HB 703 Summary

• Creates the Florida Concrete Masonry Council, Inc., a nonprofit organization operating as a direct-support organization of the Florida Building Commission, with authority to levy assessments on concrete masonry units sold by manufacturers in the state if approved by referendum.

• Establishes a 15-member governing board composed of 9 concrete masonry manufacturers (at least 5 from the Masonry Association of Florida), 1 Florida Building Commission representative, 1 Florida Homebuilders Association representative, 1 apprenticeship/vocational training expert, 2 masonry contractors, and 1 other industry stakeholder.

• Authorizes the council to conduct referenda requiring a 60-percent majority vote to approve assessments, with assessment authorizations lasting up to 5 years unless reauthorized; manufacturers vote based on at least one vote plus one additional vote per 10 machine cavities owned in the state, with a maximum of 4 votes per manufacturer.

• Requires manufacturers to collect assessments from purchasers at point of sale, labeled as "Florida Building Sustainability Fee," and remit collections quarterly to the council, which must maintain separate accounting and undergo annual independent audits.

• Mandates the council adopt bylaws by September 30, 2013, to carry out purposes including research, education, promotion, workforce development, and windstorm and energy efficiency improvements for concrete masonry products; takes effect July 1, 2013.