House Bill 1185 proposes extensive amendments to Florida's procurement laws and employment practices, particularly concerning minority business enterprises (MBEs). The bill repeals section 24.113, which relates to minority participation, and removes various existing requirements for reporting contracts awarded to MBEs. It introduces a prohibited vendors list for those convicted of public entity crimes or engaged in discrimination, mandating that vendors certify their goods or services are not produced using forced labor. Additionally, the bill renames the Office of Supplier Diversity to the Office of Supplier Development, shifting its focus to assist Florida-based enterprises, and emphasizes the importance of small businesses in procurement processes by replacing references to minority businesses with small businesses in several statutes.

Furthermore, the bill enhances health insurance benefits for the surviving spouses and dependent children of law enforcement officers and firefighters, streamlines procurement processes, and modifies the criteria for public works projects. It mandates that local governments provide detailed public notices and cost estimations for projects using local resources, ensuring transparency and accountability. The legislation aims to improve the efficiency of state-funded programs, promote small business participation, and adjust the focus away from specific minority classifications, ultimately fostering a more inclusive approach to economic development in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 1185 Filed: 24.113, 110.112, 110.12301, 110.605, 217.07, 287.084, 287.09451, 288.7015, 288.702, 288.703, 288.7031, 288.705, 16.615, 43.16, 110.105, 110.116, 110.211, 110.403, 187.201, 212.096, 215.971, 255.0992, 255.20, 282.201, 282.709, 286.101, 287.0571, 287.056, 287.059, 287.0591, 287.138, 288.0001, 288.001, 288.0065, 288.12266, 288.124, 288.776, 290.0057, 320.63, 331.351, 334.045, 338.227, 339.63, 348.754, 376.3072, 376.84, 381.986, 394.47865, 408.045, 409.901, 440.45, 489.125, 570.07, 616.255, 616.256, 625.3255, 627.351, 627.3511, 657.042, 658.67, 947.02, 947.021, 957.09, 1001.706, 1004.435, 1009.70, 1013.45, 1013.46