HB 403 Summary

• Creates the "Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act" establishing the Florida Concrete Masonry Council, Inc., as a nonprofit direct-support organization of the Florida Building Commission.

• Authorizes the council to levy an assessment of 1 cent per concrete masonry unit sold by manufacturers in Florida, subject to approval by manufacturer referendum.

• Establishes a 15-member governing board composed of 9 concrete masonry manufacturers (at least 5 from the Masonry Association of Florida), plus representatives from the Florida Building Commission, Florida Homebuilders Association, masonry contractors, vocational training, and the masonry industry.

• Requires manufacturers to collect the assessment from purchasers at the time of sale and remit funds quarterly to the council; permits the council to pursue civil action against manufacturers failing to remit assessments, including 10 percent penalties and attorney's fees.

• Assessment funds support research, education, promotion, workforce development, sustainability improvements, and market development for concrete masonry products; authorization for assessment expires after 5 years unless reauthorized by referendum.