What I am trying to do is use the new android support design library mentioned here: http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2015/05/android-design-support-library.html.
If you are using any of the Design Library components, you should ensure your activity extends AppCompatActivity and uses an appropriate Theme.AppCompat theme. Note that the FloatingActionButton relies on the colorAccent set on your theme - ensure your theme has that defined.