The 2014 Florida Legislative session came to an end May 2 with the approval of a $77.1 billion budget — the largest in state history.
Included in the 2014-15 budget is $100 million for Sadowski/SHIP, $650,000 for a septic tank study, $250,000 for Future Builders of America and $250,000 to fight unlicensed contractor activity. The budget saw a 2.6 percent increase in education spending from last year, to $18.9 billion.
The budget also included a variety of tax cuts, including consumer-friendly sales tax holidays for hurricane supplies, back-to-school items and clean-energy appliances. The House passed the budget by a vote of 102-15, and the Senate followed with a 40-0 vote.
Legislation supported by FBHA will make multiple changes to the state building code and cleared the House and Senate on the last day of the session. HB 7147, sponsored by Rep. Jose Felix Diaz (R-Miami), will clarify existing code and remove several inconsistences.
This includes allowing local governments the option of sending notices return receipt requested for violations sent via certified mail, clarifying the definition for building energy efficiency rating system providers, and clarifying the third-party inspections process for modular homes.
The legislation also takes on fixing an inconsistency in the code that keeps homeowners from having to hard-wire smoke alarms when renovating or remodeling their homes, clarifying requirements for mechanical equipment placed on a rooftop, expands the allowable training options for funds from Building a Safer Florida Program, and allows electronic submittal of workers compensation verification in conjunction with electronic submittal of an application for a building permit.
The legislation also grants the Florida Building Commission the authority to interpret the Florida Accessibility Code for building construction consistent with the commission’s ability to interpret other code sections.
Issues supported by FHBA
HB 7147-Building Code: Passed
HB 489-Subsurface Rights: Passed
SB 440-Bulk Buyer: Passed
SB 286-Concrete Masonry Education: Passed
SB 542-Flood Insurance: Passed
SB 714-FHBA License Plate: Died
SB 926-Wage Theft: Died
Issues opposed by FHBA
HB 1313-Springs Shed Protection: Failed
SB 1348 Homeowners’ Associations: Failed
With the 2014 session in the books, it is time to look toward the Florida House and Senate elections in November. Below are a few issues to remember when speaking with our state legislative candidates.
Springs protection: The House and Senate leadership agree that 2015 will be the year of springs protection legislation. Some legislators point to the building industry and septic tanks as sources of water pollution.
Lien law: There is a desire on the part of a key legislator to repeal lien law for residential properties. Amendments were filed during 2014 session but did not pass.
Growth management/exactions: Numerous unaddressed issues most likely will return in 2015.
Homeowners’ associations: Certain legislator seems intent on additional regulations.