by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Members of both the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors and Northeast Florida Builders Association hit the road and headed west to Tallahassee earlier this month to voice their opinions on the issues affecting the industry during legislative session.
More than 50 area Realtors took part in Great American Realtor Days 2010 and were briefed on numerous issues, including proposed bills regarding property tax, property insurance, the Sadowski Affordable Housing Act and appraisal management companies. Given the information, it was then up to the close to 1,100 Realtors from across the state to inform legislators why proposals - or needed proposals - would both positively and negatively affect the industry long credited with being a leader in Florida’s economy.
The measures, said 2010 Florida Realtors President Wendell Davis of Watson Realty, are all of importance and could help the industry get back to greater levels of success.
“These are all important issues we’re dealing with,” said Davis to a crowd of Realtors during legislative briefing. “I salute your commitment to keeping Realtors’ voice strong.”
The Florida Home Builders Association also convened in Tallahassee part of its spring legislative conference, with numerous members of the Northeast Florida Builders Association taking part.
“In times like these, it’s important to be here to show our support,” said Daniel Davis, NEFBA executive director. “The industry is important to Florida’s economy.”
Davis was joined by 2010 NEFBA President Andy Chambers and a host of former NEFBA presidents and members on the trip, where they spent time with legislators on issues such as fire sprinkler prohibition, growth management and bulk buyers.