Florida Roofing – July 2026

Florida

July 2026

ROOFING A Publication of FRSA – Florida’s Association of Roofing Professionals

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Contents 6 | Rain, Underlayment and Jobsite Access Legal Concerns 12 | Important Legislature Tasks Ahead for the FBC and the Industry

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July 2026

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Florida Roofing (VOL. 11, NO. 7), July 2026, (ISSN 0191-4618) is published monthly by FRSA, 3855 N. Econlockhatchee Trl. Orlando, FL 32817. Periodicals Postage paid at Orlando, FL. POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections (form 3579) to Florida Roofing, PO Box 4850, Winter Park, FL 32793-4850.

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Industry Updates about the recycling process, including how PVC roof membranes are removed, what types of membranes Starting in July, Tim Kersey will transition from the CEO are eligible for recycling, how materials are bundled and transported and what environmental and ecorole to Chief Technical Officer and COO Greg Morgan nomic considerations may be involved in a recycling will become the new CEO. project.

Kersey has been CEO for more than 14 years and The information explains that recycling an existing will step down to prioritize time with his family in PVC roof can often be incorporated into a planned Arkansas. During his tenure as CEO, Kersey played reroofing project with only a few additional steps a central role in shaping SOPREMA U.S.’s culture of and further highlights the broader environmental safety, excellence and continuous improvement while and operational benefits of recycling PVC roofing leading significant business expansion. Under his membranes.

These include diverting materials from leadership, the company grew more than sixfold, comlandfills, reducing disposal costs, supporting sustainpleted four strategic acquisitions and advanced plans ability and carbon reduction goals and contributing to for new U.S.-based manufacturing facilities. green building certifications.

For more information on As Chief Technical Officer, Kersey will use his PVC roofing, recycling and the Pathway to Circularity technical expertise and executive experience to initiative, visit https://vinylroofs.org. strengthen technical selling efforts, support key strategic initiatives and continue serving as an industry The Roofing Alliance Announces ambassador for SOPREMA U.S. Morgan joined SOPREMA in 2000 and has led criti- 2026-2027 Leadership cal areas of the company, including operations, supply The Roofing Alliance announces its Board of Trustees for 2026-2027. Sherri Miles of J.D. Miles & Sons Inc., chain, inventory management, warehousing and elements of the sales organization. With more than three Chesapeake, VA, will serve as President and John decades of experience in the building materials indus- Campbell of Eagle Roofing Products, Rialto, CA, will serve as Vice President. try, he will continue to guide the organization through The volunteer-based leadership of the Roofing its next phase of growth, innovation and investment.

Alliance is composed of 210 dedicated, diverse and thoughtful roofing contractors, manufacturers, supCFFA-VRD Adds New Online Roof pliers and distributors, service providers and industry Recycling FAQs professionals united in their commitment to shape, The Coated Fabrics and Film Association-Vinyl strengthen and advance the roofing industry. This Roofing Division (CFFA-VRD) has launched an online leadership group represents some of the industry’s frequently asked questions (FAQs) section about roof most respected and forward-thinking professionals, membrane recycling as part of commercial reroofing projects. Designed to help building owners, architects, whose collective leadership continues to drive meancontractors and other stakeholders, this new resource ingful progress across the roofing industry.

The Roofing Alliance thanks the following Officers provides practical guidance on post-consumer recyand Trustees for their commitment to the roofing cling and supports a better understanding of how PVC industry: (vinyl) roofing membranes can be recycled at the end of their service life.

■ Sherri Miles, J.D. Miles & Sons Inc. – President The FAQs (www.floridaroof.com/vinylrooffaqs) are ■ John Campbell, Eagle Roofing Products – Vice part of CFFA-VRD’s Pathway to Circularity initiative, an President industry effort focused on advancing post-consumer ■ Jason Dark, Duro-Last – Secretary-Treasurer recycling of mechanically fastened PVC roofing membranes and expanding the role of recycling throughout ■ Greg Hudson, Duro-Last – Immediate Past the lifecycle of a roof. The initiative encourages colPresident laboration to increase recycling and circular material ■ Piers Dormeyer, EagleView – Trustee practices in which roofing materials are recovered and ■ Heidi Ellsworth, The Coffee Shops – Trustee reused rather than sent to landfills.

