Votes at a glance: subcommittee reports manufacturing, promotional fee and workforce study bills favorably

The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee reported three additional measures favorably during its Feb. 1 session.

CS/ HB 561 (manufacturing): Representative Cobb said the bill designates a chief manufacturing officer within the Department of Commerce, creates a voluntary Florida manufacturing promotional campaign (modeled on existing programs), and requires biannual reports to the governor and legislative leaders beginning Dec. 15, 2026. An amendment removed a grant component of the program; proponents told the committee they wanted to first roll out the voluntary promotional campaign and reassess grant needs later. Supporters at the stop included the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Makes and Associated Builders and Contractors. The committee voted to report the measure favorably (roll call recorded a unanimous affirmative among members present).

CS/ HB 563 (manufacturing campaign fee): Representative Cobb explained the bill would permit the Department of Commerce to assess an annual registration fee not to exceed $100 for entities registering to participate in the voluntary Florida manufacturing promotional campaign. The measure passed the committee and was reported favorably.

HB 827 (automation and AI workforce study): Representative Spencer told the committee HB 827 directs the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research to conduct a statewide study on the effects of automation and artificial intelligence on Florida’s workforce, to be updated every three years. The bureau will develop the study with input from business, academia and local leaders. The committee reported the bill favorably.

Roll calls on the three bills showed unanimous affirmative votes among members present at the time of each roll call. Supporters at the stop included business and manufacturing groups; public testimony was generally waived in support.