The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to prohibit preferences in government contracting based on race or ethnicity, specifically stating that awarding bodies cannot give preference to vendors on these bases. It introduces new language in section 287.05701, which explicitly prohibits awarding bodies from considering a vendor's race or ethnicity when determining responsibility or awarding contracts. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing statutes related to minority business enterprise participation and reporting requirements, including sections 24.113, 255.101, and 255.102, which previously mandated certain considerations for minority businesses in government contracts. The overall effect of the bill is to eliminate race and ethnicity as factors in government contracting while streamlining related provisions across multiple sections of the Florida Statutes.

Furthermore, the bill revises procurement processes, particularly focusing on the selection and evaluation of contractors for state projects. It allows for projects to be awarded without competitive selection if justified by the architect or engineer of record and modifies definitions related to minority business enterprises. Significant deletions include the removal of specific language mandating the Office of Supplier Diversity to ensure contracting opportunities for minority businesses. The bill also emphasizes the importance of financial stability for vendors and establishes new requirements for contract managers, including training and certification. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in state procurement practices while adjusting the focus on minority and women-owned enterprises.

Statutes affected:
S 1694 Filed: 287.05701, 17.11, 24.113, 255.101, 255.102, 255.20, 287.059, 287.093, 287.094, 288.7031, 288.706, 348.754, 373.1135, 373.607, 376.84, 1001.706, 1013.46, 43.16, 110.116, 212.096, 215.971, 282.201, 282.709, 286.101, 287.0571, 288.0001, 295.187, 320.63, 376.3072, 394.47865, 408.045, 570.07, 627.351