(1) As used in this section, the term “qualified job training organization” means an organization that satisfies all of the following:

(a) Is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

(b) Collects Florida state sales tax.

(c) Operates statewide and has more than 100 locations within the state.

(d) Is exempt from income taxation under s. 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(e) Specializes in the retail sale of donated items.

(f) Provides job training and employment services to individuals who have workplace disadvantages and disabilities.

(g) Uses a majority of its revenues for job training and placement programs that create jobs and foster economic development.

(2) To be eligible for funding, an organization must be certified by the department as meeting the criteria in subsection (1). After certification, the department may release funds to the qualified job training organization pursuant to a contract with the organization. The contract must include the performance conditions that must be met in order to obtain the award or portions of the award, including, but not limited to, net new employment in the state, the methodology for validating performance, the schedule of payments, and sanctions for failure to meet the performance requirements including any provisions for repayment of awards. The contract must also require that salaries paid to officers and employees of the qualified job training organization comply with s. 4958 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(3) A qualified job training organization that is certified must use the proceeds provided solely to encourage and provide economic development through capital construction, improvements, or the purchase of equipment that will result in expanded employment opportunities. Proceeds provided under this section for a qualified job training organization must result, within a 10-year period, in:

(a) The creation of at least 5,000 direct, new jobs.

(b) A minimum of 23,000 new clients served.

(c) The production of a minimum of $24 million in new sales tax revenues from increased sales.

(d) A minimum of $42 million in new salaries.

(e) A minimum of $6 million for job placement services.

(4) The failure to use the proceeds as required constitutes grounds for revoking certification.

(5) Notwithstanding s. 624.4625(1)(b), any member of a qualified job training organization that is both certified under this section and has at least one roadside cleaning service contract with a state agency among its membership may participate in a self-insurance fund authorized under s. 624.4625.

History.—s. 4, ch. 2006-55; s. 40, ch. 2012-96; s. 1, ch. 2016-239.