(1) The Targeted Marketing Assistance Program is created to enhance the tourism business marketing of small, minority, rural, and agritourism businesses in the state. The department, in conjunction with the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, shall administer the program. The program shall provide marketing plans, marketing assistance, promotional support, media development, technical expertise, marketing advice, technology training, social marketing support, and other assistance to an eligible entity.
(2) As used in this section, the term “eligible entity” means an independently owned and operated business with gross revenue not exceeding $1,250,000 or a nonprofit corporation that meets the requirements of s. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(3) The department and the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation shall provide an annual report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives documenting that at least 50 percent of the eligible entities receiving assistance through this program are independently owned and operated businesses with gross revenues not exceeding $500,000.
