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2024 legislative Summary
HB 0481 Building Construction Regulations and System Warranties by Maggard/Hooper
Streamlines building construction regulations and system warranties, specifically targeting HVAC systems' warranty and registration processes. It also requires clear communication that registration is optional and eliminates the need for contractor documentation for warranty purposes. The bill expands the scope of work for specified HVAC system contractors to include specified line-side repairs or replacements and the repair or replacement of specified components for dedicated HVAC circuits under specified conditions.
HB 0149 Continuing Contracts by Alvarez
Raises the maximum estimated construction cost for projects under a continuing contract with a governmental entity to $7.5 million. This maximum cost will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), with updated amounts published on the Department of Management Services' website.
HB 0917 Career and Technical Education by Snyder – APPROVED by Governor
Amends multiple statutes to revise career and technical education, licensure qualifications, and minor employment exemptions in Florida, and repeals the Florida Talent Development Council. Additionally, it mandates the publication of a statewide asset map for career and technical education, modifies the definition of "journeyworker," and authorizes counties and municipalities to issue journeyman licenses without additional exams or fees, while repealing the Florida Talent Development Council.
HB 0623 Home Warranty Transfers by Steele/Burgess
Mandates builders to provide warranties for newly constructed homes, covering construction defects for one year after conveyance of title or occupancy, and defining key terms such as "builder," "material violation," and "newly constructed home." The warranty excludes defects covered by manufacturer warranties, normal wear and tear, house settling within acceptable practices, damages by owners, or acts of God, and allows enforcement through private civil actions by purchasers against non-compliant builders.
HB 0049 Employment and Curfew of Minors by Chaney/Burgess – APPROVED by the Governor
Adjusts employment restrictions for minors in Florida, particularly those 16 and 17 years old, and revises meal break requirements, allowing them to work before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on school nights with certain hour limitations that can be waived. The law also specifies restrictions for minors 15 or younger, exempts certain minors from these restrictions, and authorizes the department to grant waivers and establish penalties for employer violations.
HB 0433 Employment Regulations by Esposito/Trumbull APPROVED by the Governor
The bill seeks to establish statewide preemption over employment regulations and workplace heat exposure requirements, invalidating local government ordinances that exceed or conflict with state or federal labor laws. It prohibits local governments from setting different minimum wages or influencing wage policies in business contracts, while allowing them to set higher standards for their own employees, and mandates state regulation of workplace heat exposure if OSHA hasn't acted by July 1, 2028.
SB 7032 Education by Education Postsecondary APPROVED by the Governor
Establishes the Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education (GATE) Program to provide an alternative pathway for students who have withdrawn from high school before graduation, offering waived payments for certain fees and stipend eligibility under specific conditions. The program sets eligibility criteria, mandates parental consent for withdrawal of students under 18, requires the Department of Education to disseminate information and provide career planning tools, and introduces a scholarship program to financially support institutions by reimbursing specific student fees and costs.
HB 0267 Building Regulations by Esposito/DiCeglie
Amends the Florida Building Code to simplify the process for installing replacement windows, doors, and garage doors by exempting the need for sealed drawings by design professionals, requiring installations to follow manufacturer's instructions, and submitting these instructions with permit applications. Additionally, it removes building permit requirements for specific residential dwellings, defines "private provider firm," revises permit issuance procedures and timelines, limits local audits of private providers, and allows local governments to use certain fees for technology upgrades. Standards for unvented attic assemblies are established, and reports on thermal efficiency standards are required to be delivered to the Legislature.
HB 1335 Department of Business and Professional Regulation by Maggard/Hooper APPROVED by the Governor
The bill mandates online account creation and email communication for individuals and entities seeking licensure or permits from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and modifies various licensure requirements and procedures. It prohibits processing non-online applications, adjusts tobacco distributor bond amounts, deletes certain port mentor program requirements, expands engineering licensing exemptions, authorizes DBPR to act without board quorum, revises financial criteria for business licensure, modifies barber and cosmetology licensure eligibility, updates penalties and fund payments for construction recovery, and changes qualifications for alcoholic beverage licenses and prescription drug wholesale certification.
SB 0770 Improvements to Real Property by Martin/Trabulsy
Enables program administrators to offer financing for qualifying improvements to residential and commercial properties when authorized by a county or municipality, requiring property owner consent, financial feasibility assessments, and specific disclosures. The bill introduces advertising regulations, prohibits misleading claims, and mandates annual reporting and operational audits. Existing contracts must comply with the new regulations, and financing agreements are unenforceable under certain conditions such as fraud.
