FL S0286

Creates the Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council, Inc. as a nonprofit direct-support organization of the Department of Economic Opportunity operating under a written contract with the department.

Council shall plan and conduct concrete masonry education and training programs, develop outreach programs to ensure diversity, coordinate with national and other state programs, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature by January 15.

Establishes a 13-member board of directors appointed by the Governor, including 8 manufacturers (at least 5 from the Masonry Association of Florida), 1 building industry representative, 1 workforce education expert, 1 independent stakeholder, and 2 masonry contractors, with the Department of Economic Opportunity executive director serving as ex officio nonvoting member.

Authorizes council to collect self-imposed voluntary assessments on concrete masonry units from manufacturers who commit to pay for at least 1 year and may continue or terminate annually; requires quarterly collection and separate accounting of assessment funds with annual financial audits.

Council must adopt bylaws by September 30, 2014, subject to department approval, and may accept grants and donations for activities consistent with education objectives; prohibits political campaign activities and requires net receipts to benefit the concrete masonry education mission.