Fla. Stat. 215.5602
James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program

(1)

There is established within the Department of Health the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program. The purpose of the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program is to provide an annual and perpetual source of funding in order to support research initiatives that address the health care problems of Floridians in the areas of tobacco-related cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease. The long-term goals of the program are to:Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention, diagnoses, treatments, and cures for cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.Expand the foundation of biomedical knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.Improve the quality of the state’s academic health centers by bringing the advances of biomedical research into the training of physicians and other health care providers.Increase the state’s per capita funding for research by undertaking new initiatives in public health and biomedical research that will attract additional funding from outside the state.Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to biomedical research, such as the research and production of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices.

(a)

Improve the health of Floridians by researching better prevention, diagnoses, treatments, and cures for cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.

(b)

Expand the foundation of biomedical knowledge relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.

(c)

Improve the quality of the state’s academic health centers by bringing the advances of biomedical research into the training of physicians and other health care providers.

(d)

Increase the state’s per capita funding for research by undertaking new initiatives in public health and biomedical research that will attract additional funding from outside the state.

(e)

Stimulate economic activity in the state in areas related to biomedical research, such as the research and production of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices.

(2)

Funds appropriated for the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program shall be used exclusively for the award of grants and fellowships as established in this section; for research relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease; and for expenses incurred in the administration of this section. Priority shall be granted to research designed to prevent or cure disease.

(3)

There is created within the Department of Health the Biomedical Research Advisory Council.The council shall consist of 11 members, including: the chief executive officer of the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society, or a designee; the chief executive officer of the Greater Southeast Affiliate of the American Heart Association, or a designee; and the chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of Florida, or a designee. The remaining 8 members of the council shall be appointed as follows:
The Governor shall appoint four members, two members with expertise in the field of biomedical research, one member from a research university in the state, and one member representing the general population of the state.
The President of the Senate shall appoint two members, one member with expertise in the field of behavioral or social research and one representative from a cancer program approved by the American College of Surgeons.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint two members, one member from a professional medical organization or from a comprehensive cardiovascular program with experience in biomedical research approved by the American College of Cardiology and one representative from a cancer program approved by the American College of Surgeons.

In making these appointments, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall select primarily, but not exclusively, Floridians with biomedical and lay expertise in the general areas of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease. The appointments shall be for a 3-year term and shall reflect the diversity of the state’s population. An appointed member may not serve more than two consecutive terms. The first two appointments by the Governor and the first appointment by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on or after July 1, 2012, shall be for a term of 2 years.

The council shall adopt internal organizational procedures as necessary for its efficient organization.The department shall provide such staff, information, and other assistance as is reasonably necessary to assist the council in carrying out its responsibilities.Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement as provided in s. 112.061 for travel and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(a)

The council shall consist of 11 members, including: the chief executive officer of the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society, or a designee; the chief executive officer of the Greater Southeast Affiliate of the American Heart Association, or a designee; and the chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of Florida, or a designee. The remaining 8 members of the council shall be appointed as follows:The Governor shall appoint four members, two members with expertise in the field of biomedical research, one member from a research university in the state, and one member representing the general population of the state.The President of the Senate shall appoint two members, one member with expertise in the field of behavioral or social research and one representative from a cancer program approved by the American College of Surgeons.The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint two members, one member from a professional medical organization or from a comprehensive cardiovascular program with experience in biomedical research approved by the American College of Cardiology and one representative from a cancer program approved by the American College of Surgeons.

In making these appointments, the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall select primarily, but not exclusively, Floridians with biomedical and lay expertise in the general areas of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease. The appointments shall be for a 3-year term and shall reflect the diversity of the state’s population. An appointed member may not serve more than two consecutive terms. The first two appointments by the Governor and the first appointment by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on or after July 1, 2012, shall be for a term of 2 years.

1. The Governor shall appoint four members, two members with expertise in the field of biomedical research, one member from a research university in the state, and one member representing the general population of the state.
2. The President of the Senate shall appoint two members, one member with expertise in the field of behavioral or social research and one representative from a cancer program approved by the American College of Surgeons.
3. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint two members, one member from a professional medical organization or from a comprehensive cardiovascular program with experience in biomedical research approved by the American College of Cardiology and one representative from a cancer program approved by the American College of Surgeons.

(b)

The council shall adopt internal organizational procedures as necessary for its efficient organization.

(c)

The department shall provide such staff, information, and other assistance as is reasonably necessary to assist the council in carrying out its responsibilities.

