amount due each county, based upon the receipts for the particular forest and the acreage in the particular county in which such forest is located. The Comptroller shall issue two warrants on the Treasurer in each case, the sum of which shall be the amount due each of such counties from the fund. One warrant shall be payable to the county for the county general road fund, and one warrant, of equal amount, shall be payable to such county's district school board for the district school fund.

(3)  In the event that actual figures of receipts from different reserves cannot be obtained by counties, so as to fully comply with subsections (1) and (2), the Comptroller may adjust the matter according to the United States statutes, or as may appear to him or her to be just and fair, and with the approval of all counties in interest.

(4)  The moneys that may be received and credited to the Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund are appropriated for the payment of the warrants of the Comptroller drawn on the Treasurer in pursuance of this section.

History.--ss. 1, 2, ch. 6966, 1915; ss. 2, 3, 4, ch. 7405, 1917; RGS 1094, 1095, 1096, 1097; CGL 1447, 1448, 1449, 1450; s. 7, ch. 22858, 1945; s. 2, ch. 61-119; s. 1, ch. 69-300; s. 81, ch. 77-104; s. 1, ch. 83-35; s. 1, ch. 86-211; s. 1152, ch. 95-147; s. 22, ch. 99-205; s. 2, ch. 99-310.

Note.--Consolidation of former ss. 254.01, 254.02, 254.03, 254.05.

215.552  Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund; land within military installations; county distribution.--The Comptroller shall distribute moneys from the Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund when so requested by the counties so affected. The Comptroller shall apportion the money on hand equal to the percentage of land in each county within each military installation, and the amount so apportioned to each county shall be applied by such counties equally divided between the district school fund and the general road fund of such counties.

History.--s. 2, ch. 83-35; s. 11, ch. 95-372.

215.555  Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.--

(1)  FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.--The Legislature finds and declares as follows:

(a)  There is a compelling state interest in maintaining a viable and orderly private sector market for property insurance in this state. To the extent that the private sector is unable to maintain a viable and orderly market for property insurance in this state, state actions to maintain such a viable and orderly market are valid and necessary exercises of the police power.

(b)  As a result of unprecedented levels of catastrophic insured losses in recent years, and especially as a result of Hurricane Andrew, numerous insurers have determined that in order to protect their solvency, it is necessary for them to reduce their exposure to hurricane losses. Also as a result of these events, world reinsurance capacity has significantly contracted, increasing the pressure on insurers to reduce their catastrophic exposures.

(c)  Mortgages require reliable property insurance, and the unavailability of reliable property insurance would therefore make most real estate transactions impossible. In addition, the public health, safety, and welfare demand that structures damaged or destroyed in a catastrophe be repaired or reconstructed as soon as possible. Therefore, the inability of the private sector insurance and reinsurance markets to maintain sufficient capacity to enable residents of this state to obtain property insurance coverage in the private sector endangers the economy of the state and endangers the public health, safety, and welfare. Accordingly, state action to correct for this inability of the private sector constitutes a valid and necessary public and governmental purpose.

(d)  The insolvencies and financial impairments resulting from Hurricane Andrew demonstrate that many property insurers are unable or unwilling to maintain reserves, surplus, and reinsurance sufficient to enable the insurers to pay all claims in full in the event of a catastrophe. State action is therefore necessary to protect the public from an insurer's unwillingness or inability to maintain sufficient reserves, surplus, and reinsurance.

(e)  A state program to provide a stable and ongoing source of reimbursement to insurers for a portion of their catastrophic hurricane losses will create additional insurance capacity sufficient to ameliorate the current dangers to the state's economy and to the public health, safety, and welfare.

(f)  It is essential to the functioning of a state program to increase insurance capacity that revenues received be exempt from federal taxation. It is therefore the intent of the Legislature that this program be structured as a state trust fund under the direction and control of the State Board of Administration and operate exclusively for the purpose of protecting and advancing the state's interest in maintaining insurance capacity in this state.

(g)  Hurricane Andrew, which caused insured and uninsured losses in excess of $20 billion, will likely not be the last major windstorm to strike Florida. Recognizing that a future wind catastrophe could cause damages in excess of $60 billion, especially if a major urban area or series of urban areas were hit, it is the intent of the Legislature to balance equitably its concerns about mitigation of hurricane impact, insurance affordability and availability, and the risk of insurer and joint underwriting association insolvency, as well as assessment and bonding limitations.

(2)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section:

(a)  "Actuarially indicated" means, with respect to premiums paid by insurers for reimbursement provided by the fund, an amount determined according to principles of actuarial science to be adequate, but not excessive, in the aggregate, to pay current and future obligations and expenses of the fund, including additional amounts if needed to pay debt service on revenue bonds issued under this section and to provide required debt service coverage in excess of the amounts required to pay actual debt service on revenue bonds issued under subsection (6), and determined according to principles of actuarial science to reflect each insurer's relative exposure to hurricane losses.

(b)  "Covered event" means any one storm declared to be a hurricane by the National Hurricane Center, which storm causes insured losses in this state.

(c)  "Covered policy" means any insurance policy covering residential property in this state, including, but not limited to, any homeowner's, mobile home owner's, farm owner's, condominium association, condominium unit owner's, tenant's, or apartment building policy, or any other policy covering a residential structure or its contents issued by any authorized insurer, including any joint underwriting association or similar entity created pursuant to law. Additionally, covered policies include policies covering the peril of wind removed from the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association, created pursuant to s. 627.351(6), or from the Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association, created pursuant to s. 627.351(2), by an authorized insurer under the terms and conditions of an executed assumption agreement between the authorized insurer and either such association. Each assumption agreement between either association and such authorized insurer must be approved by the Florida Department of Insurance prior to the effective date of the assumption, and the Department of Insurance must provide written notification to the board within 15 working days after such approval. "Covered policy" does not include any policy that excludes wind coverage or hurricane coverage or any reinsurance agreement and does not include any policy otherwise meeting this definition which is issued by a surplus lines insurer or a reinsurer.

(d)  "Losses" means direct incurred losses under covered policies, excluding losses attributable to additional living expense coverages and excluding loss adjustment expenses.

(e)  "Retention" means the amount of losses below which an insurer is not entitled to reimbursement from the fund. An insurer's retention shall be calculated as follows:

1.  The board shall calculate and report to each insurer the retention multiples for that year. For the contract year beginning June 1, 1995, the retention multiple shall be equal to $3 billion divided by the total estimated reimbursement premium for the contract year; for subsequent years, the retention multiple shall be equal to $3 billion, adjusted to reflect the percentage growth in exposure to the fund for covered policies since 1998, divided by the total estimated reimbursement premium for the contract year. Total reimbursement premium for purposes of the calculation under this subparagraph shall be estimated using the assumption that all insurers have selected the 90-percent coverage level.

2.  The retention multiple as determined under subparagraph 1. shall be adjusted to reflect the coverage level elected by the insurer. For insurers electing the 90-percent coverage level, the adjusted retention multiple is 100 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph 1. For insurers electing the 75-percent coverage level, the retention multiple is 120 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph 1. For insurers electing the 45-percent coverage level, the adjusted retention multiple is 200 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph 1.

3.  An insurer shall determine its provisional retention by multiplying its provisional reimbursement premium by the applicable adjusted retention multiple and shall determine its actual retention by multiplying its actual reimbursement premium by the applicable adjusted retention multiple.

(f)  "Workers' compensation" includes both workers' compensation and excess workers' compensation insurance.

(g)  "Bond" means any bond, debenture, note, or other evidence of financial indebtedness issued under this section.

(h)  "Debt service" means the amount required in any fiscal year to pay the principal of, redemption premium, if any, and interest on revenue bonds and any amounts required by the terms of documents authorizing, securing, or providing liquidity for revenue bonds necessary to maintain in effect any such liquidity or security arrangements.

(i)  "Debt service coverage" means the amount, if any, required by the documents under which revenue bonds are issued, which amount is to be received in any fiscal year in excess of the amount required to pay debt service for such fiscal year.

(j)  "Local government" means a unit of general purpose local government as defined in s. 218.31(2).

(k)  "Pledged revenues" means all or any portion of revenues to be derived from reimbursement premiums under subsection (5) or from assessments under subparagraph (6)(a)3., as determined by the board.

(l)  "Estimated claims-paying capacity" means the sum of the projected year-end balance of the fund as of December 31 of a contract year, plus any reinsurance purchased by the fund, plus the board's estimate of the board's borrowing capacity.

(m)  "Actual claims-paying capacity" means the sum of the balance of the fund as of December 31 of a contract year, plus any reinsurance purchased by the fund, plus the amount the board is able to raise through the issuance of revenue bonds under subsection (6).

(3)  FLORIDA HURRICANE CATASTROPHE FUND CREATED.--There is created the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund to be administered by the State Board of Administration. Moneys in the fund may not be expended, loaned, or appropriated except to pay obligations of the fund arising out of reimbursement contracts entered into under subsection (4), payment of debt service on revenue bonds issued under subsection (6), costs of the mitigation program under subsection (7), costs of procuring reinsurance, and costs of administration of the fund. The board shall invest the moneys in the fund pursuant to ss. 215.44-215.52. Except as otherwise provided in this section, earnings from all investments shall be retained in the fund. The board may employ or contract with such staff and professionals as the board deems necessary for the administration of the fund. The board may adopt such rules as are reasonable and necessary to implement this section. Such rules must conform to the Legislature's specific intent in establishing the fund as expressed in subsection (1), must enhance the fund's potential ability to respond to claims for covered events, must contain general provisions so that the rules can be applied with reasonable flexibility so as to accommodate insurers in situations of an unusual nature or where undue hardship may result, except that such flexibility may not in any way impair, override, supersede, or constrain the public purpose of the fund, and must be consistent with sound insurance practices. The board may, by rule, provide for the exemption from subsections (4) and (5) of insurers writing covered policies with less than $500,000 in aggregate exposure for covered policies, which exposure results in a de minimis reimbursement premium, if the exemption does not affect the actuarial soundness of the fund.

(4)  REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS.--

(a)  The board shall enter into a contract with each insurer writing covered policies in this state to provide to the insurer the reimbursement described in paragraphs (b) and (d), in exchange for the reimbursement premium paid into the fund under subsection (5). As a condition of doing business in this state, each such insurer shall enter into such a contract.

(b)1.  The contract shall contain a promise by the board to reimburse the insurer for 45 percent, 75 percent, or 90 percent of its losses from each covered event in excess of the insurer's retention, plus 5 percent of the reimbursed losses to cover loss adjustment expenses.

2.  The insurer must elect one of the percentage coverage levels specified in this paragraph and may, upon renewal of a reimbursement contract, elect a lower percentage coverage level if no revenue bonds issued under subsection (6) after a covered event are outstanding, or elect a higher percentage coverage level, regardless of whether or not revenue bonds are outstanding. All members of an insurer group must elect the same percentage coverage level. Any joint underwriting association, risk apportionment plan, or other entity created under s. 627.351 must elect the 90-percent coverage level.

3.  The contract shall provide that reimbursement amounts shall not be reduced by reinsurance paid or payable to the insurer from other sources; however, recoveries from such other sources, taken together with reimbursements under the contract, may not exceed 100 percent of the insurer's losses from covered events. If such recoveries and reimbursements exceed 100 percent of the insurer's losses from covered events, and if there is no agreement between the insurer and the reinsurer to the contrary, any amount in excess of 100 percent of the insurer's losses shall be returned to the fund.

(c)1.  The contract shall also provide that the obligation of the board with respect to all contracts covering a particular contract year shall not exceed the actual claims-paying capacity of the fund up to a limit of $11 billion for that contract year, unless the board determines that there is sufficient estimated claims-paying capacity to provide $11 billion of capacity for the current contract year and an additional $11 billion of capacity for subsequent contract years. Upon such determination being made, the estimated claims-paying capacity for the current contract year shall be determined by adding to the $11 billion limit one-half of the fund's estimated claims-paying capacity in excess of $22 billion.

2.  The contract shall require the board to annually notify insurers of the fund's estimated borrowing capacity for the next contract year, the projected year-end balance of the fund, and the insurer's estimated share of total reimbursement premium to be paid to the fund. For all regulatory and reinsurance purposes, an insurer may calculate its projected payout from the fund as its share of the total fund premium for the current contract year multiplied by the sum of the projected year-end fund balance and the estimated borrowing capacity for that contract year as reported under this paragraph. In May and October of each year, the board shall publish in the Florida Administrative Weekly a statement of the fund's estimated borrowing capacity and the projected year-end balance of the fund for the current contract year.

(d)1.  For purposes of determining potential liability and to aid in the sound administration of the fund, the contract shall require each insurer to report such insurer's losses from each covered event on an interim basis, as directed by the board. The contract shall require the insurer to report to the board no later than December 31 of each year, and quarterly thereafter, its reimbursable losses from covered events for the year. The contract shall require the board to determine and pay, as soon as practicable after receiving these reports of reimbursable losses, the initial amount of reimbursement due and adjustments to this amount based on later loss information. The adjustments to reimbursement amounts shall require the board to pay, or the insurer to return, amounts reflecting the most recent calculation of losses.

2.  In determining reimbursements pursuant to this subsection, the contract shall provide that the board shall:

a.  First reimburse insurers writing covered policies, which insurers are in full compliance with this section and have petitioned the Department of Insurance and qualified as limited apportionment companies under s. 627.351(2)(b)3. The amount of such reimbursement shall be the lesser of $10 million or an amount equal to 10 times the insurer's reimbursement premium for the current year. The amount of reimbursement paid under this sub-subparagraph may not exceed the full amount of reimbursement promised in the reimbursement contract. This sub-subparagraph does not apply with respect to any contract year in which the year-end projected cash balance of the fund, exclusive of any bonding capacity of the fund, exceeds $2 billion. Only one member of any insurer group may receive reimbursement under this sub-subparagraph.

b.  Next pay to each insurer such insurer's projected payout, which is the amount of reimbursement it is owed, up to an amount equal to the insurer's share of the actual premium paid for that contract year, multiplied by the actual claims-paying capacity available for that contract year; provided, entities created pursuant to s. 627.351 shall be further reimbursed in accordance with sub-subparagraph c.

c.  Thereafter, establish, based on reimbursable losses, the prorated reimbursement level at the highest level for which any remaining fund balance or bond proceeds are sufficient to reimburse entities created pursuant to s. 627.351 for losses exceeding the amounts payable pursuant to sub-subparagraph b. for the current contract year.

(e)1.  Except as provided in subparagraphs 2. and 3., the contract shall provide that if an insurer demonstrates to the board that it is likely to qualify for reimbursement under the contract, and demonstrates to the board that the immediate receipt of moneys from the board is likely to prevent the insurer from becoming insolvent, the board shall advance the insurer, at market interest rates, the amounts necessary to maintain the solvency of the insurer, up to 50 percent of the board's estimate of the reimbursement due the insurer. The insurer's reimbursement shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of the advance and interest thereon.

2.  With respect only to an entity created under s. 627.351, the contract shall also provide that the board may, upon application by such entity, advance to such entity, at market interest rates, up to 90 percent of the lesser of:

a.  The board's estimate of the amount of reimbursement due to such entity; or

b.  The entity's share of the actual reimbursement premium paid for that contract year, multiplied by the currently available liquid assets of the fund. In order for the entity to qualify for an advance under this subparagraph, the entity must demonstrate to the board that the advance is essential to allow the entity to pay claims for a covered event and the board must determine that the fund's assets are sufficient and are sufficiently liquid to allow the board to make an advance to the entity and still fulfill the board's reimbursement obligations to other insurers. The entity's final reimbursement for any contract year in which an advance has been made under this subparagraph must be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of the advance and any interest on such advance. In order to determine what amounts, if any, are due the entity, the board may require the entity to report its exposure and its losses at any time to determine retention levels and reimbursements payable.

3.  The contract shall also provide specifically and solely with respect to any limited apportionment company under s. 627.351(2)(b)3. that the board may, upon application by such company, advance to such company the amount of the estimated reimbursement payable to such company as calculated pursuant to paragraph (d), at market interest rates, if the board determines that the fund's assets are sufficient and are sufficiently liquid to permit the board to make an advance to such company and at the same time fulfill its reimbursement obligations to the insurers that are participants in the fund. Such company's final reimbursement for any contract year in which an advance pursuant to this subparagraph has been made shall be reduced by an amount equal to the amount of the advance and interest thereon. In order to determine what amounts, if any, are due to such company, the board may require such company to report its exposure and its losses at such times as may be required to determine retention levels and loss reimbursements payable.

(f)  In order to ensure that insurers have properly reported the insured values on which the reimbursement premium is based and to ensure that insurers have properly reported the losses for which reimbursements have been made, the board shall inspect, examine, and audit the records of each insurer's covered policies at such times as the board deems appropriate and in such manner as is consistent with generally accepted auditing standards. The costs of the audits shall be borne by the board. However, in order to remove any incentive for an insurer to delay preparations for an audit, the board shall be reimbursed by the insurer for any audit expenses incurred in addition to the usual and customary costs of the audit, which additional expenses were incurred as a result of an insurer's failure, despite proper notice, to be prepared for the audit or as a result of an insurer's failure to provide requested information while the audit is in progress. If the board finds any insurer's records or other necessary information to be inadequate or inadequately posted, recorded, or maintained, the board may employ experts to reconstruct, rewrite, record, post, or maintain such records or information, at the expense of the insurer being audited, if such insurer has failed to maintain, complete, or correct such records or deficiencies after the board has given the insurer notice and a reasonable opportunity to do so. Any information contained in an audit report, which information is described in s. 215.557, is confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution, as provided in s. 215.557. Nothing in this paragraph expands the exemption in s. 215.557.

(g)  The contract shall provide that in the event of the insolvency of an insurer, the fund shall pay directly to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association for the benefit of Florida policyholders of the insurer the net amount of all reimbursement moneys owed to the insurer. As used in this paragraph, the term "net amount of all reimbursement moneys" means that amount which remains after reimbursement for:

1.  Preliminary or duplicate payments owed to private reinsurers or other inuring reinsurance payments to private reinsurers that satisfy statutory or contractual obligations of the insolvent insurer attributable to covered events to such reinsurers; or

2.  Funds owed to a bank or other financial institution to cover obligations of the insolvent insurer under a credit agreement that assists the insolvent insurer in paying claims attributable to covered events.

Such private reinsurers, banks, or other financial institutions shall be reimbursed or otherwise paid prior to payment to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association, notwithstanding any law to the contrary. The guaranty association shall pay all claims up to the maximum amount permitted by chapter 631; thereafter, any remaining moneys shall be paid pro rata to claims not fully satisfied. This paragraph does not apply to a joint underwriting association, risk apportionment plan, or other entity created under s. 627.351.

(5)  REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUMS.--

(a)  Each reimbursement contract shall require the insurer to annually pay to the fund an actuarially indicated premium for the reimbursement.

(b)  The State Board of Administration shall select an independent consultant to develop a formula for determining the actuarially indicated premium to be paid to the fund. The formula shall specify, for each zip code or other limited geographical area, the amount of premium to be paid by an insurer for each $1,000 of insured value under covered policies in that zip code or other area. In establishing premiums, the board shall consider the coverage elected under paragraph (4)(b) and any factors that tend to enhance the actuarial sophistication of ratemaking for the fund, including deductibles, type of construction, type of coverage provided, relative concentration of risks, and other such factors deemed by the board to be appropriate. The formula may provide for a procedure to determine the premiums to be paid by new insurers that begin writing covered policies after the beginning of a contract year, taking into consideration when the insurer starts writing covered policies, the potential exposure of the insurer, the potential exposure of the fund, the administrative costs to the insurer and to the fund, and any other factors deemed appropriate by the board. The formula must be approved by unanimous vote of the board. The board may, at any time, revise the formula pursuant to the procedure provided in this paragraph.

(c)  No later than September 1 of each year, each insurer shall notify the board of its insured values under covered policies by zip code, as of June 30 of that year. On the basis of these reports, the board shall calculate the premium due from the insurer, based on the formula adopted under paragraph (b). The insurer shall pay the required annual premium pursuant to a periodic payment plan specified in the contract. The board shall provide for payment of reimbursement premium in periodic installments and for the adjustment of provisional premium installments collected prior to submission of the exposure report to reflect data in the exposure report. The board shall collect interest on late reimbursement premium payments consistent with the assumptions made in developing the premium formula in accordance with paragraph (b).

(d)  All premiums paid to the fund under reimbursement contracts shall be treated as premium for approved reinsurance for all accounting and regulatory purposes.

