TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a move that could significantly shift power dynamics within Florida’s aerospace agency, a Senate proposal would grant Governor Ron DeSantis the authority to appoint a majority of the board of Space Florida.
The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee approved a bill (SB 7048) this week that would restructure the board of the state’s aerospace agency.
Under the proposed legislation, the governor or a designated person would chair the Space Florida board, and four members would be appointed by the governor.
Additionally, the state Department of Transportation secretary, one person appointed by the House speaker, and one appointed by the Senate president would be members of the board.
Currently, the 13-member Space Florida board is selected from individuals appointed to the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors by the governor, House speaker, and Senate president.
The proposed Senate bill would give the governor greater control over the agency, as he would be able to select the majority of the board members.
The House version of the bill (HB 7041) also gives the governor significant authority, allowing him to appoint the chair and five members to the board.
These members would represent the aerospace industry, seaports, the aviation industry, the bond-financing industry, and an academic experienced in aerospace or aviation. Additionally, the transportation secretary, who is appointed by Governor DeSantis, would also sit on the board.
Both versions of the bill would give the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity contract authority over Space Florida, further centralizing power within the governor’s office.
The bills will now move to the full Senate and House for further consideration. If approved, the new board structure would go into effect on July 1, 2023.
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