Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocacy Council 2025 Advocacy Agenda

1. Chief Manufacturing Officer

Institutionalize the Chief Manufacturing Officer position in Florida statute. This role will be pivotal in launching a statewide “Made in Florida Campaign” to promote in-state production and purchasing. This initiative is crucial for improving supply chain resilience by strengthening infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities.

Additionally, this position will focus on addressing regulatory barriers that manufacturers face, particularly during disaster recovery. Food processing and agriculture sectors are also priority because they are critical for the state’s health, economic vitality, and resilience. By boosting local production and addressing these issues, Florida can ensure a higher standard of living for its residents.

2. Tax Relief and Incentives for Manufacturers

Advocate for tax policies that benefit Florida’s manufacturing sector by including these items in the annual tax bill:

• Capital Investment Tax Credit (CITC) Expansion: Broaden the CITC to cover all NAICS manufacturing codes and reduce the investment and job creation thresholds. This change would make it easier for manufacturers to invest in equipment, molds, and dyes by pushing for sales and use tax exemptions on such consumables.
• Reestablish the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund Program, a fiscally sound means of increasing state tax revenue, generating $5.30 for every $1 of refund provided, and providing a competitive mechanism to grow industry in Florida.

2025 Advocacy Platform:

The Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocacy Council champions the following key issues to strengthen the manufacturing sector across Florida.

1. Talent Development and Retention – Fostering a pipeline of skilled workers is essential to the future of manufacturing in Florida. The Council supports initiatives that improve early engagement, upskilling, and removing barriers to talent attraction and retention.

• Early Engagement: Strengthen AP manufacturing programs and dual enrollment to expose high school students to career opportunities in manufacturing.
• Retention Strategies: Focus on upskilling the current workforce through state funding and tax incentives for companies oDering apprenticeships.
• Talent Development: Address challenges in hiring technical instructors, streamline certification processes, and recognize the importance of aDordable housing and childcare in workforce retention.

2. Florida’s Competitive Edge – The Council supports policies that position Florida as a leader in the manufacturing industry by leveraging tax incentives and promoting in- state production.

• Tax Incentives/Reforms: Advocate for expanding the Capital Investment Tax Credit (CITC) and reestablishing the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund Program.
• Institutionalize the Chief Manufacturing ODicer position to oversee supply chain resilience, regulatory reform, and sector development.
• Buy/Made in Florida: Launch a “Made in Florida” campaign and explore the creation of a "Buy Florida Act" to promote local production.
• Re-shoring Initiatives: Support eDorts to bring advanced pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production back to the U.S.
• Port Resilience & Free Trade Zones (FTZ): Advocate for expanding Free Trade Zones and enhancing port resilience to safeguard against disasters and improve trade flow.

3. Industry Modernization – The Council supports innovation and modernization, which is vital for keeping Florida’s manufacturers globally competitive.

• Education and Technology Exposure: Increase training in robotics, automation, and energy eDiciency. Support the development of "Train the Trainer" programs.
• Smart Manufacturing: Encourage the adoption of automation and address educational gaps and change management challenges.
• Cybersecurity and Sustainability: Provide resources to help manufacturers comply with new federal cybersecurity guidelines and incentivize sustainable practices through renewable energy tax credits.