Legislative Summer Hiatus Does Not Result in Rest for Governmental Affairs

It is that time of year, the beginning of summer break when members often ask what are the Governmental Affairs activities since the legislature in on its summer hiatus? Well, let me summarize this past week: Building Commission Activities: FHBA Director of Governmental Affairs, Doug Buck, and Code Consultant, Joe Belcher, began a two week stint […]

Small Gain for Custom Building in 2017

NAHB’s analysis of Census Data from the Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design survey indicates that with a small gain for the year, 2017 set a post-recession peak for custom home building starts (homes built on an owner’s land, with either the owner or a builder acting as the general contractor). There were 40,000 total […]

Jay Carlson Appointed as Chairman of the Florida Building Commission

via Charlotte-DeSoto BIA On Wednesday, February 21st, the office of Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Jay Carlson as the Chairman of the Florida Building Commission. Jay Carlson, a Port Charlotte resident since 1975 and president of carlson & soforth, comes from a long line of construction professionals. His father, Robert W. Carlson, was the […]

In Spite of Harassment Headlines, Session Issues Emerge

Most of us in Tallahassee review daily legislative clips to glean up-to-the-minute news from the Capitol. Lately, editorial space meant for legislation updates is being held for the latest broadcast of politicians facing sexual harassment or ethical complaints. As intriguing as all that can be, we cannot lose sight of the fact the 2018 Legislative […]

Upcoming Florida Building Code Changes to Flood Provisions

Building officials, developers, engineers, architects, and others are anticipating the next edition of the Florida Building Code, 5th Edition, effective December 31, 2017. Many projects to repair flood damage or to rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Irma and other flooding events may be subject to this edition of the Code. Nearly all of Florida’s flood […]

Emergency Order – Contractors to Repair and Install Roofs

  An executed emergency order by Governor Scott and DBPR Secretary, Johnathan Zachem, has been released allowing general, residential or building contractors to repair and install roofs. This temporary order provides that certified or registered general, building or residential contractors are not required to subcontract roofing repairs or installation. It further provides that local jurisdictions may […]

SEBC, The Original Regional Industry Trade Show Continues To Grow

With over 20% more of everything – exhibitors, attendees, educational offerings, and networking events – this year’s Southeast Building Conference (SEBC), held on July 27-28, 2017 in Kissimmee, Florida continues to be the place to grow the building industry. “This year’s show has been sold out with an exhibitor waiting list since the beginning of July,” says […]

Mortgage Tax Breaks are Gateway to Owning Homes for Middle-Income Families

As Congress works to advance tax reform, lawmakers should think twice before taking action to undermine the nation’s existing and longstanding support for homeownership by eliminating or diminishing the effectiveness of the mortgage-interest deduction. Going down this path would harm the interests of tens of millions of homeowners and those who aspire to own a […]

Blower Door Testing FAQs!

Starting July 1, 2017, new home construction will be required to adhere to the recent Blower Door Testing requirements. Thankfully, SkyeTec, FHBA’s Preferred Energy Service Provider, can get you ready now. Click here to check out their helpful FAQs. If you have further questions on the new Blower Door Testing requirements, contact SkyeTec at 866.759.3832.

Reply to unfortunate comment by CFO Candidate

Local Presidents, Area VP’s and Local EO’s: In today’s Tampa Bay Times, former State Senator and Announced CFO candidate Jeremy Ring made a statement which can arguably be interpreted to discourage the inclusion of home building trades education in schools. To put the statements in context, he was speaking about the need to invest in […]