Board of directors.

(1) Space Florida shall be governed by an independent board of directors that consists of the Governor, who shall serve ex officio, or who may appoint a designee to serve, as the chair and a voting member of the board, and the following appointed members:

(a) The Secretary of Transportation or his or her designee.

(b) Five members appointed by the Governor who must each reflect the state’s interests in the aerospace sector and represent the intent, duties, and purpose of Space Florida, or have at least 5 years of experience in at least one of the following areas:

1. The aerospace industry. Such member may not be currently employed by an entity that is under contract with Space Florida.

2. Bond financing.

3. Academic experience in aerospace, aviation, or a relevant science.

4. An aircraft facilities manager, a fixed-based operator, or a commercial airport operator.

(c) One member appointed by the President of the Senate, who has at least 5 years of experience as provided in paragraph (b).

(d) One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who has at least 5 years of experience as provided in paragraph (b).

(e) A representative of each of the following entities, who shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the board, appointed by the Governor:

1. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority.

2. The Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority.

3. An employee or official of a port district or port authority as defined in s. 315.02(2).

(2) All members of the board who are appointed by the Governor are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(3)(a) Appointed members shall serve 4-year terms, except that initially, to provide for staggered terms, the Governor shall appoint two members to serve 2-year terms and two members to serve 3-year terms. All subsequent appointments shall be for 4-year terms.

(b) Initial appointments must be made by October 1, 2023. Terms end on September 30.

(c) Any member is eligible for reappointment, except that a member may not serve more than two 4-year terms.

(d) A vacancy on the board of directors shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

(e) Appointed members may be removed by the appointing official for cause. Absence from three consecutive meetings is cause for removal.

(4) Board members shall serve without compensation, but are entitled to receive reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses pursuant to s. 112.061. Such expenses must be paid out of funds of Space Florida.

(5)(a) The board of directors shall meet at least quarterly, upon the call of the chairperson, or at the request of a majority of the membership.

(b) A majority of the total number of current voting members shall constitute a quorum. The board of directors may take official action by a majority vote of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present.

(c) Meetings may be held via teleconference or other electronic means.

(6) The board shall conduct education for newly appointed board members as provided by the Department of Commerce in accordance with s. 189.063.

(7) Space Florida may not endorse any candidate for elected public office or contribute moneys to the campaign of any such candidate.