Promotion and development of sports-related industries and amateur athletics; direct-support organization established; powers and duties.

(1) The department shall establish a direct-support organization known as the Florida Sports Foundation. The foundation shall assist the department in:

(a) The promotion and development of the sports industry and related industries for the purpose of improving the economic presence of these industries in Florida.

(b) The promotion of amateur athletic participation for the citizens of Florida and the promotion of Florida as a host for national and international amateur athletic competitions for the purpose of encouraging and increasing the direct and ancillary economic benefits of amateur athletic events and competitions.

(c) The retention of professional sports franchises, including the spring training operations of Major League Baseball.

(2) The Florida Sports Foundation must:

(a) Be incorporated as a corporation not for profit pursuant to chapter 617.

(b) Be governed by a board of directors, which must consist of up to 15 members appointed by the Governor. In making appointments, the Governor must consider a potential member’s background in community service and sports activism in, and financial support of, the sports industry, professional sports, or organized amateur athletics. Members must be residents of the state and highly knowledgeable about or active in professional or organized amateur sports.

1. The board must contain representatives of all geographical regions of the state and must represent ethnic and gender diversity.

2. The terms of office of the members shall be 4 years. No member may serve more than two consecutive terms. The Governor may remove any member for cause and shall fill all vacancies that occur.

(c) Have as its purpose, as stated in its articles of incorporation, to receive, hold, invest, and administer property; to raise funds and receive gifts; and to promote and develop the sports industry and related industries for the purpose of increasing the economic presence of these industries in Florida.

(d) Have a prior determination by the department that the foundation will benefit the department and act in the best interests of the state as a direct-support organization to the department.

(3) The Florida Sports Foundation shall operate under contract with the department. The contract must provide that:

(a) The department may review the foundation’s articles of incorporation.

(b) The foundation shall submit an annual budget proposal to the department, on a form provided by the department, in accordance with department procedures for filing budget proposals based upon the recommendation of the department.