SB 1600 Interstate Mobility by Collins/Plasencia
Introduces reforms across various professions to streamline interstate mobility for licensed professionals moving to Florida and standardizes endorsement processes. The bill requires boards or the DBPR to assess the equivalency of out-of-state licenses, establish criteria for licensure by endorsement, and mandate applicants to cover fingerprint processing costs for criminal history checks. It also includes the MOBILE Act for healthcare fields, revises endorsement requirements, and mandates annual reporting by the DBPR on application outcomes and disciplinary actions.
SB 0812 Expedited Approval of Residential Building Permits by Ingoglia/McClain
A bill mandates expedited approval processes for residential building permits and sets conditions for local government programs, applicant obligations, and rights. It requires counties and municipalities with specified populations to create programs by October 1, 2024, for expedited permit issuance before final plat recording, expanding to 75% of planned homes by 2027. The bill also introduces a two-step application process, allows the use of private providers, mandates performance bonds, and sets conditions for selling but not transferring ownership until final plat approval, while affirming applicants' vested rights and requiring indemnification of local governments.
SB 1628 Local Government Actions by Collins/McClure
The bill mandates that bond referenda above $500 million by counties, districts, or municipalities must occur during general elections and updates provisions for the enactment of county and municipal ordinances. It specifies cost-sharing for referenda during regular elections, exempts certain ordinances from standard procedures, and details exceptions for ordinances related to development, emergencies, procurement, and compliance with state laws.
SB 1142 Occupational Licensing by Hooper/Mooney
Extends dates and provides new registration guidelines for certain contractors in Florida, allowing for the issuance of registrations without examinations, delaying the establishment of voluntary licensure categories to July 1, 2025, and setting responsibilities and fees for the Construction Industry Licensing Board.
SB 0382 Continuing Education Requirements
Requires state boards or the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to allow distance learning for fulfilling continuing education requirements and mandates exemptions for certain long-term licensees from these requirements. The bill also prohibits centralized examinations, allows prorating or waiving requirements for new licensees, and mandates rule adoption for implementation, including emergency rules with a six-month effectiveness and renewal option.
SB 1688 Career-themed Courses by Osgood/Dunkley APPROVED by the Governor
Enhances the Florida Career and Professional Education Act by revising strategic plan requirements, annual review data inclusion, and informational provisions to students and parents. The bill mandates strategies for promoting career and technical education, requires the Department of Education to collect performance data on industry-certified programs, and obligates school districts to inform students and parents about available career courses during middle school course selection.
HB 0705 Public Works Projects by Shoaf/Grall
Expands the definition of "public works project" and revises the applicability of prohibitions on restrictive bidding practices by the state or its political subdivisions. The bill defines public works projects as activities funded by local or state funds for constructing, maintaining, or improving various facilities, excludes incidental services that do not require a construction contracting license, and prohibits geographic restrictions on contractors in the bidding process, except for projects solely funded by a county or municipality.
2023 legislative summary
Explore the incredible achievements of MACCA membership throughout the 2023 legislative session, resulting in significant advancements for the HVAC industry. By becoming a MACCA member, you open doors to become an essential participant in this transformative journey and enjoy the multitude of benefits it offers.
With our steadfast dedication and unwavering commitment, MACCA has successfully advocated for groundbreaking policies and initiatives that have revolutionized the HVAC landscape. Leveraging our collective influence, we have effectively shaped legislation that promotes innovation, sustainability, and growth within the industry.
By joining MACCA, you gain access to an extensive network of industry professionals, thought leaders, and experts who share a common goal of driving progress and excellence in the HVAC field. Collaborate with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and stay at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies.
Experience firsthand the power of being part of MACCA's success story. Join us today and be an active participant in shaping the future of the HVAC industry while reaping the myriad rewards that come with it. Together, let's propel our industry to new heights of achievement and prosperity.
Why Join MACCA?
Here are some notable accomplishments that we helped make happen in our 2023 Legislative Session:
Ensuring that HVAC warrantors honor the full terms of their manufacturer warranty, regardless of property owner
The Problem
In Florida, most manufacturer warranties are tied to the person, not the property. This means that when a residential property is sold, the HVAC manufacturer warranty may not necessarily transfer to the new property owner.
Legislation Passed
HB 1203 Registration and Transfer of HVAC Warranties by Rep. Maggard and Senator Boyd
The bill ensures that regardless of ownership, the HVAC manufacturer’s warranty is tied to the property. A HVAC warrantor is obligated under the original terms regardless of the property owner and may not charge a transfer fee when the property is sold. The bill ensures that this transfer does not extend the original warranty term and ensures that a licensed contractor who installs a HVAC system must document the installation through an invoice or receipt to the customer.