(d)

Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement as provided in s. 112.061 for travel and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

(4)

The council shall advise the State Surgeon General as to the direction and scope of the biomedical research program. The responsibilities of the council may include, but are not limited to:Providing advice on program priorities and emphases.Providing advice on the overall program budget.Participating in periodic program evaluation.Assisting in the development of guidelines to ensure fairness, neutrality, and adherence to the principles of merit and quality in the conduct of the program.Assisting in the development of appropriate linkages to nonacademic entities, such as voluntary organizations, health care delivery institutions, industry, government agencies, and public officials.Developing criteria and standards for the award of research grants.Developing guidelines relating to solicitation, review, and award of research grants and fellowships, to ensure an impartial, high-quality peer review system.Reviewing reports of peer review panels and making recommendations for research grants and fellowships.Developing and providing oversight regarding mechanisms for the dissemination of research results.The council shall select, by majority vote, six members of the council who must combine with seven members of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council to form a joint committee to develop performance measures, a rating system, a rating standard, and an application form for the Cancer Center of Excellence Award created in s. 381.925.

(a)

Providing advice on program priorities and emphases.

(b)

Providing advice on the overall program budget.

(c)

Participating in periodic program evaluation.

(d)

Assisting in the development of guidelines to ensure fairness, neutrality, and adherence to the principles of merit and quality in the conduct of the program.

(e)

Assisting in the development of appropriate linkages to nonacademic entities, such as voluntary organizations, health care delivery institutions, industry, government agencies, and public officials.

(f)

Developing criteria and standards for the award of research grants.

(g)

Developing guidelines relating to solicitation, review, and award of research grants and fellowships, to ensure an impartial, high-quality peer review system.

(h)

Reviewing reports of peer review panels and making recommendations for research grants and fellowships.

(i)

Developing and providing oversight regarding mechanisms for the dissemination of research results.

(j)

The council shall select, by majority vote, six members of the council who must combine with seven members of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council to form a joint committee to develop performance measures, a rating system, a rating standard, and an application form for the Cancer Center of Excellence Award created in s. 381.925.

(5)(a)

Applications for biomedical research funding under the program may be submitted from any university or established research institute in the state. All qualified investigators in the state, regardless of institution affiliation, shall have equal access and opportunity to compete for the research funding.Grants and fellowships shall be awarded by the State Surgeon General, after consultation with the council, on the basis of scientific merit, as determined by the competitively open peer-reviewed process to ensure objectivity, consistency, and high quality. The following types of applications may be considered for funding:
Investigator-initiated research grants.
Institutional research grants.
Predoctoral and postdoctoral research fellowships.

(5)(a)

Applications for biomedical research funding under the program may be submitted from any university or established research institute in the state. All qualified investigators in the state, regardless of institution affiliation, shall have equal access and opportunity to compete for the research funding.

(b)

Grants and fellowships shall be awarded by the State Surgeon General, after consultation with the council, on the basis of scientific merit, as determined by the competitively open peer-reviewed process to ensure objectivity, consistency, and high quality. The following types of applications may be considered for funding:Investigator-initiated research grants.Institutional research grants.Predoctoral and postdoctoral research fellowships.
1. Investigator-initiated research grants.
2. Institutional research grants.
3. Predoctoral and postdoctoral research fellowships.

(6)

To ensure that all proposals for research funding are appropriate and are evaluated fairly on the basis of scientific merit, the Department of Health shall appoint peer review panels of independent, scientifically qualified individuals to review the scientific merit of each proposal and establish its scientific priority score. The priority scores shall be forwarded to the council and must be considered in determining which proposals shall be recommended for funding.

(7)

The council and the peer review panels shall establish and follow rigorous guidelines for ethical conduct and adhere to a strict policy with regard to conflict of interest. A member of the council or a panel may not participate in any discussion or decision of the council or a panel with respect to a research proposal by any firm, entity, or agency with which the member is associated as a member of the governing body or as an employee, or with which the member has entered into a contractual arrangement.

(8)

The department may contract on a competitive-bid basis with an appropriate entity to administer the program. Administrative expenses may not exceed 15 percent of the total funds available to the program in any given year.

(9)

The grant programs under the purview of the council are exempt from chapter 120.