Many contractors remain unaware that a significant ■ Paige Harvill, Nations Roof – Trustee number of commercial PVC roofs can be recovered ■ Alex Hernandez, Clark Roofing Co. – Trustee and repurposed at the end of their service life. The ■ Beth Kegley, QXO – Trustee newly launched FAQs address common questions

SOPREMA U.S. Announces Planned Leadership Transition

Continued on page 11

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FLORIDA ROOFING | July 2026

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ROOFING

| SIDING | WINDOWS | TOOLS | GUTTER | ACCESSORIES

Rain, Underlayment and Jobsite Access: Safety and Legal Protection for Roofing Contractors Trent Cotney, Partner, Adams & Reese, LLP and FRSA General Counsel Rain creates obvious challenges for roofing contractors but one of the most dangerous conditions on a roofing project is not always the rain itself. The greater hazard often occurs after rain contacts roof underlayment, roof decks and ladders. A surface that appeared safe earlier in the day can become slick with very little warning. For roofing contractors, this creates both a safety concern and a legal exposure concern. The contractor must manage worker safety and prevent owners or other unauthorized persons from entering areas that present a fall or slip hazard.

Underlayment requires particular attention because it can create a false sense of security. Many modern underlayments perform well as water-shedding materials but that does not mean they provide safe walking surfaces when wet. Rain or roofing debris can reduce traction. A steep-slope roof with wet underlayment can become dangerous even for experienced workers.

The hazard increases when workers carry materials, move near valleys or edges or transition from ladders to roof surfaces. Contractors should treat wet underlayment as a heightened hazard condition rather than a normal work surface.

The first safety step is jobsite evaluation. Before work begins each day, the contractor should inspect roof surfaces and access points. After rain occurs, the contractor should re-evaluate the project before resuming work. The analysis should not focus only on whether rain has stopped. The more important question is whether the surface has dried enough to allow safe access. Supervisors should have authority to suspend work when conditions create an unreasonable risk. A brief delay usually costs less than an OSHA inspection or worker’s compensation claim.

Contractors also need clear internal procedures for wet surface conditions. Employees need to understand that wet underlayment, wet decking, wet ladders and wet staging areas require additional caution. Crews should use appropriate footwear, maintain three points of contact when accessing ladders and avoid carrying loads that block visibility or reduce balance. Supervisors should remove loose debris and address pooled water where possible. When conditions remain unsafe, the better practice is to stop work on that portion of the project until the hazard can be controlled.

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The legal protection begins before the project starts. Contracts should give the roofing contractor express authority to control the means and methods of roofing work, suspend work due to weather or unsafe site conditions and restrict access to active work areas.

The contract should also state that weather delays caused by rain or unsafe access conditions are not contractor-caused delays.

Owners often focus on completion dates but contractors need written protection when safety requires a pause. A contractor should not feel forced to place workers on wet underlayment simply because the owner wants the job completed faster.

Access control is equally important. Owners, consultants and other trades should not be allowed to walk on roof surfaces without authorization. The contractor should use reasonable barriers and written notices depending on the project. On residential projects, contractors should tell owners that the roof and staging areas remain off limits during construction. On commercial projects, the contractor should coordinate with the owner or property manager to restrict access through hatches, ladders and rooftop doors.

Written notice helps reduce disputes. Contractors should consider sending a short weather-related notice when rain affects work or creates unsafe surface conditions. The notice should state that rain has created potentially slippery conditions on underlayment or other work surfaces, that access is restricted and that work will resume when the contractor determines conditions can be safely managed. The notice does not need to be aggressive. It simply creates a record that the contractor recognized the hazard, acted reasonably and communicated access restrictions.

Documentation remains one of the best legal defenses. Contractors should photograph wet conditions and access restrictions. Daily reports should identify rain events and work delays. If an owner insists on access or asks workers to proceed despite unsafe

conditions, the contractor should document the request and respond in writing. The response should make clear that safety controls remain in place and that the contractor will not authorize unsafe access to the work area.

Contractors should also avoid overpromising that temporary dry-in conditions are safe for foot traffic.

A temporary dry-in may protect the structure from water intrusion but it does not necessarily create a safe walking surface for the owner or others. Contract language and project communications should distinguish between weather protection and access safety.

This distinction matters because owners sometimes assume that if the roof is dried in, they may walk on it. Contractors should correct that assumption immediately.

Rain is part of roofing but wet underlayment creates a serious hazard that requires disciplined safety practices and careful legal protection. The safest approach is also the strongest legal approach: inspect the condition, communicate clearly and resume work only when conditions allow the work to proceed safely.

Roofing contractors cannot control the weather but they can control how they respond to it.

FRM

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Contractors should consult with legal counsel regarding the laws, contract requirements and safety obligations that apply to their specific projects and jurisdictions.

Trent Cotney is a Partner and Construction Team Leader at Adams & Reese, LLP and is also FRSA's General Counsel. You can reach him at 813-227-5501 or trent.cotney@arlaw.com.

