Florida ranked first in the Associated Builders and Contractors 2018 Merit Shop Scorecard rankings.

ABC cited the Sunshine State for its pro-construction policies, job growth, and opportunities for contractors. After the repeal of the state’s prevailing wage law, Michigan improved its rating the most during the past year, moving from 24^th to 7^th.

ABC ranked California second to last due to a reduction in workforce development and career education initiatives. Illinois ranked last because of policies in project labor agreements, prevailing wages, workforce development, and right-to-work regulations.

ABC also graded each state and Washington, D.C., on public-private partnership policies.