This bill amends existing Florida law to enhance the state's manufacturing sector by establishing a Chief Manufacturing Officer within the Department of Commerce. The Chief Manufacturing Officer will be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and will oversee manufacturing efforts, coordinate with various governmental entities, and provide strategic direction to support the manufacturing ecosystem in Florida. The bill also mandates the preparation of a biennial report on manufacturing efforts, which will include information on the industry's economic importance and will be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature.
Additionally, the bill creates the Florida Manufacturers Workforce Development Grant Program, aimed at funding projects that support small manufacturers in adopting new technologies and enhancing workforce training. The program will be administered by the Department of Commerce under the direction of the Chief Manufacturing Officer, who will also establish criteria for grant applications and prioritize innovative projects. Furthermore, the bill introduces the Florida Manufacturing Promotional Campaign to increase consumer awareness and market exposure for manufactured products in the state, requiring participants to register annually and the department to report on the campaign's success. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.