Free Legal Helpline for FRSA Members

Adams & Reese is a full-service law firm dedicated to serving the roofing industry. FRSA members can contact Trent Cotney to discuss and identify legal issues and to ask general questions through access to specialized counsel. They offer free advice (up to 15 minutes) for members. If additional legal work is required, members will receive discounted rates. This is a pro bono benefit provided to FRSA members only.

Contact Trent at 813-227-5501.

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Florida Property Taxes Kylee Bo, Government Affairs Advisor, GrayRobinson In May, the Governor issued a proclamation convening the Florida Legislature in special session focused on property tax reform. The Legislature met in June to consider two related measures: a constitutional amendment on property taxes and implementing legislation to support the tax system if voters approve the amendment in November. Because the amendment was legislatively proposed, it required 60 percent approval in each chamber (72 votes in the House and 24 votes in the Senate) to be placed on the ballot.

Following committee action, both chambers took up the bills. The constitutional amendment, House Joint Resolution 1F (HJR 1F), passed 75–26 in the House and 30–9 in the Senate, exceeding the threshold required for placement on the November ballot.

The implementing bill, Senate Bill 4F (SB 4F), also passed, 75–27 in the House and 30–8 in the Senate.

HJR 1F does not require the Governor’s signature and will proceed directly to the ballot unless successfully challenged in court. SB 4F will be presented to the Governor and is expected to be signed.

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FLORIDA ROOFING | July 2026

HJR 1F would make four major changes to Florida’s property tax system. It significantly increases the homestead exemption for existing residents, reduces assessment growth caps on non-homestead property (including commercial property), creates a five-year residency requirement before new residents can receive the enhanced exemption and adds new limits on how local governments may use property tax revenues.

Under the homestead provisions, the exemption for non-school property taxes would increase to $150,000 beginning January 1, 2027 and $250,000 beginning January 1, 2028. Beginning in 2029, the $250,000 exemption would be indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The amendment also directs the Legislature to establish a pathway toward further expansion of the exemption, potentially up to a complete exemption from non-school ad valorem taxes, although questions remain regarding the constitutional viability of such an expansion. For non-homestead property, the amendment reduces the annual assessment growth cap from 10 to 5 percent beginning in 2027. It also requires new Florida residents after January 1, 2027 to wait five years before receiving the enhanced exemption, although local governments may shorten that period beginning in 2030 under limited circumstances.

The amendment also restricts the use of ad valorem tax revenues to defined core governmental purposes such as public safety, education, infrastructure, flood control, debt service, pensions and core administration. Uses such as economic development, parks and recreation and certain social services would no longer be permitted under the constitutional language, which is narrowly drawn and provides limited flexibility. Notably, the amendment still allows local governments to increase homestead exemptions further through procedures established in law.

One area of uncertainty involves the provision authorizing funding for the operations and administration of county officers, county commissioners, municipalities and expenditures approved by those governing bodies, provided such expenditures are not otherwise prohibited by general law. Some interpret this language narrowly to permit only core

administrative functions. Others argue the language is broad enough to authorize any expenditure approved by a county or municipal governing body unless specifically prohibited by law. As a result, the ultimate scope of this provision will likely be determined through judicial interpretation.

If a court adopts the narrower interpretation, property tax revenues could no longer be used for activities such as economic development initiatives, parks and recreation programs, social services such as homeless shelters or grants to charitable organizations and community events. If the broader interpretation prevails, local governments may retain greater flexibility in how ad valorem tax revenues are spent.

SB 4F serves as the implementing legislation for the constitutional amendment and establishes the statutory and administrative framework necessary to implement the proposed changes if approved by voters. One of the bill’s most significant provisions revises the calculation of the maximum millage rate a local government may levy with a simple majority vote.

Under current law, the rolled-back rate may be adjusted annually based on changes in per capita Florida personal income. SB 4F generally eliminates that adjustment and limits the maximum levy to the rolledback rate unless additional approvals are obtained.

Under the bill, local government may levy a rate of up to 110 percent of the rolled-back rate with approval by a two-thirds vote of the governing body. A rate exceeding 110 percent of the rolled-back rate would require unanimous approval of the governing body (or a three-fourths vote for governing bodies with nine or more members) or approval through referendum.

Because the revised methodology no longer accounts for personal income growth, the change is expected to reduce the baseline millage capacity of many local governments beginning next year.

Lastly, the bill provides an exception to the standard 75-word limit for ballot summaries, allowing a longer summary for this constitutional amendment due to its scope.

