(1) The Department receives recurring annual funds to contract with a qualifying non-profit entity to administer the program.
    (2) The program shall provide a stable funding source for the veterinary care for retired police dogs by utilizing a qualifying non-profit entity to screen and verify the eligibility of handlers and adopters of eligible retired law enforcement or correctional canines and distribute fumds to pay for veterinary care expenses.
    (3) The following criteria must be met to be considered as a qualifying non-profit entity for administration of the program:
    (a) Be dedicated to the protection or care of retired police dogs;
    (b) Possess current 501(c)(3) status;
    (c) Maintained 501(c)(3) for five or more years;
    (d) Agree to be subject to review and audit for accountability of state funds;
    (e) Possess ability to effectively disseminate information; and:
    (f) Possess ability to assist handlers/adopters of retired police dogs.
    (4) The entity selected by the Department pursuant to the criteria set forth in paragraph three (3) of this section shall be the disbursing authority for funds appropriated to the Department from the legislature for implementation of the program.
    (5) Fund disbursement pursuant to the program shall comply with Florida Statutes § 943.69(5)
Rulemaking Authority Florida Statutes § 943.03(4), 943.69(7) FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 943.69. History-New 8-30-23.