The IRS will host a webinar titled “Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill: Business Tax Provisions” on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. This session is designed to benefit small business owners and will provide an overview of key business tax provisions enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). The 120-minute webinar will also include a live Q&A session for participants.

During the webinar, attendees will learn about updates to business information reporting requirements, changes to cost recovery and expensing provisions, and modifications to business interest deduction rules. The session will also review updates affecting partnerships and small businesses, including changes to qualified small business stock exclusions and the qualified business income deduction (QBID), along with revisions to certain business-related credits and deductions such as employer-provided childcare credits, paid family and medical leave credits, dependent care assistance programs, and business meal deduction exceptions.

Small Businesses: Click here to view the webinar listing and register

This is to inform you that the Commission will be holding a rule development workshop for the purpose of accepting public input regarding the proposed Supplements to the 8^th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code. 

The workshop will take place via conference call/webinar on March 13, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter is brought before the Commission. The combination of the 8^th Edition (2023) FBC and the proposed Supplements comprises the draft 9^th Edition (2026) update to Florida Building Code (FBC) “the Draft” in conformity with the triennial update process specified in sections 553.73(3)&(6), Florida Statutes. The Supplements consist of all modifications obtaining a 75% majority vote of the Commission, together with amendments and modifications previously adopted by the Commission. 

The Supplements and the 8^th Edition (2023) FBC are available for review via the Commission website, www.floridabuilding.org, at the following link: Click Here

In addition, the list of comments received to date on the draft 9^th Edition (2026) update to the Florida Building Code for consideration by the Commission at the March 13^th workshop and the outcomes of the Commission’s Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) review of said comments are now available for review via the Commission website www.floridabulding.org at the following link: Click Here

The Commission meeting agenda for the March 13^th workshop is available for review from the following link: Click Here

Should you have questions, we can be reached at (850) 487-1824.

Thank you!

Mo Madani, Technical Director

Building Codes and Standards Office

Growth can present both opportunity and risk for mechanical contractors. Expanding into larger projects or new markets can strengthen long-term stability, but if growth outpaces operational capacity, it can quickly strain finances, schedules, and the workforce. In today’s construction environment—marked by labor shortages, tighter margins, and increasing project complexity—contractors must carefully balance ambition with operational discipline to scale successfully.

Industry experts note that responsible growth begins with careful project selection and realistic planning. Contractors should evaluate whether new opportunities align with their operational capacity, workforce availability, and financial resources before pursuing additional work. Strong workforce development, clear communication with employees and partners, and a continued focus on safety and productivity can also help companies expand sustainably while maintaining stability and protecting the long-term health of the business. Click here to read more.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposed rule that would establish enforceable limits for perchlorate in drinking water, following a court mandate requiring the agency to regulate the contaminant. A final rule must be issued by May 21, 2027, with compliance expected three years later. The proposal sets a Maximum Contaminant Level of 20 micrograms per liter, with alternative limits under consideration. All community and non-transient non-community water systems would be required to conduct initial monitoring, with ongoing requirements determined through a tiered “binning” approach based on sampling results.

For systems exceeding the final standard, treatment upgrades may be required, including ion exchange, biological treatment, or reverse osmosis technologies. Smaller systems could implement approved small-system compliance options, including point-of-use solutions. The rule would also trigger strict public notification requirements and expanded reporting obligations. For plumbing and mechanical contractors, this regulation signals potential future work in monitoring support, system upgrades, and treatment installations as utilities prepare to meet the 2027 deadline and beyond. Click here to read more.

In today’s competitive home service market, reputation is no longer just part of a plumbing business, it is the foundation of it. Homeowners expect fast communication, transparency, and reliability, and their decisions are increasingly influenced by online reviews, digital presence, and community visibility. Quality work remains essential, but it must be supported by consistent messaging, strong customer experiences, and clear proof of credibility. In a crowded marketplace, trust is often the deciding factor.

As more consumers rely on AI-driven search tools and online platforms to choose service providers, digital trust signals such as reviews, authoritative mentions, and consistent online information play a growing role in visibility. Contractors who invest in community involvement, customer communication, and proactive reputation management are better positioned to stand out. Just as important is having a plan to respond quickly and professionally when challenges arise. In 2026, the businesses that thrive will be those that treat reputation not as an afterthought, but as a daily operational priority. Click here to read more.

In a 6 to 3 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the President does not have unilateral authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The case, brought by small US businesses affected by increased import costs, centered on whether emergency powers could be used to implement sweeping trade tariffs. The majority opinion concluded that the law does not grant the executive branch broad tariff-setting authority, reinforcing that trade policy powers ultimately rest with Congress. The decision marks a significant moment in defining the limits of executive authority in economic and trade matters.

The ruling leaves several practical questions unresolved, including how previously collected tariff revenues may be handled and what legal avenues might be pursued for future trade actions. Shortly after the decision, President Trump announced a temporary 10 percent tariff under a different section of federal trade law, signaling that additional policy shifts may follow. For contractors and suppliers, the outcome highlights ongoing uncertainty in trade policy and its potential impact on material costs, supply chains, and pricing as the situation continues to evolve. Click here to read more.

Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, along with the Natural Gas Association of Georgia, have filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court of the United States to review a federal court decision involving furnace efficiency standards. The case challenges regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Energy that would effectively eliminate non-condensing gas furnaces and certain commercial water heaters by requiring design changes tied to condensation and venting.

The associations argue that the rule could remove widely used replacement options from the market, particularly in homes and buildings designed for non-condensing equipment. They contend that federal law was intended to balance energy efficiency goals with installation practicality and consumer choice. A decision by the Supreme Court on whether to take the case is expected in the coming months, and the outcome could have broader implications for equipment standards, contractor installation realities, and future regulatory authority affecting HVAC and plumbing professionals nationwide. Click here to read more.

In today’s tight labor market, growth in the trades is no longer just about winning more jobs. It’s about having the right people in the right roles to support that growth. This article outlines a practical approach for mid-sized trade businesses to align hiring, development, and organizational structure with long-term business goals. Instead of reacting to staffing gaps, leaders are encouraged to start with a clear vision of where the company is headed over the next one to three years and then identify the skills, roles, and capabilities needed to get there. When talent decisions are intentional, recruiting becomes proactive, career paths become clearer, and teams gain the confidence to scale.

The roadmap also emphasizes building a steady talent pipeline through apprenticeships, school partnerships, referral programs, and targeted upskilling of existing employees. As companies grow, evolving leadership structure and investing in manager development becomes essential to prevent burnout and maintain quality. Simple, consistent practices such as clear job expectations, regular feedback, leadership coaching, and structured training can dramatically improve engagement and retention. When business strategy and talent strategy move together, contractors are better positioned to grow efficiently, strengthen their workforce, and build long-term stability. Click here to read more.