(6)  REVENUE BONDS.--

(a)  General provisions.--

1.  Upon the occurrence of a hurricane and a determination that the moneys in the fund are or will be insufficient to pay reimbursement at the levels promised in the reimbursement contracts, the board may take the necessary steps under paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) for the issuance of revenue bonds for the benefit of the fund. The proceeds of such revenue bonds may be used to make reimbursement payments under reimbursement contracts; to refinance or replace previously existing borrowings or financial arrangements; to pay interest on bonds; to fund reserves for the bonds; to pay expenses incident to the issuance or sale of any bond issued under this section, including costs of validating, printing, and delivering the bonds, costs of printing the official statement, costs of publishing notices of sale of the bonds, and related administrative expenses; or for such other purposes related to the financial obligations of the fund as the board may determine. The term of the bonds may not exceed 30 years. The board may pledge or authorize the corporation to pledge all or a portion of all revenues under subsection (5) and under subparagraph 3. to secure such revenue bonds and the board may execute such agreements between the board and the issuer of any revenue bonds and providers of other financing arrangements under paragraph (7)(b) as the board deems necessary to evidence, secure, preserve, and protect such pledge. If reimbursement premiums received under subsection (5) or earnings on such premiums are used to pay debt service on revenue bonds, such premiums and earnings shall be used only after the use of the moneys derived from assessments under subparagraph 3. The funds, credit, property, or taxing power of the state or political subdivisions of the state shall not be pledged for the payment of such bonds. The board may also enter into agreements under paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) for the purpose of issuing revenue bonds in the absence of a hurricane upon a determination that such action would maximize the ability of the fund to meet future obligations.

2.  The Legislature finds and declares that the issuance of bonds under this subsection is for the public purpose of paying the proceeds of the bonds to insurers, thereby enabling insurers to pay the claims of policyholders to assure that policyholders are able to pay the cost of construction, reconstruction, repair, restoration, and other costs associated with damage to property of policyholders of covered policies after the occurrence of a hurricane. Revenue bonds may not be issued under this subsection until validated under chapter 75. The validation of at least the first obligations incurred pursuant to this subsection shall be appealed to the Supreme Court, to be handled on an expedited basis.

3.  If the board determines that the amount of revenue produced under subsection (5) is insufficient to fund the obligations, costs, and expenses of the fund and the corporation, including repayment of revenue bonds, the board shall direct the Department of Insurance to levy an emergency assessment on each insurer writing property and casualty business in this state. Pursuant to the emergency assessment, each such insurer shall pay to the corporation by July 1 of each year an amount set by the board not exceeding 2 percent of its gross direct written premium for the prior year from all property and casualty business in this state except for workers' compensation, except that, if the Governor has declared a state of emergency under s. 252.36 due to the occurrence of a covered event, the amount of the assessment for the contract year may be increased to an amount not exceeding 4 percent of such premium. Any assessment authority not used for the contract year may be used for a subsequent contract year. If, for a subsequent contract year, the board determines that the amount of revenue produced under subsection (5) is insufficient to fund the obligations, costs, and expenses of the fund and the corporation, including repayment of revenue bonds for that contract year, the board shall direct the Department of Insurance to levy an emergency assessment up to an amount not exceeding the amount of unused assessment authority from a previous contract year or years, plus an additional 2 percent if the Governor has declared a state of emergency under s. 252.36 due to the occurrence of a covered event. Any assessment authority not used for the contract year may be used for a subsequent contract year. As used in this subsection, the term "property and casualty business" includes all lines of business identified on Form 2, Exhibit of Premiums and Losses, in the annual statement required by s. 624.424 and any rules adopted under such section, except for those lines identified as accident and health insurance. The annual assessments under this subparagraph shall continue as long as the revenue bonds issued with respect to which the assessment was imposed are outstanding, unless adequate provision has been made for the payment of such bonds pursuant to the documents authorizing issuance of the bonds. An insurer shall not at any time be subject to aggregate annual assessments under this subparagraph of more than 2 percent of premium, except that in the case of a declared emergency, an insurer shall not at any time be subject to aggregate annual assessments under this subparagraph of more than 6 percent of premium; provided, no more than 4 percent may be assessed for any one contract year. Any rate filing or portion of a rate filing reflecting a rate change attributable entirely to the assessment levied under this subparagraph shall be deemed approved when made, subject to the authority of the Department of Insurance to require actuarial justification as to the adequacy of any rate at any time. If the rate filing reflects only a rate change attributable to the assessment under this paragraph, the filing may consist of a certification so stating. The assessments otherwise payable to the corporation pursuant to this subparagraph shall be paid instead to the fund unless and until the Department of Insurance has received from the corporation and the fund a notice, which shall be conclusive and upon which the Department of Insurance may rely without further inquiry, that the corporation has issued bonds and the fund has no agreements in effect with local governments pursuant to paragraph (b). On or after the date of such notice and until such date as the corporation has no bonds outstanding, the fund shall have no right, title, or interest in or to the assessments, except as provided in the fund's agreements with the corporation.

(b)  Revenue bond issuance through counties or municipalities.--

1.  If the board elects to enter into agreements with local governments for the issuance of revenue bonds for the benefit of the fund, the board shall enter into such contracts with one or more local governments, including agreements providing for the pledge of revenues, as are necessary to effect such issuance. The governing body of a county or municipality is authorized to issue bonds as defined in s. 125.013 or s. 166.101 from time to time to fund an assistance program, in conjunction with the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, for the purposes set forth in this section or for the purpose of paying the costs of construction, reconstruction, repair, restoration, and other costs associated with damage to properties of policyholders of covered policies due to the occurrence of a hurricane by assuring that policyholders located in this state are able to recover claims under property insurance policies after a covered event.

2.  In order to avoid needless and indiscriminate proliferation, duplication, and fragmentation of such assistance programs, any local government may provide for the payment of fund reimbursements, regardless of whether or not the losses for which reimbursement is made occurred within or outside of the territorial jurisdiction of the local government.

3.  The state hereby covenants with holders of bonds issued under this paragraph that the state will not repeal or abrogate the power of the board to direct the Department of Insurance to levy the assessments and to collect the proceeds of the revenues pledged to the payment of such bonds as long as any such bonds remain outstanding unless adequate provision has been made for the payment of such bonds pursuant to the documents authorizing the issuance of such bonds.

4.  There shall be no liability on the part of, and no cause of action shall arise against any members or employees of the governing body of a local government for any actions taken by them in the performance of their duties under this paragraph.

(c)  Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Finance Corporation.--

1.  In addition to the findings and declarations in subsection (1), the Legislature also finds and declares that:

a.  The public benefits corporation created under this paragraph will provide a mechanism necessary for the cost-effective and efficient issuance of bonds. This mechanism will eliminate unnecessary costs in the bond issuance process, thereby increasing the amounts available to pay reimbursement for losses to property sustained as a result of hurricane damage.

b.  The purpose of such bonds is to fund reimbursements through the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund to pay for the costs of construction, reconstruction, repair, restoration, and other costs associated with damage to properties of policyholders of covered policies due to the occurrence of a hurricane.

c.  The efficacy of the financing mechanism will be enhanced by the corporation's ownership of the assessments, by the insulation of the assessments from possible bankruptcy proceedings, and by covenants of the state with the corporation's bondholders.

2.a.  There is created a public benefits corporation, which is an instrumentality of the state, to be known as the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Finance Corporation.

b.  The corporation shall operate under a five-member board of directors consisting of the Governor or a designee, the Comptroller or a designee, the Treasurer or a designee, the director of the Division of Bond Finance of the State Board of Administration, and the chief operating officer of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund.

c.  The corporation has all of the powers of corporations under chapter 607 and under chapter 617, subject only to the provisions of this subsection.

d.  The corporation may issue bonds and engage in such other financial transactions as are necessary to provide sufficient funds to achieve the purposes of this section.

e.  The corporation may invest in any of the investments authorized under s. 215.47.

f.  There shall be no liability on the part of, and no cause of action shall arise against, any board members or employees of the corporation for any actions taken by them in the performance of their duties under this paragraph.

3.a.  In actions under chapter 75 to validate any bonds issued by the corporation, the notice required by s. 75.06 shall be published only in Leon County and in two newspapers of general circulation in the state, and the complaint and order of the court shall be served only on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit.

b.  The state hereby covenants with holders of bonds of the corporation that the state will not repeal or abrogate the power of the board to direct the Department of Insurance to levy the assessments and to collect the proceeds of the revenues pledged to the payment of such bonds as long as any such bonds remain outstanding unless adequate provision has been made for the payment of such bonds pursuant to the documents authorizing the issuance of such bonds.

4.  The bonds of the corporation are not a debt of the state or of any political subdivision, and neither the state nor any political subdivision is liable on such bonds. The corporation does not have the power to pledge the credit, the revenues, or the taxing power of the state or of any political subdivision. The credit, revenues, or taxing power of the state or of any political subdivision shall not be deemed to be pledged to the payment of any bonds of the corporation.

5.a.  The property, revenues, and other assets of the corporation; the transactions and operations of the corporation and the income from such transactions and operations; and all bonds issued under this paragraph and interest on such bonds are exempt from taxation by the state and any political subdivision, including the intangibles tax under chapter 199 and the income tax under chapter 220. This exemption does not apply to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations other than the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Finance Corporation.

b.  All bonds of the corporation shall be and constitute legal investments without limitation for all public bodies of this state; for all banks, trust companies, savings banks, savings associations, savings and loan associations, and investment companies; for all administrators, executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries; for all insurance companies and associations and other persons carrying on an insurance business; and for all other persons who are now or may hereafter be authorized to invest in bonds or other obligations of the state and shall be and constitute eligible securities to be deposited as collateral for the security of any state, county, municipal, or other public funds. This sub-subparagraph shall be considered as additional and supplemental authority and shall not be limited without specific reference to this sub-subparagraph.

6.  The corporation and its corporate existence shall continue until terminated by law; however, no such law shall take effect as long as the corporation has bonds outstanding unless adequate provision has been made for the payment of such bonds pursuant to the documents authorizing the issuance of such bonds. Upon termination of the existence of the corporation, all of its rights and properties in excess of its obligations shall pass to and be vested in the state.

(d)  Protection of bondholders.--

1.  As long as the corporation has any bonds outstanding, neither the fund nor the corporation shall have the authority to file a voluntary petition under chapter 9 of the federal Bankruptcy Code or such corresponding chapter or sections as may be in effect, from time to time, and neither any public officer nor any organization, entity, or other person shall authorize the fund or the corporation to be or become a debtor under chapter 9 of the federal Bankruptcy Code or such corresponding chapter or sections as may be in effect, from time to time, during any such period.

2.  The state hereby covenants with holders of bonds of the corporation that the state will not limit or alter the denial of authority under this paragraph or the rights under this section vested in the fund or the corporation to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with such bondholders or in any way impair the rights and remedies of such bondholders as long as any such bonds remain outstanding unless adequate provision has been made for the payment of such bonds pursuant to the documents authorizing the issuance of such bonds.

3.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any pledge of or other security interest in revenue, money, accounts, contract rights, general intangibles, or other personal property made or created by the fund or the corporation shall be valid, binding, and perfected from the time such pledge is made or other security interest attaches without any physical delivery of the collateral or further act and the lien of any such pledge or other security interest shall be valid, binding, and perfected against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the fund or the corporation irrespective of whether or not such parties have notice of such claims. No instrument by which such a pledge or security interest is created nor any financing statement need be recorded or filed.

(7)  ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES.--

(a)  The board may procure reinsurance from reinsurers approved under s. 624.610 for the purpose of maximizing the capacity of the fund.

(b)  In addition to borrowing under subsection (6), the board may also borrow from, or enter into other financing arrangements with, any market sources at prevailing interest rates.

(c)  Each fiscal year, the Legislature shall appropriate from the investment income of the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund an amount no less than $10 million and no more than 35 percent of the investment income from the prior fiscal year for the purpose of providing funding for local governments, state agencies, public and private educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to support programs intended to improve hurricane preparedness, reduce potential losses in the event of a hurricane, provide research into means to reduce such losses, educate or inform the public as to means to reduce hurricane losses, assist the public in determining the appropriateness of particular upgrades to structures or in the financing of such upgrades, or protect local infrastructure from potential damage from a hurricane. Moneys shall first be available for appropriation under this paragraph in fiscal year 1997-1998. Moneys in excess of the $10 million specified in this paragraph shall not be available for appropriation under this paragraph if the State Board of Administration finds that an appropriation of investment income from the fund would jeopardize the actuarial soundness of the fund.

(d)  The board may allow insurers to comply with reporting requirements and reporting format requirements by using alternative methods of reporting if the proper administration of the fund is not thereby impaired and if the alternative methods produce data which is consistent with the purposes of this section.

(e)  In order to assure the equitable operation of the fund, the board may impose a reasonable fee on an insurer to recover costs involved in reprocessing inaccurate, incomplete, or untimely exposure data submitted by the insurer.

(8)  ADVISORY COUNCIL.--The State Board of Administration shall appoint a nine-member advisory council that consists of an actuary, a meteorologist, an engineer, a representative of insurers, a representative of insurance agents, a representative of reinsurers, and three consumers who shall also be representatives of other affected professions and industries, to provide the board with information and advice in connection with its duties under this section. Members of the advisory council shall serve at the pleasure of the board and are eligible for per diem and travel expenses under s. 112.061.

(9)  APPLICABILITY OF S. 19, ART. III OF THE STATE CONSTITUTION.--The Legislature finds that the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund created by this section is a trust fund established for bond covenants, indentures, or resolutions within the meaning of s. 19(f)(3), Art. III of the State Constitution.

(10)  VIOLATIONS.--Any violation of this section or of rules adopted under this section constitutes a violation of the insurance code.

(11)  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.--The board is authorized to take any action necessary to enforce the rules, and the provisions and requirements of the reimbursement contract, required by and adopted pursuant to this section.

(12)  FEDERAL OR MULTISTATE CATASTROPHIC FUNDS.--Upon the creation of a federal or multistate catastrophic insurance or reinsurance program intended to serve purposes similar to the purposes of the fund created by this section, the State Board of Administration shall promptly make recommendations to the Legislature for coordination with the federal or multistate program, for termination of the fund, or for such other actions as the board finds appropriate in the circumstances.

(13)  REVERSION OF FUND ASSETS UPON TERMINATION.--The fund and the duties of the board under this section may be terminated only by law. Upon termination of the fund, all assets of the fund shall revert to the General Revenue Fund.

(14)  SEVERABILITY.--If any provision of this section or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this section are declared severable.

¹(15)  COLLATERAL PROTECTION INSURANCE.--As used in this section and ss. 627.311 and 627.351, the term "collateral protection insurance" means commercial property insurance of which a creditor is the primary beneficiary and policyholder and which protects or covers an interest of the creditor arising out of a credit transaction secured by real or personal property. Initiation of such coverage is triggered by the mortgagor's failure to maintain insurance coverage as required by the mortgage or other lending document. Collateral protection insurance is not residential coverage.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-409; s. 1, ch. 95-1; s. 1, ch. 95-276; s. 2, ch. 96-194; s. 86, ch. 98-199; s. 1, ch. 99-217; s. 1, ch. 99-237; s. 1, ch. 2000-168.

¹Note.--Also published at s. 627.351(7).

215.556  Exemption.--The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund created by s. 215.555 is exempt from the deduction required by s. 215.20(1).

History.--s. 2, ch. 93-409.

215.557  Reports of insured values.--The reports of insured values under covered policies by zip code submitted to the State Board of Administration pursuant to s. 215.555, as created by s. 1, ch. 93-409, Laws of Florida, or similar legislation, are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution.

History.--s. 1, ch. 93-413; s. 71, ch. 96-406.

215.559  Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program.--

(1)  There is created a Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program. The Legislature shall annually appropriate $10 million of the moneys authorized for appropriation under s. 215.555(7)(c) from the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund to the Department of Community Affairs for the purposes set forth in this section.

(2)(a)  Seven million dollars in funds provided in subsection (1) shall be used for programs to improve the wind resistance of residences and mobile homes, including loans, subsidies, grants, demonstration projects, and direct assistance; cooperative programs with local governments and the Federal Government; and other efforts to prevent or reduce losses or reduce the cost of rebuilding after a disaster.

(b)  Three million dollars in funds provided in subsection (1) shall be used to retrofit existing facilities used as public hurricane shelters. The department must prioritize the use of these funds for projects included in the September 1, 2000, version of the Shelter Retrofit Report prepared in accordance with s. 252.385(3), and each annual report thereafter. The department must give funding priority to projects in regional planning council regions that have shelter deficits and to projects that maximize use of state funds.

(3)  Forty percent of the total appropriation in paragraph (2)(a) shall be used to inspect and improve tie-downs for mobile homes. Within 30 days after the effective date of that appropriation, the department shall contract with a public higher educational institution in this state which has previous experience in administering the programs set forth in this subsection to serve as the administrative entity and fiscal agent pursuant to s. 216.346 for the purpose of administering the programs set forth in this subsection in accordance with established policy and procedures. The administrative entity working with the advisory council set up under subsection (5) shall develop a list of mobile home parks and counties that may be eligible to participate in the tie-down program.

(4)  Of moneys provided to the Department of Community Affairs in paragraph (2)(a), 10 percent shall be allocated to a Type I Center within the State University System dedicated to hurricane research. The Type I Center shall develop a preliminary work plan approved by the advisory council set forth in subsection (5) to eliminate the state and local barriers to upgrading existing mobile homes and communities, research and develop a program for the recycling of existing older mobile homes, and support programs of research and development relating to hurricane loss reduction devices and techniques for site-built residences. The State University System also shall consult with the Department of Community Affairs and assist the department with the report required under subsection (7).

(5)  Except for the program set forth in subsection (3), the Department of Community Affairs shall develop the programs set forth in this section in consultation with an advisory council consisting of a representative designated by the Department of Insurance, a representative designated by the Florida Home Builders Association, a representative designated by the Florida Insurance Council, a representative designated by the Federation of Manufactured Home Owners, a representative designated by the Florida Association of Counties, and a representative designated by the Florida Manufactured Housing Association.

(6)  Moneys provided to the Department of Community Affairs under this section are intended to supplement other funding sources of the Department of Community Affairs and may not supplant other funding sources of the Department of Community Affairs.

(7)  On January 1st of each year, the Department of Community Affairs shall provide a full report and accounting of activities under this section and an evaluation of such activities to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

(8)  This section is repealed June 30, 2006.

History.--s. 2, ch. 99-305; s. 1, ch. 2000-140; s. 1, ch. 2001-227.

215.56005  Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation.--

(1)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section:

(a)  "Bond" means any bond, debenture, note, certificate, or other obligation of financial indebtedness issued by the corporation under this section.

(b)  "Corporation" means the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation created by this section.

(c)  "Department" means the Department of Banking and Finance or its successor.

(d)  "Purchase agreement" means a contract between the corporation and the State of Florida, acting by and through the department, in which the State of Florida sells to the corporation any or all of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement, including, but not limited to, the moneys to be received thereunder.

(e)  "State" means the State of Florida.

(f)  "Tobacco settlement agreement" means the settlement agreement, as amended, entered into by the state and participating cigarette manufacturers in settlement of State of Florida v. American Tobacco Co., No. 95-1466AH (Fla. 15th Cir. Ct. 1996).

(2)  CORPORATION CREATION AND AUTHORITY.--

(a)  The Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation is hereby created as a special purpose, not-for-profit, public benefits corporation, for the purpose of purchasing any or all of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement and issuing bonds to pay the purchase price therefor which shall be used to provide funding for the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund. The corporation is authorized to purchase any or all of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement and to issue bonds to pay the purchase price therefor. The proceeds derived by the state from the sale of any or all of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement shall be used to fund the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund. The fulfillment of the purposes of the corporation promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state and serves essential governmental functions and a paramount public purpose.

(b)  The corporation shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of the Governor, the Treasurer, the Comptroller, the Attorney General, two directors appointed from the membership of the Senate by the President of the Senate, and two directors appointed from the membership of the House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. On January 7, 2003, the board shall include the Chief Financial Officer or the Chief Financial Officer's designee, in place of the Treasurer and the Comptroller or their designees. The executive director of the State Board of Administration shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation and shall direct and supervise the administrative affairs and operation of the corporation. The corporation shall also have such other officers as may be determined by the board of directors.

(c)  The corporation shall have all the powers of a corporate body under the laws of this state, including, but not limited to, the powers of corporations under chapter 617, to the extent not inconsistent with or restricted by the provisions of this section, including, but not limited to, the power to:

1.  Adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws not inconsistent with this section.

2.  Sue and be sued.

3.  Adopt and use a common seal.

4.  Acquire, purchase, hold, lease, and convey real and personal property, contract rights, general intangibles, revenues, moneys, and accounts as may be proper or expedient to carry out the purposes of the corporation and this section, and to assign, convey, sell, transfer, lease, or otherwise dispose of such property.

5.  Elect or appoint and employ such officers, agents, and employees as the corporation deems advisable to operate and manage the affairs of the corporation, which officers, agents, and employees may be employees of this state or of the state officers and agencies represented on the board of directors of the corporation.

