Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation mandating the use of U.S.-produced iron and steel in public works projects across Florida, with exceptions for availability, quality, and cost considerations.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Wednesday that mandates the use of United States-produced iron and steel in public works projects across Florida.

The bill, Senate Bill 674, introduced by Sen. Jim Boyd, requires that any iron or steel products permanently incorporated into public works projects be produced in the United States. The mandate applies to all governmental entities in Florida, encompassing state and local governments, as well as various public agencies and institutions.

Under the bill’s purview, exceptions are permitted under specific circumstances. If U.S.-produced iron or steel products are not available in sufficient quantities, are of unsatisfactory quality, or would increase the total project cost by more than 20 percent, the requirement can be waived.

Additionally, a minimal use of foreign materials is allowed if they are incidental to the project and their cost does not exceed 0.10 percent of the total contract cost or $2,500, whichever is greater.

“Notwithstanding any other law, a governmental entity entering into a contract for a public works project or for the purchase of materials for a public works project must include in the contract a requirement that any iron or steel product permanently incorporated in the project be produced in the United States,” reads the bill.

The legislation exempts specific products from the U.S.-production requirement, notably electrical components, equipment, systems, and appurtenances necessary for operation or concealment, except for transmission and distribution poles, which are considered iron or steel products under the bill.

The bill does not apply to contracts procured by the Florida Department of Transportation that are already subject to federal Buy America requirements and the Department of Management Services is tasked with developing guidelines and procedures to implement the new law.

The bill was passed unanimously in both the Florida House and Senate.