FRM Kylee Bo, GrayRobinson, is a Government Affairs Advisor specializing in policy and appropriations at both the Florida Capitol and local levels. Based in Orlando, she offers clients strategic insights, summaries of state and local hearings and tailored government affairs updates and reports. Kylee works to strengthen relationships with elected officials across the state and represents GrayRobinson at key board meetings. She also delivers educational briefings to select groups, including college students pursuing careers in the legislative field.

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Managing Growth Without Losing Control: The Hidden Risks of a Full Backlog John Kenney, CPRC, CEO, Cotney Consulting Group For most roofing contractors, a strong backlog is a welcome sight. It means work is sold, crews are busy and revenue is coming through the door. After all, most companies spend a great deal of time worrying about where the next project will come from. When the schedule is full and opportunities continue to arrive, it is easy to assume everything is headed in the right direction. Over the years, however, I have seen contractors grow themselves into trouble more times than I can count.

The irony is that some of the most difficult periods a roofing company will face occur when business is good. Not because work is unavailable but because growth places demands on an organization that are often underestimated. What got a company to five million dollars in revenue may not be enough to support ten million. The systems, communication, leadership structure and operational discipline required to handle increasing volume do not automatically grow with the business. A full backlog creates confidence but sometimes it also creates a false sense of security.

Many contractors focus on their ability to produce work. They look at crew counts, available equipment and open calendar dates. If those resources appear available, they assume they have the capacity for additional projects. In reality, capacity extends far beyond the field.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is what I refer to as false capacity. On paper, the company appears capable of taking on more work. In practice, the support structure behind that work is already stretched thin.

The project managers are carrying more jobs than they should. Estimators are rushing bids just to keep pace with demand. Accounting is struggling to process billing and collections efficiently. Warehouse personnel are managing increasing material volume.

Superintendents are covering more projects than they can properly oversee. Safety managers are spending less time on individual jobs because there are simply too many places to be. The company still appears healthy from the outside. The backlog is strong.

Revenue is increasing. Yet the warning signs are already present.

Growth has a way of exposing weaknesses that may have gone unnoticed for years while the workload remained manageable. Communication gaps become larger. Small operational inefficiencies become expensive. Delays that once affected a single project begin impacting several at once.

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FLORIDA ROOFING | July 2026

Scheduling is often where these problems first become visible. Every roofing contractor understands that schedules are fluid. Weather changes.

Material deliveries move.

General contractors adjust timelines. Building owners change priorities. Those challenges are part of business. The problem occurs when a company has no room to absorb them.

When the backlog is packed tightly and every crew is scheduled at maximum capacity, even a minor disruption creates a ripple effect. One delayed project pushes another. Crews are reassigned. Material deliveries are adjusted. Project managers spend their days rearranging schedules instead of managing production. What appeared to be efficient planning quickly becomes reactive decision-making.

The pressure does not stop there. Labor challenges become more pronounced during periods of rapid growth. Most roofing contractors continue to face workforce shortages and a growing backlog often accelerates the problem. The need for people increases faster than the availability of qualified workers.

To keep pace, companies frequently promote individuals into leadership roles earlier than they otherwise would. Sometimes that works well. Sometimes it creates challenges that take years to correct.

Being a skilled installer and being an effective foreman are not the same thing. Being a productive foreman does not automatically prepare someone to become a superintendent or project manager.

Leadership requires communication skills, organization, decision-making and accountability. Those skills take time to develop.

When growth forces advancement faster than development, cracks begin to appear. Productivity varies from crew to crew. Documentation becomes inconsistent. Customer communication suffers. Rework increases. The company may still be generating strong revenue but operational control begins to weaken.

Subcontractor utilization often increases during periods of rapid growth. Many contractors turn to subcontract labor to help satisfy demand. There is nothing inherently wrong with that strategy but it introduces

additional complexity. Every subcontractor relationship requires management. Quality expectations must be clearly communicated. Safety standards must be enforced. Scheduling coordination becomes more difficult. Documentation requirements must be followed.

The larger the subcontractor footprint becomes, the greater the need for oversight. Unfortunately, oversight is often the very thing that becomes scarce during rapid growth.

Financial performance can become equally deceptive. One of the most common conversations I have with roofing contractors centers around revenue. Companies are understandably proud when annual sales increase. Growth is often viewed as the primary indicator of success. The reality is that revenue can hide a lot of problems. As volume increases, so do payroll costs, material purchases, equipment expenses, insurance costs and administrative overhead. Accounts receivable often grow alongside sales.

Contractors may be producing more revenue than ever while simultaneously experiencing cash flow pressure they have never faced before.