(10)

The council shall submit a fiscal-year progress report on the programs under its purview to the Governor, the State Surgeon General, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 15. The report must include:For each research project supported by grants or fellowships awarded under the program:
A summary of the research project and results or expected results of the research.
The status of the research project, including whether it has concluded or the estimated date of completion.
The amount of the grant or fellowship awarded and the estimated or actual cost of the research project.
A list of principal investigators under the research project.
The title, citation, and summary of findings of a publication in a peer-reviewed journal resulting from the research.
The source and amount of any federal, state, or local government grants or donations or private grants or donations generated as a result of the research project.
The status of a patent, if any, generated from the research project and an economic analysis of the impact of the resulting patent.
A list of postsecondary educational institutions involved in the research project, a description of each postsecondary educational institution’s involvement in the research project, and the number of students receiving training or performing research under the research project.
The state ranking and total amount of biomedical research funding currently flowing into the state from the National Institutes of Health.Progress towards programmatic goals, particularly in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.Recommendations to further the mission of the programs.

(a)

For each research project supported by grants or fellowships awarded under the program:A summary of the research project and results or expected results of the research.The status of the research project, including whether it has concluded or the estimated date of completion.The amount of the grant or fellowship awarded and the estimated or actual cost of the research project.A list of principal investigators under the research project.The title, citation, and summary of findings of a publication in a peer-reviewed journal resulting from the research.The source and amount of any federal, state, or local government grants or donations or private grants or donations generated as a result of the research project.The status of a patent, if any, generated from the research project and an economic analysis of the impact of the resulting patent.A list of postsecondary educational institutions involved in the research project, a description of each postsecondary educational institution’s involvement in the research project, and the number of students receiving training or performing research under the research project.
1. A summary of the research project and results or expected results of the research.
2. The status of the research project, including whether it has concluded or the estimated date of completion.
3. The amount of the grant or fellowship awarded and the estimated or actual cost of the research project.
4. A list of principal investigators under the research project.
5. The title, citation, and summary of findings of a publication in a peer-reviewed journal resulting from the research.
6. The source and amount of any federal, state, or local government grants or donations or private grants or donations generated as a result of the research project.
7. The status of a patent, if any, generated from the research project and an economic analysis of the impact of the resulting patent.
8. A list of postsecondary educational institutions involved in the research project, a description of each postsecondary educational institution’s involvement in the research project, and the number of students receiving training or performing research under the research project.

(b)

The state ranking and total amount of biomedical research funding currently flowing into the state from the National Institutes of Health.

(c)

Progress towards programmatic goals, particularly in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of diseases related to tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and pulmonary disease.

(d)

Recommendations to further the mission of the programs.

(11)

The council shall award grants for cancer research through the William G. “Bill” Bankhead, Jr., and David Coley Cancer Research Program created in s. 381.922.

(12)(a)

Each fiscal year, $25 million from the revenue deposited into the Health Care Trust Fund pursuant to ss. 210.011(9) and 210.276(7) shall be reserved for research of tobacco-related or cancer-related illnesses. Of the revenue deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund pursuant to this section, $25 million shall be transferred to the Biomedical Research Trust Fund within the Department of Health. Subject to annual appropriations in the General Appropriations Act, $5 million shall be appropriated to the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program, and $5 million shall be appropriated to the William G. “Bill” Bankhead, Jr., and David Coley Cancer Research Program created under s. 381.922.An entity that performs or is associated with cancer research or care that receives a specific appropriation for biomedical research, research-related functions, operations or other supportive functions, or expansion of operations in the General Appropriations Act without statutory reporting requirements for the receipt of those funds must submit an annual fiscal-year progress report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 15. The report must:
Describe the general use of the funds.
Summarize the research, if any, funded by the appropriation and provide the:
Status of the research, including whether the research has concluded.
Results or expected results of the research.
Names of principal investigators performing the research.
Title, citation, and summary of findings of a publication in a peer-reviewed journal resulting from the research.
Status of a patent, if any, generated from the research and an economic analysis of the impact of the resulting patent.
List of postsecondary educational institutions involved in the research, a description of each postsecondary educational institution’s involvement in the research, and the number of students receiving training or performing research.
Describe any fixed capital outlay project funded by the appropriation, the need for the project, how the project will be utilized, and the timeline for and status of the project, if applicable.
Identify any federal, state, or local government grants or donations or private grants or donations generated as a result of the appropriation or activities funded by the appropriation, if applicable and traceable.

(12)(a)

Each fiscal year, $25 million from the revenue deposited into the Health Care Trust Fund pursuant to ss. 210.011(9) and 210.276(7) shall be reserved for research of tobacco-related or cancer-related illnesses. Of the revenue deposited in the Health Care Trust Fund pursuant to this section, $25 million shall be transferred to the Biomedical Research Trust Fund within the Department of Health. Subject to annual appropriations in the General Appropriations Act, $5 million shall be appropriated to the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program, and $5 million shall be appropriated to the William G. “Bill” Bankhead, Jr., and David Coley Cancer Research Program created under s. 381.922.

