New legislation introduced by the concrete masonry industry in Florida would create a council within the state Department of Education to promote education and outreach programs for the industry.

According to the legislation, Florida's Concrete Masonry Education Council would be a nonprofit corporation under the purview of the state Department of Education – known as a "Direct Support Organization" – and would create and administer programs intended to educate a skilled labor force of masons. The programs would be funded by a voluntary assessment on concrete masonry block units.

The Concrete Masonry Education Council's 15-person board of directors would include of nine concrete masonry manufacturers, at least five of which would represent members of the Masonry Association of Florida (MAF); two MAF masonry contractors; one representative of a Florida "major building industry association"; one workforce education training expert; one representative of the Chancellor of Career and Adult Education; and one "stakeholder in the masonry industry" that is not a masonry contractor or manufacturer.

Concrete masonry block manufacturers in Florida support the initiative, citing a growing chorus of builders in the area that are unable to keep up with a growing workload due to a dearth of skilled workers. Advocates say that the legislation will support Florida's economic recovery and boost the state's masonry industry.

The legislation, introduced concurrently in the state House and Senate, can be seen here.