A large backlog filled with low-margin work creates just as many headaches as a small backlog. In some cases, it creates more. This is why disciplined contractors focus on profitability and operational performance, not simply volume. They understand that every additional project places demands on the organization. If those demands are not supported by proper systems and leadership, growth becomes increasingly difficult to manage.

The strongest companies I have worked with share several common characteristics. They understand their true capacity. They know how many projects their project managers can effectively oversee. They know how many crews their field leadership structure can support. They understand the limits of their administrative and accounting teams. Most importantly, they are willing to say no. That is often the hardest discipline of all.

When opportunities are abundant, turning down work feels counterintuitive. Yet not every project is worth pursuing. Some projects create more strain than value. Some customers consume disproportionate amounts of time and resources. Some opportunities pull a company outside its strengths and expertise.

Controlled growth requires selectivity. It also requires leadership. Strong markets have a way of relaxing standards. Teams become comfortable.

Processes that were once followed consistently become optional. Small problems are ignored because the company is busy and revenue is strong. That is exactly when discipline matters most.

The best contractors use busy periods to strengthen their organizations. They improve communication between departments. They develop future leaders.

They refine operational procedures. They invest in

systems that create consistency. Instead of allowing growth to expose weaknesses, they use growth as an opportunity to build a stronger company.

Eventually, every market changes. Work slows.

Competition increases. Margins tighten. Contractors who expanded recklessly often discover that many of their problems were simply hidden by volume.

Companies that grew with discipline enter those periods from a position of strength. Their systems remain intact. Their leadership teams are prepared. Their operations remain consistent.

A strong backlog is a valuable asset but it is only one measure of business health. The contractors who succeed year after year understand that sustainable growth is not about taking every opportunity that comes along. It is about building an organization capable of handling opportunity without losing control.

After decades in this industry, I have learned that the strongest roofing companies are rarely the ones growing the fastest. More often, they are the ones growing deliberately. They understand their capacity.

They protect their culture. They maintain accountability. They refuse to sacrifice operational discipline for short-term volume.

Momentum can feel powerful. Control is far more valuable.

FRM John Kenney, CPRC is CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, Plant City. He has decades of experience on commercial roofing projects, providing a unique understanding of what it takes to succeed in roofing – on the roof, in the office and at scale. John saw the need to provide contractors with strategic guidance built on real-world field knowledge. Cotney Consulting offers COO on Demand, online training, technology solutions, business advisory consulting, collections, contracts, Castagra estimating training, safety and OSHA training. John partners with FRSA to provide educational seminars. For more information, contact John at jkenney@cotneyconsulting.com or 813-851-4173.

Industry Updates, continued from page 4

■ Scott Keith, Jobba Trade Technologies – Trustee ■ John Kiesel, Division 7 Roofing – Trustee ■ Michael Kruger, L.E. Schwartz & Son Inc. – Trustee ■ Craig Rainey, Supreme Roofing – Trustee ■ Natalia Rizzatti, All Weather Insulated Panels – Trustee ■ Jason Stanley, IB Roof Systems – Trustee ■ John Yuko, GSM Roofing – Trustee

FRM

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Consequential Tasks Assigned by the Legislature Lay Ahead for the Florida Building Commission and the Industry Mike Silvers, CPRC, Owner, Silvers Systems Inc. and FRSA Technical Director

Is the Legislature the Best Forum for Modifying the Building Code?

Florida’s building code is produced and published over a three-year cycle. The upcoming 9th Edition (2026) takes effect on December 31. Draft versions of the new code became available in mid-May on Florida’s Building Code Information System (BCIS).

The code development process can be altered at any time by the legislature, which can direct the Florida Building Commission to make code changes at any point in the process. Seldom do these legislative changes impact the code more than one of the most expansive bills passed and signed by the Governor this year. HB 803 became the gathering place for several construction related initiatives this session. I have already written about many of the items in the bill and predict that I will be writing about many more as the bill’s requirements are implemented. Most of that implementation will be done as changes mandated by the legislation are incorporated into the Florida Building Code.

HB 803, an act relating to building permits and inspections, was passed in March after its final reading in the Florida House. It was signed by the Governor in May and became effective July 1. Included in the bill are many significant reforms to building permitting and inspection procedures. I will concentrate on just a few of the changes.

HB 803 Roofing Exception to the $7,500 Permit Exemption

2. The exemption under subparagraph 1., does not apply to any of the following: a. Work on a property that is partially or entirely located in a flood hazard area as defined by the Florida Building Code. b. Any electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas work performed on property containing a single-family dwelling. A construction project may not be divided into more than one project for the purpose of evading the requirements of this paragraph.

