The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development on an unspecified date voted to report favorably on CS for Senate Bill 600, a measure to codify a statewide office of manufacturing in Florida law, authorize workforce-development grants for manufacturers and establish a voluntary Florida manufacturing promotional campaign.

Sponsor Senator Trunow told the committee SB 600 “codifies into Florida statute the statewide office of manufacturing within the Department of Commerce led by the chief manufacturing officer,” and said the bill also would support workforce development through grants and require biannual reporting to ensure accountability.

Chris Dawson of Florida Makes told the committee the bill targets small manufacturers: “There are currently 72,127 manufacturing companies in Florida. 80 percent of those have 20 employees or less.” Dawson said the grant program in the bill is aimed at that group to help grow Florida’s future large manufacturers. Other supporters who filed appearance forms or waived in support included Cameron Fink of the Associated Industries of Florida, Kylie Enzueto of Florida Makes and Colton Maddell of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

The committee took up amendment barcode 655,942, a strike-all amendment explained by Trunow that clarifies the chief manufacturing officer position already exists, states the promotional campaign is voluntary and organized under Chapter 288, and says grant awards are made at the sole direction of the Department of Commerce. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. Senator Trudeau closed in favor of the bill as amended.

By roll call the committee reported CS for SB 600 favorably. The roll call recorded the following affirmative votes: Senator Arrington, Senator Avila, Senator Bernard, Senator Collins, Senator Graw, Senator Angolia, Senator Leake, Senator Martin, Senator McLean, Senator Sharif, Senator Smith, Senator Trudeau, Senator Wright, Senator Polsky and Chair Disigley (15 yes). The committee did not record any no or abstain votes in the transcript. The clerk announced, “By your vote, CS for Senate Bill 600 is reported favorably.”

The bill moves forward from committee to the next stage of the legislative process; the transcript does not specify further committee referrals, engrossment language, or an effective date beyond the text included in the bill package.