6.  Make and execute any and all contracts, trust agreements, trust indentures, and other instruments and agreements necessary or convenient to accomplish the purposes of the corporation and this section, including but not limited to investment contracts, swap agreements, or liquidity facilities.

7.  Select, retain, and employ professionals, contractors, or agents, which may include the Division of Bond Finance of the State Board of Administration, as necessary or convenient to enable or assist the corporation in carrying out the purposes of the corporation.

8.  Do any act or thing necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of the corporation subject to approval of the Legislature where required in this section.

(d)  The corporation is authorized to enter into one or more purchase agreements with the department pursuant to which the corporation purchases any or all of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement and to execute and deliver any other documents necessary or desirable to effectuate such purchase. Sale of all or part of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement is subject to approval by the Legislature in a regular, extended, or special session. The tobacco settlement agreement moneys received pursuant to the purchase agreements may be used for the costs and expenses of administration of the corporation.

(e)1.  The corporation may issue bonds payable from and secured by amounts payable to the corporation pursuant to the tobacco settlement agreement. Issuance of bonds by the corporation is subject to approval by the Legislature in a regular, extended, or special session. In addition, the corporation is authorized to issue bonds to refund previously issued bonds and to deposit the proceeds of such bonds as provided in the documents authorizing the issuance of such bonds. The corporation is authorized to do all things necessary or desirable in connection with the issuance of the bonds, including, but not limited to, establishing debt service reserves or other additional security for the bonds, providing for capitalized interest, and executing and delivering any and all documents and agreements. The total principal amount of bonds issued by the corporation shall not exceed $3 billion. The principal amount of bonds issued in any single fiscal year shall not exceed $1.5 billion, beginning with the 2000-2001 fiscal year. The limitation on the principal amount of bonds issued by the corporation shall not apply to bonds issued to refund previously issued bonds. No series of bonds issued shall have a true interest cost rate of more than 4 percent over the yield on U.S. Treasury obligations which have a maturity approximately equal to the average life of such series of bonds. Satisfaction of the foregoing interest rate limitation shall be determined on the date such bonds are sold or a definitive agreement to sell such bonds at specified prices or yields is executed and delivered. The corporation may sell bonds through competitive bidding or negotiated contracts, whichever method of sale is determined by the corporation to be in the best interest of the corporation.

2.  The corporation does not have the power to pledge the credit, the general revenues, or the taxing power of the state or of any political subdivision of the state. The obligations of the department and the corporation under the purchase agreement and under any bonds shall not constitute a general obligation of the state or a pledge of the faith and credit or taxing power of the state. The bonds shall be payable from and secured by payments received under the tobacco settlement agreement, and neither the state nor any of its agencies shall have any liability on such bonds. Such bonds shall not be construed in any manner as an obligation of the state or any agency of the state, the department, the State Board of Administration or entities for which the State Board of Administration invests funds, or board members or their respective agencies. The corporation shall not be authorized to expend moneys for payment of debt service on bonds from any source other than revenues received under the tobacco settlement agreement or reserves, funds, or accounts established pursuant to documents authorizing the issuance of such bonds.

3.  The corporation may validate any bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph and the security for payment for such bonds, as provided in chapter 75. The validation complaint shall be filed only in the circuit court for Leon County. The notice required under s. 75.06 shall be published in Leon County, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the State Attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit. The provisions of ss. 75.04(2) and 75.06(2) shall not apply to a validation complaint filed as authorized in this paragraph. The validation of the first bonds issued pursuant to this paragraph may be appealed to the Supreme Court, and such appeal shall be handled on an expedited basis.

4.  The state hereby covenants with the holders of bonds of the corporation that the state will not limit or alter the authority or the rights under this section vested in the corporation to fulfill the terms of any agreement, including the terms of any purchase agreement, or in any way impair the rights and remedies of such bondholders until at least 1 year and 1 day after which no such bonds remain outstanding unless adequate provision has been made for the payment of such bonds pursuant to the documents authorizing such bonds.

5.  The corporation shall not take any action which will materially and adversely affect the rights of holders of any bonds issued under this paragraph as long as such bonds are outstanding.

6.  Until at least 1 year and 1 day after which no bonds of the corporation remain outstanding, the corporation shall not have the authority to file a voluntary petition under chapter 9 of the federal Bankruptcy Code or such corresponding chapter or sections as may be in effect, from time to time, and neither any public officer nor any organization, entity, or other person shall authorize the corporation to be or become a debtor under chapter 9 of the federal Bankruptcy Code or such corresponding chapter or sections as may be in effect, from time to time, during any such period. The state hereby covenants with the holders of bonds of the corporation that the state will not limit or alter the denial of authority to file bankruptcy under this paragraph until at least 1 year and 1 day after which no bonds of the corporation remain outstanding.

7.  The corporation may contract with the State Board of Administration to serve as trustee with respect to bonds issued by the corporation as provided by this paragraph and to hold, administer, and invest proceeds of such bonds and other funds of the corporation and to perform other services required by the corporation. The State Board of Administration may perform such services and may contract with others to provide all or a part of such services and to recover the costs and expenses of providing such services.

(f)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any pledge of or other security interest in revenues, moneys, accounts, contract rights, general intangibles, or other personal property made or created by the corporation or department resulting from the authority of this section shall be valid, binding, and perfected from the time such pledge is made or other security interest attaches without any physical delivery of the collateral or further act, and the lien of any such pledge or other security interest shall be valid, binding, and perfected against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the corporation irrespective of whether such parties have notice of such claims. No instrument by which such a pledge or security interest is created or any financing statement need be recorded or filed.

(g)  The corporation shall not be deemed to be a special district for purposes of chapter 189 or a unit of local government for purposes of part III of chapter 218. The provisions of chapter 120, part I of chapter 287, and ss. 215.57-215.83 shall not apply to this section, the corporation created in this section, the purchase agreements entered into pursuant to this section, or bonds issued by the corporation as provided in this section, except that underwriters, financial advisors, and legal counsel shall be selected in a manner consistent with the rules adopted pursuant to the State Bond Act for the selection of service providers and underwriters.

(h)  In no event shall any of the benefits or earnings of the corporation inure to the benefit of any private person.

(i)  Unless such officer, employee, or agent acted outside the course and scope of his or her employment or acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose or in a manner exhibiting wanton and willful disregard of human rights, safety, or property, there shall be no liability on the part of, and no cause of action shall arise against, any board member of the corporation or any employee of the corporation or the state for any actions taken by such board member or employee in the performance of his or her duties under this section.

(j)  The corporation is exempt from taxation and assessments of any nature whatsoever upon the income of the corporation and any property, assets, or revenues acquired, received, or used in the furtherance of the purposes provided in this section.

(k)  The corporation and its corporate existence shall continue until terminated by law; however, no such law shall take effect until at least 1 year and 1 day after which no bonds of the corporation remain outstanding unless adequate provision has been made for the payment of such bonds pursuant to the documents authorizing the issuance of such bonds. Upon termination of the existence of the corporation, all rights and properties of the corporation in excess of obligations of the corporation shall pass to and be vested in the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund.

(l)  If any provision of this section or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this section which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and under such circumstances the provisions of this section are declared severable.

(3)  POWERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.--

(a)  The department is authorized, on behalf of the state, to do all things necessary or desirable to assist the corporation in the execution of the corporation's responsibilities, including, but not limited to, processing budget amendments against the Department of Banking and Finance Tobacco Settlement Clearing Trust Fund, subject to the requirements of s. 216.177, for the costs and expenses of administration of the corporation in an amount not to exceed $500,000; entering into one or more purchase agreements to sell to the corporation any or all of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement; executing any administrative agreements with the corporation to fund the administration, operation, and expenses of the corporation from moneys appropriated for such purpose; and executing and delivering any and all other documents and agreements necessary or desirable in connection with the sale of any or all of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement to the corporation or the issuance of the bonds by the corporation. The department's authority to sell any or all of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement is subject to approval by the Legislature in a regular, extended, or special session.

(b)  The state hereby covenants with the holders of bonds of the corporation that the state will not limit or alter the authority or the rights under this section vested in the department to fulfill the terms of any agreement, including the terms of any purchase agreement, or in any way impair the rights and remedies of such bondholders until at least 1 year and 1 day after which no such bonds remain outstanding unless adequate provision has been made for the payment of such bonds pursuant to the documents authorizing such bonds.

(c)  The department is authorized, on behalf of the state, to make any covenant, representation, or warranty necessary or desirable in connection with the sale of any or all of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement to the corporation or the issuance of the bonds by the corporation. Such covenants may specifically include a covenant to take whatever actions are necessary on behalf of the corporation or holders of the bonds issued by the corporation to enforce the provisions of the tobacco settlement agreement, and any rights and remedies thereunder.

History.--s. 1, ch. 2000-128; s. 141, ch. 2001-266.

215.5601  Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund.--

(1)  LEGISLATIVE INTENT.--It is the intent of the Legislature to:

(a)  Provide a perpetual source of enhanced funding for state children's health programs, child welfare programs, children's community-based health and human services initiatives, elder programs, and biomedical research activities related to tobacco use.

(b)  Use tobacco settlement moneys as the source of enhanced funding to ensure the financial security of vital health and human services programs for children and elders.

(c)  Ensure that enhancement revenues will be available to help finance these important programs and initiatives.

(d)  Provide funds to help support public-health and biomedical research for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to tobacco use by creating an annual and perpetual source of funding for biomedical research in the state in order to expand the foundation of biomedical knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease; improve the quality of the state's academic health centers by bringing the advances of biomedical research into the training of physicians and other health care providers; and increase the state's per capita funding for biomedical research by undertaking new initiatives in biomedical research which will attract additional funding from outside the state while also stimulating economic activity in the state in areas related to biomedical research, such as the research and production of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices.

(e)  Encourage the development of community-based solutions to strengthen and improve the quality of life of Florida's most vulnerable citizens, its children and elders.

(2)  DEFINITIONS.--As used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Board" means the State Board of Administration established by s. 16, Art. IX of the State Constitution of 1885 and incorporated into s. 9(c), Art. XII of the State Constitution of 1968.

(b)  "Endowment" means the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund.

(c)  "Earnings" means all income generated by investments and the net change in the market value of assets.

(d)  "State agency" or "state agencies" means the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Elderly Affairs, or the Agency for Health Care Administration, or any combination thereof, as the context indicates.

(3)  LAWTON CHILES ENDOWMENT FUND; CREATION; PRINCIPAL.--

(a)  There is created the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund, to be administered by the State Board of Administration. The endowment shall serve as a clearing trust fund, not subject to termination under s. 19(f), Art. III of the State Constitution. The endowment fund shall be exempt from the service charges imposed by s. 215.20.

(b)  The endowment shall receive moneys from the sale of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement as defined in s. 215.56005, including the right to receive payments under such agreement, and from accounts transferred from the Department of Banking and Finance Tobacco Settlement Clearing Trust Fund established under s. 17.41. Amounts to be transferred from the Department of Banking and Finance Tobacco Settlement Clearing Trust Fund to the endowment shall be in the following amounts for the following fiscal years:

1.  For fiscal year 1999-2000, $1.1 billion;

2.  For fiscal year 2000-2001, $200 million;

3.  For fiscal year 2001-2002, $200 million;

4.  For fiscal year 2002-2003, $200 million; and

(c)  Amounts to be transferred under subparagraphs (b)2., 3., and 4. may be reduced by an amount equal to the lesser of $200 million or the amount the endowment receives in that fiscal year from the sale of the state's right, title, and interest in and to the tobacco settlement agreement.

(d)  For fiscal year 2001-2002, $150 million of the existing principal in the endowment shall be reserved and accounted for within the endowment, the income from which shall be used solely for the funding for biomedical research activities as provided in s. 215.5602. The income from the remaining principal shall be used solely as the source of funding for health and human services programs for children and elders as provided in subsection (5). The separate account for biomedical research shall be dissolved and the entire principal in the endowment shall be used exclusively for health and human services programs when cures have been found for tobacco-related cancer, heart, and lung disease.

(4)  ADMINISTRATION.--

(a)  The board may invest and reinvest funds of the endowment in accordance with s. 215.47 and consistent with an investment plan developed by the executive director and approved by the board.

(b)  The endowment shall be managed as an annuity. The investment objective shall be long-term preservation of the real value of the principal and a specified regular annual cash outflow for appropriation, as nonrecurring revenue. From the annual cash outflow, a pro rata share shall be used solely for biomedical research activities as provided in paragraph (3)(d), until such time as cures are found for tobacco-related cancer and heart and lung disease. Five percent of the annual cash outflow dedicated to the biomedical research portion of the endowment shall be reinvested and applied to that portion of the endowment's principal, with the remainder to be spent on biomedical research activities consistent with this section. The schedule of annual cash outflow shall be included within the investment plan adopted under paragraph (a).

(c)  In accordance with s. 215.44, the board shall include separate sections on the financial status of the endowment in its annual investment report to the Legislature.

(d)  Accountability for funds from the endowment which have been appropriated to a state agency and distributed by the board shall reside with the state agency. The board is not responsible for the proper expenditure of or accountability concerning funds from the endowment after distribution to a state agency.

(e)  Costs and fees of the board for investment services shall be deducted from the earnings accruing to the endowment. Fees for investment services shall be no greater than fees charged to the Florida Retirement System.

(5)  AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS; USES.--

(a)  Funds from the endowment which are available for legislative appropriation shall be transferred by the board to the Department of Banking and Finance Tobacco Settlement Clearing Trust Fund, created in s. 17.41, and disbursed in accordance with the legislative appropriation.

1.  Appropriations by the Legislature to the Department of Health from endowment earnings from the principal set aside for biomedical research shall be from a category called the Florida Biomedical Research Program and shall be deposited into the Biomedical Research Trust Fund in the Department of Health established in s. 20.435.

2.  Appropriations by the Legislature to the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Health, or the Department of Elderly Affairs for health and human services programs shall be from a category called the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund Programs and shall be deposited into each department's respective Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund as appropriated.

(b)  In order to ensure that the expenditure of funds earned from the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund will be used for the purposes intended by the Legislature, the Legislature shall establish line item categories for the state agencies describing the designated use of the appropriated funds as provided in the General Appropriations Act.

(c)  The secretaries of the state agencies shall conduct meetings to discuss priorities for endowment funding for health and human services programs for children and elders before submitting their legislative budget requests to the Executive Office of the Governor and the Legislature. The purpose of the meetings is to gain consensus for priority requests and recommended endowment funding levels for those priority requests. No later than September 1 of each year, the secretaries of the state agencies shall also submit their concensus priority requests to the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund Advisory Council created in subsection (6).

(d)  Subject to legislative appropriations, state agencies shall use distributions from the endowment to enhance or support increases in clients served or to meet increases in program costs in health and human services program areas. Funds distributed from the endowment may not be used to supplant existing revenues.

(e)  Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, all unencumbered balances of appropriations as of June 30 or undisbursed balances as of December 31 shall revert to the endowment's principal. Unencumbered or undisbursed balances appropriated for biomedical research shall revert to the principal in the separately reserved and accounted-for portion of the endowment established for biomedical research activities.

(f)  When advised by the Revenue Estimating Conference that a deficit will occur with respect to the appropriations from the tobacco settlement trust funds of the state agencies in any fiscal year, the Governor shall develop a plan of action to eliminate the deficit. Before implementing the plan of action, the Governor must comply with s. 216.177(2). In developing the plan of action, the Governor shall, to the extent possible, preserve legislative policy and intent, and, absent any specific directions to the contrary in the General Appropriations Act, any reductions in appropriations from the tobacco settlement trust funds of the state agencies for a fiscal year shall be prorated among the specific appropriations made from all tobacco settlement trust funds of the state agencies for that year.

(6)  ADVISORY COUNCIL.--The Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund Advisory Council is established for the purpose of reviewing the funding priorities of the state agencies, evaluating their requests against the mission and goals of the agencies and legislative intent for the use of endowment funds, and allowing for public input and advocacy.

(a)  The advisory council shall consist of 15 members, including:

1.  The director of the United Way of Florida, Inc., or his or her designee;

2.  The director of the Foster Parents Association, or his or her designee;

3.  The chair of the Department of Elderly Affairs Advisory Council, or his or her designee;

4.  The president of the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging, or his or her designee;

5.  The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or his or her designee;

6.  The state director of the Florida AARP, or his or her designee;

7.  The director of the Florida Pediatric Society, or his or her designee;

8.  A representative of the Guardian Ad Litem Program, appointed by the Governor;

9.  A representative of a child welfare lead agency for community-based care, appointed by the Governor;

10.  A representative of an elder care lead agency for community-based care, appointed by the Governor;

11.  A representative of a statewide child advocacy organization, appointed by the Governor;

12.  One consumer caregiver for children, appointed by the Governor;

13.  One person over the age of 60 years to represent the interests of elders, appointed by the Governor;

14.  One person under the age of 18 years to represent the interests of children, appointed by the Governor; and

15.  One consumer caregiver for a functionally impaired elderly person, appointed by the Governor.

(b)  Before November 1 of each year, the advisory council shall advise the Governor and the Legislature as to its recommendations with respect to the priorities submitted by the secretaries of the state agencies with respect to endowment funding for health and human services programs for children and elders. The responsibilities of the advisory council include:

1.  Evaluating the value of programs and services submitted by the state agencies as they relate to the overall enhancement of services to children and elders;

2.  Developing criteria and guiding principles for ranking the priorities submitted by the state agencies;

3.  Providing recommendations with respect to funding levels for the programs ranked by the advisory council;

4.  Participating in periodic evaluation of programs funded by the endowment to determine the need for continued funding; and

5.  Soliciting input from child and elder advocacy organizations, community stakeholders, providers, and the public with respect to statewide child and elder needs and the effectiveness of program service delivery systems.

(c)  Members of the advisory council shall serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement as provided in s. 112.061 for per diem and travel expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties. The Department of Children and Family Services shall provide staff and other administrative assistance reasonably necessary to assist the advisory council in carrying out its responsibilities. Administrative costs of the advisory council shall be charged equally to endowment funds deposited in the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Elderly Affairs Tobacco Settlement Trust Funds.

History.--s. 1, ch. 99-167; s. 3, ch. 2000-128; s. 1, ch. 2000-255; s. 5, ch. 2000-305; s. 3, ch. 2001-73.

215.5602  Florida Biomedical Research Program.--

(1)  There is established within the Department of Health the Florida Biomedical Research Program funded by the proceeds of the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund pursuant to s. 215.5601. The purpose of the Florida Biomedical Research Program is to provide an annual and perpetual source of funding in order to support research initiatives that address the health care problems of Floridians in the areas of tobacco-related cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease. The long-term goals of the program are to:

(a)  Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention, diagnoses, and treatments for cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.

(b)  Expand the foundation of biomedical knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.

(c)  Improve the quality of the state's academic health centers by bringing the advances of biomedical research into the training of physicians and other health care providers.

(d)  Increase the state's per capita funding for research by undertaking new initiatives in public health and biomedical research that will attract additional funding from outside the state.

(e)  Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to biomedical research, such as the research and production of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices.

(2)  Funds appropriated for the Florida Biomedical Research Program shall be used exclusively for the award of grants and fellowships as established in this section; for research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease; and for expenses incurred in the administration of this section.

(3)  There is created within the Department of Health the Biomedical Research Advisory Council.

(a)  The council shall consist of nine members, including: the chief executive officer of the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society, or a designee; the chief executive officer of the Florida/Puerto Rico Affiliate of the American Heart Association, or a designee; and the chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of Florida, or a designee. The Governor shall appoint the remaining six members of the council, as follows:

1.  Two members with expertise in the field of biomedical research.

2.  One member with expertise in the field of behavioral or social research.

3.  One member from a professional medical organization.

4.  One member from a research university in the state.

5.  One member representing the general population of the state.

In making his or her appointments, the Governor shall select primarily, but not exclusively, Floridians with biomedical and lay expertise in the general areas of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease. The Governor's appointments shall be for a 3-year term and shall reflect the diversity of the state's population. A council member appointed by the Governor may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

(b)  The council shall adopt internal organizational procedures as necessary for its efficient organization.

(c)  The department shall provide such staff, information, and other assistance as is reasonably necessary to assist the council in carrying out its responsibilities.

(d)  Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement as provided in s. 112.061 for travel and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(4)  The council shall advise the Secretary of Health as to the direction and scope of the biomedical research program. The responsibilities of the council may include, but are not limited to:

(a)  Providing advice on program priorities and emphases.

(b)  Providing advice on the overall program budget.

(c)  Participating in periodic program evaluation.

(d)  Assisting in the development of guidelines to ensure fairness, neutrality, and adherence to the principles of merit and quality in the conduct of the program.