3. To qualify for the exemption under subparagraph 1., the owner or the owner’s contractor must submit a written request for exemption to the local enforcement agency with a copy of the contract or other documentation demonstrating the nature and the value of the work to be performed.

4. A local government has no legal duty to the owner, contractor, or successors or assigns thereof for exempted work performed under this paragraph.

From the bill: F.S. 553.79 Permits; applications; issuance; inspections.

(1) (g) During final discussion on an amendment under consideration, Representative Alex Andrade asked 1. A local government that issues building permits shall exempt an owner of a single-family dwelling Representative Toby Overdorf, the amendment or the owner’s contractor from the requirement to sponsor, the following question. “Based on this amendment is it your understanding that roofing obtain a building permit to perform any work valwork and roofing repairs would be deemed as ued at less than $7,500 on the owner’s property.

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FLORIDA ROOFING | July 2026

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structural as defined or understood under the bill?”

Representative Overdorf responded: “Roofing would be structural, yes.” Another unrelated question was discussed and then the amendment and the bill were passed unanimously.

Based on the discussion on the House floor and the unanimous vote afterwards, it seems very clear that the intent of the bill was not to allow roofing to be exempt www.thefloridachannel.org/videos/3-12-26-house-session at ~3:31:30 from permitting and inspections even though the bill’s A few other options will be reviewed if the code language does not clearly reflect that. How can we language to clarify intent fails to be adopted. We help make the intent clear to building owners, conwill of course help spread the information about the tractors and building officials? One possible way to bill’s intent on the exemption. We will also consider accomplish this will be, when the bill comes to the requesting a binding interpretation or a declaratory Florida Building Commission for adoption into the code, to propose language that clearly reflects the leg- statement from the Commission. Whether those islative intent when the bill was passed. This approach options succeed or not we should pursue adding the term reroofing to the list of exceptions that apply will be difficult for several reasons. It is often frowned to the exclusions, thereby making it clear that roof upon by some to make any clarifying changes in the replacement or recovering requires permits and statutory language, even though it has been done at inspections. times in the past. We would also be moving a position One great improvement in the bill from earlier forward that roofing is structural but only in this one versions does require that in order to qualify for the instance. Typically, we would prefer this not be a posiexemption under subparagraph 1., the owner or the tion that is applied to other circumstances. owner’s contractor must submit a written request for exemption to the local enforcement agency with a copy of the contract or other documentation demonstrating the nature and the value of the work to be performed.

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The Commission Will Create a Statewide Uniform Permit Application Form

From my observations, not since the creation of the Florida Building Code has such a far-reaching dictate been assigned to the Commission. There will surely be some contention as the proposed forms are reviewed and produced.

Putting aside the difficulties in creating a form that will best encompass our dual roofing codes with one standard code for 65 counties and a separate High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) code for two counties (Miami-Dade and Broward), the differences between Florida’s 67 counties and approximately 140 city building departments make the task formidable.

Perhaps that explains the recent decision to hand this task to an advisory group formed by the University of Florida Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment (ESSIE). A report on the subject was presented to and accepted by two of the Commission’s Technical Advisory Committees (TAC) in May. According to the report, the Advisory

Group is to include building officials, construction industry organizations and associations, engineers, architects, contractors and electronic permitting program vendors. Questions asked during that meeting concerning how members of the advisory group would be selected were not clearly answered. Since more building permits are pulled for alterations like reroofing, air conditioning, etc. than for new construction, these forms are critical to division two contractors.

One can only hope that these contractors are properly represented.

We will monitor the makeup of the group in hopes that it includes the impacted trades and fairly represents all of Florida’s geographical locations. We hope that the Commission and its TACs (including the Roofing TAC) will play an important part in the development of this very important undertaking. We also hope to see the inclusion of a representative group of building officials, both in the size and the location of their departments. One can’t help but think that input from the two groups (contractors and building officials) that actually use the forms would lead to a better permitting process.

The Bill Establishes Timeframes to Process and Issue Building Permits

The bill creates new timeframes and deadlines for the issuance of permits. One that is the most important to roofing contractors includes the following:

Major Changes for Building Departments

For building departments, this bill is loaded with new regulations, requirements, mandates and restrictions and a thorough review of procedures impacted by the bill will be necessary by all building departments.

Florida’s code is often described as the best in the country, if not the world. Overall, our code modification process works very well, allowing licensed professionals who actually interpret and use the code to be those who primarily modify it. FRSA will continue to closely monitor the implementation and interpretation of these extensive new changes and report back to our members and the industry. Stay tuned.

