New data from March 2026 shows the construction industry continuing in a low-movement labor environment. Job openings saw a slight increase from February but remain significantly below last year’s levels. At the same time, layoffs remain low and fewer workers are quitting, signaling very limited movement across the workforce overall.

For contractors, that stability comes with a challenge. With fewer workers changing jobs, hiring has become less about reacting to available labor and more about actively attracting the right candidates. At the same time, retention has become just as critical, as replacing experienced workers is harder in a slower-moving labor market. Click here to read more.

The U.S. Department of Justice is supporting a challenge to a Department of Energy rule that could limit the availability of certain non-condensing gas furnaces and commercial water heaters.

Industry groups including the American Gas Association argue the rule could force costly home and building modifications or push consumers toward electrification. The DOJ says the DOE may have overstepped its authority under federal energy law and is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate a lower court ruling that upheld the regulation.

If the rule remains in place, HVAC contractors could see more complex retrofit projects, higher installation costs, and fewer gas equipment options available to customers.

Key Takeaway:
This case could significantly impact the future of gas heating equipment, installation requirements, and energy regulations across the HVAC industry. 

Click here to read more.

The IRS is warning taxpayers to be cautious of increasingly aggressive charitable contribution tax strategies that promise significant deductions but may cross into abusive territory.

In particular, schemes involving “charitable LLCs” or similar structures often allow donors to appear to make a contribution while still maintaining control or access to the assets—an arrangement the IRS has flagged as potentially fraudulent. These transactions are drawing heightened scrutiny and could result in denied deductions, penalties, or even criminal consequences. 

In this article, we break down how these schemes work, the red flags to watch for, and how to ensure your charitable giving remains compliant and defensible.
Click here to read more.

The Florida Building Commission has released proposed versions of the Private Provider Inspection Form and Private Provider Certificate of Compliance Form, as required under HB 803.

These forms may impact how private provider inspections and compliance documentation are handled moving forward, making industry feedback especially important.

View the proposed forms here

Comment Deadline: May 18, 2026
Submit comments to: mo.madani@myfloridalicense.com

The workforce has shifted—and if your hiring strategy hasn’t, you’re already feeling it. In this quick video, Jim Cosmas breaks down what contractors need to understand right now to attract better talent and keep them around.

Click below to watch the video and get a preview of what you’ll learn at our upcoming session.

In today’s constantly shifting construction landscape, leading contractors are focusing on adaptability over reaction. Many are investing in AI, BIM, and prefabrication to improve efficiency, control costs, and keep projects moving despite ongoing economic pressure.

Workforce development is also a major focus, with companies placing greater emphasis on training, culture, and long-term retention. At the same time, stronger communication and more flexible planning are helping contractors manage material price swings and project uncertainty.

The takeaway: contractors who stay adaptable, invest in their teams, and embrace smarter systems are better positioned to handle whatever comes next  

Click here to read more.

Artificial intelligence may be dominating headlines, but another major shift is happening at the same time—the next generation is reshaping the skilled trades.

A recent industry discussion highlights how AI tools, changing workforce expectations, and new technology are influencing how plumbing and HVAC businesses operate, hire, and grow. From smarter scheduling and customer communication to attracting younger talent, contractors are being pushed to adapt faster than ever.

For those interested in how these trends are playing out across the trades, this topic was recently explored in an episode of And So It Flows, focused on the intersection of AI, workforce changes, and the future of the industry.

Listen to the full discussion here.

Our community keeps getting stronger—and we’re excited to welcome our newest SWFL PHCC members! Please join us in welcoming AM PM Plumbing Inc., Federated Insurance, Hershman Plumbing Inc., MPA Plumbing Inc., and Next Level Plumbing.

We’re proud to have you as part of the chapter and look forward to growing together.

A mis-hire today can ripple through a contracting business in ways that go far beyond one role—impacting customer service, reducing team productivity, and pulling leadership time away from growth and operations.

With workforce expectations shifting and competition for skilled labor increasing, hiring decisions are carrying more long-term weight than ever. It’s no longer just about filling positions, but about finding the right fit in mindset, accountability, and culture to build a stable, high-performing team. 

That’s exactly why SWFL PHCC will be hosting an upcoming session focused on modern recruiting and retention strategies for contractors. This event will explore how leadership approach, company culture, and evolving workforce expectations are shaping the future of hiring in the trades—and what contractors can do to adapt.

See below for full event details!

4 Unintended Consequences of a Mis-Hire

Water quality took center stage at our latest event, as attendees dug into one of the most talked-about challenges facing the plumbing industry today—PFAS. From filtration strategies to real-world applications, the conversation was packed with insights contractors can take straight into the field.

A big thank you to our featured speaker, Ken Jackson of Ken Jackson Consulting, for breaking down complex topics into clear, actionable takeaways and equipping attendees with knowledge they can put to work immediately.

We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our vendor sponsors—Aqua Wholesale, G&C RO Manufacturing Inc, and Safety Zone Water Systems—for their support, participation, and for showcasing solutions that help move the industry forward.

Thanks to everyone who joined us—we’re excited to keep the momentum going at the next event!