(e)  Assisting in the development of appropriate linkages to nonacademic entities, such as voluntary organizations, health care delivery institutions, industry, government agencies, and public officials.

(f)  Developing criteria and standards for the award of research grants.

(g)  Developing administrative procedures relating to solicitation, review, and award of research grants and fellowships, to ensure an impartial, high-quality peer review system.

(h)  Developing and supervising research peer review panels.

(i)  Reviewing reports of peer review panels and making recommendations for research grants and fellowships.

(j)  Developing and providing oversight regarding mechanisms for the dissemination of research results.

(5)(a)  Applications for biomedical research funding under the program may be submitted from any university or established research institute in the state. All qualified investigators in the state, regardless of institution affiliation, shall have equal access and opportunity to compete for the research funding.

(b)  Grants and fellowships shall be awarded by the Secretary of Health, after consultation with the council, on the basis of scientific merit, as determined by an open competitive peer review process that ensures objectivity, consistency, and high quality. The following types of applications shall be considered for funding:

1.  Investigator-initiated research grants.

2.  Institutional research grants.

3.  Predoctoral and postdoctoral research fellowships.

(6)  To ensure that all proposals for research funding are appropriate and are evaluated fairly on the basis of scientific merit, the Secretary of Health, in consultation with the council, shall appoint a peer review panel of independent, scientifically qualified individuals to review the scientific content of each proposal and establish its scientific priority score. The priority scores shall be forwarded to the council and must be considered in determining which proposals shall be recommended for funding.

(7)  The council and the peer review panel shall establish and follow rigorous guidelines for ethical conduct and adhere to a strict policy with regard to conflict of interest. A member of the council or panel may not participate in any discussion or decision with respect to a research proposal by any firm, entity, or agency with which the member is associated as a member of the governing body or as an employee, or with which the member has entered into a contractual arrangement. Meetings of the council and the peer review panels shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 119, s. 286.011, and s. 24, Art. I of the State Constitution.

(8)  The department may contract on a competitive-bid basis with an appropriate entity to administer the program. Administrative expenses may not exceed 15 percent of the total funds available to the program in any given year.

(9)  The department, after consultation with the council, may adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.

(10)  The council shall submit an annual progress report on the state of biomedical research in this state to the Governor, the Secretary of Health, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by February 1. The report must include:

(a)  A list of research projects supported by grants or fellowships awarded under the program.

(b)  A list of recipients of program grants or fellowships.

(c)  A list of publications in peer reviewed journals involving research supported by grants or fellowships awarded under the program.

(d)  The total amount of biomedical research funding currently flowing into the state.

(e)  New grants for biomedical research which were funded based on research supported by grants or fellowships awarded under the program.

(f)  Progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.

History.--s. 2, ch. 99-167; s. 4, ch. 2000-159; s. 2, ch. 2000-255; s. 5, ch. 2000-367; s. 4, ch. 2001-73.

215.57  Short title.--Sections 215.57-215.83 shall be known and may be cited as the "State Bond Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 69-230.

215.58  Definitions relating to State Bond Act.--The following words or terms when used in this act shall have the following meanings:

(1)  "Governor" shall mean the Governor of the state or any Acting Governor or other person then exercising the duties of the office of Governor.

(2)  "Treasurer" shall mean the Insurance Commissioner and Treasurer.

(3)  "Comptroller" shall mean the State Comptroller.

(4)  "State" shall mean the State of Florida.

(5)  "Division" shall mean the Division of Bond Finance.

(6)  "Board" shall mean the governing board of said division, which shall be composed of the Governor and Cabinet.

(7)  "Director" shall mean the chief administrator of the division, who shall act on behalf of the division when authorized by the board, as provided by this act.

(8)  "State agency" shall mean any board, commission, authority, or other state agency heretofore or hereafter created by the constitution or statutes of the state.

(9)  "Bonds" shall mean state bonds, or any revenue bonds, certificates or other obligations heretofore or hereafter authorized to be issued by said division or by any state agency.

(10)  "State bonds" shall mean bonds pledging the full faith and credit of the State of Florida.

(11)  "Legislature" shall mean the State Legislature.

(12)  "Constitution" shall mean the existing constitution of the state, or any constitution hereafter adopted by the people of the state, together with all amendments thereof.

(13)  "Original issue discount" means the amount by which the par value of a bond exceeds its public offering price at the time it is originally offered to an investor.

(14)  "Governmental agency" shall mean:

(a)  The state or any department, commission, agency, or other instrumentality thereof.

(b)  Any county or municipality or any department, commission, agency, or other instrumentality thereof.

(c)  Any school board or special district, authority, or governmental entity.

History.--s. 2, ch. 69-230; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 87-308; s. 4, ch. 89-287; s. 151, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 84, ch. 99-2.

215.59  State bonds, revenue bonds; issuance.--

(1)  The issuance of state bonds pledging the full faith and credit of the state, pursuant to s. 11, Art. VII of the State Constitution, is hereby authorized upon approval by vote of the electors, except as otherwise authorized by said s. 11, Art. VII. The amount of such state bonds, other than refunding bonds, the projects to be financed thereby, and the date of such vote of the electors shall be as provided by law.

(2)  The issuance of revenue bonds payable solely from funds derived directly from sources other than state tax revenues, pursuant to s. 11(d), Art. VII of the State Constitution, is hereby authorized without a vote of the electors in the manner provided by law.

(3)  All bonds hereby authorized shall be issued in the manner provided by the Constitution or by the division in the manner provided by this act, subject to all other applicable provisions of law.

History.--ss. 3, 6, ch. 69-230; s. 2, ch. 87-308.

215.60  State bonds for financing road acquisition and construction.--

(1)  The issuance of state bonds to finance the acquisition and construction of roads, primarily payable from the revenues provided for by s. 9(c), Art. XII of the State Constitution and pledging the full faith and credit of the state, is hereby authorized, pursuant to the provisions of said section of the Constitution and this act.

(2)  The State Board of Administration is hereby designated as the state fiscal agency to make the determinations required by said s. 9(c), Art. XII of the Constitution in connection with the issuance of such bonds.

History.--s. 4, ch. 69-230.

215.605  State bonds for right-of-way acquisition or bridge construction.--

(1)  The issuance of state bonds to finance or refinance the cost of acquiring real property or the rights to real property for state roads as defined by law, or to finance or refinance the cost of state bridge construction, and purposes incidental to such property acquisition or state bridge construction, is hereby authorized pursuant to s. 17, Art. VII of the State Constitution and ss. 215.57-215.83. Except for bonds issued to refinance property acquisition or bridge construction previously financed by bonds issued under this section, right-of-way or bridges financed by state bonds issued under this section shall first be authorized by the Legislature by an act relating to appropriations or by general law and shall be issued pursuant to the State Bond Act.

(2)  Bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be payable primarily from motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes which are transferred to the Right-of-Way Acquisition and Bridge Construction Trust Fund, which fund is hereby created in the Department of Transportation, and shall additionally be secured by the full faith and credit of the state. Any moneys transferred into the fund under s. 206.46 that are not needed to pay the debt service on, provide required financial coverage levels for, and fund debt service reserve funds, rebate obligations, or other amounts with respect to bonds issued pursuant to this section, may be transferred to the State Transportation Trust Fund.

(3)  The Department of Transportation shall request the Division of Bond Finance to issue the state bonds authorized by this section pursuant to the State Bond Act. The Department of Transportation shall certify that the projects to be financed will comply with the requirements of s. 339.135(4)(b) and (c) and (5).

(4)  The proceeds from the sale of bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Right-of-way Acquisition and Bridge Construction Trust Fund.

(5)  Section 339.135 shall apply to the Right-of-Way Acquisition and Bridge Construction Trust Fund.

History.--s. 2, ch. 88-247; s. 9, ch. 89-301; s. 117, ch. 92-152; s. 39, ch. 95-280; s. 131, ch. 95-417.

215.61  State system of public education capital outlay bonds.--

(1)  The issuance of school bonds, payable primarily from revenues as provided in s. 18, Art. XII of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended, and additionally secured by pledging the full faith and credit of the state, is hereby authorized pursuant to the provisions of s. 9(d), Art. XII of the State Constitution and the provisions of ss. 215.57-215.83, "The State Bond Act."

(2)  The issuance of bonds to finance or refinance capital outlay projects authorized by the Legislature for the state system of public education, primarily payable from revenues as provided in s. 19, Art. XII of the State Constitution of 1885, as amended, and additionally secured by pledging the full faith and credit of the state, is hereby authorized pursuant to the provisions of s. 9(a)(2), Art. XII of the State Constitution and the provisions of ss. 215.57-215.83, "The State Bond Act."

(3)  No bonds authorized by s. 9(a)(2), Art. XII of the State Constitution shall be issued in an amount exceeding 90 percent of the amount which the State Board of Education determines can be serviced by the revenues derived from the gross receipts tax levied and collected pursuant to chapter 203. In determining the amount which can be serviced by the gross receipts tax, the State Board of Education shall utilize the average annual amount of revenue collected for the tax periods during the 24 months immediately preceding the most recent collection date prior to the date of issuance of any such bonds. For purpose of the approval required by s. 215.73, official estimates of future collections furnished by the Board of Education prior to the estimated date of issuance shall be used to determine fiscal sufficiency. However, 100 percent of the amount required to provide for the debt service for the current fiscal year of the bonds issued prior to July 1, 1975, under the provisions of s. 9(a)(2), Art. XII of the State Constitution shall be deducted in making the determination.

(4)  With respect to the bonds authorized by s. 9, Art. XII of the State Constitution, the Division of Bond Finance shall act as the agent of the State Board of Education pursuant to ss. 215.57-215.83, "The State Bond Act."

(5)  The State Board of Education shall have the power to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to the full exercise of the powers herein granted.

History.--s. 5, ch. 69-230; s. 13, ch. 75-292; s. 6, ch. 76-280; s. 36, ch. 81-223.

215.615  Fixed-guideway transportation systems funding.--

(1)  The issuance of revenue bonds by the Division of Bond Finance, on behalf of the Department of Transportation, pursuant to s. 11, Art. VII of the State Constitution, is authorized, pursuant to the State Bond Act, to finance or refinance fixed capital expenditures for fixed-guideway transportation systems, as defined in s. 341.031, including facilities appurtenant thereto, costs of issuance, and other amounts relating to such financing or refinancing. Such revenue bonds shall be matched on a 50-50 basis with funds from sources other than revenues of the Department of Transportation, in a manner acceptable to the Department of Transportation. The Division of Bond Finance is authorized to consider innovative financing technologies which may include, but are not limited to, innovative bidding and structures of potential findings that may result in negotiated transactions.

(a)  The department and any participating commuter rail authority or regional transportation authority established under chapter 343, local governments, or local governments collectively by interlocal agreement having jurisdiction of a fixed-guideway transportation system may enter into an interlocal agreement to promote the efficient and cost-effective financing or refinancing of fixed-guideway transportation system projects by revenue bonds issued pursuant to this subsection. The terms of such interlocal agreements shall include provisions for the Department of Transportation to request the issuance of the bonds on behalf of the parties; shall provide that each party to the agreement is contractually liable for an equal share of funding an amount equal to the debt service requirements of such bonds; and shall include any other terms, provisions, or covenants necessary to the making of and full performance under such interlocal agreement. Repayments made to the department under any interlocal agreement are not pledged to the repayment of bonds issued hereunder, and failure of the local governmental authority to make such payment shall not affect the obligation of the department to pay debt service on the bonds.

(b)  Revenue bonds issued pursuant to this subsection shall not constitute a general obligation of, or a pledge of the full faith and credit of, the State of Florida. Bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be payable from funds available pursuant to s. 206.46(3), subject to annual appropriation. The amount of revenues available for debt service shall never exceed a maximum of 2 percent of all state revenues deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund.

(c)  The projects to be financed or refinanced with the proceeds of the revenue bonds issued hereunder are designated as state fixed capital outlay projects for purposes of s. 11(d), Art. VII of the State Constitution, and the specific projects to be financed or refinanced shall be determined by the Department of Transportation in accordance with state law and appropriations from the State Transportation Trust Fund. Each project to be financed with the proceeds of the bonds issued pursuant to this subsection must first be approved by the Legislature by an act of general law.

(d)  Any complaint for validation of bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be filed in the circuit court of the county where the seat of state government is situated, the notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in the county where the complaint is filed, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the state attorney of the circuit in which the action is pending.

(e)  The state does hereby covenant with holders of such revenue bonds or other instruments of indebtedness issued hereunder, that it will not repeal or impair or amend these provisions in any manner that will materially and adversely affect the rights of such holders as long as bonds authorized by this subsection are outstanding.

(f)  This subsection supersedes any inconsistent provisions in existing law.

Notwithstanding this subsection, the lien of revenue bonds issued pursuant to this subsection on moneys deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund shall be subordinate to the lien on such moneys of bonds issued under ss. 215.605, 320.20, and 215.616, and any pledge of such moneys to pay operating and maintenance expenses under s. 206.46(5) and chapter 348, as may be amended.

(2)  To be eligible for participation, fixed-guideway transportation system projects must comply with the major capital investment policy guidelines and criteria established by the Department of Transportation under chapter 341; must be found to be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with approved local government comprehensive plans of the local governments in which such projects are located; and must be included in the work program of the Department of Transportation pursuant to the provisions under s. 339.135. The department shall certify that the expected useful life of the transportation improvements will equal or exceed the maturity date of the debt to be issued.

History.--s. 4, ch. 99-385; s. 5, ch. 2000-152.

215.616  State bonds for federal aid highway construction.--

(1)  Upon the request of the Department of Transportation, the Division of Bond Finance is authorized pursuant to s. 11, Art. VII of the State Constitution and the State Bond Act to issue revenue bonds, for and on behalf of the Department of Transportation, for the purpose of financing or refinancing the construction, reconstruction, and improvement of projects that are eligible to receive federal-aid highway funds. The Division of Bond Finance is authorized to consider innovative financing technologies which may include, but are not limited to, innovative bidding and structures of potential financings that may result in negotiated transactions.

(2)  Any bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be payable primarily from a prior and superior claim on all federal highway aid reimbursements received each year with respect to federal-aid projects undertaken in accordance with the provisions of Title 23 of the United States Code.

(3)  The term of the bonds shall not exceed a term of 12 years. Prior to the issuance of bonds, the Department of Transportation shall determine that annual debt service on all bonds issued pursuant to this section does not exceed 10 percent of annual apportionments to the department for federal highway aid in accordance with the provisions of Title 23 of the United States Code.

(4)  The bonds issued under this section shall not constitute a debt or general obligation of the state or a pledge of the full faith and credit or taxing power of the state. The bonds shall be secured by and are payable from the revenues pledged in accordance with this section and the resolution authorizing their issuance.

(5)  The state does covenant with the holders of bonds issued under this section that it will not repeal, impair, or amend this section in any manner which will materially and adversely affect the rights of bondholders as long as the bonds authorized by this section are outstanding.

(6)  Any complaint for such validation of bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be filed in the circuit court of the county where the seat of state government is situated, the notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in the county where the complaint is filed, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the state attorney of the circuit in which the action is pending.

¹(7)  Up to $325 million in bonds may be issued for the Mobility 2000 Initiative with emphasis on the Florida Intrastate Highway System to advance projects in the most cost-effective manner and to support emergency evacuation, improved access to urban areas, or the enhancement of trade and economic growth corridors of statewide and regional significance which promote Florida's economic growth.

History.--s. 68, ch. 99-385; s. 12, ch. 2000-257.

¹Note.--Section 22, ch. 2000-257, provides that "[n]otwithstanding any other law to the contrary the requirements of sections 206.46(3) and 206.606(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any funding, programs, or other provisions contained in this act."

215.618  Bonds for acquisition and improvement of land, water areas, and related property interests and resources.--

(1)  The issuance of Florida Forever bonds, not to exceed $3 billion, to finance or refinance the cost of acquisition and improvement of land, water areas, and related property interests and resources, in urban and rural settings, for the purposes of restoration, conservation, recreation, water resource development, or historical preservation, and for capital improvements to lands and water areas that accomplish environmental restoration, enhance public access and recreational enjoyment, promote long-term management goals, and facilitate water resource development is hereby authorized, subject to the provisions of s. 259.105 and pursuant to s. 11(e), Art. VII of the State Constitution. Florida Forever bonds may also be issued to refund Preservation 2000 bonds issued pursuant to s. 375.051. The $3 billion limitation on the issuance of Florida Forever bonds does not apply to refunding bonds. The duration of each series of Florida Forever bonds issued may not exceed 20 annual maturities. Preservation 2000 bonds and Florida Forever bonds shall be equally and ratably secured by moneys distributable to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15(1)(a), except to the extent specifically provided otherwise by the documents authorizing the issuance of the bonds.

(2)  The state does hereby covenant with the holders of Florida Forever bonds and Preservation 2000 bonds that it will not take any action which will materially and adversely affect the rights of such holders so long as such bonds are outstanding, including, but not limited to, a reduction in the portion of documentary stamp taxes distributable to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund for payment of debt service on Preservation 2000 bonds or Florida Forever bonds.

(3)  Bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be payable from taxes distributable to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15(1)(a). Bonds issued pursuant to this section shall not constitute a general obligation of, or a pledge of the full faith and credit of, the state.

(4)  The Department of Environmental Protection shall request the Division of Bond Finance of the State Board of Administration to issue the Florida Forever bonds authorized by this section. The Division of Bond Finance shall issue such bonds pursuant to the State Bond Act.

(5)  The proceeds from the sale of bonds issued pursuant to this section, less the costs of issuance, the costs of funding reserve accounts, and other costs with respect to the bonds, shall be deposited into the Florida Forever Trust Fund. The bond proceeds deposited into the Florida Forever Trust Fund shall be distributed by the Department of Environmental Protection as provided in s. 259.105.

(6)  Pursuant to authority granted by s. 11(e), Art. VII of the State Constitution, there is hereby continued and re-created the Land Acquisition Trust Fund which shall be a continuation of the Land Acquisition Trust Fund which exists for purposes of s. 9(a)(1), Art. XII of the State Constitution. The Land Acquisition Trust Fund shall continue beyond the termination of bonding authority provided for in s. 9(a)(1), Art. XII of the State Constitution, pursuant to the authority provided by s. 11(e), Art. VII of the State Constitution and shall continue for so long as Preservation 2000 bonds or Florida Forever bonds are outstanding and secured by taxes distributable thereto.

(7)  There shall be no sale, disposition, lease, easement, license, or other use of any land, water areas, or related property interests acquired or improved with proceeds of Florida Forever bonds which would cause all or any portion of the interest of such bonds to lose the exclusion from gross income for federal income tax purposes.

(8)  The initial series of Florida Forever bonds shall be validated in addition to any other bonds required to be validated pursuant to s. 215.82. Any complaint for validation of bonds issued pursuant to this section shall be filed only in the circuit court of the county where the seat of state government is situated, the notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in the county where the complaint is filed, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the state attorney of the circuit in which the action is pending.

History.--s. 6, ch. 99-247; s. 3, ch. 2000-170.

215.62  Division of Bond Finance.--

(1)  There is hereby created a division of the State Board of Administration of the state to be known as the Division of Bond Finance. The Governor shall be the chair of the governing board of the division, the Comptroller shall be the secretary of the board, and the Treasurer shall be the treasurer of the board for the purposes of this act. The division shall be a public body corporate for the purposes of this act.

(2)  Any action of the division shall be taken pursuant to resolution which shall be in effect upon passage by a majority of the members of the board and need not be posted or published, and a majority of the board shall be and constitute a quorum for all meetings.

(3)  The employees of the division shall be required to give such bond as the board may require, but the board may provide for payment of such employee bond premiums from moneys available for administrative expenses of the division.

(4)  The members of said board shall not receive any additional salary for services in such capacity, but shall be entitled to their necessary travel and other expenses in the performance of their duties and obligations as members of the board.

(5)  The board has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement provisions of law conferring duties on it. The board shall hold regular and special meetings at such places and times, in such manner, and after such notice as may be provided by resolution adopted by the board or upon call of the chair.

History.--s. 7, ch. 69-230; s. 152, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 1153, ch. 95-147; s. 23, ch. 98-200.

215.63  Transfer to division of assets and liabilities of the Revenue Bond Department of Development Commission.--

(1)  All obligations of the Florida Development Commission in connection with outstanding bond issues shall be assumed and performed either by the division or by the State Board of Administration, as provided by law or by contract. Any bond proceedings taken by the Florida Development Commission prior to July 1, 1969, when ratified by the board shall be deemed to have been taken by the board and the division on behalf of said commission, and any further necessary services in connection with such bond issues shall be performed by the board or the division in the manner provided by this act.

