The U.S. Small Business Administration, in collaboration with the IRS, is hosting a free virtual event to help small businesses prepare for the 2026 filing season. This session will provide guidance and insights to support business owners during tax time.

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)
Platform: MS Teams

This is a great opportunity to stay informed and get ahead of filing season with helpful, up-to-date information.

View Flyer | Register & Attend

Updates to the Florida Building Code (FBC) - 9^th Edition (2026)

The actions and outcomes from the Florida Building Commission’s March 13, 2026 meeting—specifically the review of comments received during the Rule Development Workshop and the supplement to the proposed 2026 Florida Building Code, 9th Edition—are now posted. These materials include all comments that received a 75% majority vote from the Commission.

You can CLICK HERE to review them.

Plumbing and mechanical contractors are continuing to face pricing pressure in early 2026, as manufacturers across the industry implement steady increases on essential products. Recent reports show that items such as valves, water heaters, pumps, and fixtures have seen price adjustments ranging from low single digits up to 10%, reflecting ongoing material costs, manufacturing expenses, and supply chain factors.

For contractors, these increases reinforce the importance of closely monitoring costs, updating pricing strategies, and maintaining flexibility in bids and contracts. Even modest adjustments can add up across projects, especially in a market where margins are already tight. Staying proactive with pricing, supplier communication, and job costing will be key to protecting profitability as cost pressures continue through 2026. Click here to read more.

As market uncertainty, rising costs, and labor challenges continue to impact the trades, many plumbing contractors are rethinking what growth should actually look like. Rather than chasing volume, industry insights suggest that sustainable success is increasingly tied to operational efficiency, disciplined budgeting, and strong customer relationships. Structuring teams for productivity, clearly defining roles, and aligning compensation with performance can help reduce inefficiencies while improving overall profitability.

At the same time, contractors are finding that financial visibility and community presence are becoming key competitive advantages. Closely tracking expenses, adjusting budgets in real time, and investing in local relationships can help stabilize business performance even during slower periods. In a market where larger competitors and shifting demand create pressure, companies that focus on consistency, trust, and operational discipline are better positioned to grow without sacrificing stability. Click here to read more.

PHCC—National Vice President Tony Bertolino (pictured to the left of Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R-WI)) and PHCC of North Carolina Executive Director Stephanie Blazek represented PHCC at an event at The White House addressing the growing energy demands of AI data centers. Their presence ensured policymakers heard directly from the plumbing and HVAC industry, as skilled trades help build the infrastructure behind this next generation of technology.

Artificial intelligence tools are becoming increasingly accessible for small businesses, including plumbing and mechanical contractors. Platforms like ChatGPT, Canva, HubSpot, and Zapier are making it easier to automate routine tasks such as customer communication, marketing content creation, scheduling, and workflow management. Many of these tools offer free or low-cost entry tiers, allowing small companies to experiment without major investment.

For contractors, AI can support everyday business functions such as responding to customer inquiries, drafting emails or estimates, generating social media posts, and analyzing basic business data. While these tools are not a replacement for skilled trades or hands-on expertise, they can help small companies improve efficiency and stay competitive as digital technology becomes more common across the construction and service industries. Click here to read more.

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

As construction activity ramps up across Florida, spring often brings a surge of new projects, groundbreakings, and site work. With more excavation taking place, contractors are reminded that safe digging practices play a critical role in preventing damage to underground utilities, protecting workers, and avoiding costly project delays. Proper utility locating and coordination before excavation remain essential steps for maintaining safe and efficient job sites.

Contractors are also encouraged to use this busy season to reinforce their commitment to safety with clients and project partners. Resources from Sunshine 811 help contractors follow Florida’s damage-prevention requirements and promote awareness during National Safe Digging Month. Highlighting safe digging practices on job sites and during project announcements can demonstrate leadership while helping reduce the risk of underground utility damage. Click here to read more.

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