(1)(a) The Florida Folklife Council is created as a part of the Department of State, to consist of seven members appointed by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall appoint each member for a 4-year term and shall appoint a successor for each member within 90 days after the expiration of the member’s term. The Secretary of State shall fill any vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term within 90 days after the vacancy occurs. Members shall be appointed to provide geographical, ethnic, and professional representation on the council.
(b) The council shall meet at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its membership, at the request of the division, or at such times as may be prescribed by its rules. The council shall annually elect from its membership a chair and vice chair. No member may be elected to consecutive terms as chair.
(c) Members of the council shall serve without compensation or honorarium, but shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for per diem and travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in s. 112.061. (d) All actions taken by the council must be by majority vote of those present. The division director or the director’s designee shall serve without voting rights as secretary of the council. The division must provide necessary staff assistance to the council.
(2) The council shall:(a) Advise and assist the division and the state folklorist with respect to folk arts, folklife, and the following goals of the Florida Folklife Programs:1. The stimulation and encouragement of statewide public interest and participation in folk arts and folklore; and
2. The development and promotion of Florida folk artists, performers, festivals, folklife projects, and folk resources.
(b) Recommend to the division and the state folklorist projects for the identification, collection, and preservation of Florida folklore, folk arts, traditions, cultural heritage, skills, and customs and make these resources available throughout the state.
(c) Assist the state folklorist in developing proposals and grant applications to fund projects of the Florida Folklife Programs.
