Release: Q4 Report to Florida Commerce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2026

Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council Reports Strong Fourth Quarter Results and Record Year-End Performance

The Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council (FCMEC) submitted its Fourth Quarter Report to the Florida Department of Commerce, highlighting significant accomplish-ments between October 1 and December 31, 2025. During the quarter, the Council continued to advance workforce development, industry education, and public awareness initiatives designed to strengthen Florida's concrete masonry industry and expand career opportunities across the state.

Block Strong Campaign Sets New Records

The Council's partnership with the Florida Concrete & Products Association (FC&PA) continued to generate strong results through the Block Strong public education campaign. During the fourth quarter alone, BlockStrong.com attracted more than 338,000 visitors, helping the campaign achieve a record-setting 1.67 million website visits in 2025, the highest annual total in campaign history.

Digital advertising focused on the benefits of resilient construction, including storm resistance, fire resistance, and long-term durability. During the quarter, the campaign generated 28.5 million impressions and more than 431,000 clicks, while maintaining strong engagement across social media platforms.
The campaign also expanded educational outreach through its ongoing partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida, providing resources and programming focused on resilient construction and updated wind debris protection requirements.

Consumer Study Demonstrates Strong Preference for Concrete Block Construction

A statewide consumer sentiment study conducted during the quarter found overwhelming support for concrete block construction among Florida homeowners. More than 85 percent of respondents indicated they would choose concrete block if building a new home, while nearly 90 percent identified concrete block as the most energy-efficient and durable construction material.

The study confirmed strong consumer confidence in resilient building materials and reinforced the value of ongoing public education efforts promoting safe and durable construction practices throughout Florida.

Workforce Development Continues to Expand
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Florida Masonry (FM), the Council's workforce development partner, continued to strengthen Florida's masonry workforce pipeline through apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and career awareness initiatives.

During the quarter, FM welcomed two additional contractor members, bringing total membership growth for 2025 to 13 new contractor members and three associate members. Membership outreach efforts continued through regional meetings and industry engagement events designed to strengthen contractor participation and support long-term organizational sustainability.

New Educational Pathways and Career Opportunities

FM expanded its pre-apprenticeship initiatives through the launch and growth of several workforce development programs. The St. Cloud High School Pre-Apprenticeship Program grew to serve 143 active students, while the Bridge to Success High School Masonry Club successfully launched and quickly expanded due to strong student interest.

Additional progress was made through partnerships with the Florida Department of Corrections and Department of Juvenile Justice, further strengthening pathways into apprenticeship and employment opportunities.

Workforce outcomes also remained strong. By the end of 2025, FM facilitated 40 placements into masonry apprenticeships and industry employment, including 24 placements during the fourth quarter alone.

Industry Education and Training

FM also continued to support professional education through its Masonry Construction and Inspection Certification Workshops. Two workshops were conducted during the quarter, providing continuing education opportunities for building officials and construction professionals while promoting industry best practices and code compliance.

Training on the updated NCCER masonry curriculum expanded during the quarter, helping schools and training providers prepare for implementation of the newest masonry education standards.

Looking Ahead

As the Council enters 2026, it remains committed to expanding workforce development opportunities, strengthening industry partnerships, and promoting resilient construction practices throughout Florida. With record public engagement, growing educational programs, and continued workforce achievements, FCMEC is well positioned to build upon this momentum and continue advancing Florida's masonry industry in the year ahead.

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