Director
’s Note: This is the June update from the Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) updating recent activities and introducing B & B Capitol Strategies, LLC as the new lobbying firm advocating for FRACCA and Florida HVACR contractors in Tallahassee:
The HVAC industry in Florida has faced a whirlwind of challenges over recent years, with rising costs and evolving regulations creating a tumultuous landscape for contractors and consumers alike. Among these challenges, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced new rules that have stirred widespread debate about their feasibility and impact on small businesses. All this being said, we are happy to announce that we have retained the services of Edward Briggs from B&B Capitol Strategies as our lobbyist representing FRACCA to help us with these and other issues.
FRACCA Advocacy Update: Standing Up for Florida’s HVAC Industry
Over the past month, FRACCA leadership held a series of virtual meetings with key members of Florida’s congressional delegation to raise urgent concerns about the economic and operational impact of the EPA’s 2023 HFC Management Rule on Florida’s HVAC contractors, consumers, and small businesses. Our goal was clear: ensure federal leaders understand how this rule is already inflating costs, disrupting supply chains, and threatening workforce capacity—well ahead of its phased implementation beginning January 2025.
Why It Matters
Refrigerant prices have surged 400–600%, parts are becoming harder to source, and small contractors are being forced into costly system upgrades for equipment that is still relatively new. While the industry supports the long-term goals of the AIM Act, the current rule far exceeds congressional intent and imposes unrealistic deadlines that jeopardize jobs, housing affordability, and service reliability.
Virtual Meetings with Florida Congressional Offices
We are grateful to the following members of Congress and their staff who took the time to meet with us and listen to the concerns of Florida’s HVAC industry:
- U.S. Senator Rick Scott’s office
- U.S. Senator Ashley Moody’s office
- Congressman Neal Dunn’s office
- Congressman Greg Steube’s office
- Congresswoman Kat Cammack’s office
- Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart’s office
- Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s office
- Congressman Brian Mast’s office
- Congressman Cory Mills’ office
- Congressman Vern Buchanan’s office
In each meeting, we shared industry data, contractor perspectives, and media coverage that underscores the rule’s real-world impact.
What We’re Asking For
FRACCA supports H.J. Res. 38 and S.J. Res. 14, bipartisan resolutions under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) that would reverse the EPA’s overreaching rule and direct the agency to pursue a more balanced and realistic regulatory path. We are urging Florida’s congressional delegation to support these resolutions and protect both environmental progress and economic stability.
Thank You for Your Support
These meetings were a critical step in elevating the voices of Florida contractors in Washington—and they’re only possible because of the support and engagement of our members. We’ll continue to keep you informed as this issue moves forward.
If you have questions about the meetings, the CRA resolutions, or how this affects your business, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Edward Briggs Bio:
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.
Throughout his career, Edward has managed and advised several high-profile political campaigns and played a pivotal role in shaping policy in areas such as education reform, land use, and infrastructure development. Passionate about making meaningful changes, he is committed to using his skills to improve systems that directly affect communities, especially in the realms of public education, economic development, and responsible growth.
Edward holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Florida State University, where he was also active in the Air Force ROTC. With a deep understanding of Florida’s political landscape and a track record
of building collaborative solutions, Edward continues to be a driving force in advancing smart, community-centered public policy.
Contact FRACCA by calling Executive Director Erica Mattis at 407.676.0031 or emailing Erica at erica.mattis@fraccaair.com.
