FL H0825

Eliminates an exemption that allowed local governments to perform construction projects using their own services and employees if the governing board held a public meeting and determined it was in the public's best interest.

Retains exemptions for emergency repairs, projects with no responsive bids, utility system work, repair and maintenance projects, educational programs, time-sensitive funded projects, and abandoned contractor projects.

Retains an exemption allowing local governments to award projects to private contractors without competitive bidding if they have pre-existing charter, ordinance, or resolution procedures adopted before July 1, 1994, subject to a two-thirds board vote and specific substantive criteria.

Maintains competitive bidding requirements for public construction projects exceeding $300,000 ($75,000 for electrical work), with approval for various contract types including design/build, construction management, and competitive negotiation.

Effective July 1, 2012.