On September 16, FRACCA shared an important update regarding recent EPA announcements on refrigerant regulations.

The EPA confirmed it will reconsider certain climate rules, including workplace exposure limits on carbon tetrachloride (a chemical used in producing refrigerants). This action is part of a broader review of Biden-era regulatory actions, with the agency indicating that a new proposal may be issued within 7–10 months to adjust compliance obligations while maintaining worker safety.

Importantly, while the EPA is revisiting some related rules, the HFC phasedown itself is not being rolled back. The phasedown is mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, which requires an 85% reduction in HFC production and consumption by 2036. The Technology Transitions Rule deadlines beginning in 2025 remain legally binding unless formally changed through rulemaking.

Key Takeaways:

• EPA is reconsidering certain chemical safety rules (e.g., carbon tetrachloride), not the phasedown schedule.

• The AIM Act ensures the HFC phasedown continues on its statutory timeline.

• Compliance deadlines for refrigerants in residential AC, heat pumps, chillers, refrigeration units, and other applications beginning in 2025–2028 remain in place.

We will continue sharing FRACCA updates so our members stay informed on changes that may impact contractors and suppliers in Florida.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our 2025 Golf Outing at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club. This year’s tournament was our biggest one yet — completely SOLD OUT — and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our members, sponsors, and players. The day was filled with sunshine, camaraderie, great food, and plenty of laughs out on the course.

Special shoutouts to our winning teams:
 First Place Team – RE Michel
 Second Place Team – D&D Air
 Most Honest Team – Trane

We’ll be sharing even more photos from the day soon, so keep an eye out — you might just spot yourself on the green!

Thank you again for making this event such a memorable one. We can’t wait to see you at the next MACCA event!

Key Engagements:

• August 11 – FRACCA met with Senate President Kathleen Passidomo to discuss the proposed pool heater bill, signaling early interest ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
• August 25 – Introductory meeting with Representative Albert, with further discussion on the pool heater bill and its potential impact on contractors.

Florida Legislative Activity:

• The pool heater bill is gaining traction, with conversations underway among key legislative leaders. FRACCA is actively engaged in shaping the bill to reflect contractor concerns.
• Interim Committee Weeks begin in September, marking the start of bill drafting and early hearings. FRACCA will monitor legislation related to licensing, permitting, and HVAC-related building code updates.

Industry & Regulatory News:

• The EPA refrigerant transition rule continues to move forward, phasing out R-410A in favor of low-GWP A2L refrigerants (R-32, R-454B). This shift will impact:
  • Equipment selection
  • Technician training
  • Local building codes
• FRACCA is advocating for contractor-friendly implementation and monitoring compliance timelines.
• Workforce development remains a priority, with the U.S. Department of Education District Workforce Committee emphasizing HVAC training as part of Florida’s skilled trades pipeline.

Looking Ahead:

• September 2025 – Draft legislation on pool heaters may emerge during Interim Committee Weeks.
• Q4 2025 – EPA expected to release updated guidance on refrigerant leak detection, reporting, and recovery.
• Continued outreach planned to legislative leaders on:
  • Pool heater legislation
  • Refrigerant rule implementation
  • Workforce funding for HVAC training

Submitted by Edward Briggs, Founder/CEO of B&B Capitol Strategies and FRACCA Lobbyist

On September 9th & 10th, the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) traveled to Capitol Hill to ensure Florida’s HVAC professionals had a strong voice in Washington. Representing contractors from across the state, the delegation met with nearly every member of Florida’s congressional delegation to address growing concerns with the EPA’s HFC Management Rule and Technology Transition Rule.

During these meetings, FRACCA emphasized that while contractors are committed to innovation and environmental responsibility, the current refrigerant rules are unworkable, costly, and introduce new safety risks for homeowners, businesses, and technicians. Florida’s congressional leaders, including Rep. Laurel Lee, Rep. Greg Steube, Rep. Neal Dunn, Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Daniel Webster, and others, listened closely to contractor concerns, with many showing strong support for protecting both small businesses and consumers.

FRACCA will continue leading this effort in both Washington and Tallahassee to push for policies that balance environmental goals with practical safety, affordability, and consumer choice. Their advocacy ensures Florida contractors remain heard and represented on the national stage.

The Florida Building Commission has released the actions and outcomes from the September 2025 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings regarding glitch proposals to the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code. These proposals reflect changes from the 2025 Legislative Session (HB 683, HB 551, HB 913, and SB 180).

