Fla. Stat. § 252.3712

Current through the 2024 Legislative Session

Section 252.3712 - Nonprofit Security Grant Program

Section 2, ch. 2023-352, provides that "[n]o later than December 31, 2023, the Division of Emergency Management must adopt rules to administer the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The division is authorized, and all conditions are deemed met, to adopt emergency rules under s. 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, for the purpose of implementing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program."

(1) The division shall establish a Nonprofit Security Grant Program that shall consist of funds appropriated by the Legislature to nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship and community centers, that are at high risk for violent attacks or hate crimes. The grants may be used to increase security and safety, including, but not limited to:

(a) The purchase and installation of security infrastructure, perimeter lighting, door hardening, security camera systems, perimeter fencing, barriers and bollards, and blast-resistant film and shatter-resistant glass for windows.

(b) Hiring security personnel.

(c) Training for security personnel and staff on threat awareness, emergency procedures, and first aid.

(2) The division shall award grants to applicants who were deemed eligible for but did not receive funding from the United States Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program within the federal fiscal year.

(3) The minimum amount of any grant award is $10,000, and the maximum grant award amount is $150,000. The total amount of funds available for the program is limited to the amount appropriated by the Legislature.

(4) The division may use up to 3 percent of the total amount appropriated to administer the grant program.

(5) The division shall adopt rules to administer this section, including rules providing criteria for all of the following:

(a) Awarding of grant funds to an owner of a facility for hardening security measures.

(b) Awarding of grant funds to an owner or a renter of a facility for nonhardening security measures.

(c) Establishing the need for grant funds to be awarded to an owner or a renter of a facility that has been operational for a period of at least 6 months or that has received a sufficient number of threats.

(6) This section is repealed January 1, 2028, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature.

Fla. Stat. § 252.3712

s.1, ch. 2023-180.

Amended by 2023SP2 Fla. Laws, ch. 352,s 1, eff. 11/13/2023.

Added by 2023 Fla. Laws, ch. 180,s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.