(b)

An entity that performs or is associated with cancer research or care that receives a specific appropriation for biomedical research, research-related functions, operations or other supportive functions, or expansion of operations in the General Appropriations Act without statutory reporting requirements for the receipt of those funds must submit an annual fiscal-year progress report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by December 15. The report must:Describe the general use of the funds.Summarize the research, if any, funded by the appropriation and provide the:
Status of the research, including whether the research has concluded.
Results or expected results of the research.
Names of principal investigators performing the research.
Title, citation, and summary of findings of a publication in a peer-reviewed journal resulting from the research.
Status of a patent, if any, generated from the research and an economic analysis of the impact of the resulting patent.
List of postsecondary educational institutions involved in the research, a description of each postsecondary educational institution’s involvement in the research, and the number of students receiving training or performing research.
Describe any fixed capital outlay project funded by the appropriation, the need for the project, how the project will be utilized, and the timeline for and status of the project, if applicable.Identify any federal, state, or local government grants or donations or private grants or donations generated as a result of the appropriation or activities funded by the appropriation, if applicable and traceable.
1. Describe the general use of the funds.
2. Summarize the research, if any, funded by the appropriation and provide the:a. Status of the research, including whether the research has concluded.b. Results or expected results of the research.c. Names of principal investigators performing the research.d. Title, citation, and summary of findings of a publication in a peer-reviewed journal resulting from the research.e. Status of a patent, if any, generated from the research and an economic analysis of the impact of the resulting patent.f. List of postsecondary educational institutions involved in the research, a description of each postsecondary educational institution’s involvement in the research, and the number of students receiving training or performing research.
a. Status of the research, including whether the research has concluded.
b. Results or expected results of the research.
c. Names of principal investigators performing the research.
d. Title, citation, and summary of findings of a publication in a peer-reviewed journal resulting from the research.
e. Status of a patent, if any, generated from the research and an economic analysis of the impact of the resulting patent.
f. List of postsecondary educational institutions involved in the research, a description of each postsecondary educational institution’s involvement in the research, and the number of students receiving training or performing research.
3. Describe any fixed capital outlay project funded by the appropriation, the need for the project, how the project will be utilized, and the timeline for and status of the project, if applicable.
4. Identify any federal, state, or local government grants or donations or private grants or donations generated as a result of the appropriation or activities funded by the appropriation, if applicable and traceable.

Source: Section 215.5602 — James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program, https://www.­flsenate.­gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/0215.­5602 (accessed Aug. 7, 2025).

