15.18  International and cultural relations.--The Divisions of Cultural Affairs, Historical Resources, and Library and Information Services of the Department of State promote programs having substantial cultural, artistic, and indirect economic significance that emphasize American creativity. The Secretary of State, as the head administrator of these divisions, shall hereafter be known as "Florida's Chief Cultural Officer." As this officer, the Secretary of State is encouraged to initiate and develop relationships between the state and foreign cultural officers, their representatives, and other foreign governmental officials in order to promote Florida as the center of American creativity. The Secretary of State shall coordinate international activities pursuant to this section with the ¹Florida International Affairs Commission. For the accomplishment of this purpose, the Secretary of State shall have the power and authority to:

(1)  Disseminate any information pertaining to the State of Florida which promotes the state's cultural assets.

(2)  Plan and carry out activities designed to cause improved cultural and governmental programs and exchanges with foreign countries.

(3)  Plan and implement cultural and social activities for visiting foreign heads of state, diplomats, dignitaries, and exchange groups.

(4)  Encourage and cooperate with other public and private organizations or groups in their efforts to promote the cultural advantages of Florida.

(5)  Serve as the liaison with all foreign consular and ambassadorial corps, as well as international organizations, that are consistent with the purposes of this section.

(6)  Provide, arrange, and make expenditures for the achievement of any or all of the purposes specified in this section.

(7)  Notwithstanding the provisions of part I of chapter 287, promulgate rules for entering into contracts which are primarily for promotional services and events, which may include commodities involving a service. Such rules shall include the authority to negotiate costs with the offerors of such services and commodities who have been determined to be qualified on the basis of technical merit, creative ability, and professional competency. The rules shall only apply to the expenditure of funds donated for promotional services and events. Expenditures of appropriated funds shall be made only in accordance with part I of chapter 287.

History.--s. 1, ch. 80-159; s. 1, ch. 83-64; s. 1, ch. 86-163; s. 87, ch. 90-201; s. 30, ch. 91-5.