REFORM FOCUSES DURING 2024 SESSION HOPE TO MOVE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FORWARD

In a recent press statement, Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida submitted bills for drafting at the end of summer in August, after members met for the summer planning conference to set the priorities for the coming years. Both the Senate and the House were slow to get bills in and out of drafting and to committees this year, but as these get finalized the list of bills supported (and possibly opposed) by ABC will expand.

January 17-18, ABC members met with state representatives and senators to inform and show their support for these bills and for open and fair competition in the construction industry. The session comes to a close on March 7. With the hard work of ABC lobbyists and dedication of ABC members we hope to have wins in these focused areas and more.

HB 149 – Continuing Contract Legislation

Purpose: Continuing contracts provide opportunities for construction and design professionals to compete for the opportunity to be given work rather than competing for an individual project. Continuing contracts is a process whereby a public entity puts out a competitive solicitation for design professionals or construction companies to be put on a list of companies that will rotate smaller public construction projects as the need arises.

The Bill: Increases the cap on the individual construction and design services from $4 million to $10 million while tying any future caps to the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, it permits for the first time that smaller FDOT projects utilize the continuing contract process.

HB 579 – Private Provider Reforms

Purpose: To clarify the existing statute to better ensure that building departments follow the letter of the law and to expand use to state agencies.

The Bill: Creates a definition of a “private provider firm” to ensure that the individuals employed by the firm may act as a private provider, are covered by the firm’s insurance, and can provide the services of the private provider firm. Additionally, it establishes penalties and fees to be levied against building departments that do not reduce their fees as currently required by the law. Lastly, it clarifies that where the private provider attaches their deal to the review of the plans, the building department has no more than 12 days to issue a permit.

SB460 – Workforce Education Legislation

Purpose: To ensure that middle and high school students have increased access to career and technical education offerings. The Bill: Requires school districts to increase the number of courses they offer specifically ties to construction, agriculture, hospitality, and early childhood education. It would ensure that construction math is added to the list of acceptable Algebra I alternatives. The bill requires the Department of

Education and the Board of Governors to offer college credits for courses ties to the CAPE Funding List and establishes an industry recruitment day specifically focused on construction, agriculture, culinary, and nursing. It will clarify in Florida Statute that 16 and 17-year-olds can get some experience in residential construction, as currently permissible under Federal Statute. The bill repeals an existing statute that allows local governments to establish their own Journeyman License and require testing and fees to secure the license. Lastly, it requires the creation of a task force that will study all current CTE offerings and make recommendations to the legislature as to how and where the State can improve.

Appropriation Request for funding for all chapters to market careers in construction, increase recruiting outreach, and offer immediate and basic industry and career skills. (Note: This is ABC’s first appropriation request)