Tallahassee, FL, February 12, 2025 – The South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) recently traveled to Tallahassee to participate in the 2025 Florida Manufacturing Days, joining nearly 50 manufacturing stakeholders to advocate for policies that strengthen Florida’s manufacturing sector.
Organized by the Florida Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocacy Council, this event provided SFMA the opportunity to engage directly with key state legislators and policymakers to champion industry-supporting policies. During these meetings with legislators, SFMA focused on several pressing issues affecting manufacturers, including:
Workforce Development: Advocating for the creation of a Technical Support Program for Florida Manufacturers, which would provide grants or low-interest loans for small and medium-sized manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies, improve cybersecurity, and enhance workforce training programs.
Tax Incentives & Business Policies: Supporting the expansion of the Capital Investment Tax Credit to include all manufacturing subsectors (NAICS codes 31, 32, 33), reducing investment and job creation thresholds to benefit small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly in rural communities. Additionally, SFMA supports the reestablishment of the Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program, a proven economic development tool that incentivizes high-value job creation.
Legislative Priorities: SFMA is backing “An Act Relating to Manufacturing” (Senate Bill 600 & Senate Bill 602), introduced by Representative Nan Cobb and Senator Keith Truenow. This legislation includes:
- Institutionalizing the Chief Manufacturing Officer (CMO) position within FloridaCommerce to provide dedicated leadership and coordination for manufacturing initiatives statewide.
- Launching the “Made in Florida” Program to establish a statewide designation and marketing campaign promoting locally manufactured products.
- Authorizing a Biennial State of Florida Manufacturing Report in collaboration with the state’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership to provide comprehensive industry data and drive policy and investment decisions.
- Establishing a Technical Assistance Program to provide financial and operational support for manufacturers investing in automation, cybersecurity, and workforce training.
Additionally, SFMA advocated for Senate Bill 604 & House Bill 1020, which aim to streamline regulatory processes for manufacturers and expand funding for vocational and technical education programs.
“Advocating for policies that support manufacturing is essential to ensuring the industry’s continued growth and competitiveness in Florida. By engaging directly with lawmakers during Florida Manufacturing Days, we are reinforcing the critical role that manufacturers play in driving economic development, creating high-wage jobs, and fostering innovation. SFMA remains committed to working alongside our state leaders to champion these efforts and build a stronger future for Florida manufacturing.,” SFMA President, Matt Rocco stated.
The manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role in South Florida’s economy, hosting 26,000 manufacturing companies that employ well over 420,000 people, and boasting an economic impact exceeding $5 billion. Supporting policies that promote manufacturing growth benefits the broader business community, workforce development, and economic stability.
SFMA will always strive to work productively alongside state leaders and ensure that South Florida’s manufacturing industry continues to thrive.
About the South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA)
Since 1961, The South Florida Manufacturers Association (SFMA) has been the premier resource for manufacturers in South Florida, dedicated to empowering the region’s industrial sector. SFMA has strengthened Florida’s economy through its partnership with FloridaMakes resulting in a total operational impact of $2.5 billion, $1.92 billion in total sales, $441 million in total investments, $145 million in cost savings, and over 11,600 jobs created and retained through 2023. As a non-profit trade association, SFMA champions the needs of manufacturers through advocacy, networking opportunities, and a wealth of resources. One of SFMA’s cornerstone initiatives is the Manufacturers Training Institute, which has been at the forefront of delivering specialized training programs to the manufacturing community. For more information, visit www.sfma.org.