Subject:
Title
Florida Department of Law Enforcement drone replacement program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the “State Financial Assistance Drone Replacement Program Compliant Drone Reimbursement Request (Option 1)” form and the “Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement between Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Pinellas County”.
• The State of Florida created a Drone Replacement Program (Program).
• The Program provides reimbursement for Drones deemed non-compliant per Section 934.50, Florida Statutes.
• The County Administrator’s signature is required on the Reimbursement Request document and the Agreement with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• The County is eligible to receive up to $88,494.00 for drones purchased in 2021 that were deemed non-compliant after they were purchased.
• If the grant is awarded, the funds will be deposited to the Fire Regional Program in the General Fund of Safety and Emergency Services. No County match is required. Funds are not budgeted as the grant has not been approved. If approved a budget amendment will be needed to recognize the revenues to the Fire Regional General Fund.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community.
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach.
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support.
Summary:
The grant program is provided for cost-reimbursement in an amount commensurate with replacement cost for each non-compliant drone relinquished to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The County could receive reimbursement up to $ 88,494.00.
Funds under this program will be disbursed on a first-come, first-serve basis, determined by the date Florida Department of Law Enforcement receives the following items: (1) Executed Drone Replacement Program Financial Assistance Agreement (2) Relinquishing of the Noncompliant Drones and (3) Submitting Documentation of Compliant Drone Purchase.
Background/Explanation:
In 2021, Pinellas County purchased drones. Effective January 1, 2023, the State of Florida prohibited the use of certain drones, per Florida Statute 934.50. The prohibition was an unfunded mandate. At the time, Pinellas County was unable to recover the cost of the drones.
The County purchased new drones of the approved type and stored the prohibited drones in a locked area.
The State, through the General Appropriation Act, 2023 Legislature, section 123 provides funding to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the Drone Replacement Program established in Chapter 2023-240, Laws of Florida.
Fiscal Impact:
Up to $88,494.00 in grant funds are eligible to be recovered and deposited to the Fire Regional Program, General Fund. No County match is required.
Funds are not currently budgeted.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (A)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Jim Fogarty, Bureau Director
Craig Hare, Division Director, EMS & Fire Administration
Partners:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Attachments:
FY2024-25-Drone-Program-Agreement
State Financial Assistance Drone Replacement Program Compliant Drone Reimbursement Request (Option 1)
Intent_to_Apply_Accepted-Drone Replacement Program-ID613.pdf
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