FHBA Legislative Update

During the 2022 FHBA Spring Conference, FHBA members lobbied for several issues. Below you can find a brief overview of FHBA priority legislation identified at the start of session, as outlined by the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA). For more information, please contact Castle Group at info@castlegroup.com.

Below is a quick inventory of FHBA priority legislation identified at the start of session. These issues were lobbied by FHBA members who “took to the hill” during the 2022 FHBA Spring Conference.

Construction Defects: After negotiations between the Senate and the House continued late into the night on Thursday, March 10, it became clear that finding a deal which advanced the industry’s position and was acceptable to the House could not be crafted. Despite this, the FHBA team was successful in convincing the Senate and key House members the importance of lowering the statute of repose and revising the definition of material violation to avoid the disastrous economic consequences of nuisance suits. The work on this issue will continue.

Tortoise Sanctuaries: Senate Bill 494 passed, establishing a process for public lands to be used as tortoise sanctuaries. Opening more lands for use of sanctuaries should reduce the costs to relocate a tortoise.

Additional Personnel for 404 Permitting: FHBA supported and lobbied for the Governor’s budget proposal to add an additional 23 FTEs to the Department of Environmental Protection’s 404 Permitting Operations. Budget negotiations resulted in an additional 25 positions being funded.

Private Inspections of Septic Tanks: Legislation passed allowing private inspections of septic tanks. This is a much-needed provision in areas where septic tank inspections can take up to six weeks for completion.

Code Timing: FHBA received a commitment from the State Fire Marshal that the fire code will be finalized at least 3 months prior to its effective date.

School Concurrency: Legislation passed specifying proportionate-share mitigation may be set aside and not spent if improvements have not been identified, a sort of “pay-as-you-go” provision to address school concurrency.

A couple other issues of interest:

Sadowski Funding: More than $300 million was appropriated for affordable housing. In addition to the traditional SHIP and SAIL Funds, the legislature provided down payment assistance for a program called “Hometown Heroes” for first responders, teachers, and certain health care professionals.

Tax Package: This year’s budget includes a two-year sales-tax free period, beginning July 1, 2022, for impact-resistant windows, doors and garage doors. It also includes a two-year timeframe for a sales-tax exemption for Energy Star appliances. The budget also creates a “Tool Time” sales-tax free holiday, September 3-9, 2022. Tools typically utilized by skilled-trades are exempt from the tax.