The bill was approved by the Governor and took effect July 1, 2023
Bill Text Bill Summary
Supporting Skilled Workers Through Tax Relief on Tools and Equipment
The Problem
Specialized tools and equipment amount to substantial costs for skilled trade workers.
Legislation Passed
HB 7063 – Taxation
The Legislature’s 2023 Tax Package established a seven-day sales tax holiday for skilled trade worker tools and equipment, including certain hand and power tools, work boots, safety equipment, shop lights, toolboxes and belts, and plumbing and electrical equipment.
Bill Text Bill SummaryInvesting in the Future Workforce by Expanding Career and Technical Education Opportunities
The Problem
Florida needs to place more emphasis on developing tomorrow’s talent in the skilled labor trades. Without sufficient investment into this area, Florida will face a labor shortage and skill gap in this industry, which should be addressed via early recruitment and work-based learning opportunities.
Legislation Passed:
SB 240 – Education by Sen. HutsonThe comprehensive education bill ensures that high school students have greater access to explore the skilled trades as a career pathway, through educational credit opportunities, increased funding for Career and Technical Education programs, and additional support for businesses who offer work-based learning opportunities to students.
The bill specifies that school boards must provide all high school students with the option to enroll in at least one work-based learning opportunity, which may include diversified education, preapprenticeships, and apprenticeships. Under the bill, schools, local workforce boards, community or faith-based organizations and trade associations can sponsor student apprenticeships. In order to graduate from high school, students are currently required to complete at least one credit in fine or performing arts, speech and debate, or practical arts. The bill removes the practical arts requirement, and allows students to satisfy this graduation requirement by completing a CTE credit.
The bill provides $100 million for the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for schools to fund the creation or expansion of career and technical education programs.The bill establishes regional education consortia with representatives from local businesses and education institutes to help create additional opportunities for work-based learning. The bill streamlines the process for businesses to take advantage of workers’ compensation benefits for providing work-based learning opportunities to high school students.
To adequately reward school districts for promoting CTE engagement in middle school, the bill removes the cap on bonus funding for middle school students who earn industry certifications. For more than a decade, Florida has provided additional funding for K-12 schools, state colleges, and career centers whose students earn industry certifications. SB 240 maintains this bonus funding but provides a mechanism to link education to jobs in the economy with a higher incentive for certifications with higher anticipated wages. Bonus funding will be available for CTE dual enrollment courses that lead toward industry certifications and also when students complete three-course sequential industry certifications in a program.
The bill gives school boards have more flexibility in hiring teachers of career and technical education courses who, instead of a college degree, have at least 6 years of industry experience and fulfill training requirements. A person who holds an industry certification in a subject matter area may serve as an adjunct teacher without having to pass a subject area exam.Bill Text Bill Summary
Authorizing Florida’s School Voucher funding to be used for apprenticeship programs
Florida’s school voucher scholarship programs allow eligible students to attend private schools that may better serve a student’s particular needs or to provide educational options for students with disabilities. Although it was designed to support students on their personalized educational pathway, it is limited in its options for students to pursue CTE programs.
Legislation Passed:
HB 1 – Education by Rep. Plascencia and Sen. SimonThe bill expands the authorized use of Florida Tax Credit (FTC) scholarship funds to cover tuition and fees for eligible students to pursue approved pre-apprenticeship programs.
Bill Text Bill Summary
Limiting the time-period in which a contractor is liable to take legal action in construction defect cases
The ProblemUnder the Statute of Repose, a property owner may bring an action for a construction defect, regardless of when it was discovered or should have been discovered, within 10 years. This 10-year time frame begins after the latest of the following dates: actual possession by the property owner, issuance of a certificate of occupancy, date of abandonment if not completed, or date of completion or termination of the contract between contractors
Legislation Passed:
SB 360 Causes of Action Based on Improvements to Real Property by Sen. Hutson/Rep. SnyderThe bill shortens the timeframe that a property owner may bring a cause of action against a builder for alleged construction defects, reducing the Statute of Repose from 10 years to 7 years. It also revises the list of potential commencement dates for the Statute of Repose, ensuring that it runs based upon whichever date is earliest, rather than latest.
Specifically, it deletes “the date of actual possession by the owner” and the date of completion or termination of the contract between the professional engineer, registered architect, or licensed contractor and his or her employer as commencement date. The bill adds the date that “the authority having jurisdiction issues a temporary certificate of occupancy” and the date that the authority having jurisdiction issues a “certificate of completion” as a commencement dates.Bill Text Bill Summary