(2)  Any legal commitments, contracts, or other obligations heretofore entered into or assumed by the Florida Development Commission in connection with its revenue bond program outstanding on July 1, 1969, are hereby charged to and shall be performed by the division. All of the powers and duties granted to and vested in the Florida Development Commission by any statutes and laws of this state relating to the revenue bond program of said commission are granted to, vested in and shall be exercised by the division, and all of said statutes and laws not expressly repealed hereby shall remain in full force and effect, subject to the powers and duties therein prescribed being performed by the division.

History.--s. 8, ch. 69-230; s. 54, ch. 91-45.

215.64  Powers of the division.--The division shall have power:

(1)  To sue and be sued in the corporate name of the division and to adopt a corporate seal.

(2)  To issue any bonds of the state heretofore or hereafter authorized by law or by the State Constitution, and to issue bonds on behalf of any state agency heretofore or hereafter authorized by law upon application of such state agency. Such bonds issued on behalf of a state agency may be issued in the name of the State of Florida, or in the sole name of such state agency if required by law.

(3)  To exercise all of the powers relating to the issuance of bonds of any state agency, the terms and details thereof, the security pledged therefor, and the rights and remedies relating to the holders of said bonds as fully and to the same extent as such state agencies could exercise such powers under the statutes in effect at the time of the issuance of such bonds relating to such state agencies, and it is hereby expressly provided that all pledges or security for bondholders and all covenants and agreements made pursuant to this act, whether such bonds are issued directly in the name of the State of Florida or in the name of the State of Florida on behalf of the state agency, shall be and constitute valid and legally binding pledges and covenants of both the State of Florida and the state agency and shall be fully enforceable by any holder of such bonds against either the state or such agency or the state and such agency jointly.

(4)  To employ the services of a director of the division to be designated by the Governor with the concurrence of the board. The director may also serve as general counsel of the division and as assistant secretary of the board and in such capacities shall be authorized to perform duties provided by appropriate regulations or resolutions of the board under conditions and limitations included therein.

(5)  To employ or retain persons, firms, or corporations as engineers, attorneys, financial advisers or consultants, and such other consultants and employees as it may deem necessary or advisable for the carrying out and performing of the duties and obligations of the division, and to fix and determine the compensation of all such persons, firms, or corporations.

(6)  To prepare resolutions and all other necessary proceedings for approval by the board relating to the authorization, validation, issuance and sale of any bonds to be issued by the state and any bonds to be issued for and on behalf of any state agency. Any resolution or other proceedings had or taken by the board or the division on behalf of any state agency shall be deemed to be the resolution or other proceedings of such state agency as fully and to the same extent as if such state agency had originally adopted such resolution or other proceedings.

(7)  To sell at such place or places and under such terms and conditions as the board shall determine in conformity with this act, all state bonds authorized by law and the bonds issued on behalf of any state agency as provided in this act.

(8)  To request any state agency on behalf of which the division is issuing bonds to adopt any necessary resolutions or other proceedings and to take any necessary actions in connection with the issuance of such bonds, and no resolution or other proceeding shall be adopted or action taken by any state agency relating to bonds of such state agency which the division has been requested to issue without the approval and consent of the board.

(9)  To exercise the power of eminent domain, as provided by s. 288.15(2), to carry out the objects and purposes of the State Bond Act and to take such other proceedings and actions as may be necessary to perform and carry out the provisions of this act. It is hereby expressly declared that it is the intent of this act that the division have all the powers necessary or advisable to enable the board and the division to carry out and perform the powers provided in this act, and this act shall be construed liberally to effectuate such purpose.

(10)  To remit the proceeds of any bonds sold for any state agency for use in the manner provided in proceedings adopted by such state agency and approved and consented to by the board, or adopted by the board on behalf of such state agency, and to remit the proceeds of any state bonds for use in the manner provided in the acts of the Legislature and the proceedings approved by the board authorizing the issuance of such state bonds. The division is authorized to retain from the proceeds of any state bonds or bonds issued on behalf of any state agency the amount of its fees, costs and expenses in connection with all proceedings and acts taken in connection with the authorization, issuance and sale of such bonds, including a proportionate part of the general overhead costs of the operation and administration of the division in its carrying out of the purposes of this act. The determination of the division as to the proper proportion and amount of such fees, costs and expenses to be charged against each issue of bonds shall be final and conclusive when approved by the board.

(11)  To exercise control over the state's arbitrage compliance program by taking responsibility for and having full and final authority over such program as provided by rule or resolution of the division. Such authority shall include, but shall not be limited to, the power to direct the actions of any governmental agency on behalf of which the division has issued bonds, or any state agency, with respect to the recordkeeping, investment, disbursement, computation, and rebate functions concerning bond proceeds, any funds which the Internal Revenue Service may consider to be bond proceeds, or any other funds which the division deems necessary, to the extent required to ensure compliance by such agency with federal arbitrage law.

(12)  For purposes of any investigation or proceeding conducted by the division, to administer oaths, take depositions, issue subpoenas, and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, documents, and other evidence.

History.--s. 9, ch. 69-230; s. 5, ch. 73-135; s. 5, ch. 89-287.

215.65  Bond Fee Trust Fund, expenditures; schedule of fees.--

(1)  There is created a Bond Fee Trust Fund, which shall be maintained as a separate fund. The working capital reserve of this fund for any fiscal year shall never exceed the expenditures of the previous fiscal year. The "working capital reserve" is defined as the amount of cash, investments at cost, and accounts receivable due within 1 year, less the amount of accounts payable due within 1 year, at the end of the current fiscal year. Any moneys in excess of the working capital reserve which remain in the fund at the end of the fiscal year shall be transferred by the division within 120 days to the sinking fund accounts established for the bonds issued by the division during such prior fiscal year and shall be distributed to such accounts on a pro rata basis according to the fees charged for the issuance of such bonds.

(2)  All expenses of the division may be paid from such trust fund. Such expenses shall include, but shall not be limited to, costs of validating, printing and delivering the bonds, printing the prospectus, publishing notices of sale of the bonds, salaries of personnel of the division, and necessary administrative expenses.

(3)  The division shall adopt by resolution a schedule of fees and expenses, which may be revised from time to time as conditions warrant, designed so that the Bond Fee Trust Fund will be reimbursed for general administrative expenses of the division as well as all direct out-of-pocket expenses. The fees charged to and all expenses paid for and on behalf of each bond issue shall be paid and reimbursed to the Bond Fee Trust Fund from the proceeds of the sale of the bonds, if such bonds are sold, or from such other source as may be agreed to by the state agency requesting the services of the division, if for any reason the bonds are not sold.

History.--s. 10, ch. 69-230; s. 48, ch. 71-355; s. 1, ch. 73-135; s. 37, ch. 81-223; s. 80, ch. 83-217; s. 6, ch. 89-287; s. 2, ch. 93-162.

215.655  Arbitrage Compliance Program, expenditures; schedule of fees.--

(1)  There is created an Arbitrage Compliance Program to ensure compliance with the provisions of federal arbitrage laws.

(2)  The division shall adopt by resolution a schedule of fees and expenses, to be paid by the governmental agency for which services were provided, which may be revised from time to time as conditions warrant, designed so that the Arbitrage Compliance Program will be reimbursed for general administrative expenses of the division as well as direct out-of-pocket expenses.

(3)  Fees charged to a governmental agency for services other than those involved in issuing bonds may be collected directly by the division or by the State Board of Administration or other trustee of a bond issue.

History.--s. 7, ch. 89-287; s. 3, ch. 93-162; s. 13, ch. 94-265.

215.66  Request for issuance of bonds; procedure requirements.--

(1)  Before any bonds may be issued by the division on behalf of a state agency, such state agency shall file a request with the division by appropriate resolution for approval of the issuance of such proposed bonds, which request shall state such facts and shall have annexed thereto such exhibits in regard to such bonds and to such state agency and its financial condition as may be required by the division.

(2)  In any case in which any bonds proposed by any state agency shall be required by the constitution or statutes to be submitted to the qualified electors or qualified electors who are freeholders for approval or disapproval at a bond election prior to the issuance of such bonds, the request shall be filed with the division at least 60 days prior to the date of the holding of such proposed bond election. No such bond election shall be held on the question of the issuance of such bonds until the Legislature has approved the holding of such bond election.

History.--s. 11, ch. 69-230.

215.67  Issuance of state bonds.--All state bonds shall be issued by the division. No state bonds shall be issued by the division until the issuance thereof has been approved by the electors, if such approval is required by the constitution or laws of the state. If such approval has been obtained in such bond election or if no such approval is required, such state bonds may be issued by the division when the official or the board, commission, or other agency of the state authorized by law to provide for the acquisition or construction of the projects to be financed with the proceeds of such state bonds or for the issuance thereof has filed with the division its request for the division to issue such state bonds for the purposes and in the manner provided in this act and other applicable statutes or provisions of the State Constitution.

History.--s. 12, ch. 69-230.

215.68  Issuance of bonds; form; maturity date, execution, sale.--

(1)  The board is empowered to authorize, by resolution duly adopted, the issuance by the division, at one time or from time to time, of any state bonds or bonds on behalf of any state agency.

(2)  Such bonds may:

(a)  Be issued in either coupon form or registered form or both;

(b)  Have such date or dates of issue and such maturities, not exceeding in any event 40 years from the date of issuance thereof;

(c)  Bear interest at a rate or rates not exceeding the interest rate limitation set forth in s. 215.84(3);

(d)  Have such provisions for registration of coupon bonds and conversion and reconversion of bonds from coupon to registered form or from registered form to coupon form;

(e)  Have such provisions for payment at maturity and redemption prior to maturity at such time or times and at such price or prices; and

(f)  Be payable at such place or places within or without the state as the board shall determine by resolution.

The foregoing terms and conditions do not supersede the limitations provided in chapter 348, part I, relating to the issuance of bonds.

(3)  Such bonds may be signed by such officers of the board or state agency as is provided for by resolution of the board. The signatures may be manual or facsimile signatures, but at least one of such signatures must be a manual signature. The coupons shall be signed with the facsimile signatures of such officials of the board or state agency as the board shall determine. In case any officer whose signature or facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds or coupons ceases to be such officer before delivery of such bonds or coupons, such signature or facsimile signature shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes as fully and to the same extent as if he or she had remained in office until such delivery.

(4)  All bonds issued under the provisions of this act shall be and have, and are hereby declared to be and have, all the qualities and incidents of negotiable instruments under the Uniform Commercial Code--Investment Securities Law of the state.

(5)(a)  The division may sell such bonds at such price or prices as the board may determine to be for the best interest of the state or of the state agency on behalf of which such bonds are issued, but no such sale shall be made at an average net interest cost rate in excess of the interest rate limitation set forth in s. 215.84(3); provided, however, that such bonds may be sold at a reasonable discount to par not to exceed 3 percent. This limitation on discount does not apply to the portion of the discount that constitutes original issue discount.

(b)  All of such bonds shall be sold at public sale at such place or places within the state as the board shall determine to receive proposals for the purchase of such bonds. Notice of such sale shall be published at least once at least 10 days prior to the date of sale in one or more newspapers or financial journals published within or without the state and shall contain such terms as the board shall deem advisable and proper under the circumstances; provided, that if no bids are received at the time and place called for by such notice of sale, or if all bids received are rejected, such bonds may again be offered for public sale by competitive bid or negotiated sale, as provided herein, upon a shorter period of reasonable notice provided for by resolution of the board. However, unless the State Constitution specifically requires the public sale by competitive bid of such bonds, the division may, by resolution adopted at a public meeting, determine that a negotiated sale of such bonds is in the best interest of the issuer, and may negotiate for sale of such bonds to any underwriter designated by the division.

1.  In the resolution authorizing the negotiated sale, the division shall provide specific findings as to the reasons requiring the negotiated sale.

2.  A resolution authorizing a negotiated bond sale may be the same resolution as that authorizing the issuance of such bonds.

(c)  All proposals for the purchase of any bonds offered for sale by the division shall be opened in public. When competitively bid, bonds shall be awarded to the lowest bidder by the director or an assistant secretary of the board, as provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds. The basis of award of a competitive bid may be either the lowest net interest cost or the lowest true interest cost, as set forth in the resolution authorizing the issuance or sale of the bonds.

(d)  No bid conforming to the notice of sale may be rejected unless all bids are rejected. If the bids rejected are legally acceptable bids under the notice of sale, such bonds shall not be sold thereafter except upon public sale after publication of notice of sale or by negotiated sale as provided herein.

(e)  Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, the division may sell refunding bonds as provided in s. 215.79.

(6)  No bonds of the state or of any state agency shall be issued by the division unless the face or reverse thereof contains a certificate, executed either manually or with his or her facsimile signature by the secretary or assistant secretary of the board, to the effect that the issuance of such bonds has been approved under the provisions of this act by the board. Such certificate shall be conclusive evidence as to approval of the issuance of such bonds by the board and that the requirements of this act and all of the laws relating to such bonds or to any state agency on behalf of which the bonds are to be issued have been fully complied with.

(7)  The division shall have the authority with approval of the board to issue bond anticipation notes in the name of the state, or in the name of the state agency on behalf of which a bond issue is to be sold by the division, in anticipation of the receipt of the proceeds of the bonds in the same manner and subject to the same limitations and conditions provided by s. 215.431. The rights and remedies of the holders of such notes shall be the same rights and remedies which they would have if they were the holders of the definitive bonds in anticipation of which they are issued; and all of the covenants, agreements, or other proceedings relating to the definitive bonds in anticipation of which such bond anticipation notes are issued shall be a part of the proceedings relating to the issuance of such notes as fully and to the same extent as if incorporated verbatim therein.

(8)  Prior to the preparation of definitive bonds, the division may be authorized by the board to issue interim receipts or temporary bonds, with or without coupons, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds have been executed and are available for delivery under such terms and conditions as the board shall deem advisable. The board may also provide for the replacement of any bonds which shall become mutilated or be destroyed, stolen, or lost under such terms and conditions as the board shall deem advisable.

History.--s. 13, ch. 69-230; s. 49, ch. 71-355; s. 3, ch. 73-135; s. 20A, ch. 73-302; s. 4, ch. 82-195; s. 1, ch. 84-171; s. 2, ch. 86-181; s. 13, ch. 87-222; s. 3, ch. 87-308; s. 1154, ch. 95-147.

215.684  Limitation on engaging services of securities broker or bond underwriter convicted of fraud.--

(1)  Subject to the notice provided in subsection (2), the State of Florida shall not engage the services of any person or firm as a securities broker or bond underwriter that has been convicted or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to fraud in a federal or state court, for a period of 2 years from the date of such conviction.

(2)  Upon notification under chapter 517 that a person or firm has been convicted or has pleaded as provided in subsection (1), the Comptroller shall issue a notice of intent to take action to disqualify such person or firm, which notice must state that:

(a)  Such person or firm is considered a disqualified securities broker or bond underwriter;

(b)  A state agency may not enter into a contract with such person or firm as a securities broker or bond underwriter for any new business for a period of 2 years;

(c)  The substantial rights of such person or firm as a securities broker or bond underwriter are being affected and the person or firm has the rights accorded pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57; and

(d)  Such person or firm may petition to mitigate the duration of his or her disqualification, based on the criteria established in subsection (3) and may request that such mitigation be considered as part of any hearing under ss. 120.569 and 120.57.

(3)  The Comptroller shall decide, based on the following criteria, whether or not to mitigate the duration of the disqualification:

(a)  The nature and details of the crime;

(b)  The degree of culpability of the person or firm proposed to be requalified;

(c)  Prompt or voluntary payment of any damages or penalty as a result of the conviction and disassociation from any other person or firm involved in the crimes of fraud;

(d)  Cooperation with state or federal investigation or prosecution of the crime of fraud;

(e)  Prior or future self-policing by the person or firm to prevent crimes of fraud; and

(f)  Reinstatement or clemency in any jurisdiction in relation to the crime at issue in the proceeding.

(4)  If the Comptroller in his or her sole discretion decides to mitigate the duration of the disqualification based on the foregoing, the duration of disqualification shall be for any period the Comptroller specifies up to 2 years from the date of the person's or firm's conviction or plea. If the Comptroller refuses to mitigate the duration of the disqualification, such person or firm may again file for mitigation no sooner than 9 months after denial by the Comptroller.

(5)  Notwithstanding subsection (4), a firm or person at any time may petition the Comptroller for termination of the disqualification based upon a reversal of the conviction of the firm or person by an appellate court or a pardon.

(6)  The person's or firm's conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, fraud, or the disqualification of a person or firm under this section, shall not affect any rights or obligations under any contract, franchise, or other binding agreement which predates such conviction, plea, or disqualification.

(7)  A person or firm requesting a hearing pursuant to ss. 120.569 and 120.57 may consent to a disqualification beginning prior to the disposition of the proceedings, in which case the period of disqualification shall run from such agreed upon date.

(8)  Except when otherwise provided by law for crimes of fraud with respect to the transaction of business with any public entity or with an agency or political subdivision of any other state or with the United States, this act constitutes the sole authorization for determining when a person or firm convicted or having pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to the crime of fraud may not be engaged to provide services as a securities broker or bond underwriter with the state. Nothing in this act shall be construed to affect the authority granted the Comptroller under chapter 517 to revoke or suspend the license of such securities dealer or bond underwriter.

History.--s. 16, ch. 85-165; ss. 1, 2, ch. 89-24; s. 1155, ch. 95-147; s. 45, ch. 96-410.

215.69  State Board of Administration to administer funds.--

(1)  The State Board of Administration is hereby designated and appointed as the agent of the board and the division to administer all debt service funds for bonds issued pursuant to this act, except as otherwise provided herein.

(2)  Upon sale and delivery of any bonds by the division pursuant to this act and disbursement of the proceeds thereof in the manner provided by the proceedings authorizing the issuance of such bonds, the State Board of Administration shall take over the management, control, bond trusteeship, administration, custody, and payment of all debt service or other funds or assets available for such bonds and shall cause to be entered in its records a description of all bonds issued pursuant to this act, giving their amount, date, the times fixed for payment of principal and interest, the rate or rates of interest, the place or places at which the principal and interest will be payable, the denomination or denominations and purpose of issuance, together with the name of the state agency or state officials vested with the authority and power to levy, fix, and establish the taxes, revenues, or other funds for the payment of the principal and interest on such bonds, and reserves therefor, and a reference to the statute under which such bonds are issued. Upon assuming such trusteeship, the State Board of Administration shall succeed to all the statutory powers of the division and other state agencies with regard to such bonds.

(3)  The State Board of Administration shall have authority to require the state officials and the state agencies on behalf of which the division shall have issued bonds to promptly forward the necessary taxes, revenues, or other funds for the payment of the principal of or interest on such bonds, and reserves therefor, and any other funds required by the proceedings which authorized such bonds to the State Board of Administration.

(4)  The State Board of Administration shall also be the agent of the division for the investment of all funds of the division, including all reserve funds, and the State Board of Administration shall invest all such funds in the securities provided in the proceedings which authorized the issuance of such bonds, or, if no provisions for such investments are provided in such proceedings, then such funds shall be invested in the manner provided in s. 215.47.

(5)  The State Board of Administration shall also act as the trustee of any sinking funds or other funds if the proceedings which authorized the issuance of such bonds provide for a trustee of such funds and no bank or trust company is designated as trustee of such funds in such proceedings.

(6)  The provisions of this section shall not prevent, however, the designation by the board of a bank or trust company to serve as a trustee for the purposes of this act.

(7)  The State Board of Administration shall maintain all records required to be maintained as to outstanding bond issues pursuant to s. 215.63 and this section, and it shall not be necessary for the Division of Bond Finance to duplicate such records or to maintain separate accounts for any of such issues.

History.--s. 14, ch. 69-230; s. 2, ch. 73-135.

215.70  State Board of Administration to act in case of defaults.--

(1)  If funds sufficient for the payment of the principal and interest due at any time on any bonds of the state or on any bonds issued on behalf of any state agency are not remitted to the State Board of Administration in sufficient time to pay the same when due, the State Board of Administration shall succeed to all the powers of the state officials or state agency on behalf of which such bonds were issued relating to the collection of taxes, revenues, or any other funds pledged for the payment of the principal of or interest on such bonds. It shall be the duty of the State Board of Administration to take over and enforce the levy, fixing, and collecting of such taxes, revenues, or other pledged funds and to apply the same in the manner provided in the proceeding which authorized the issuance of such bonds.

(2)  The provisions of this section do not prevent, however, the appointment of a receiver for any of the properties or facilities of any state agency for which any revenues or other funds have been pledged, upon the default of such state agency in the manner provided in the resolution or other proceedings which authorized the bonds issued by the division on behalf of such state agency.

(3)  It shall be the duty of the State Board of Administration to monitor the debt service accounts for bonds issued pursuant to this act. The board shall advise the Legislature of any projected need to appropriate funds to honor the pledge of full faith and credit of the state. The report shall include the estimated amount of appropriations needed, the estimated maximum amount of appropriations needed, and a contingency appropriation request for each bond issue.

