Governor’s Medal of Merit.

(1) The Governor may present, in the name of the State of Florida, a medal to be known as the “Governor’s Medal of Merit,” which shall bear a suitable inscription and ribbon of appropriate design, to:

(a) Any legal resident of this state who has rendered exceptional meritorious service to the citizens of this state;

(b) Any legal resident of this state who is serving under honorable conditions on active duty as a member of the United States Armed Forces, the Florida National Guard, or the United States Reserve Forces and has rendered exceptional meritorious service to the citizens of this state while on active duty; or

(c) Any legal resident of this state who has been honorably discharged from active duty as a member of the United States Armed Forces, the Florida National Guard, or the United States Reserve Forces and, while on active duty, rendered exceptional meritorious service to the citizens of this state.

As used in this subsection, the term “exceptional meritorious service” means acts above and beyond the level of duty normally required by that person’s respective military or civilian position.

(2)(a) In the event of the death of an individual who has been chosen to receive the Governor’s Medal of Merit, the medal shall be presented to a designated representative of the chosen recipient.

(b) The Governor’s Medal of Merit may only be presented to an individual once.