The bill proposes extensive amendments to Florida's laws concerning diversity and affirmative action in state employment and contracting. It removes the requirement for the Governor to consider racial, ethnic, and gender diversity when appointing members to the Florida Gaming Control Commission and repeals provisions related to minority participation in state contracts. Additionally, it eliminates the necessity for state agencies to develop affirmative action plans and explicitly prohibits the use of racial or gender set-asides, preferences, or quotas in hiring and promotion decisions. The bill also renames the Office of Supplier Diversity to the Office of Supplier Development, streamlining its functions and removing definitions related to minority business enterprises.

Moreover, the bill introduces new provisions aimed at enhancing support for small businesses, including the establishment of a system to record and measure the participation of certified minority business enterprises in state contracting. It emphasizes the importance of educating agencies on increasing the use of Florida-based enterprises in government contracts while repealing several sections related to minority business enterprise programs. The bill also modifies procurement processes, including the requirement for agencies to estimate contract amounts based on previous contracts and allows for alternative forms of security from protestors. Overall, the bill reflects a shift towards a merit-based approach in state contracting and employment, reducing the emphasis on minority status in various provisions.

Statutes affected:
S 1662 Filed: 16.71, 17.11, 24.113, 110.112, 110.211, 110.605, 255.101, 255.102, 255.20, 287.059, 287.093, 287.09451, 288.001, 288.1229, 288.124, 288.7015, 288.7031, 288.776, 290.0057, 290.046, 320.63, 376.84, 383.216, 395.807, 409.901, 409.920, 430.502, 440.45, 446.041, 489.111, 627.3511, 641.217, 760.80, 1001.706, 1004.435, 1007.34, 1007.35, 1011.86, 1013.46, 43.16, 215.971, 282.201, 282.709, 286.101, 287.0571, 288.706, 290.004, 295.187, 337.11, 339.63, 376.3072, 394.47865, 408.045, 409.910, 570.07, 627.351, 1001.216, 1007.27, 1008.23, 1008.24