The Second 45-Day Comment Period is now open and runs September 11 – October 25, 2025 (midnight deadline). Contractors, engineers, and all interested parties are encouraged to review the TAC reports and submit comments before the deadline.

 Review TAC Meeting Minutes & Reports:
Florida Building Code Development Process – TAC Reports

✉️ Submit Comments to:
Mr. Mo Madani
Email: mo.madani@myfloridalicense.com

Questions? Call 850-487-1824

The newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) introduces major tax reforms impacting contractors and construction businesses. Key highlights include permanent 100% bonus depreciation, expanded Section 179 expensing, restoration of R&D deductions, and indefinite extension of the 20% QBI pass-through deduction. Other business-friendly changes allow more generous interest deductions, income deferral for large residential projects, and immediate expensing for U.S. production property. Temporary benefits include an overtime deduction through 2028 and a higher SALT deduction cap through 2029 before it phases back down.

For construction firms, the bill also accelerates the cutoff for certain green energy credits (179D and 45L) and provides enhanced tax-saving opportunities for both individuals and businesses. Most of these benefits are heavily front-loaded through 2028, making it critical to plan ahead with your tax professional. Acting now ensures you can fully leverage these deductions, credits, and incentives before key provisions expire or revert. Click here to read more.

As of August 1, Florida residents can now purchase select hurricane and disaster preparedness supplies tax-free year-round. This permanent exemption, included in the newly approved state budget, replaces the former limited-time tax holidays and aims to help families and businesses stay storm-ready without the pressure of a seasonal deadline.

Items now exempt from sales tax include batteries, portable generators, fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and more. This change provides long-term savings and encourages continuous preparedness. For the full list of eligible supplies and additional disaster planning resources, click here.

(Effective July 1–August 1, 2025)

Florida has passed several new construction trade laws effective July 1 – August 1, 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

• HB 683 – Construction Regulations: Virtual inspections, streamlined permitting, private providers, and automatic approvals.

• HB 551 – Fire Safety Permitting: Fast-track permits for fire alarm and sprinkler systems, simplified documentation, and refund penalties.

• HB 913 – Condominium Safety: Milestone inspections, reserve study reforms, increased transparency, and online posting requirements.

• HB 735 / SB 1142 – Contractor Licensing Reform: Eliminates local licensing, introduces new specialty contractor categories.

• HB 1035 – Residential Permitting: 5-day permit turnaround for small jobs, deemed approvals, and disaster-area fast-tracking.

• SB 180 – Post-Storm Rebuilding: Blocks moratoriums, requires emergency permitting plans, and caps fees.

New Specialty Contractor Categories (SB 1142)

Florida will create licenses for: structural aluminum/screens, marine construction (seawalls, docks, pile driving), masonry/steel/precast concrete, rooftop solar heating, windows/doors (including hurricane protection), and plaster/lath/structural carpentry.

The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers’ Compensation is offering FREE seminars and webinars for Florida employers, contractors, and business representatives.

✅ Review Workers’ Compensation laws & requirements
✅ Learn OSHA safety standards & compliance tips
✅ Understand contractor responsibilities & exemptions

CEUs Available: Contractors licensed by the Florida DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board and Electrical Contractors Licensing Board can earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by completing these sessions.

Upcoming Webinar Dates (2:00 – 3:00 PM ET):

• October 8–9, 2025

• January 14–15, 2026

• April 8–9, 2026

Advance registration required. Email your completed form to BOCSeminars@MyFloridaCFO.com or fax (850) 484-5111.

Click here to view the flyer.
Click here to download the registration form.

AI Will Help with the HVAC Workforce Shortage

By Peter Montana, AC Prosite

Florida HVAC contractors have an opportunity to benefit from an unlikely source when it comes to having a shortage of technicians: Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s not that AI is recruiting workers into the HVAC trade, AI is reshaping the future of work. College degrees aren’t as valuable as they once were and in response to traditional careers being less secure, young professionals are switching industries and turning to trade work.

Zety’s Gen Z Reroute Report, based on a national survey of 1,000 Gen Z workers and updated on August 14, 2025, found that 65% of them said college degrees won’t protect them from AI-related job loss. The trades are becoming an option: 53% say they’re now considering blue collar jobs or skilled trades. AI has already caused 43% to change their READ MORE