Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) Tallahassee lobbyist Edward Briggs of B&B Capitol Strategies was guest speaker at the October Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (RACCA) general meeting.
FRACCA achieved mixed results with their Florida Legislative priority bills for 2025.
HB 801/SB 1220 DiCeglie/Albert – DIED
The bill would have expanded the scope of services that class A air-conditioning contractors and mechanical contractors can perform to include replacing and repairing existing package pool heaters and connecting replacement package pool heaters to existing pool piping, using the same make and model as the existing unit without modifications to existing pool piping or system components.
Mechanical Contractors would have been authorized to replace and repair existing package pool heaters and make connections to existing pool piping under the same conditions set for air-conditioning contractors.
Both types of contractors would have been allowed to perform excavation work incidental to tasks described in their expanded service scopes, excluding work on systems like potable water, sanitation, and electrical power wiring.
Both would also have been permitted to test and evaluate central air-conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and ventilating systems, including duct work, although no mandatory licensing requirement is set for these specific testing and evaluation services.
HB 681/SB 1458 DiCeglie/Melo – PASSED
The bill provides consistency and transparency in the administration of apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs for both Local Education Agencies (LEA) and their registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship (RA) partners. The Department of Education (DOE) must develop uniform minimum standards and policies governing apprenticeship and preapprenticeship to address open negotiations between LEAs and their RA partners as well as funding transparency. The bill amends the deadline for the DOE annual apprenticeship report and requires the report to include additional information regarding program partner responsibilities and costs. The DOE must develop a standard model contract for use by LEAs and their RA partners. Finally, the DOE must create, by July 1, 2026, an apprenticeship funding transparency tool showing historical funding amounts provided for apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs at school districts and Florida College System institutions. The District Workforce Education Funding Steering Committee must hold public meetings, and publish all related work papers, when conducting meetings for the purpose of taking actions or recommending the workload for a funding model to the DOE. The DOE must provide the funding model to the Legislature no less than 2 months prior to the start of the regular session of the Legislature.
FRACCA’s 2026 legislative priorities include some efforts on the Federal level.
- Pool Heat Pump Replacements — Let licensed HVAC contractors replace, not just repair.
- Federal only — HFC Technology Transition Rule: Request EPA administrative stay (A3 Delay).
- CEU incentive for trade-association engagement (FRACCA)
- Cooling Requirement in Multi-Unit Rentals (Amend §83.51, F.S.).
Goal: Modernize habitability standards by requiring landlords of multi-unit dwellings to provide and maintain cooling, similar to the existing heat requirement.
Edward Briggs is the Founder and CEO of B&B Capitol Strategies, bringing over a decade of experience in government relations, political strategy, and community advocacy. Prior to launching his own firm, Edward served in multiple leadership roles at RSA Consulting Group, LLC, culminating in his position as Vice President of Government and Community Relations. In that capacity, he oversaw firm operations, led strategic client initiatives, and cultivated key relationships across local and state governments. His expertise includes legislative advocacy, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and campaign management.
Contact FRACCA by calling Executive Director Erica Mattis at 407.676.0031 or emailing Erica at erica.mattis@fraccaair.com.
Director’s note: Contractors, distributors, manufacturers and manufacturer’s agents – don’t give up on your support for local trade associations. If you don’t currently provide support, do so. Sponsor events. Attend meetings. Your participation in FRACCA-affiliated chapters also supports the efforts of Edward Briggs in Tallahassee. This is your industry and livelihood.
