The Florida Senate

288.8155  International Trade Data Resource and Research Center.--Enterprise Florida, Inc., and the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council shall establish a comprehensive trade data resource and research center to be known as the "International Trade Data Resource and Research Center." The center shall be incorporated as a private nonprofit corporation operated in compliance with chapter 617, and shall not be a unit or entity of state government.

(1)  The center shall be governed by a board of directors composed of the following members: one representative appointed by Enterprise Florida, Inc., one representative appointed by the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council, and one representative appointed by the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development.

(2)  In addition to all powers authorized pursuant to chapter 617, the center shall have the power to:

(a)  Develop a statewide trade information system that may include, but is not limited to, timely import and export information; trade opportunities; intermodal transportation information that measures cargo flow by transportation mode; commodity trends; trade activity between Florida and specific countries; and other information as determined by the board of directors.

(b)  Develop an Internet based electronic commerce system designed to facilitate international trade in the Americas.

(c)  Provide research on trade opportunities in specific countries.

(d)  Provide any other terms and conditions required to effect the intent of the Legislature to ensure the general availability of trade data and research to Florida users and to promote the development of a center for the purposes enumerated in this section.

(e)  Make and enter into contracts and other instruments with public or private-sector entities, domestic or foreign, necessary or convenient for the purpose of exercising or performing its powers and functions.

(f)  Secure funding for the programs and activities of the center from federal, state, local, or private sources, and enter into contracts that provide terms and conditions to secure such funding.

(g)  Charge fees for services, programs, and activities developed pursuant to this section and for published materials.

(h)  Solicit, receive, hold, invest, and administer any grant, payment, or gift of funds or property and make expenditures consistent with the powers granted to it.

(i)  Acquire, enjoy, use, and dispose of patents, copyrights, and trademarks and any licenses, royalties, and other rights or interests thereunder or therein.

(3)  Information produced by the center will be made available to Enterprise Florida, Inc.; the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council; the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development; and state agencies under such terms as decided by the board of directors.

History.--s. 8, ch. 92-277; s. 76, ch. 96-320; s. 68, ch. 99-251.