Committee reports SB 110 favorably, establishes Office of Rural Prosperity and Rural Renaissance grants

The Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy reported CS for SB 110 favorably after adopting a delete‑all amendment that implements a suite of measures intended to support rural communities, including creating a state Office of Rural Prosperity, a rural renaissance grant program targeted to counties with declining populations and new funding for roads, housing and rural health care.

Why it matters: Backers described the bill as a comprehensive package to help small and largely rural counties obtain state and federal resources, invest in infrastructure and health care access, and preserve agricultural and natural lands while expanding local capacity for economic development.

Key provisions and amendments

Senator Simon, sponsor of SB 110, said the bill establishes a dedicated state Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce to connect rural communities to state and federal resources and proposes a rural renaissance grant program for the eight counties that have experienced population decline over the last 10 years. The bill also increases minimum SHIP allocations, provides funding to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, and invests more than $25 million in rural consortiums for transportation, property insurance, and related needs.

An amendment (barcode 406258) redirected the remainder of direct‑to‑home satellite distribution funds to local government half‑cent sales tax clearing trust funds, expanded a DOT county initiative grant program to improve connectivity between agricultural areas and market distribution centers, allowed counties in the Everglades agricultural area to request additional funds, and expanded eligibility for certain rural health grants to include physician assistants and autonomous APRNs. The amendment also increased funding for critical access hospitals by approximately $6,500,000, added marketing assistance through VISTA Florida for agritourism businesses, and made other technical changes.

Public testimony and debate

Chris Doolin, representing a small county coalition and longstanding school‑district interests, called the bill “the most comprehensive piece of legislation that addresses multiple needs exhibited in rural areas,” praising the combination of roads, housing, law enforcement and school construction revenue distribution changes. Kim Dinkins of 1000 Friends of Florida said the bill, paired with conservation programs, could help protect agricultural lands; she noted the group’s study that found Florida loses about 100 acres of agricultural land per day under current development patterns and urged careful planning around road expansions to avoid encouraging incompatible growth.

Senator Bradley, speaking in support, described the bill as an opportunity for rural communities to direct their own futures and emphasized its investments in health care, education and transportation.

Support and procedure

A broad set of stakeholders waived in support on the committee record, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Counties, Florida Rural Economic Development Association and others. After debate and amendment, the committee voted by roll call to report CS for SB 110 favorably to the full Senate. Senator Claddick asked to be recorded voting in the affirmative.

Votes at a glance

- Action: CS for SB 110 reported favorably (as amended) - Outcome: Reported favorably to the full Senate - Roll-call (recorded as saying “Yes”): Senator Arrington; Senator Avila; Senator Bernard; Senator Boyd; Senator Bradley; Senator Burton; Senator Collatio; Senator Davis; Senator Gates; Senator Angolia; Senator Jones; Senator Leake; Senator Pasadoma; Senator Rodriguez; Senator Simon; Senator Chernow; Senator Yarbrough; Vice Chair Osgood; Chair Gruters.

What’s next

With the committee’s favorable report, CS for SB 110 moves to the full Senate for further consideration. The bill and its amendment direct state agencies to create the office, distribute grants, and implement the health, housing and transportation changes described in committee testimony.