A St. Petersburg ordinance mandating apprenticeship and disadvantaged worker quotas on construction projects has been struck down by a court. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) successfully challenged the rule, arguing it imposed undue burdens on contractors and compromised project quality.

The ordinance required 15% of project hours to be allocated to apprentices and another 15% to disadvantaged workers, as defined by the city. ABC contended that this forced contractors to hire unqualified workers, increasing costs and project risks.

After a legal battle, the court ruled in favor of ABC, and the city decided against appealing the decision. While the city expressed its commitment to equity and inclusion, it acknowledged the challenges posed by the ordinance and the potential for legal costs.

ABC hailed the victory as a win for contractors and taxpayers, claiming it would lead to increased competition and lower project costs.