Lawmakers gave final approval Friday to a bill (SB 778) that would restrict the ability of cities, counties and other government agencies to give preferences to local contractors on some construction projects.

The bill, approved by the House in a 95-22 vote, would apply to projects that receive at least 50 percent of their funding from the state.

In such instances, cities, counties, state colleges and other agencies could not give preferences to local contractors in awarding the work.

Rep. Keith Perry, a Gainesville Republican who sponsored the bill in the House, likened such preferences to tariffs.

But opponent Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach, said local officials should be able to decide whether to use preferences. Senators voted 28-9 earlier in the week to approve the bill, which is ready to go to Gov. Rick Scott.