215.01
Fiscal year 215.02
Manner of paying money into the Treasury 215.03
Party to be reimbursed on reversal of judgment for state 215.04
Department of Financial Services to report delinquents 215.05
Department of Financial Services to certify accounts of delinquents 215.06
Certified accounts of delinquents as evidence 215.07
Preference of state in case of insolvency 215.08
Delinquent collectors to be reported to state attorney 215.09
Delinquent collectors 215.10
Delinquent collectors 215.11
Defaulting officers 215.12
Defaulting officers 215.15
School appropriations to have priority 215.16
Appropriations from General Revenue Fund for public schools, state institutions of higher learning, and community colleges 215.18
Transfers between funds 215.20
Certain income and certain trust funds to contribute to the General Revenue Fund 215.22
Certain income and certain trust funds exempt 215.23
When contributions to be made 215.24
Exemptions where federal contributions or private grants 215.25
Manner of contributions 215.26
Repayment of funds paid into State Treasury through error 215.28
United States securities, purchase by state and county officers and employees 215.31
State funds 215.32
State funds 215.34
State funds 215.35
State funds 215.36
State funds 215.37
Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the boards to be financed from fees collected 215.42
Purchases from appropriations, proof of delivery 215.43
Public bonds, notes, and other securities 215.44
Board of Administration 215.45
Sale and exchange of securities 215.47
Investments 215.48
Consent and ratification of appropriate board, agency, or of the judicial branch 215.49
Making funds available for investment 215.50
Custody of securities purchased 215.51
Investment accounts 215.52
Rules and regulations 215.53
Powers of existing officers and boards, the judicial branch, and agencies not affected 215.55
Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund 215.57
Short title 215.58
Definitions relating to State Bond Act 215.59
State bonds, revenue bonds 215.60
State bonds for financing road acquisition and construction 215.61
State system of public education capital outlay bonds 215.62
Division of Bond Finance 215.63
Transfer to division of assets and liabilities of the Revenue Bond Department of Development Commission 215.64
Powers of the division 215.65
Bond Fee Trust Fund, expenditures 215.66
Request for issuance of bonds 215.67
Issuance of state bonds 215.68
Issuance of bonds 215.69
State Board of Administration to administer funds 215.70
State Board of Administration to act in case of defaults 215.71
Application of bond proceeds 215.72
Covenants with bondholders 215.73
Approval of bond issue by State Board of Administration 215.74
Pledge of constitutional fuel tax 215.75
Bonds securities for public bodies 215.76
Exemption of bonds from taxation 215.77
Trust funds 215.78
Remedies 215.79
Refunding bonds 215.80
Annual report 215.81
Pledge of state 215.82
Validation 215.83
Construction of State Bond Act 215.84
Government bonds 215.85
Direct deposit of public funds 215.86
Management systems and controls 215.89
Charts of account 215.90
Short title 215.91
Florida Financial Management Information System 215.92
Definitions relating to Florida Financial Management Information System Act 215.93
Florida Financial Management Information System 215.94
Designation, duties, and responsibilities of functional owners 215.95
Financial Management Information Board 215.96
Coordinating council and design and coordination staff 215.97
Florida Single Audit Act 215.98
State debt fiscal responsibility 215.179
Solicitation of payment 215.195
Agency deposits relating to the Statewide Cost Allocation Plan 215.196
Architects Incidental Trust Fund 215.197
Federal Grants Trust Fund 215.198
Operating Trust Fund 215.199
Audit and Warrant Clearing Trust Fund 215.211
Service charge 215.212
Service charge elimination 215.245
Contracts with Federal Government 215.311
State funds 215.321
Regulatory Trust Fund 215.322
Acceptance of credit cards, charge cards, debit cards, or electronic funds transfers by state agencies, units of local government, and the judicial branch 215.405
State agencies and the judicial branch authorized to collect costs of fingerprinting 215.422
Payments, warrants, and invoices 215.425
Extra compensation claims prohibited 215.431
Issuance of bond anticipation notes 215.441
Board of Administration 215.442
Executive director 215.444
Investment Advisory Council 215.471
Divestiture by the State Board of Administration 215.472
Prohibited investments 215.473
Divestiture by the State Board of Administration 215.474
Analyses of technology and growth investments 215.475
Investment policy statement 215.515
Investment accounts 215.551
Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund 215.552
Federal Use of State Lands Trust Fund 215.555
Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund 215.556
Exemption 215.557
Reports of insured values 215.559
Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program 215.605
State bonds for right-of-way acquisition or bridge construction 215.615
Fixed-guideway transportation systems funding 215.616
State bonds for federal aid highway construction 215.617
Bonds for state-funded infrastructure bank 215.618
Bonds for acquisition and improvement of land, water areas, and related property interests and resources 215.619
Bonds for Everglades restoration 215.655
Arbitrage Compliance Program, expenditures 215.681
ESG bonds 215.684
Limitation on engaging services of securities broker or bond underwriter convicted of fraud 215.821
Issuance of bonds by state agencies 215.835
Rulemaking authority 215.845
Certain special laws establishing interest rates on bonds prohibited 215.855
Investment manager external communication 215.962
Standards for state agency use of card-based technology 215.964
Process for acquisition of commodities or services that include the use of card-based technology 215.965
Disbursement of state moneys 215.966
Refinancing of bonds 215.971
Agreements funded with federal or state assistance 215.981
Audits of state agency direct-support organizations and citizen support organizations 215.985
Transparency in government spending 215.3206
Trust funds 215.3207
Trust funds 215.3208
Trust funds 215.4401
Board of Administration 215.4701
Trademarks, copyrights, or patents 215.4702
Investments in publicly traded companies operating in Northern Ireland 215.4725
Prohibited investments by the State Board of Administration 215.4735
Prohibited foreign investments 215.4754
Ethics requirements for investment advisers and managers and members of the Investment Advisory Council 215.4755
Certification and disclosure requirements for investment advisers and managers 215.5551
Reinsurance to Assist Policyholders program 215.5552
Florida Optional Reinsurance Assistance program 215.5586
My Safe Florida Home Program 215.5587
My Safe Florida Home Program 215.5588
Florida Disaster Recovery Program 215.5595
Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive Program 215.5602
James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program 215.55871
My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program 215.55952
Triennial report on economic impact of a 1-in-100-year hurricane 215.56005
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation 215.56021
Exemptions from public records and public meetings requirements

Current through Fall 2025

§ 215.5602. James & Esther King Biomedical Research Program's source at flsenate​.gov