(4)  Whenever it becomes necessary for state funds to be appropriated for the payment of principal or interest on bonds which have been issued by the Division of Bond Finance on behalf of any local government or authority and for which the full faith and credit of the state has been pledged, any state shared revenues otherwise earmarked for the local government or authority shall be used by the Comptroller to reimburse the state, until the local government or authority has reimbursed the state in full.

History.--s. 15, ch. 69-230; s. 2, ch. 84-171.

215.71  Application of bond proceeds.--The division shall remit the proceeds of such bonds, after first deducting its fees, costs and expenses as provided in this act, for application in the manner provided in the laws relating to such bonds and in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of such bonds.

History.--s. 16, ch. 69-230.

215.72  Covenants with bondholders.--

(1)  The board shall have power to enter into valid and legally binding covenants between the State of Florida or any state agency and the holders of any bonds, including, without limitation:

(a)  The manner and method of determining and paying rates, fees or other charges for services and facilities of revenue-producing facilities;

(b)  Insurance on revenue-producing facilities;

(c)  Limitations on the powers of the board, the division, or any state agency on behalf of which the bonds are issued to construct, acquire or operate or permit the construction, acquisition or operation of any roads, bridges, tunnels, structures, facilities, or properties which would materially and adversely affect the revenues derived from the facilities financed with the proceeds of such bonds;

(d)  Terms and conditions for modification or amendment of any provisions or covenants in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of such bonds;

(e)  Provisions for and limitations on the appointment of a trustee for bondholders for any properties or facilities financed by the issuance of such bonds;

(f)  Provisions as to the appointment of a receiver of any facilities or properties financed by the issuance of such bonds on default of payment of principal or interest on such bonds or violation of any covenants or conditions contained in the proceedings which authorized the issuance of such bonds or the provisions or requirements of this act;

(g)  Provisions for the execution and implementation of trust agreements with the State Board of Administration or banks or trust companies within or without the state regarding the holding and disposition of taxes or revenues derived from such properties or facilities or other funds pledged for such bonds and the proceeds of such bonds;

(h)  Provisions as to the rank and priority of any bonds issued in relation to subsequent bonds issued for the same purpose or purposes, or payable from the same taxes, revenues or other funds; and

(i)  Any other matters deemed necessary or advisable to enhance the security of such bonds and the marketability thereof and which are customary in accordance with the market requirements for the sale of such bonds.

(2)  All such covenants and agreements, in addition to the provisions of this act, shall constitute valid and legally binding contracts between the state or any state agency on behalf of which such bonds are issued and the holders of such bonds, and shall be enforceable by any such holder or holders by mandamus or other appropriate action, suit or proceeding at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction.

History.--s. 17, ch. 69-230.

215.73  Approval of bond issue by State Board of Administration.--At or prior to the sale by the division, all bonds proposed to be issued by the division shall be approved by the State Board of Administration as to fiscal sufficiency.

History.--s. 18, ch. 69-230; s. 3, ch. 84-171.

215.74  Pledge of constitutional fuel tax; consent by counties and state agency supervising state road system.--Any portion of the constitutional fuel tax provided for and allocated to the account of each of the several counties by s. 9(c), Art. XII of the State Constitution may be pledged and used for the payment of bonds issued by the division; provided, however, that such funds may only be pledged and used with the consent of the state agency supervising the state road system and the governing body of the county to the account of which such portion of the constitutional fuel tax is allocated.

History.--s. 19, ch. 69-230; s. 36, ch. 83-3; s. 132, ch. 95-417.

215.75  Bonds securities for public bodies.--All bonds issued by the division, either for the state or on behalf of any state agency pursuant to this act, shall be and constitute legal investments for state, county, municipal, and all other public funds, and for banks, savings banks, insurance companies, executors, administrators, trustees, and all other fiduciaries, and shall also be and constitute securities eligible as collateral deposits for all state, county, municipal, or other public funds.

History.--s. 20, ch. 69-230.

215.76  Exemption of bonds from taxation.--

(1)  As the exercise of the powers conferred by this act constitutes the performance of essential public functions, all properties, revenues, or other assets of the division or of any state agency on behalf of which bonds are issued under this act, and all bonds issued hereunder and the interest thereon, shall be exempt from all taxation by the state or any county, municipality, political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the state. The exemption granted by this section is not applicable to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations.

(2)  Each governmental agency for which the division issues bonds shall have the responsibility for the life of all bonds outstanding to assure continued compliance with the provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to maintaining the tax-exempt status of such bonds; provided, however, that the division shall be responsible for ensuring that all provisions of federal arbitrage laws are complied with regarding such bonds. Each governmental agency for which the division has issued bonds and each state agency shall be subject to the direction of the division to the extent necessary to ensure such compliance.

History.--s. 21, ch. 69-230; s. 6, ch. 73-327; s. 4, ch. 84-171; s. 8, ch. 89-287.

215.77  Trust funds.--The proceeds of all bonds and all taxes, revenues, or other funds provided for in this act and the proceedings which authorized the issuance of such bonds shall be and constitute trust funds and shall be used and applied solely in the manner and for the purposes provided in this act and the proceedings which authorized the issuance of such bonds.

History.--s. 22, ch. 69-230.

215.78  Remedies.--Any holder of bonds issued under the provisions of this act or of any of the coupons appertaining thereto, except to the extent the rights herein given may be restricted by the resolution or other proceedings authorizing the issuance of such bonds, may by civil action, mandamus, or other proceedings, protect and enforce any and all rights of such bondholders granted hereunder or under the proceedings authorizing the issuance of such bonds, and may enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this act or by such proceedings by the state or any state agency on behalf of which such bonds are issued, including the levying, fixing, establishing and collecting of taxes, revenues or other funds and the performance and carrying out of all the provisions of this act and all covenants and agreements in the proceedings which authorized the issuance of such bonds.

History.--s. 23, ch. 69-230.

215.79  Refunding bonds.--

(1)  The board is authorized to provide by resolution for the issuance by the division of refunding bonds of the state, or on behalf of any state agency, for the purpose of refunding any bonds then outstanding. The board is further authorized to provide by resolution for the issuance of bonds for the combined purposes of paying the cost of the construction or acquisition of capital projects and refunding any bonds then outstanding. Any outstanding bonds may be so refunded at any time prior to the date or dates on which they shall mature or shall be subject to redemption prior to maturity or can be acquired for voluntary exchange. The proceeds of any refunding bonds may be invested in direct obligations of the United States maturing not later than the date upon which such outstanding bonds will mature or any date upon which such outstanding bonds will be redeemed.

(2)  The amount of refunding bonds to be issued for the purposes of refunding outstanding bonds, or for refunding outstanding bonds and the construction or acquisition of capital projects, may be increased in the amount necessary for the payment of all costs and expenses of the issuance of such bonds and also for the purpose of depositing in escrow until the date upon which any outstanding bonds will mature or be redeemed or acquired all interest and redemption premiums which will accrue to and including the date on which said outstanding bonds shall mature or be redeemed or acquired. In determining the amount of such refunding bonds to be issued, the amounts of any discounts or interest on such direct obligations of the United States to be deposited in escrow, which will accrue to and be deposited in the escrow account prior to the date or dates on which the outstanding bonds being so refunded shall mature or be redeemed or acquired, may be taken into account. Deposit in escrow of direct obligations of the United States in an amount which, at maturity, together with interest to accrue thereon prior to the date or dates on which the outstanding bonds being refunded shall mature or be redeemed or acquired, will equal the total amounts of principal, interest, and any redemption premiums required to redeem, retire, or purchase such outstanding bonds on such date or dates shall be sufficient to terminate the lien of such outstanding bonds on all funds except such escrow fund.

(3)  Bonds issued pursuant to this section for the purpose of refunding outstanding bonds shall be sold at public sale as provided in s. 215.68 unless the board, by resolution, authorizes a negotiated sale.

History.--s. 24, ch. 69-230; s. 4, ch. 73-135; s. 38, ch. 81-223; s. 3, ch. 86-181.

215.80  Annual report.--The division or the State Board of Administration shall cause to be made at least once each year a comprehensive report of all debt service or other sinking funds for any bonds issued by the division for the state or any state agencies and the status of all such funds and accounts. Copies of such report shall be filed with the secretary or assistant secretary of the board and shall be open to public inspection.

History.--s. 25, ch. 69-230.

215.81  Pledge of state.--The state does hereby covenant and agree with the holders of the bonds issued pursuant to this act that the state will not limit or restrict the rights hereby vested in the board or the division or in any state agency on behalf of which such bonds are issued:

(1)  To construct, acquire, improve, maintain and operate any capital projects financed with the proceeds of bonds issued pursuant to this act;

(2)  To levy, fix, establish and collect such taxes, revenues or other funds which are pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds, or reserves therefor;

(3)  To fulfill the terms of any covenants and agreements made with the holders of bonds issued pursuant to this act

or in any way to impair the rights or remedies of the holders of such bonds until all such bonds together with the interest thereon are fully paid and discharged.

History.--s. 26, ch. 69-230.

215.82  Validation; when required.--

(1)  Bonds issued pursuant to this act shall be validated in the manner provided by law through proceedings instituted by the attorneys for the division under chapter 75. Refunding bonds issued pursuant to s. 215.79, bonds issued pursuant to s. 9(a)(2), Art. XII of the State Constitution to finance or refinance capital outlay projects authorized by the Legislature for the state system of public education, and bonds issued to finance the acquisition and construction of roads in a county pursuant to s. 9(c), Art. XII of the State Constitution may, as determined by the division, be validated pursuant to chapter 75. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent sale or delivery of any bonds or notes after entry of a judgment of validation by the circuit court.

(2)  Any bonds issued pursuant to this act which are validated shall be validated in the manner provided by chapter 75. In actions to validate bonds to be issued in the name of the State Board of Education under s. 9(a) and (d), Art. XII of the State Constitution and bonds to be issued pursuant to chapter 259, the Land Conservation Act of 1972, the complaint shall be filed in the circuit court of the county where the seat of state government is situated, the notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published only in the county where the complaint is filed, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the state attorney of the circuit in which the action is pending. In any action to validate bonds issued pursuant to part I of chapter 243 or issued pursuant to s. 9(a)(1), Art. XII of the State Constitution or issued pursuant to s. 215.605 or s. 338.227, the complaint shall be filed in the circuit court of the county where the seat of state government is situated, the notice required to be published by s. 75.06 shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the complaint is filed and in two other newspapers of general circulation in the state, and the complaint and order of the circuit court shall be served only on the state attorney of the circuit in which the action is pending; provided, however, that if publication of notice pursuant to this section would require publication in more newspapers than would publication pursuant to s. 75.06, such publication shall be made pursuant to s. 75.06.

History.--s. 27, ch. 69-230; s. 6, ch. 73-135; s. 5, ch. 84-171; s. 4, ch. 88-247; s. 1, ch. 88-318; s. 17, ch. 90-136.

215.821  Issuance of bonds by state agencies.--Prior to July 1, 1969, state agencies may issue bonds directly under the laws relating to such state agencies. Any state agency may, however, make application for the issuance of such bonds on behalf of such state agency by the division as provided in ss. 215.57-215.83 at any time after July 1, 1969; and, in such event, all the provisions of ss. 215.57-215.83 shall apply to such bonds issued by the division on behalf of any state agency making such application. The provisions of ss. 215.57-215.83 shall apply to all state agencies on and after July 1, 1969, and all bonds of such state agencies shall thereafter be issued by the division on behalf of such state agencies under the provisions of ss. 215.57-215.83, except in cases in which the State Constitution provides for the issuance of such bonds by the state agency. In any such case a state agency may request the division to act as the agent of such state agency in the sale of such bonds and to render any assistance in the preparation and dissemination of information and preparation of proceedings for the issuance of such bonds under such terms and conditions as shall be agreed upon by the board.

History.--s. 28, ch. 69-230; s. 50, ch. 71-355.

215.83  Construction of State Bond Act.--The provisions of this act shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes. The exercise of the powers provided by this act and the issuance of bonds and federal arbitrage compliance functions provided for hereunder shall not be subject to the limitations and provisions of any other law or laws which are inconsistent with the provisions of this act, and any provisions of any other laws relating to the issuance of bonds by any state agency or affecting such federal arbitrage compliance functions which are inconsistent with the provisions of this act are hereby superseded to the extent of such inconsistent provisions. The provisions of all resolutions adopted by the board which authorize the issuance and sale of bonds, and all other proceedings taken pursuant to this act for the sale, issuance, and delivery of the bonds, shall be liberally construed in favor of the bondholders of such bonds.

History.--s. 29, ch. 69-230; s. 6, ch. 84-171; s. 9, ch. 89-287.

215.835  Rulemaking authority.--The Division of Bond Finance and the State Board of Administration may adopt rules deemed necessary to carry out the provisions and intent of this act, including, but not limited to, reporting of debt service accounts.

History.--s. 11, ch. 89-287; s. 6, ch. 98-47; s. 1, ch. 98-124.

215.84  Government bonds; maximum rate of interest.--

(1)  It is the purpose of this section to maintain the fiscal solvency of public bodies, agencies, and political subdivisions in public borrowing; to prescribe a statewide maximum bond interest rate which is flexible with the bond market and from which are exempted bonds rated in the three highest ratings by nationally recognized rating services; and to authorize the State Board of Administration, when warranted, to authorize an interest rate in excess of the maximum. This section shall be applicable to debt instruments whose interest is either taxable or tax exempt from income taxation under federal law existing on the date the bonds are issued.

(2)  As used in this section and s. 215.845:

(a)  "Governmental unit" means any department, board, commission, or other agency of the state, or any county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state, heretofore or hereafter created, or any board, commission, authority, or other public agency or instrumentality which is now or hereafter authorized by law to issue bonds.

(b)  "Bonds" includes:

1.  "General obligation bonds," which are obligations secured by the full faith and credit of a governmental unit or payable from the proceeds of ad valorem taxes of a governmental unit.

2.  "Revenue bonds," which are obligations of a governmental unit issued to pay the cost of a self-liquidating project or improvements thereof, or combination of one or more projects or improvements thereof, and payable from the earnings of such project and any other special funds authorized to be pledged as additional security therefor, except for bonds issued to finance projects under part II, part III, or part V of chapter 159 or health facilities under part III of chapter 154.

3.  "Bond anticipation notes," which are notes issued by a governmental unit in anticipation of the issuance of general obligation or revenue bonds.

4.  "Limited revenue bonds," which are obligations issued by a governmental unit to pay the cost of a project or improvement thereof, or combination of one or more projects or improvements thereof, and payable from funds of a governmental unit, exclusive of ad valorem taxes, special assessments, or earnings from such projects or improvements.

5.  "Special assessment bonds," which are bonds that provide for capital improvements and are paid in whole or in part by levying and collecting special assessments on the abutting, adjoining, contiguous, or other specially benefited property.

(3)  Bonds may bear interest at a rate not to exceed an average net interest cost rate, which shall be computed by adding 300 basis points to The Bond Buyer "20 Bond Index" published immediately preceding the first day of the calendar month in which the bonds are sold. If the interest rate on bonds bearing a floating or variable rate of interest as calculated on the date of the initial sale thereof does not exceed the limitation provided by this subsection, so long as the basis, method, or formula for computing the floating or variable rate does not change during the life of the bonds, subsequent increases in the interest rate in accordance with said basis, method, or formula shall not cause the interest rate on the bonds to violate the limitation provided by this subsection. A certificate by the issuer of the bonds as to the computation of the interest rate in compliance with this requirement shall be deemed conclusive evidence of compliance with the provisions of this subsection. Such maximum rate does not apply to bonds rated by a nationally recognized rating service in any one of the three highest classifications, which rating services and classifications are determined pursuant to rules adopted by the State Board of Administration.

(4)  Upon the request of a governmental unit, the State Board of Administration may authorize, for a specific issue or reissue of bonds, a rate of interest in excess of the maximum rate prescribed in subsection (3). The governmental unit shall provide in its request:

(a)  Relevant supporting data which shall include, but not be limited to:

1.  The official statement or prospectus, if available, or similar information relating to the sale of the bonds;

2.  The resolution or ordinance authorizing the issuance of the bonds;

3.  Financial data relating to anticipated revenue, debt service, and coverage; and

4.  The most recent financial statement of the governmental unit.

(b)  Information relating to sale of the bonds, including whether they will be sold at public or private sale, and the amount of the discount, if any.

In making the determination to exceed the maximum interest rate, the State Board of Administration shall consider, but not be limited to considering, comparable sales of other state, county, municipal, or district bonds and evidence that the objectives and intent of the issuing of such bonds will be realized.

(5)  The State Board of Administration shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section.

(6)  Any provision of law, whether special or general, which is in conflict with this section is expressly superseded by this section.

(7)  This section does not apply to bonds which have been sold prior to the effective date of this section but which are issued on or after the effective date of this section, nor does this section apply to bonds issued to finance projects under part II, part III, or part V of chapter 159 or health facilities under part III of chapter 154.

(8)  This section does not apply to limit or restrict the rate of interest on bonds or other obligations of municipal utilities or agencies thereof issued or made pursuant to authority provided in part II of chapter 166 and s. 215.431.

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-318; s. 1, ch. 81-195; s. 81, ch. 83-217; s. 7, ch. 84-171; s. 1, ch. 86-15; s. 6, ch. 96-177.

215.845  Certain special laws establishing interest rates on bonds prohibited.--Pursuant to s. 11(a)(21), Art. III of the State Constitution, the Legislature hereby prohibits any special law providing for the establishment of an interest rate on bonds in excess of the maximum prescribed in s. 215.84(3) or providing any procedure for exceeding such interest rate, which procedure conflicts with that prescribed in s. 215.84(4).

History.--s. 2, ch. 80-318.

215.85  Direct deposit of public funds.--

(1)  SHORT TITLE.--This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Direct Deposit of Public Funds Act."

(2)  LEGISLATIVE INTENT.--It is the legislative intent that this act shall constitute authorization for all public agencies, and the judicial branch, to withdraw, pay, or disburse all public funds in their control by direct deposit to the account of the person entitled to receive such funds. This act is not intended to limit existing statutory authority for the direct deposit of public funds, but rather to allow in similar fashion all public agencies, and the judicial branch, to employ this method.

(3)  DEFINITIONS.--

(a)  The term "governing board or officer" means each individual or group of individuals, including, but not limited to, trustees, having lawful authority to withdraw, pay, or disburse public funds from the depository thereof.

(b)  The term "public funds" means all moneys under the jurisdiction or control of the state, a county, or a municipality, including any district, authority, commission, board, or agency thereof and the judicial branch, and includes all manner of pension and retirement funds and all other funds held, as trust funds or otherwise, for any public purpose.

(4)  DISBURSEMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS; DIRECT DEPOSIT.--

(a)  For the purpose of providing for the direct deposit of public funds under the circumstances herein specified, each governing board or officer is authorized to establish the form or forms of checks, warrants, or other instruments for the withdrawal, payment, or disbursement of the public funds under its control, and to change the form thereof from time to time. However, nothing in this section shall be construed as eliminating or impairing the requirements of any statute, rule, or ordinance relating to any official or other action or signatures necessary to authorize the withdrawal, payment, or disbursement of such public funds.

(b)  If authorized in writing by the person entitled to the withdrawal, payment, or disbursement of public funds, such checks, warrants, or other instruments may provide for direct deposit of the public funds to the account of the person entitled to receive the same in any financial institution which is designated in writing by such person and which has lawful authority to accept such deposits. The written authorization of the person entitled to receive such public funds shall be filed with the appropriate governing board or officer. Direct deposit of public funds may be by any electronic or other medium approved for such purpose by the governing board or officer having jurisdiction or control of such public funds.

(5)  PROCEDURES FOR WIRE TRANSFER OF FUNDS.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing board or officer of any local government who has the authority to deposit or withdraw funds is authorized to transfer funds from one depository to another or within a depository or to another institution, and may transfer funds wherein the transfer does not represent an expenditure, advance, or reduction of cash assets. Such transfer may be made by electronic, telephonic, or other medium; and each transfer shall be confirmed in writing and signed by the designee of the governing board or officer of the local government.

(6)  INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the governing board or officer of any local government who has the authority to invest funds is authorized to transfer funds by electronic or other medium for purposes of investment to any depository authorized by law to receive funds or in the Local Government Surplus Funds Trust Fund. A written record shall be kept of all transfers made pursuant to this section.

History.--ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ch. 78-406; s. 3, ch. 82-104; s. 27, ch. 92-142.

215.86  Management systems and controls.--Each state agency and the judicial branch as defined in s. 216.011 shall establish and maintain management systems and controls that promote and encourage compliance; economic, efficient, and effective operations; reliability of records and reports; and safeguarding of assets. Accounting systems and procedures shall be designed to fulfill the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles.

