State agencies would pay health charges for vacant positions

The Department of Management Services would charge state agencies for health coverage tied to vacant positions. The rule covers positions eligible for state group health coverage at agencies in the State Personnel System, the Lottery, the Justice Administrative Commission and its housed entities, and the state courts system. The monthly charge equals the employer's cost for individual coverage. Agencies pay from money already allocated for salaries and benefits. Positions funded entirely with federal money are exempt. Partly federally funded positions owe only the state-funded share; agencies must seek federal approval to include the charge in indirect cost plans. Charges begin July 1, 2026. Agencies must pay within 30 days after receiving a charge; if payment is more than 60 days late, the department must certify the amount due for transfer.

The Department of Management Services would need tenant approval before planning or scheduling projects that affect occupied Capitol Center space. The approval rule covers permanent Capitol Center tenants other than the Governor; projects affecting legislative space require approval from the Senate President, the House Speaker, or both, as appropriate. For projects affecting legislative space, the department must consider the Legislature's schedule, time limits, and needs. The Senate President or House Speaker may change their chamber's assigned space without department approval. The department also needs legislative approval before listing a project affecting legislative space in a required report.

The state employees' drug program would use a formulary that can include or exclude prescription drugs and supplies. These provisions apply to prescription drugs and supplies in the state employees' prescription drug program. Formulary decisions may not restrict access to the most clinically appropriate, effective, and lowest net-cost drugs and supplies. A drug excluded from the formulary must be available for inclusion when the prescriber states that it is medically necessary. Drugs and supplies first available after January 1, 2027, are not covered until specifically listed as covered. Formulary management begins with the 2027 plan year. The department must send the next plan year's exclusion list by October 1 each year; midyear exclusions require at least 60 days' notice.

The Office of Supplier Development would provide information, advice, and resources about state purchasing opportunities for Florida-based small businesses, and run certification processes for eligible veteran-owned small businesses. The office is within the Department of Management Services. Its small-business assistance concerns Florida-based businesses; certification concerns eligible veteran-owned businesses. Veteran-owned businesses must meet the requirements of s. 295.187; their certifications last two years and must be renewed every two years. The bill text also describes repeals of minority-business certification provisions and the Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development, and removal of related office duties.