The plumbing industry enters 2026 with cautious optimism as economic pressure begins to stabilize. National forecasts point to steady demand, but tighter margins and ongoing workforce shortages will continue to shape operations for Florida plumbing contractors.

Residential work is expected to improve modestly, especially in remodeling — a major driver in Florida’s housing market. On the commercial side, sectors like healthcare, education, data centers, and infrastructure remain strong statewide, creating solid opportunities for mechanical and plumbing professionals.

Contractors should continue preparing for tariff-driven pricing swings, supply-chain unpredictability, and the rapid shift toward digital tools. AI-supported dispatching, remote monitoring, prefab, and digital quoting are quickly becoming standard industry practice. Workforce development also remains critical, with a national shortage of more than 500,000 plumbers projected for 2026.

Sustainability and regulatory changes will also shape product selection, with new federal efficiency standards and increasing demand for smart water systems influencing both residential and commercial design.

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Tankless water heaters have evolved far beyond early misconceptions about cost, cold-weather performance, and capacity. When properly sized and designed, modern systems can provide continuous hot water for multiple showers, laundry cycles, and appliances at the same time, making them practical for homes of all sizes as well as commercial applications. Advances such as recirculation loops, multi-unit configurations, and smart controls allow plumbers to ensure consistent performance while maximizing energy efficiency and long-term reliability.

Many concerns about upfront cost or cold-climate limitations are often outweighed by reduced energy waste, longer system lifespans, and the convenience of on-demand hot water. By focusing on proper system design, load calculations, and thoughtful installation, plumbers can offer clients a solution that delivers predictable, uninterrupted hot water while providing long-term value and peace of mind. Click here to read more.

We value your input! The SWFL PHCC is committed to providing educational workshops and dinner meetings that deliver real value to our members. To ensure we are covering the topics that matter most to you, we’ve created a survey to gather your preferences and ideas.

Your feedback will directly influence the topics, speakers, and format of our upcoming events. The most requested workshop topic will be presented in July, with additional topics to follow in future meetings—so your input truly helps shape our programs.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey at your earliest convenience. Your participation helps us ensure that our events continue to serve and support all of our members effectively.

Thank you for your time and input—we truly appreciate it!

Click here to take the survey

Running a plumbing business is more than completing jobs—it’s about how your business feels every day. Your own experience as the owner sets the tone for your team and your customers. When you’re reactive, scattered, or stressed, that energy flows through your crews and client interactions. By taking control of your schedule, leading proactively, and creating predictability in daily operations, you establish stability that supports consistent performance across your business.

The employee and customer experiences are equally critical. Teams perform best when workdays have clarity, rhythm, and respect. Customers respond to consistency and communication, building trust that leads to long-term relationships. Treat your business experience as a system—one that aligns the owner, employees, and customers—and you’ll create efficiency, confidence, and profitability that last. Click here to read more.

National plumbing and mechanical standards continue to evolve, shaping everything from water quality protection to product testing requirements. While these updates originate at the national level, many ultimately influence Florida’s codes, approved materials, and best practices—making it important for plumbers and contractors to stay aware of what’s coming down the pipeline. Current activity from organizations like ASSE, AWWA, ASME, IAPMO, and NSF includes updates to water treatment performance, backflow testing kits, water hammer arresters, and procedures for replacing and flushing lead service lines. New product standards are also emerging for items such as bathroom vanity assemblies with plumbing products and elastomeric test caps.

Additional revisions in mechanical and HVAC-related standards—such as ASHRAE’s clarifications for refrigeration safety, updated fan energy metrics, and new guidelines related to building efficiency—may impact contractors who work on mixed mechanical-plumbing projects. While these proposals are still in various stages of development, they highlight the direction the industry is heading: safer systems, more accurate testing, improved water integrity, and better energy performance. Staying informed now helps Florida plumbers prepare for future code updates and ensures systems continue meeting the highest standards for safety, quality, and compliance. Click here to read more.

The IRS has announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will begin to be phased out starting September 30, 2025. Although the transition is already underway, taxpayers should continue filing normally for the remainder of 2025, including those finishing 2024 returns on extension. Going forward, most refunds will be issued electronically, a shift the IRS says will improve security, reduce lost or stolen checks, and deliver refunds significantly faster than traditional mail.

As this change moves closer, individuals who still rely on paper refund checks are encouraged to prepare by confirming banking information or exploring free or low-cost account options. Electronic alternatives will also be available for those without traditional bank accounts. The IRS will release detailed filing guidance for 2025 tax returns before the 2026 filing season and will continue to provide updates as the transition progresses.

You can read the full IRS news release here:
IRS to phase out paper tax refund checks starting with individual taxpayers | Internal Revenue Service

Trenchless relining is transforming how plumbing and mechanical contractors approach pipe repair. By rehabilitating existing pipes without open excavation, these methods minimize disruption to homes, businesses, and public spaces, reduce safety risks, and shorten project timelines. For contractors, understanding and communicating the benefits of trenchless technology helps build trust with clients, showing that they prioritize long-term performance, safety, and minimal inconvenience over a quick fix.

Success in trenchless projects relies on education and transparency. Contractors who take the time to explain how the methods work, highlight durability, and demonstrate code-compliant practices position themselves as trusted advisors rather than just service providers. Emphasizing sustainability, reduced environmental impact, and lifecycle value can help clients see these projects not just as repairs, but as strategic investments in infrastructure longevity and reliability. Click here to read more.