Fla. Stat. § 267.0722 — Florida Code / Title XVIII / Chapter 267 / Section 267.0722
267.0722 Florida Museum of Black History.
Status: in_force

(1) There is created within the division the Florida Museum of Black History Task Force for the purpose of providing recommendations to the division for the planning, construction, operation, and administration of a Florida Museum of Black History. The museum shall be a multipurpose facility capable of generating self-sustaining revenues, with archival research and storage facilities, meeting rooms, full service banquet facilities that include a kitchen capable of serving at least 250 people at a single event, and a performing arts theater that shall be made available for private events.

(2) The task force shall be composed of nine members. Three members shall be appointed by the Governor, three members shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, and three members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. At least three of the appointed members must have 5 or more years of experience in one of the following areas: tenured faculty in history at a Florida public or private university; historical research and publication; archival design or preservation; multipurpose public building design or construction; the hospitality and service industry; business; finance; marketing; law; or education. All appointments shall be made no later than July 31, 2023.

(3) Members of the task force shall serve without compensation or honorarium but shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses as provided in s. 112.061.

(4) The division shall provide the task force with staff and expend funds as necessary to assist the task force in the performance of its duties.

(5) The task force shall develop the following: (a) Plans for the location, design, and construction of the museum and all necessary facilities. (b) Recommendations for the operation and administration of the museum upon completion of construction. (c) A marketing plan that may be executed by the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation to promote the museum. (d) A transition plan under which the museum will become financially self-sufficient. (e) Recommendations for archival and artifact acquisition, preservation, and research; exhibits; installations; and educational materials that complement and support required instruction provided in public schools in accordance with s. 1003.42(2)(h). The recommendations must include materials relating to: 1. The role of African-American participation in defending and preserving Florida and the United States, including, by way of example and without limitation, the contributions of the residents of Fort Mose, the Tuskegee Airmen, and all African-American veterans. 2. The history of slavery in the state. 3. The history of segregation in the state. 4. Notable African Americans in this state. 5. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, including the founding of Bethune Cookman University. 6. The history of historically black colleges and universities in this state. 7. The inherent worth and dignity of human life, with a focus on the prevention of genocide.

(6) Before July 1, 2024, the task force shall submit a report detailing its plans and recommendations to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. Upon submission of the report, the task force shall expire.

(7) After receiving the report of the task force, the Legislature may consider legislation pertaining to the commissioning, construction, operation, and administration of the museum.

History: s. 1, ch. 2023-72.