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Committee approves bills to establish state Office of Manufacturing and fees for promotional campaign
Summary
The Commerce and Tourism Committee reported favorably on SB 600, which codifies a statewide Office of Manufacturing in the Department of Commerce and creates a Florida manufacturing promotional campaign; SB 602 will set fees for that campaign and becomes effective upon passage of SB 600.
The Commerce and Tourism Committee voted to report SB 600 and its companion SB 602 favorably, creating a statewide Office of Manufacturing in the Department of Commerce and authorizing a rulemaking process for fees to support a Florida manufacturing promotional campaign.
Sponsor Senator Trudeau told the committee SB 600 codifies an office led by a chief manufacturing officer and directs support for workforce development, grant programs and a promotional campaign with biannual reporting. SB 602 directs the Department of Commerce to establish fees by rule to run the promotional campaign and takes effect upon passage of SB 600.
Industry groups offered strong support at the committee hearing. Kevin Carr (Florida Makes) said the state's roughly 27,000 manufacturing establishments — most small businesses — are rapidly growing and would benefit from a central office. Chris Dawson of Florida Makes and Tony Carvajal, Michelle Griggs (Florida First Capital Finance Corp.) and economic development organizations also registered support.
Committee members had no recorded questions or opposition during testimony. Both bills received roll-call approval in committee and were reported favorably.
Ending: Sponsors described the bills as a first step to promote Florida manufacturing and enhance workforce supports; SB 602 will not take effect until SB 600 is enacted, per the companion measure's linkage.