History.--s. 55, ch. 2001-266.

215.90  Short title.--Sections 215.90-215.96 may be cited as the "Florida Financial Management Information System Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-45; s. 19, ch. 97-286.

215.91  Florida Financial Management Information System; board; council.--

(1)  It is the intent of the Legislature that the executive branch of government, in consultation with the legislative fiscal committees, specifically design and implement the Florida Financial Management Information System to be the primary means by which state government managers acquire and disseminate the information needed to plan and account for the delivery of services to the citizens in a timely, efficient, and effective manner.

(2)  The Florida Financial Management Information System shall be a unified information system providing fiscal, management, and accounting support for state decisionmakers. It shall provide a means of coordinating fiscal management information and information that supports state planning, policy development, management, evaluation, and performance monitoring. The Florida Financial Management Information System shall be the primary information resource that provides accountability for public funds, resources, and activities.

(3)  The Financial Management Information Board shall provide the overall framework within which the Florida Financial Management Information System will operate. The board, through the Florida Financial Management Information System Coordinating Council, shall adopt policies and procedures to:

(a)  Strengthen and standardize the fiscal management and accounting practices of the state;

(b)  Improve internal financial controls;

(c)  Simplify the preparation of objective, accurate, and timely management and fiscal reports; and

(d)  Provide the information needed in the development, management, and evaluation of public policy and programs.

(4)  The council shall provide ongoing counsel to the board and act to resolve problems among or between the functional owner subsystems. The board, through the coordinating council, shall direct and manage the development, implementation, and operation of the information subsystems that together are the Florida Financial Management Information System. The coordinating council shall approve the information subsystems' designs prior to the development, implementation, and operation of the subsystems and shall approve subsequent proposed design modifications to the information subsystems subject to the guidelines issued by the council. The coordinating council shall ensure that the information subsystems' operations support the exchange of unified and coordinated data between information subsystems. The coordinating council shall establish the common data codes for financial management, and it shall require and ensure the use of common data codes by the information subsystems that together constitute the Florida Financial Management Information System. The Comptroller shall adopt a chart of accounts consistent with the common financial management data codes established by the coordinating council. The board, through the coordinating council, shall establish the financial management policies and procedures for the executive branch of state government. The coordinating council shall notify in writing the chairs of the legislative fiscal committees and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court regarding the adoption of, or modification to, a proposed financial management policy or procedure. The notice shall solicit comments from the chairs of the legislative fiscal committees and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at least 14 consecutive days before the final action by the coordinating council.

(5)  The Florida Financial Management Information System and its functional owner information subsystems shall be compatible with the legislative appropriations system, and they shall be designed to support the legislative oversight function. The Florida Financial Management Information System and its functional owner information subsystems shall be unified with the legislative information systems that support the legislative appropriations and legislative oversight functions. The Florida Financial Management Information System and its functional owner information subsystems shall exchange information with the legislative information systems that support the legislative appropriations and legislative oversight functions without conversion or modification. Any information maintained by the Florida Financial Management Information System and its functional owner information subsystems shall be available, upon request, to the information systems of the legislative branch.

(6)  The Florida Financial Management Information System and its functional owner information subsystems shall be designed to incorporate the flexibility needed to respond to the dynamic demands of state government in a cost-conscious manner. The Florida Financial Management Information System shall include applications that will support an information retrieval system that will allow the user to ask general questions and receive accurate answers that include assessments concerning the qualifications of the data.

(7)  The Florida Financial Management Information System and each of its functional owner information subsystems shall strive to employ a common set of operations that make the system accessible to agency program managers and statewide decisionmakers. Data shall be easily transferred from the functional owner information subsystems to Florida Financial Management Information System applications and also among the functional owner information subsystems. The functional owner information subsystems shall identify shared data-gathering needs in order to minimize the duplications of source-entry input. The coordinating council shall ensure that all organizations within the executive branch of state government have access to and use the Florida Financial Management Information System for the collection, processing, and reporting of financial management data required for the efficient and effective operation of state government.

(8)  The Florida Financial Management Information System, through its functional owner subsystems, shall include a data-gathering and data-distribution facility that will support a management and decisionmaking information system that collects and stores agency and statewide financial, administrative, planning, and program information to assist agency program managers and statewide decisionmakers in carrying out their responsibilities.

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-45; s. 20, ch. 97-286.

215.92  Definitions relating to Florida Financial Management Information System Act.--For the purposes of ss. 215.90-215.96:

(1)  "Auditable" means the presence of features and characteristics that are needed to verify the proper functioning of controls in any given information subsystem.

(2)  "Board" means the Financial Management Information Board.

(3)  "Coordinating council" or "council" means the Florida Financial Management Information System Coordinating Council.

(4)  "Data or data code" means representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by humans or by automatic means. The term includes any representations such as characters or analog quantities to which meaning is, or might be, assigned.

(5)  "Design and coordination staff" means the personnel responsible for providing administrative and clerical support to the board, coordinating council, and secretary to the board. The design and coordination staff shall function as the agency clerk for the board and the coordinating council. For administrative purposes, the design and coordination staff are assigned to the Department of Banking and Finance but they are functionally assigned to the board.

(6)  "Functional owner" means the agency, or that part of the judicial branch, which has the legal responsibility to design, implement, and operate an information subsystem as provided by ss. 215.90-215.96.

(7)  "Functional system specifications" means the detailed written description of an information subsystem. These specifications are prepared by the functional owner of the system; describe, in the functional owner's language, what an information subsystem is required to do; and describe the features, characteristics, controls, and internal control measures to be incorporated into the information subsystem. Such specifications are the basis for the preparation of the technical system specifications by the functional owner.

(8)  "Information system" means a group of interrelated information subsystems.

(9)  "Information subsystem" means the entire collection of procedures, equipment, and people devoted to the generation, collection, evaluation, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of data and information within an organization or functional area in order to promote the flow of information from source to user.

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-45; s. 28, ch. 92-142; s. 21, ch. 97-286.

215.93  Florida Financial Management Information System.--

(1)  To provide the information necessary to carry out the intent of the Legislature, there shall be a Florida Financial Management Information System. The Florida Financial Management Information System shall be fully implemented and shall be upgraded as necessary to ensure the efficient operation of an integrated financial management information system and to provide necessary information for the effective operation of state government. Upon the recommendation of the coordinating council and approval of the board, the Florida Financial Management Information System may require data from any state agency information system or information subsystem or may request data from any judicial branch information system or information subsystem that the coordinating council and board have determined to have statewide financial management significance. Each functional owner information subsystem within the Florida Financial Management Information System shall be developed in such a fashion as to allow for timely, positive, preplanned, and prescribed data transfers between the Florida Financial Management Information System functional owner information subsystems and from other information systems. The principal unit of the system shall be the functional owner information subsystem, and the system shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

(a)  Planning and Budgeting Subsystem.

(b)  Florida Accounting Information Resource Subsystem.

(c)  Cash Management Subsystem.

(d)  Purchasing Subsystem.

(e)  Cooperative Personnel Employment Subsystem.

(2)  Each information subsystem shall have a functional owner, who may establish additional functions for the subsystem unless specifically prohibited by ss. 215.90-215.96. However, without the express approval of the board upon recommendation of the coordinating council, no functional owner nor any other agency shall have the authority to establish or maintain additional subsystems which duplicate any of the information subsystems of the Florida Financial Management Information System. Each functional owner shall solicit input and responses from agencies utilizing the information subsystem. Each functional owner may contract with the other functional owners for assistance in the design, development, and implementation of their information systems and subsystems. Each functional owner shall include in its information subsystem functional specifications the data requirements and standards of the Florida Financial Management Information System as approved by the board. Each functional owner shall establish design teams that shall plan and coordinate the design and implementation of its subsystem within the framework established by the board. The design teams shall assist the design and coordination staff in carrying out the duties assigned by the board or the coordinating council. The coordinating council shall review and approve the work plans for these projects.

(3)  The Florida Financial Management Information System shall include financial management data and utilize the chart of accounts approved by the Comptroller. Common financial management data shall include, but not be limited to, data codes, titles, and definitions used by one or more of the functional owner subsystems. The Florida Financial Management Information System shall utilize common financial management data codes. The council shall recommend and the board shall adopt policies regarding the approval and publication of the financial management data. The Comptroller shall adopt policies regarding the approval and publication of the chart of accounts. The Comptroller's chart of accounts shall be consistent with the common financial management data codes established by the coordinating council. Further, all systems not a part of the Florida Financial Management Information System which provide information to the system shall use the common data codes from the Florida Financial Management Information System and the Comptroller's chart of accounts. Data codes that cannot be supplied by the Florida Financial Management Information System and the Comptroller's chart of accounts and that are required for use by the information subsystems shall be approved by the board upon recommendation of the coordinating council. However, board approval shall not be required for those data codes specified by the Auditor General under the provisions of s. 215.94(6)(c).

(4)  The Florida Financial Management Information System shall be designed, installed, and operated in a fashion compatible with the legislative appropriations system.

(5)  Functional owners are legally responsible for the security and integrity of all data records existing within or transferred from their information subsystems. Each agency and the judicial branch shall be responsible for the accuracy of the information entered into the Florida Financial Management Information System.

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-45; s. 17, ch. 83-215; s. 29, ch. 92-142; s. 153, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 22, ch. 97-286.

215.94  Designation, duties, and responsibilities of functional owners.--

(1)  The Executive Office of the Governor shall be the functional owner of the Planning and Budgeting Subsystem, which shall be designed, implemented, and operated in accordance with the provisions of ss. 215.90-215.96 and chapter 216. The Planning and Budgeting Subsystem shall include, but shall not be limited to, functions for:

(a)  Development and preparation of agency and judicial branch budget requests.

(b)  Analysis and evaluation of agency and judicial branch budget requests and alternatives.

(c)  Controlling and tracking the allocation of appropriations, approved budget, and releases.

(d)  Performance-based program budgeting compliance evaluations, as provided in the legislative budget instructions pursuant to s. 216.023(3).

(2)  The Department of Banking and Finance shall be the functional owner of the Florida Accounting Information Resource Subsystem established pursuant to ss. 17.03, 215.86, 216.141, and 216.151 and further developed in accordance with the provisions of ss. 215.90-215.96. The subsystem shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following functions:

(a)  Accounting and reporting so as to provide timely data for producing financial statements for the state in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(b)  Auditing and settling claims against the state.

(3)  The Treasurer shall be the functional owner of the Cash Management Subsystem. The Treasurer shall design, implement, and operate the subsystem in accordance with the provisions of ss. 215.90-215.96. The subsystem shall include, but shall not be limited to, functions for:

(a)  Recording and reconciling credits and debits to treasury fund accounts.

(b)  Monitoring cash levels and activities in state bank accounts.

(c)  Monitoring short-term investments of idle cash.

(d)  Administering the provisions of the Federal Cash Management Improvement Act of 1990.

(4)  The Department of Management Services shall be the functional owner of the Purchasing Subsystem. The department shall design, implement, and operate the subsystem in accordance with the provisions of ss. 215.90-215.96. The subsystem shall include, but shall not be limited to, functions for commodity and service procurement.

(5)  The Department of Management Services shall be the functional owner of the Cooperative Personnel Employment Subsystem. The department shall design, implement, and operate the subsystem in accordance with the provisions of ss. 110.116 and 215.90-215.96. The subsystem shall include, but shall not be limited to, functions for:

(a)  Maintenance of employee and position data, including funding sources and percentages and salary lapse. The employee data shall include, but not be limited to, information to meet the payroll system requirements of the Department of Banking and Finance and to meet the employee benefit system requirements of the Department of Management Services.

(b)  Recruitment and examination.

(c)  Time reporting.

(d)  Collective bargaining.

(6)(a)  The Auditor General shall be advised by the functional owner of each information subsystem as to the date that the development or significant modification of its functional system specifications is to begin.

(b)  Upon such notification, the Auditor General shall participate with each functional owner to the extent necessary to provide assurance that:

1.  The accounting information produced by the information subsystem adheres to generally accepted accounting principles.

2.  The information subsystem contains the necessary controls to maintain its integrity, within acceptable limits and at an acceptable cost.

3.  The information subsystem is auditable.

(c)  The Auditor General shall specify those additional features, characteristics, controls, and internal control measures deemed necessary to carry out the provisions of this subsection. Further, it shall be the responsibility of each functional owner to install and incorporate such specified features, characteristics, controls, and internal control measures within each information subsystem.

(7)  The Auditor General shall provide to the board and the coordinating council the findings and recommendations of any audit regarding the provisions of ss. 215.90-215.96.

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-45; s. 30, ch. 92-142; ss. 85, 154, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 23, ch. 97-286; s. 100, ch. 99-255; s. 56, ch. 2001-266.

215.95  Financial Management Information Board.--

(1)  There is created, as part of the Administration Commission, the Financial Management Information Board. The board shall be composed of the Governor, the Comptroller, and the Treasurer. The Governor shall be chair of the board. The Governor or the Comptroller may call a meeting of the board at any time the need arises.

(2)  To carry out its duties and responsibilities, the board shall by majority vote:

(a)  Adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the Florida Financial Management Information System.

(b)  Oversee the actions of the coordinating council and issue orders to executive branch agencies to enforce implementation of and compliance with provisions relating to the Florida Financial Management Information System.

(c)  Manage and oversee the development of the Florida Financial Management Information System in such a fashion including, but not limited to, ensuring compatibility and integration with the Legislative Appropriations System.

(d)  By March 1 of each year, approve a strategic plan pursuant to the requirements set forth in ¹s. 186.022(9).

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-45; s. 1156, ch. 95-147; s. 24, ch. 97-286; s. 24, ch. 98-200.

¹Note.--All subunits were deleted from s. 186.022 by s. 43, ch. 2000-371; the remaining language is similar to former subsection (9).

215.96  Coordinating council and design and coordination staff.--

(1)  The Comptroller, as chief fiscal officer of the state, shall establish a coordinating council to function on a continuing basis. The coordinating council shall review and recommend to the board solutions and policy alternatives to ensure coordination between functional owners of the various information subsystems described in ss. 215.90-215.96 to the extent necessary to unify all the subsystems into a financial management information system.

(2)  The coordinating council shall consist of the Comptroller; the Treasurer; the secretary of the Department of Management Services; and the Director of Planning and Budgeting, Executive Office of the Governor, or their designees. The Comptroller, or his or her designee, shall be chair of the coordinating council, and the design and coordination staff shall provide administrative and clerical support to the council and the board. The design and coordination staff shall maintain the minutes of each meeting and shall make such minutes available to any interested person. The Auditor General, the State Courts Administrator, an executive officer of the Florida Association of State Agency Administrative Services Directors, and an executive officer of the Florida Association of State Budget Officers, or their designees, shall serve without voting rights as ex officio members on the coordinating council. The chair may call meetings of the coordinating council as often as necessary to transact business; however, the coordinating council shall meet at least once a year. Action of the coordinating council shall be by motion, duly made, seconded and passed by a majority of the coordinating council voting in the affirmative for approval of items that are to be recommended for approval to the Financial Management Information Board.

(3)  The coordinating council, assisted by the design and coordination staff, shall have the following duties, powers, and responsibilities pertaining to the Florida Financial Management Information System:

(a)  To conduct such studies and to establish committees, workgroups, and teams to develop recommendations for rules, policies, procedures, principles, and standards to the board as necessary to assist the board in its efforts to design, implement, and perpetuate a financial management information system, including, but not limited to, the establishment of common data codes, the development of integrated financial management policies that address the information and management needs of the functional owner subsystems, and the development of a strategic plan pursuant to the requirements set forth in s. 186.022. The coordinating council shall make available a copy of the approved plan in writing or through electronic means to each of the coordinating council members, the fiscal committees of the Legislature, and any interested person.

(b)  To recommend to the board solutions, policy alternatives, and legislative budget request issues that will ensure a framework for the timely, positive, preplanned, and prescribed data transfer between information subsystems and to recommend to the board solutions, policy alternatives, and legislative budget request issues that ensure the availability of data and information that support state planning, policy development, management, evaluation, and performance monitoring.

(c)  To report to the board all actions taken by the coordinating council for final action.

(d)  To review the annual work plans of the functional owner information subsystems by October 1 of each year. The review shall be conducted to assess the status of the Florida Financial Management Information System and the functional owner subsystems in regard to the provisions of s. 215.91. The coordinating council, as part of the review process, may make recommendations for modifications to the functional owner information subsystems annual work plans.

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-45; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 9, ch. 83-92; s. 2, ch. 87-137; ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 89-2; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 86, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 11, ch. 94-226; s. 1508, ch. 95-147; s. 25, ch. 97-286; s. 25, ch. 98-73; s. 85, ch. 99-2; s. 1, ch. 2001-61.

215.962  Standards for state agency use of card-based technology.--Each state agency that uses a card that relies on the electronic reading and use of information encoded in the card must comply with the following standards unless an exception is granted by the Florida Fiscal Accounting Management Information System Coordinating Council. The council shall follow the notice, review, and exception procedures in s. 216.177 prior to granting an exception. These standards apply whether the card is used for electronic transfer of benefits, identification, or other purposes.

(1)  Card-based technology must conform to standards of the American National Standards Institute.

(2)  Each card must contain the digital photographic image of the person to whom it is issued.

(3)  If the card is issued for purposes of financial transactions, it must be readable and usable by a portion of point-of-sale devices that are sufficient to guarantee reasonable access to benefits and services for card users.

(4)  Cards must contain the words "State of Florida" to identify the card as being issued by the state.

(5)  A single-purpose card may not be procured or issued.

(6)  Provision must be made in all card-based technology, whether developed by the issuing agency or procured by contract, for migration to advanced systems, in order to keep pace with card-based technology.

History.--s. 16, ch. 97-241.

215.964  Process for acquisition of commodities or services that include the use of card-based technology.--

(1)  Whenever any state agency intends to issue a bid, request for proposals, or contract in any manner to acquire commodities or services that include the use of card-based technology and will require the agency to expend more than the threshold amount provided in s. 287.017 for CATEGORY FIVE, such acquisition documentation must be submitted to the Florida Fiscal Accounting Management Information System Coordinating Council for approval prior to issuance. The Florida Fiscal Accounting Management Information System Coordinating Council shall consider whether the proposed transaction is structured to encourage vendor competition, cooperation among agencies in the use of card-based technology, and other financial terms and conditions that are appropriate with regard to the nature of the card-based technology application being acquired.

(2)  Nothing contained in this act shall be construed to prohibit an agency from continuing to use a card-based technology system that was lawfully acquired before the effective date of this act unless specifically directed otherwise in the General Appropriations Act.

(3)  An extension or renewal of an existing contract in any manner for commodities or services that include the use of card-based technology and will require the agency to expend more than the threshold amount provided in s. 287.017 for CATEGORY FIVE, is subject to the provisions of subsection (1).

History.--s. 17, ch. 97-241.

215.965  Disbursement of state moneys.--Except as provided in s. 17.076, s. 253.025(14), s. 259.041(18), s. 717.124(5), s. 732.107(5), or s. 733.816(5), all moneys in the State Treasury shall be disbursed by state warrant, drawn by the Comptroller upon the State Treasury and payable to the ultimate beneficiary. This authorization shall include electronic disbursement.

History.--s. 31, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 81-277; s. 6, ch. 85-61; s. 2, ch. 89-291; s. 7, ch. 89-299; s. 4, ch. 91-56; s. 12, ch. 94-240; s. 24, ch. 96-301; s. 7, ch. 99-247; s. 59, ch. 2000-371; s. 33, ch. 2001-36; s. 191, ch. 2001-226.

Note.--Former s. 216.331.

215.966  Refinancing of bonds.--The Division of Bond Finance of the State Board of Administration is hereby authorized to refinance any or all bonds previously issued pursuant to the provisions of s. 11(d), Art. VII of the State Constitution, and all projects that have been built or are scheduled to be built with the proceeds of bonds previously issued pursuant to the provisions of s. 11(d), Art. VII of the State Constitution are hereby approved in accordance with the provisions of s. 11(f), Art. VII of the State Constitution for the purposes of one or more refinancings of any or all of such bonds as may be determined by the Division of Bond Finance. The bonds authorized to be issued shall not be counted towards any statutory limit on the dollar amount of bonds which may be issued for any bond program.

History.--s. 14, ch. 95-396; s. 7, ch. 2000-152; s. 60, ch. 2000-371.

Note.--Former s. 216.3505.

215.97  Florida Single Audit Act.--

(1)  The purposes of the section are to:

(a)  Establish uniform state audit requirements for state financial assistance provided by state agencies to nonstate entities to carry out state projects.

(b)  Promote sound financial management, including effective internal controls, with respect to state financial assistance administered by nonstate entities.

(c)  Promote audit economy and efficiency by relying to the extent possible on already required audits of federal financial assistance provided to nonstate entities.

