FL H0687

Local governments must competitively award public construction projects exceeding $300,000 (or $75,000 for electrical work) to appropriately licensed contractors using sealed bids, requests for proposals, or competitive negotiation.

Eliminates the exemption allowing local governments to perform projects using their own services without competitive bidding; replaces it with a requirement for public notice, a 21-day inspection period, and a majority vote by the governing board after public meeting.

Maintains exemptions for emergency repairs, projects receiving no responsive bids, utility system work performed by system personnel, repair and maintenance work, educational programs, time-sensitive funding, and abandoned contractor projects.

Renumbers and retains the pre-July 1, 1994 charter/ordinance exemption, requiring two-thirds governing board vote, public notice 14 days in advance, and documented architect/engineer recommendations for non-competitive selection.

Effective July 1, 2013.