FL S1600

Requires contractors bidding on vertical construction projects (contracts $1 million or more) funded by state agencies, counties, or municipalities to certify participation in registered apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs.

Mandates that at least 12 percent of labor hours on covered vertical construction projects be performed by registered apprentices throughout the contract duration, including any work under change orders.

Contractors unable to meet the 12 percent apprentice labor requirement must notify the awarding body in writing and demonstrate good faith efforts to secure apprentices; the awarding body then determines if good faith effort exists.

Contractors failing to meet the apprentice labor percentage are subject to hourly penalties (amount determined by Department of Management Services rule), with penalty funds directed to local apprenticeship training programs; noncompliance may also result in contract termination or debarment.

Awarding bodies must submit annual reports to the Department of Management Services detailing contract information including contractor names, project values, apprentices hired, and hours worked; requirements do not apply if prohibited by federal/state law, during emergencies, for women-owned or minority-owned subcontractors under $1 million, or when the awarding body reduces the requirement.