Cybersecurity for Local Government

With new advances in online technology continuing at a rapid pace, cybercrime is on the rise. Across the country, local governments have become the target cyberattacks. We’ve compiled resources and best practices so municipalities can prevent these types of intrusions onto our networks.

In 2022, the state legislature passed HB 7055, mandating annual training for all local government employees with network access. Mandatory state cybersecurity training is now available!

The Florida Local Government Cybersecurity Grant is a competitive grant program to provide cybersecurity technical assistance and capabilities to Florida’s local governments to improve their cybersecurity posture and resiliency.

Fiscal Year 24-25 Florida Local Grant Programs

Pending enactment of the Florida FY 2024-25 General Appropriations Act, the Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program is a $40 Million competitive grant equipping local governments with software, services, and solutions that enhance local governments’ cyber security posture to protect their infrastructure and Floridians’ data. Active grant recipients can re-apply for the same solutions. Any remaining funding will be used for new applicants and existing partners wishing to change providers or add solutions. 

Webinars + Education

Below you will find helpful webinars and educational resources. We will continue adding resources as they become available.

In 2022, the Florida state legislature passed HB 7055, mandating annual training for all local government employees with network access. Advanced training is compulsory for those handling highly sensitive information. Training must be completed within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter. Starting May 2023, Cyber Florida will provide an initial catalog of courses under the Cyber Secure Florida Training Initiative.

Cyber Florida Training

News + Resources

Below you will find news and resources related to cybersecurity and the Florida Local Government Cybersecurity Grant program. We will continue to add additional resources as they become available.

Legislative & Policy Updates

Below you will find legislative information and updates related to municipal cybersecurity in Florida. We will continue adding resources as they become available. 

Local governments will now be required to adopt cybersecurity standards that safeguard data, information technology, and information technology resources to ensure availability, confidentiality, and integrity. The bill specifies that those standards must be consistent with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) generally acceptable best practices.

Important Timelines for Local Government Compliance

  • Cities with less than 25,000 in population must be compliant by January 1, 2025.
  • Cities with a population of 25,000 or more must be compliant by January 1, 2024.

Legislative Updates

  • Technology Transparency: CS/CS/SB 262
  • Drones: CS/CS/SB 44 (2021)
  • Prohibited Applications on Government-Issued Devices: CS/CS/SB 258

Funding + Grants

Below you will find helpful information on funding and grants related to cybersecurity. We will continue adding additional resources as they become available. 

FLC Grants Assistance Program

The League has partnered with EUNA to provide Florida municipalities with FREE access to a database with more than 9,000 tracked grants. Through this partnership, every member of the League will have the tools to make finding, applying for and managing their grants easier than ever before.