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

Donald Trump’s election may bring changes to HVAC-related tax credits and incentives established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which allocated significant funds for energy efficiency and climate initiatives. The IRA, passed in 2022, includes up to 30% tax credits for efficient HVAC systems and substantial rebates for low- to moderate-income homeowners installing high-efficiency heat pumps. While Trump has expressed intentions to rescind unspent IRA funds, any reversal may be challenging. Many states have already secured or are in the process of securing funds, making it difficult to retract these obligations.

Though a complete repeal of the IRA would require congressional action—potentially difficult given prior GOP resistance—Trump’s administration could still shift tax policies to favor fossil fuels. This would likely slow but not entirely halt the decarbonization trend, as businesses have made investments based on the current incentives. The new administration may prioritize changes that support fossil fuels and traditional energy sources, leaving the HVAC industry divided on how these shifts impact future growth and electrification initiatives. Click here to read more.

ACCA Standard 310 introduces a protocol for grading HVAC systems, emphasizing energy efficiency to qualify for tax credits. While energy raters conduct the grading, HVAC technicians play a critical role in setting systems up for success by ensuring optimal installation and design. One key metric under this standard is blower fan watt draw, which can be tested using tools like plug-in or clamp-on wattmeters. Technicians may not directly measure watt draw but can influence it through field practices, particularly by minimizing static pressure in ductwork to reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of ECMs (electronically commutated motors).

ECMs differ from PSC (permanent split capacitor) motors in efficiency and performance. ECMs are more efficient, despite having a lower power factor, due to their unique electronic control mechanisms, which avoid power "fighting itself" during the electrical cycle. Proper ductwork design is crucial to prevent ECMs from ramping up excessively to maintain airflow, which increases power draw and reduces longevity. For technicians and installers, ensuring low static pressure and correct system setup is vital, not only for meeting energy standards but also for supporting the overall efficiency and durability of HVAC systems. Click here to read more.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation approved a statewide 1% reduction in workers' compensation insurance rates, according to a final order issued this week by state Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky. The decrease was proposed by the National Council on Compensation Insurance, or NCCI, earlier this year. Florida businesses have consistently experienced declining workers' compensation rates in recent years, with a 15.1% rate drop in 2024 and an 8.4% decrease in 2023. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bipartisan bill (SB 362) aimed at increasing the number of providers willing to treat workers' compensation patients by boosting reimbursement rates, which regulators said prevents a larger drop in rates this year. Slated to take effect Jan. 1, the new law increases the pay doctors get to 175% of the Medicare rate, with surgeons qualifying for a maximum reimbursement rate of 210%. The measure also boosts reimbursement rates for medical expert witnesses who testify in workers' compensation cases. NCCI said that without the new law, its proposed overall rate decrease would have been 6.4%. "I'm pleased to announce that Florida businesses will see a further reduction in workers' compensation rates for the eighth consecutive year," Yaworsky said. "Following historic legislative reforms in this space, it is abundantly clear that the workers' compensation market in Florida is stable and competitive." The recently-approved 1% statewide reduction will apply to new and renewal policies starting Jan. 1, 2025. OIR Press release / Insurance Journal / Florida Politics / Florida Phoenix / Florida Channel (Video)

Florida’s unemployment rate remained stable at 3.3% in September for the sixth consecutive month, with 368,000 residents classified as unemployed, as reported by the state Department of Commerce. The U.S. Department of Labor noted a sharp drop in Florida jobless claims, from nearly 10,000 to just over 6,100 last week. However, the state’s labor force saw a net decline of 6,000 workers, attributed mainly to retirements among Baby Boomers and Gen X, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decrease and the first year-over-year labor force reduction since February 2021. “Retirements and an aging workforce are key drivers of this trend,” said Jimmy Heckman, Florida Commerce’s Chief of Workforce Statistics, who highlighted stable labor force participation among working-age adults aged 25-54. The economic impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which recently impacted Florida’s Gulf Coast, is not yet captured in these figures as assessment continues. Nationally, initial jobless claims also saw a decrease, with the U.S. unemployment rate at 4.1% for September. Click here to read the unemployment figures, and click here to read more.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a versatile tool for HVAC contracting businesses, offering solutions for various tasks such as dispatch management, job estimation, marketing, and even bill collection. Companies like Workiz and ServiceTitan use AI to streamline operations, from optimizing scheduling and dispatch to analyzing customer calls and enhancing marketing efforts. AI tools can handle administrative burdens, freeing contractors to focus on technical work and improving efficiency. These advancements not only aid in business operations but also create job opportunities and offer significant benefits for marketing and customer service. As AI continues to evolve, its integration with IoT technology promises further enhancements in service and customer satisfaction. Click here to read more.

The waiver of consequential damages in construction contracts involves both parties agreeing not to pursue claims for indirect losses, such as loss of income or productivity, resulting from a breach of contract. These damages are often difficult to quantify and can be significant, potentially affecting a contractor's business or an owner's financial standing. By waiving such claims, parties aim to reduce uncertainty and potential disputes.

However, this waiver must be carefully drafted to avoid ambiguity. Courts may interpret the provision differently based on its wording and related contract clauses, such as indemnity or liquidated damages provisions. Clear definitions and specific language are crucial to ensure the waiver is enforceable and understood by all parties, including subcontractors.Click here to read more.