Tallahassee, Fla. – Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 5301: Information Technology Reorganization. The bill consolidates the Agency for State Technology (AST) into the Department of Management Services (DMS). This will increase efficiency by streamlining the state’s technology and telecommunications functions. The bill also modernizes the state’s strategy for data storage by adopting a cloud-first data policy.

The legislation also establishes the Florida Cybersecurity Task Force, to be chaired by Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez. The task force will bring together law enforcement, information technology, emergency management, legislative and private-sector partners to research best practices and recommend solutions to enhance Florida’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

“As cyber threats continue to increase and become more complex, it is imperative that Florida’s technology infrastructure evolve intelligently to protect our data and personal information,” said Governor DeSantis. “I want to thank the Florida Legislature for their support of our administration’s efforts to streamline agency operations and deliver a more efficient government to Floridians.”

“The Florida Cybersecurity Task Force will bring cutting-edge ideas and best practices to Florida,” said Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to research and recommend best practices to protect our state’s digital footprint.”

“This legislation paves the way for Florida to become the nation’s leader in cybersecurity and cloud solutions,” said DMS Secretary Jonathan Satter. “Thanks to the leadership from Governor DeSantis and our House and Senate partners, we will provide greater efficiencies in agency operations.”

“This legislation is important for the security and future of the state’s data and I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his bold vision and leadership in moving Florida’s data solutions into the 21^st Century,” said Senator Ed Hooper.

“House Bill 5301 is forward-thinking, it’s about protecting the state’s data and where we need the state’s information technology infrastructure to be in the future,” said Representative Jayer Williamson. “After several years of conversation, I appreciate Governor DeSantis for taking the lead and bringing this important proposal forward to the legislature.”

For a PDF copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.

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