Florida Statutes § 337.4031 — Utility Relocation Reimbursement Grant Program.

337.4031 Utility Relocation Reimbursement Grant Program.—(1) There is created within the Department of Commerce the Utility Relocation Reimbursement Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to reimburse providers of communications services which are subject to chapter 202 for eligible costs incurred in relocating facilities at the request of a county or municipal authority. (2) Beginning October 1, 2025, the Department of Revenue shall deposit the proceeds to be distributed to the Department of Commerce pursuant to s. 212.20(6)(d)2.a. into a separate account within the Grants and Donations Trust Fund to fund the Utility Relocation Reimbursement Grant Program. (3) The Department of Commerce shall establish by rule all of the following:(a) The criteria and process by which service providers may apply for reimbursement. (b) The minimum documentation required to verify eligible relocation costs. Such costs must be prudent and reasonable in order to be eligible for reimbursement. (c) The timeline for application review and reimbursement disbursement, which may not exceed 90 days from submission. (4) Program funds may be used only to reimburse actual, documented expenses directly attributable to the physical relocation of facilities required by a county or municipal authority. Reimbursement may not be made to a service provider for indirect or administrative costs. (5) Program funds are exempt from s. 215.20 and any interest earnings shall accrue to the program’s fund. (6) The Department of Commerce is authorized to adopt emergency rules pursuant to s. 120.54(4) to administer and enforce the provisions of this section.