ADVOCACY
Discover the vital role of advocacy in the pool industry, where effective representation and proactive engagement are key to shaping a supportive legislative and business environment for all professionals.
CURRENT ISSUES
Swimming Pool and Spa Contractor Scope of Work Revision
FSPA is undertaking revising the statutory scope of work for swimming pool and spa contractors in the State of Florida. The scopes of work for swimming pool and spa contractors have not been updated in over 20 years and revisions are needed so that the statutes accurately reflect the work that is required to build and repair swimming pools and spas in Florida and limit conflicts about scope of work interpretations.
Increasing the Florida Construction Recovery Fund limit
A small portion of every building permit fee is paid into a State of Florida fund that is available to Florida consumers that are financially damaged by a Florida contractor. The amount a consumer can recover from the fund is currently capped at $15,000 for consumers that were damaged by roofing contractors, plumbing contractors, swimming pool contractors, sheet metal contractors, HVAC contractors, underground utility contractors, and solar contractors. FSPA is working to raise the recovery limit to reflect current construction costs more accurately and ensure that the funds paid in to the fund can be used to help Florida consumers.
Unlicensed Contracting
FSPA is working with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Legislature to increase the effectiveness of the enforcement of unlicensed contracting rules in the State of Florida. Unlicensed contracting is a major problem and FSPA is working on solutions that will protect Floridians from unlicensed contractors.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Florida Legislative Session is the set time each year when the Florida Legislature officially convenes to consider additions and amendments to the Florida Statutes. Each legislative session is 60 days long including weekends and holidays.
In odd numbered years following an election the Florida Legislature is in session from March until May and in even numbered years the Florida Legislature is in session from January to March.
The 2023 Florida Legislative Session was held from March 6, 2023 – May 5, 2023.
The 2024 Florida Legislative Session will be held from January 7, 2024, through March 5, 2024. Check back here for important information and updates when the Florida Legislature is in session.
FSPA POLICY COUNCILS
FSPA Policy Councils
FSPA public policy objectives and projects are set by the FSPA Board of Directors and the Government Relations Committee. All policy objectives are developed and vetted through FSPA’s various policy councils. Active FSPA policy councils include the FSPA Builder’s Councils, FSPA Service Council, FSPA Commercial Council, FSPA Manufacturer & Distributor Council, and FSPA Retail Council. Suggestions for public policy objective for FSPA to pursue can be sent to FSPA Sr. Dir. Of Government Affairs at Dallas@fspa.com.
FSPA Builder’s Council
The FSPA Builder’s Council is comprised of one residential swimming pool and spa contractor representative from each FSPA Chapter. This council focuses on issues affecting residential swimming pool and spa construction. This council meets virtually on a monthly basis and in person during FSPA Board of Director meetings.
FSPA Service Council
The FSPA Service Council is comprised of one swimming pool and spa servicing contractor representative from each FSPA Chapter. This council focuses on issues affecting the servicing and repair of residential and commercial swimming pools. This council meets virtually on a monthly basis and in person during FSPA Board of Director meetings.
FSPA Commercial Council
The FSPA Commercial Council is comprised of one commercial swimming pool and spa contractor representative from each FSPA Chapter. This council focuses on issues affecting the construction and repair of residential and commercial swimming pools. This council meets virtually on a monthly basis and in person during FSPA Board of Director meetings.
FSPA Manufacturer & Distributor Council
The FSPA Manufacturer & Distributor Council is comprised of one FSPA manufacturer and distributor member representative from each FSPA Chapter. This council focuses on issues affecting the manufacture and distribution of swimming pool and spa products, chemicals, equipment, and construction materials. This council meets virtually on a quarterly basis.
FSPA Retail Council
The FSPA Retail Council is comprised of one FSPA retail store member representative from each FSPA Chapter. This council focuses on issues affecting the retail of swimming pool and spa products, chemicals, and equipment. This council meets virtually on a quarterly basis.
FLORIDA LEGISLATURE
The Florida Legislature is the primary public policy making body in the state of Florida and is responsible for passing and amending the Florida Statutes. The legislature consists of two chambers, the Florida State Senate and Florida House of Representatives.
The FSPA works closely with members and leaders in both legislative chambers to address public policy issues important to the Florida Swimming Pool and Spa Industry
Recent Legislative Victories
Swimming Pool Subcontractor Exemption (2022)
Florida Swims Specialty License Plate (2022)
Preemption of Local LP Gas Regulations (2021)
Protected Swimming Pool Contractor Seat on the Florida Building Commission (2019 and 2020)
Learn more about the Florida Statues Here: [Link to Florida Statutes Page]
FLORIDA EXECUTIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCIES
The Executive Branch of the Florida Government is headed by the Governor of Florida. The Governor of Florida and appointed Cabinet Secretaries are responsible for enforcement and application of the Florida Statues passed by the Florida Legislature. Each Cabinet Secretary oversees a department that is responsible for different areas of law and that makes rules to further clarify and implement the statutes passed by the legislature. FSPA primarily works with the following Florida Administrative Agencies:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
The DBPR regulates State of Florida occupational licensing. All certified swimming pool and spa contractor licenses are administered by a subdivision of the DBPR, the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB).
The DBPR is also the parent department of the Florida Building Commission (FBC), which is responsible for the maintenance and amendment of the Florida Building Code.
Florida Department of Health (DOH)
The DOH, Environmental Health Division oversees the operation of commercial swimming pools and spas in the State of Florida. Additionally, the DOH assists local building departments with building plan review for commercial swimming pools and spas under construction.
Department of Agriculture (DOA)
The DOA is responsible for the issuance and oversight of Florida LP/Natural Gas licenses.
Department of Emergency Management (DEM)
The DEM oversees Florida’s response to natural disasters and other emergencies including management of Florida’s Special Flood Hazard Zones.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS & BUILDING OFFICIALS
There are 477 Municipal and County Governments in the State of Florida. Municipal and County Governments are responsible for administration of local ordinances, application of the Florida Building Code for construction projects within their jurisdiction, and for the issuance and guidance of Registered Contractor’s licenses.
FSPA advocates for its members at the local level by engaging with building officials and local policy makers. If you have a local government or building department issue affecting affecting the swimming pool and spa industry in your area email FSPA Sr. Dir. of Government Affairs Dallas Thiesen at Dallas@FSPA.com for help.
POOL INDUSTRY PAC
The Pool Industry PAC (PIPAC) is FSPA’s vehicle to support Florida policy makers that are working to foster a healthy business environment in the State of Florida. Through support of policy state policy makers PIPAC works to advance the Swimming Pool and Spa Industry. Through PIPAC, FSPA fights for policies that will positively affect your business and how you apply your trade and fights against policies that make delivering quality service to your clients harder.
By donating to PIPAC you are taking an active role in ensuring a prosperous future for the Swimming Pool Industry in Florida.
Support your future! Give Today!
PIPAC 2022 – 2023 COMMITMENT SUPPORTERS
Diamond Level
$10000 +
Team Horner
Titanium Level
$5000 – $10000
American Pools & Spas
Gold Level
$2500 – $5000
The Pool Works of Florida
Tropical Pools & Spas
Spies Pool
Silver Level
$1000 – $2500
Tim Converse
Waldhauer & Son
Galaxy Pools
West Coast Pools
Cypress Creek Outdoor
Pinch-A-Penny #148
Sunrise Pools – Jacksonville
Crown Pools, Inc.
Tampa Bay Pools
Bronze Level
$500 – $1000
Fresh Finish Pools
Rick’s Pool Service
Pinch-A-Penny #030
Oak Wells Aquatics
H & H Pools
Our Members
