About the Council

From Florida Statute 446.53

The Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council, Inc., is created as a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of this state and operating as a direct-support organization of the Department of Economic Opportunity.


The council shall:
  1. Plan, implement, and conduct programs of education for the purpose of training individuals in the field of concrete masonry.
  2. Develop and improve access to education for individuals seeking employment in the field of concrete masonry.
  3. Develop and implement outreach programs to ensure diversity among individuals trained in the programs conducted pursuant to this section.
  4. Coordinate educational programs with national programs or programs of other states.
  5. Inform and educate the public about the sustainability and economic benefits of concrete masonry products in order to increase employment opportunities for individuals trained in the programs conducted pursuant to this section.
  6. Develop, implement, and monitor a system for the collection of a self-imposed voluntary assessment on each concrete masonry unit produced and sold by concrete masonry manufacturers in this state.
  7. Submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by January 15 of each year outlining the revenues received by the council, the percentage of the industry participating in the programs, the use of the funds received, the goals and objectives for the year and the methods of achieving such goals and objectives, the number of individuals who have received training or assistance from the programs supported by the council, and information relating to job placements and industry workforce needs.


 The council may:
  1. Provide to governmental bodies, on request, information relating to subjects of concern to the concrete masonry industry and act jointly or in cooperation with the state or Federal Government, and agencies thereof, in the development or administration of programs that the council considers to be consistent with the objectives of this section.
  2. Sue and be sued as a council without individual liability of the members for actions of the council when acting within the scope of the powers conferred by this section and in the manner prescribed by the laws of this state.
  3. Maintain a financial reserve for emergency use, the total of which must not exceed 10 percent of the council’s anticipated annual income.
  4. Employ subordinate officers and employees of the council, prescribe their duties, and fix their compensation and terms of employment.
  5. Cooperate with any local, state, regional, or nationwide organization or agency engaged in work or activities consistent with the objectives of this section.
  6. Meet with concrete masonry manufacturers in this state to coordinate the collection of self-imposed voluntary assessments on concrete masonry units.

Our Mission

 In accordance with section 446.531, F.S., the FCMEC will coordinate a statewide program to inform and educate the public about the sustainability and economic benefits of concrete masonry products and train individuals in the field of concrete masonry.  Further, as directed in section 1011.80(4), F.S., the FCMEC will establish baseline data of priority targets for the purpose of formulating annual outcome measurements. 

Our Vision

Vision: “Maximizing and enhancing the profession of skilled masonry in Florida through a Public/Private jobs training and public masonry education programs, with the goal of improving opportunities and increasing skills for a diverse apprenticeship workforce.”