FRM Mike Silvers, CPRC is Owner of Silvers Systems Inc. and is consulting with FRSA as Director of Technical Services. Mike is an FRSA Past President, Life Member and Campanella Award recipient and brings over 50 years of industry knowledge and experience to FRSA’s team.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

F.S. 553.792 Building permit application to local government.

(1)(a) A local government must approve, approve with conditions, or deny a building permit application after receipt of a completed and sufficient application within the following timeframes, unless the applicant waives such timeframes in writing: 1.

Within 5 business days after receiving a complete and sufficient application, for an applicant using a local government plans reviewer to obtain the following building permits for an existing single-family residential dwelling if the value of the work is less than $15,000: structural, accessory structure, alarm, electrical, gas, irrigation, landscaping, mechanical, plumbing, or roofing.

The Bill Contains Many Changes in How Private Providers are to be Addressed

Along with many other changes that are too extensive for this article are the way the bill deals with private providers. If you are currently using or planning to use private providers, you need to look closely at those changes. Just recently, this task has been handed over to an advisory group also formed by ESSIE.

www.floridaroof.com | FLORIDA ROOFING

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Building the Future: FRSA and NEFRSA Lead the Way at the Third Annual Construction Ready Exhibition & SkillsUSA Florida Competition Brian Barlow, RRO, Stonebridge Roofing Energy & Exteriors, NEFRSA President The Third Annual Construction Ready Exhibition and SkillsUSA Florida Competition, held March 31 through April 1, once again proved to be a powerful platform for inspiring the next generation of skilled trades professionals. With the continued support of FRSA, the “World of Roofing” exhibit returned as a cornerstone of the event, delivering hands-on education and real-world insight into the roofing industry.

FRSA proudly served as the sponsor for World of Roofing and Board members of the Northeast Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (NEFRSA) and a dedicated group of volunteers contributed their time and expertise to make the experience both engaging and impactful. Their mission was simple yet meaningful, introduce students to the wide range of opportunities within the roofing industry through interactive, hands-on learning.

This year’s exhibit featured several stations designed to give students a true feel for the craft. One of the highlights was the RhinoBond system demonstration, where students had the opportunity to perform induction welding on a TPO roofing assembly. This interactive experience allowed participants to better understand modern roofing technology and the precision involved in installing commercial roofing systems.

Eagle Roofing Products also played a key role in bringing their mobile platform to the event. Students were able to install concrete roof tiles, gaining valuable insight into the materials, techniques and craftsmanship required for steep-slope roofing systems. The hands-on nature of this station provided a deeper

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appreciation for both the skill and discipline required in the trade.

Perhaps the most popular attraction among students, instructors and even special guest Jaxson De Ville of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was the birdhouse shingle installation station. Students were invited to install shingle roofing systems on birdhouses they had constructed through Construction Ready. Led

by Wayne Williams of First Coast Safety, the station offered a variety of shingle colors, allowing students to personalize their projects while learning proper installation techniques.

“We must have installed over 100 roofs on the first day,” said Williams, highlighting both the enthusiasm of the participants and the success of the hands-on approach.

Each station was intentionally designed to slow students down and immerse them in the process. This created meaningful opportunities for the volunteers to engage directly with participants, sharing knowledge, answering questions and discussing the many career paths available within the roofing industry, from installation and safety to estimating, project management and manufacturing.

The World of Roofing exhibit continues to demonstrate the value of experiential learning. By connecting students with industry professionals and providing real-world applications, FRSA and NEFRSA are helping to build a stronger, more informed workforce for the future. As the roofing industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this play a critical role in shaping its future, one student, one skill and one opportunity at a time.

The following pages share photos from this year's event.

www.floridaroof.com | FLORIDA ROOFING

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FRSA and NEFRSA would like to thank the following companies and employees of these companies for their generous donations of time and materials for this event: ■ All Pro Roofing & Consulting ■ Eagle Roofing Products ■ Atlas Roofing Corporation ■ The Compass Group for Carlisle ■ FG Products for Elevate ■ First Coast Safety ■ HW Contracting, LLC ■ Taylor Made Roofing, Inc. ■ Duro-Last ■ Commercial Roofing Specialties, Inc. ■ Barber and Associates ■ Riverside Sales ■ SPEC Building Products ■ Architectural Sheet Metal, Inc. ■ Stonebridge Construction Service, LLC

FRM

www.floridaroof.com | FLORIDA ROOFING

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What Your Google Reviews Are Really Telling You About Your Business Gary A. Cohen, Executive Vice President, Certified Contractors Network (CCN) Most roofing contractors know they need Google reviews. They ask for them after a job, celebrate when the stars go up and cringe when a negative one lands.

