Utility incentive programs continue to play a major role in accelerating the transition toward more efficient heating and cooling systems. By offering rebates, tax credits, and other financial support, these programs help reduce the upfront cost of high-efficiency equipment, making upgrades more accessible for homeowners and businesses. As adoption grows, contractors gain access to higher-value projects, and manufacturers are encouraged to push innovation that meets or exceeds evolving efficiency standards. This combination of lower first costs and rising consumer interest is helping move the industry toward cleaner, more advanced technologies such as inverter-driven heat pumps and other energy-saving systems.

Beyond lowering costs, incentives also support broader goals—including reducing overall energy demand, supporting grid stability, and promoting long-term operational savings. Many utility programs go beyond rebates by offering energy assessments, financing options, or tools to help customers identify improvement opportunities. Over time, these efforts raise the efficiency baseline across the market, phase out outdated systems, and strengthen the pathway toward sustainable HVAC solutions. As demand for energy increases and the built environment continues to evolve, strong utility partnerships and well-designed incentive programs will remain essential in supporting progress across the entire industry. Click here to read more.

MACCA is pleased to share that Shawn Baxter has been appointed as the new Building Official for Manatee County. Shawn brings extensive HVAC and trade experience to the role, along with a strong understanding of the technical and practical considerations contractors navigate each day.

His background provides valuable insight that can help support clear communication and thoughtful interpretation of building requirements within the county. MACCA views this transition as a positive opportunity to continue strengthening collaboration between the contracting community and county leadership.

We look forward to sharing more updates as they become available.

The IRS has announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will begin to be phased out starting September 30, 2025. Although the transition is already underway, taxpayers should continue filing normally for the remainder of 2025, including those finishing 2024 returns on extension. Going forward, most refunds will be issued electronically, a shift the IRS says will improve security, reduce lost or stolen checks, and deliver refunds significantly faster than traditional mail.

As this change moves closer, individuals who still rely on paper refund checks are encouraged to prepare by confirming banking information or exploring free or low-cost account options. Electronic alternatives will also be available for those without traditional bank accounts. The IRS will release detailed filing guidance for 2025 tax returns before the 2026 filing season and will continue to provide updates as the transition progresses.

You can read the full IRS news release here:
IRS to phase out paper tax refund checks starting with individual taxpayers | Internal Revenue Service

Utility incentive programs are helping drive the adoption of high-efficiency HVAC systems by reducing upfront costs for consumers and encouraging broader market demand. These programs not only make energy-efficient technologies more accessible but also create opportunities for contractors by supporting higher-value projects and promoting long-term savings. By lowering the initial investment, utility incentives accelerate the shift toward more efficient systems and help raise the baseline for industry standards.

In addition to influencing consumer choices, incentives spur innovation among manufacturers and encourage adoption of advanced HVAC technologies. They support decarbonization efforts, increase awareness of efficiency benefits, and provide contractors with tools to grow their business in an evolving energy landscape. As the demand for energy-efficient solutions continues to rise, utility programs play a critical role in shaping the market and helping the industry transition to more sustainable practices. Click here to read more.

Government shutdowns can have major ripple effects across the construction industry, leading to millions in lost wages, halted permits, and project delays. When federal operations pause, key systems like permitting, inspections, and onboarding often stop as well—disrupting hiring, slowing project starts, and creating uncertainty for contractors and workers alike. Even short shutdowns can cause scheduling headaches, wage losses, and significant downtime on active jobs.

Beyond the immediate impact, shutdowns can also weaken confidence in the broader construction market. Delayed permits and funding pauses make it harder for projects to stay on track, while investors and private clients often hold back on new work during periods of political uncertainty. These disruptions underscore the importance of planning ahead, maintaining strong communication with clients, and building flexibility into project timelines.

Click here to read more about how government shutdowns affect the construction industry.

Click Here for a copy of the study

A message from Sarasota County regarding an update on the ongoing Sarasota County Impact Fee Study:

“The study is part of our continued efforts to ensure that our fee structures remain data-driven and aligned with both current conditions and the future needs of our growing community.

The study includes a comprehensive evaluation of the methodologies used to calculate impact fees across various sectors, including Parks, Library, Fire, Emergency Management Services, Law, Justice Facilities and General Government. The goal is to ensure fees are aligned with infrastructure demands generated by new development, while maintaining transparency and consistency in the application of these fees.

As part of this process, we invite you to participate in the following two public workshops, which will provide an opportunity to learn more about the study and offer feedback:

Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

• Sarasota Operations Center, Conference Room BOB 2

Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

• Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library

Attendance and input are encouraged at these sessions, as your feedback is a valuable part of the process."

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

In today’s skilled trades—plumbing, HVAC, and electrical—retaining talent isn’t just about competitive pay. Companies that thrive are the ones that consistently show employees they’re valued. Recognition, once rare in the trades, has become a frontline business strategy. A simple shout-out at a crew meeting, a thank-you note, or celebrating milestones can fuel loyalty, performance, and customer satisfaction. Studies show that employees who feel recognized are significantly more engaged and far more likely to stay with their employer—saving companies thousands in recruitment and training costs.

Recognition works because it taps into a basic human need for appreciation, triggering positive brain chemistry and reinforcing strong performance. In an industry facing turnover rates near 47%, building a culture of appreciation is no longer optional—it’s a strategic necessity. Forward-thinking leaders are using recognition not as fluff, but as a business tool that strengthens teams, boosts morale, and sets their companies apart in a tight labor market. Bottom line: recognition is one of the most cost-effective ways to spark pride, purpose, and staying power in your workforce. Click here to read more.

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.