(d)  Provide for identification of state financial assistance transactions in the appropriations act, state accounting records, and recipient organization records.

(e)  Promote improved coordination and cooperation within and between affected state agencies providing state financial assistance and nonstate entities receiving state assistance.

(f)  Ensure, to the maximum extent possible, that state agencies monitor, use, and followup on audits of state financial assistance provided to nonstate entities.

(2)  Definitions; as used in this section, the term:

(a)  "Audit threshold" means the amount to use in determining when a state single audit of a nonstate entity shall be conducted in accordance with this section. Each nonstate entity that expends a total amount of state financial assistance equal to or in excess of $300,000 in any fiscal year of such nonstate entity shall be required to have a state single audit for such fiscal year in accordance with the requirements of this section. Every 2 years the Auditor General, after consulting with the Executive Office of the Governor, the Comptroller, and all state agencies that provide state financial assistance to nonstate entities, shall review the amount for requiring audits under this section and may adjust such dollar amount consistent with the purpose of this section.

(b)  "Auditing standards" means the auditing standards as stated in the rules of the Auditor General as applicable to for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, or local governmental entities.

(c)  "Catalog of State Financial Assistance" means a comprehensive listing of state projects. The Catalog of State Financial Assistance shall be issued by the Executive Office of the Governor after conferring with the Comptroller and all state agencies that provide state financial assistance to nonstate entities. The Catalog of State Financial Assistance shall include for each listed state project: the responsible state agency; standard state project number identifier; official title; legal authorization; and description of the state project, including objectives, restrictions, application and awarding procedures, and other relevant information determined necessary.

(d)  "Financial reporting package" means the nonstate entities' financial statements, Schedule of State Financial Assistance, auditor's reports, management letter, auditee's written responses or corrective action plan, correspondence on followup of prior years' corrective actions taken, and such other information determined by the Auditor General to be necessary and consistent with the purposes of this section.

(e)  "Federal financial assistance" means financial assistance from federal sources passed through the state and provided to nonstate entities to carry out a federal program. "Federal financial assistance" includes all types of federal assistance as defined in applicable United States Office of Management and Budget circulars.

(f)  "For-profit organization" means any organization or sole proprietor but is not a local governmental entity or a nonprofit organization.

(g)  "Independent auditor" means an external state or local government auditor or a certified public accountant who meets the independence standards.

(h)  "Internal control over state projects" means a process, effected by an entity's management and other personnel, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in the following categories:

1.  Effectiveness and efficiency of operations.

2.  Reliability of financial operations.

3.  Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

(i)  "Local governmental entity" means a county agency, municipality, or special district or any other entity (other than a district school board or community college), however styled, which independently exercises any type of governmental function.

(j)  "Major state project" means any state project meeting the criteria as stated in the rules of the Executive Office of the Governor. Such criteria shall be established after consultation with the Comptroller and appropriate state agencies that provide state financial assistance and shall consider the amount of state project expenditures or expenses or inherent risks. Each major state project shall be audited in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(k)  "Nonprofit organization" means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization that:

1.  Is operated primarily for scientific, educational service, charitable, or similar purpose in the public interest;

2.  Is not organized primarily for profit;

3.  Uses net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand the operations of the organization; and

4.  Has no part of its income or profit distributable to its members, directors, or officers.

(l)  "Nonstate entity" means a local governmental entity, nonprofit organization, or for-profit organization that receives state resources.

(m)  "Recipient" means a nonstate entity that receives state financial assistance directly from a state awarding agency.

(n)  "Schedule of State Financial Assistance" means a document prepared in accordance with the rules of the Comptroller and included in each financial reporting package required by this section.

(o)  "State awarding agency" means the state agency that provided state financial assistance to the nonstate entity.

(p)  "State financial assistance" means financial assistance from state resources, not including federal financial assistance and state matching, provided to nonstate entities to carry out a state project. "State financial assistance" includes all types of state assistance as stated in the rules of the Executive Office of the Governor established in consultation with the Comptroller and appropriate state agencies that provide state financial assistance. It includes state financial assistance provided directly by state awarding agencies or indirectly by recipients of state awards or subrecipients. It does not include procurement contracts used to buy goods or services from vendors. Audits of such procurement contracts with vendors are outside of the scope of this section. Also, audits of contracts to operate state-government-owned and contractor-operated facilities are excluded from the audit requirements of this section.

(q)  "State matching" means state resources provided to nonstate entities to be used to meet federal financial participation matching requirements of federal programs.

(r)  "State project" means all state financial assistance to a nonstate entity assigned a single state project number identifier in the Catalog of State Financial Assistance.

(s)  "State Projects Compliance Supplement" means a document issued by the Executive Office of the Governor, in consultation with the Comptroller and all state agencies that provide state financial assistance. The State Projects Compliance Supplement shall identify state projects, the significant compliance requirements, eligibility requirements, matching requirements, suggested audit procedures, and other relevant information determined necessary.

(t)  "State project-specific audit" means an audit of one state project performed in accordance with the requirements of subsection (9).

(u)  "State single audit" means an audit of a nonstate entity's financial statements and state financial assistance. Such audits shall be conducted in accordance with the auditing standards as stated in the rules of the Auditor General.

(v)  "Subrecipient" means a nonstate entity that receives state financial assistance through another nonstate entity.

(w)  "Vendor" means a dealer, distributor, merchant, or other seller providing goods or services that are required for the conduct of a state project. These goods or services may be for an organization's own use or for the use of beneficiaries of the state project.

(3)  The Executive Office of the Governor shall:

(a)  Upon conferring with the Comptroller and all state awarding agencies, adopt rules necessary to provide appropriate guidance to state awarding agencies, recipients and subrecipients, and independent auditors of state financial assistance relating to the requirements of this section, including:

1.  The types or classes of financial assistance considered to be state financial assistance which would be subject to the requirements of this section. This would include guidance to assist in identifying when the state agency or recipient has contracted with a vendor rather than with a recipient or subrecipient.

2.  The criteria for identifying a major state project.

3.  The criteria for selecting state projects for audits based on inherent risk.

(b)  Be responsible for coordinating the initial preparation and subsequent revisions of the Catalog of State Financial Assistance after consultation with the Comptroller and all state awarding agencies.

(c)  Be responsible for coordinating the initial preparation and subsequent revisions of the State Projects Compliance Supplement, after consultation with the Comptroller and all state awarding agencies.

(4)  The Comptroller shall:

(a)  Make enhancements to the state's accounting system to provide for the:

1.  Recording of state financial assistance and federal financial assistance appropriations and expenditures within the state awarding agencies' operating funds.

2.  Recording of state project number identifiers, as provided in the Catalog of State Financial Assistance, for state financial assistance.

3.  Establishment and recording of an identification code for each financial transaction, including state agencies' disbursements of state financial assistance and federal financial assistance, as to the corresponding type or organization that is party to the transaction (e.g., other governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations), and disbursements of federal financial assistance, as to whether the party to the transaction is or is not a recipient or subrecipient.

(b)  Upon conferring with the Executive Office of the Governor and all state awarding agencies, adopt rules necessary to provide appropriate guidance to state awarding agencies, recipients and subrecipients, and independent auditors of state financial assistance relating to the format for the Schedule of State Financial Assistance.

(c)  Perform any inspections, reviews, investigations, or audits of state financial assistance considered necessary in carrying out the Comptroller's legal responsibilities for state financial assistance or to comply with the requirements of this section.

(5)  Each state awarding agency shall:

(a)  Provide to a recipient information needed by the recipient to comply with the requirements of this section, including:

1.  The audit and accountability requirements for state projects as stated in this section and applicable rules of the Executive Office of the Governor, rules of the Comptroller, and rules of the Auditor General.

2.  Information from the Catalog of State Financial Assistance, including the standard state project number identifier; official title; legal authorization; and description of the state project including objectives, restrictions, and other relevant information determined necessary.

3.  Information from the State Projects Compliance Supplement, including the significant compliance requirements, eligibility requirements, matching requirements, suggested audit procedures, and other relevant information determined necessary.

(b)  Require the recipient, as a condition of receiving state financial assistance, to allow the state awarding agency, the Comptroller, and the Auditor General access to the recipient's records and the recipient's independent auditor's working papers as necessary for complying with the requirements of this section.

(c)  Notify the recipient that this section does not limit the authority of the state awarding agency to conduct or arrange for the conduct of additional audits or evaluations of state financial assistance or limit the authority of any state agency inspector general, the Auditor General, or any other state official.

(d)  Be provided one copy of each financial reporting package prepared in accordance with the requirement of this section.

(e)  Review the recipient financial reporting package, including the management letters and corrective action plans, to the extent necessary to determine whether timely and appropriate corrective action has been taken with respect to audit findings and recommendations pertaining to state financial assistance provided by the state agency.

(6)  As a condition of receiving state financial assistance, each recipient that provides state financial assistance to a subrecipient shall:

(a)  Provide to a subrecipient information needed by the subrecipient to comply with the requirements of this section, including:

1.  Identification of the state awarding agency.

2.  The audit and accountability requirements for state projects as stated in this section and applicable rules of the Executive Office of the Governor, rules of the Comptroller, and rules of the Auditor General.

3.  Information from the Catalog of State Financial Assistance, including the standard state project number identifier; official title; legal authorization; and description of the state project, including objectives, restrictions, and other relevant information.

4.  Information from the State Projects Compliance Supplement including the significant compliance requirements, eligibility requirements, matching requirements, and suggested audit procedures, and other relevant information determined necessary.

(b)  Review the subrecipient audit reports, including the management letters, to the extent necessary to determine whether timely and appropriate corrective action has been taken with respect to audit findings and recommendations pertaining to state financial assistance provided by the state agency.

(c)  Perform such other procedures as specified in terms and conditions of the written agreement with the state awarding agency including any required monitoring of the subrecipient's use of state financial assistance through onsite visits, limited scope audits, or other specified procedures.

(d)  Require subrecipients, as a condition of receiving state financial assistance, to permit the independent auditor of the recipient, the state awarding agency, the Comptroller, and the Auditor General access to the subrecipient's records and the subrecipient's independent auditor's working papers as necessary to comply with the requirements of this section.

(7)  Each recipient or subrecipient of state financial assistance shall comply with the following:

(a)  Each nonstate entity that receives state financial assistance and meets audit threshold requirements, in any fiscal year of the nonstate entity, as stated in the rules of the Auditor General, shall have a state single audit conducted for such fiscal year in accordance with the requirements of this act and with additional requirements established in rules of the Executive Office of the Governor, rules of the Comptroller, and rules of the Auditor General. If only one state project is involved in a nonstate entity's fiscal year, the nonstate entity may elect to have only a state project-specific audit of the state project for that fiscal year.

(b)  Each nonstate entity that receives state financial assistance and does not meet the threshold requirements, in any fiscal year of the nonstate entity, as stated in this law or the rules of the Auditor General is exempt for such fiscal year from the state single audit requirements of this section. However, such nonstate entity must meet terms and conditions specified in the written agreement with the state awarding agency.

(c)  Regardless of the amount of the state financial assistance, the provisions of this section do not exempt a nonstate entity from compliance with provisions of law relating to maintaining records concerning state financial assistance to such nonstate entity or allowing access and examination of those records by the state awarding agency, the Comptroller, or the Auditor General.

(d)  Audits conducted pursuant to this section shall be performed annually.

(e)  Audits conducted pursuant to this section shall be conducted by independent auditors in accordance with auditing standards as stated in rules of the Auditor General.

(f)  Upon completion of the audit as required by this section, a copy of the recipient's financial reporting package shall be filed with the state awarding agency and the Auditor General. Upon completion of the audit as required by this section, a copy of the subrecipient's financial reporting package shall be filed with the recipient that provided the state financial assistance. The financial reporting package shall be filed in accordance with the rules of the Auditor General.

(g)  All financial reporting packages prepared pursuant to the requirements of this section shall be available for public inspection.

(h)  If an audit conducted pursuant to this section discloses any significant audit findings relating to state financial assistance, including material noncompliance with individual state project compliance requirements or reportable conditions in internal controls of the nonstate entity, the nonstate entity shall submit as part of the audit package to the state awarding agency a plan for corrective action to eliminate such audit findings or a statement describing the reasons that corrective action is not necessary.

(i)  An audit conducted in accordance with this section is in addition to any audit of federal awards required by the federal Single Audit Act and other federal laws and regulations. To the extent that such federally required audits provide the state awarding agency with information it requires to carry out its responsibilities under state law or other guidance, a state agency shall rely upon and use that information.

(j)  Unless prohibited by law, the cost of audits pursuant to this section is allowable charges to state projects. However, any charges to state projects should be limited to those incremental costs incurred as a result of the audit requirements of this section in relation to other audit requirements. The nonstate entity should allocate such incremental costs to all state projects for which it expended state financial assistance.

(k)  Audit costs may not be charged to state projects when audits required by this section have not been made or have been made but not in accordance with this section. If a nonstate entity fails to have an audit conducted consistent with this section, state awarding agencies may take appropriate corrective action to enforce compliance.

(l)  This section does not prohibit the state awarding agency from including terms and conditions in the written agreement which require additional assurances that state financial assistance meets the applicable requirements of laws, regulations, and other compliance rules.

(m)  A state awarding agency that provides state financial assistance to nonstate entities and conducts or arranges for audits of state financial assistance that are in addition to the audits conducted under this act shall, consistent with other applicable law, arrange for funding the full cost of such additional audits.

(8)  The independent auditor when conducting a state single audit of recipients or subrecipients shall:

(a)  Determine whether the nonstate entity's financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

(b)  Determine whether state financial assistance shown on the Schedule of State Financial Assistance is presented fairly in all material respects in relation to the nonstate entity's financial statements taken as a whole.

(c)  With respect to internal controls pertaining to each major state project:

1.  Obtain an understanding of internal controls;

2.  Assess control risk;

3.  Perform tests of controls unless the controls are deemed to be ineffective; and

4.  Determine whether the nonstate entity has internal controls in place to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with the provisions of laws and rules pertaining to state financial assistance that have a material effect on each major state project.

(d)  Determine whether each major state project complied with the provisions of laws, rules, and guidelines as identified in the State Projects Compliance Supplement, or otherwise identified by the state awarding agency, which have a material effect on each major state project. When major state projects are less than 50 percent of the nonstate entity's total expenditures for all state financial assistance, the auditor shall select and test additional state projects as major state projects as necessary to achieve audit coverage of at least 50 percent of the expenditures for all state financial assistance provided to the nonstate entity. Additional state projects needed to meet the 50-percent requirement may be selected on an inherent risk basis as stated in the rules of the Executive Office of the Governor.

(e)  Report on the results of any audit conducted pursuant to this section in accordance with the rules of the Executive Office of the Governor, rules of the Comptroller, and rules of the Auditor General. Audit reports shall include summaries of the auditor's results regarding the nonstate entity's financial statements; Schedule of State Financial Assistance; internal controls; and compliance with laws, rules, and guidelines.

(f)  Issue a management letter as prescribed in the rules of the Auditor General.

(g)  Upon notification by the nonstate entity, make available the working papers relating to the audit conducted pursuant to the requirements of this section to the state awarding agency, the Comptroller, or the Auditor General for review or copying.

(9)  The independent auditor, when conducting a state project-specific audit of recipients or subrecipients, shall:

(a)  Determine whether the nonstate entity's schedule of state financial assistance is presented fairly in all material respects in conformity with stated accounting policies.

(b)  Obtain an understanding of internal control and perform tests of internal control over the state project consistent with the requirements of a major state project.

(c)  Determine whether or not the auditee has complied with applicable provisions of laws, rules, and guidelines as identified in the State Projects Compliance Supplement, or otherwise identified by the state awarding agency, which could have a direct and material effect on the state project.

(d)  Report on the results of a state project-specific audit consistent with the requirements of the state single audit and issue a management letter as prescribed in the rules of the Auditor General.

(e)  Upon notification by the nonstate entity, make available the working papers relating to the audit conducted pursuant to the requirements of this section to the state awarding agency, the Comptroller, or the Auditor General for review or copying.

(10)  The Auditor General shall:

(a)  Have the authority to audit state financial assistance provided to any nonstate entity when determined necessary by the Auditor General or when directed by the Legislative Auditing Committee.

(b)  Adopt rules that state the auditing standards that independent auditors are to follow for audits of nonstate entities required by this section.

(c)  Adopt rules that describe the contents and the filing deadlines for the financial reporting package.

(d)  Provide technical advice upon request of the Comptroller, Executive Office of the Governor, and state agencies relating to financial reporting and audit responsibilities contained in this section.

(e)  Be provided one copy of each financial reporting package prepared in accordance with the requirements of this section.

(f)  Perform ongoing reviews of a sample of financial reporting packages filed pursuant to the requirements of this section to determine compliance with the reporting requirements of this section and applicable rules of the Executive Office of the Governor, rules of the Comptroller, and rules of the Auditor General.

History.--s. 2, ch. 98-91; s. 58, ch. 2000-371.

Note.--Former s. 216.3491.

215.98  State debt fiscal responsibility.--

(1)  It is the public policy of this state to encourage fiscal responsibility on matters pertaining to state debt. In an effort to finance essential capital projects for the benefit of residents at favorable interest rates, the state must continue to maintain its excellent credit standing with investors. Authorizations of state debt must take into account the ability of the state to meet its total debt service requirements in light of other demands on the state's fiscal resources. The Legislature declares that it is the policy of this state to exercise prudence in undertaking the authorization and issuance of debt. In order to implement this policy, the Legislature desires to authorize the issuance of additional state tax-supported debt only when such authorization would not cause the ratio of debt service to revenue available to pay debt service on tax-supported debt to exceed 6 percent. If the 6-percent target debt ratio will be exceeded, the authorization of such additional debt must be accompanied by a legislative statement of determination that such authorization and issuance is in the best interest of the state and should be implemented. The Legislature shall not authorize the issuance of additional state tax-supported debt if such authorization would cause the designated benchmark debt ratio of debt service to revenues available to pay debt service to exceed 7 percent unless the Legislature determines that such additional debt is necessary to address a critical state emergency.

(2)  The Division of Bond Finance shall conduct a debt affordability analysis each year. Proposed capital projects that require funding by the issuance of additional state debt shall be evaluated on the basis of the analysis to assist the Governor and the Legislature in setting priorities among capital projects and related appropriations.

(a)  The Division of Bond Finance shall annually prepare a debt affordability report, to be presented to the governing board of the Division of Bond Finance, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chair of each appropriations committee by December 15 of each year, for purposes of providing a framework for the Legislature to evaluate and establish priorities for bills that propose the authorization of additional state debt during the next budget year.

(b)  The report shall include, but not be limited to:

1.  A listing of state debt outstanding, other debt secured by state revenues, and other contingent debt.

2.  An estimate of revenues available for the next 10 fiscal years to pay debt service, including general revenues plus any revenues specifically pledged to pay debt service.

3.  An estimate of additional debt issuance for the next 10 fiscal years for the state's existing borrowing programs.

4.  A schedule of the annual debt service requirements, including principal and interest allocation, on the outstanding state debt and an estimate of the annual debt service requirements on the debt included in subparagraph 3. for each of the next 10 fiscal years.

5.  An overview of the state's general obligation credit rating.

6.  Identification and calculation of pertinent debt ratios, including, but not limited to, debt service to revenues available to pay debt service, debt to personal income, and debt per capita for the state's net tax-supported debt.

7.  The estimated debt capacity available over the next 10 fiscal years without the benchmark debt ratio of debt service to revenue exceeding 6 percent.

8.  A comparison of the debt ratios prepared for subparagraph 6., with the comparable debt ratios for the 10 most populous states.

(c)  The Division of Bond Finance shall prepare an update of the report set forth above upon completion of the revenue estimates prepared in connection with the legislative session.

(d)  Any entity issuing debt secured by state revenues shall provide the information necessary to prepare the debt affordability report.

(3)  Failure to comply with this section shall not affect the validity of any debt or the authorization of such debt.

History.--s. 24, ch. 2001-56.

215.981  Audits of state agency direct-support organizations and citizen support organizations.--Each direct-support organization and each citizen support organization, created or authorized pursuant to law, and created, approved, or administered by a state agency, other than a university, district board of trustees of a community college, or district school board, shall provide for an annual financial audit of its accounts and records to be conducted by an independent certified public accountant in accordance with rules adopted by the Auditor General pursuant to s. 11.45(8) and the state agency that created, approved, or administers the direct-support organization or citizen support organization. The audit report shall be submitted within 9 months after the end of the fiscal year to the Auditor General and to the state agency responsible for creation, administration, or approval of the direct-support organization or citizen support organization. Such state agency, the Auditor General, and the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability shall have the authority to require and receive from the organization or from the independent auditor any records relative to the operation of the organization.

History.--s. 57, ch. 2001-266.