But very few are actually reading their reviews as business intelligence.

Your reviews are not just a reputation score. They are a window into your company that most owners never fully open. When you read them the right way, they tell you where your sales process breaks down, where your operations fall short and where your team is delivering real value. That information is worth more than any consultant’s report and your customers are giving it to you for free.

to disappear when you get busy and stop paying attention to them.

What Negative Reviews Are Actually Saying

Negative reviews sting but they are some of the most valuable feedback you can receive. The temptation is to respond defensively or dismiss the customer as unreasonable. Resist that The Difference Between Collecting Reviews impulse. Even when a customer is being unfair, there is and Reading Them usually something real underneath the complaint.

There is a big gap between having a lot of reviews and The most common themes in negative roofing actually using them. Collecting reviews is a marketing reviews fall into a predictable set of categories. activity. Reading them critically is a management acCommunication failures, specifically not returning tivity. Most roofing companies are doing the first and calls, not showing up when expected and not explainskipping the second. ing the scope of work clearly, account for a significant When you read a review, don't just note the star portion of bad reviews. Workmanship issues and rating. Look at the language. Look at what the custom- post-job cleanup problems are also common. And then er chose to mention. Customers rarely write detailed there is the category of unmet expectations, where reviews about things that met their expectations. They the customer felt misled about timeline, cost or what write about things that surprised them, either positive- was included. ly or negatively. Those surprises are your data.

Here is what is important to understand: most of these are not random bad luck. They are systemic. If What Positive Reviews Are Actually Saying you see the same complaint appear more than twice When a customer takes the time to write a glowing in your reviews, you have a process problem, not a review, they are telling you something specific about customer problem. where your company exceeded their expectations.

Pay attention to what gets mentioned repeatedly.

How to Do a Real Review Audit If customers consistently praise your communicaSet aside an hour and read through your last 50 tion, that is a competitive differentiator in an industry reviews from start to finish. As you read, categorize where poor communication is the norm. Protect it, every specific comment, positive or negative, into train it and make it a standard part of how every job themes. You might use categories like communication, runs. Make it a part of your company’s unique value crew behavior, workmanship quality, cleanup, timeline, proposition (UVP). value and follow-through.

If customers consistently mention a specific crew When you are done, count how many comments member or salesperson by name, that person is fall into each category. You will have a clear picture of delivering an experience your other team members where your company consistently delivers and where are not. That is a training opportunity. Find out exactly it consistently falls short. That picture is the foundawhat that person does differently and build it into your tion of a real improvement plan. standard process.

Then look at the timing of your reviews. Are there If customers mention how clean your crew left patterns? Do complaints cluster around a particular the jobsite or how thoroughly your project manager season, a particular crew or a particular type of job? walked them through the work, those are the details That kind of pattern points directly to a root cause. that drive referrals. They are also the details that tend 20

FLORIDA ROOFING | July 2026

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this feedback to continuously improve their operations are the ones who build the kind of reputation that How you respond to reviews, especially negative ones, drives referrals without chasing them.

Your customers are telling you exactly what you tells potential customers as much about your comneed to know. The question is whether you are actually pany as the review itself. A defensive or dismissive listening. response to a complaint signals that you do not take At CCN, we help roofing contractors build busiaccountability seriously. A professional, calm response nesses that perform at the highest level. That starts that acknowledges the issue and offers resolution with understanding what your customers are actually signals confidence and integrity. experiencing.

If you want a framework for turning your You will not win every argument in a review response. review data into a real action plan, it may be worth exThat is not the goal. The goal is to demonstrate to the ploring what a structured coaching relationship could thousands of people reading those reviews that you do for your business. are a company that stands behind its work and treats FRM customers with respect even when things go wrong.

Gary Cohen is Executive Vice President of Certified Turning Review Insights into Action Contractors Network (CCN), a membership orgaReading your reviews critically is only useful if it leads nization dedicated to helping independent home to changes. When your audit surfaces a pattern, build improvement contractors build more profitable, it into your operations. If communication is consisprofessionally run businesses. CCN provides training, tently flagged, create a standard touchpoint schedule coaching and business development resources to for every job and hold your team accountable to it. If contractors across North America. To learn more, visit cleanup is mentioned repeatedly, add a formal jobsite www.contractorsnetwork.com. checklist that must be completed before any crew leaves a property.

Reviews are a feedback loop that most of your competitors are ignoring. The contractors who use

Your Response Strategy is Also Your Reputation

AF F I L I ATE

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FLORIDA ROOFING | July 2026

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