(Excerpts from the FL BOG Guidance)

• The FL Board of Governors put together a Foreign Influence Submission & Guidance document summarizing the requirements of House Bill 7017. The guidance provides filing specifications and audit requirements. Specifically, the bill created five new laws.
• International Cultural Agreements: Section 288.860, Florida Statutes, prohibits state agencies, political subdivisions, public schools, state colleges, or state universities authorized to expend state appropriated funds or levy ad valorem taxes from participating in any agreement with or accept any grant from a foreign country of concern2 (or an entity controlled by a foreign country of concern) which constrains the freedom of contract of the public entity; allows the curriculum or values of a program in the state to be directed or controlled by the foreign country of concern; or promotes an agenda detrimental to the safety or security of the United States or its residents.
• Foreign Gift Reporting: Section 1010.25, Florida Statutes, requires institutions of higher education to disclose gifts with a value of $50,000 or more received during a fiscal year to the Board of Governors on a semi-annual basis. The reporting requirement applies to affiliate organizations as well as direct-support organizations.
• Screening Foreign Researchers: Section 1010.35, Florida Statutes, requires institutions of higher education to screen certain applicants seeking employment in research or research-related support positions.
• Foreign Travel: Research Institutions: Section 1010.36, Florida Statutes, establishes requirements related to international travel for state universities, as well as entities listed in subparts A and B of part II of Chapter 10044,5, that receive state appropriations or state tax revenue and have a research budget of at least $10 million. Universities and entities who meet the specified criteria.
• Foreign Gifts and Contracts (for State Agencies): Section 286.101, Florida Statutes, requires state agencies and political subdivisions to report to the Department of Financial Services (DFS) any direct or indirect gift or grant with a value of $50,000 or more that was received from any foreign source.