FHBAction News (June 8, 2015)
President's Report
For the past few weeks, FHBA has worked hard to make you are aware of the deadline to comply with the new building code. I want to continue this effort by sharing with you the best place to fully understand and prepare for compliance. At the 2015 Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) we will host building code sessions that focus on the new 2015 code revisions and how to comply with those provisions.
In addition to preparing you for the new code effective June 30, 2015, FHBA is working to diligently protect you from potential hardship that may be included in building code changes slated to become effective in late 2016. On Friday, July 17 during SEBC, the Codes Task Force will be meeting 9:00 am-
12:00 pm. This meeting will include the following:
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An NAHB representative highlighting major changes within the new base code which has already been adopted by the ICC and accepted by the Florida Building Commission

A discussion of the process and established timelines to adopt Florida Specific amendments to the base code
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Strategies for FHBA advocating during the amendatory process
To uphold our core mission of creating a better business environment for Florida’s construction industry,
FHBA is doing all that it can for you. Take advantage of our building code sessions at SEBC by clicking here .
Jerry Linder is a custom home builder and the owner the JL Linder Group in St. Augustine and Vintage
Homes in Tallahassee, a Past President of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, and 2015
President of the Florida Home Builders Association.
Governor Signs Condo Bulk Buyer Bill
On Tuesday of last week, Governor Rick Scott signed into law HB 791 , the FHBA supported condominium bulk buyer legislation. HB 791, by Rep. George Moraitis (R-Ft.
Lauderdale) and Sen. Jeremy Ring (D-Margate) , extends the bulk buyer liability protections for an additional two years. This extension of liability protections is important to our vertical building members.

New Building Code and Stucco - It’s Confusing
There is much more to the new building code than blower door testing. One of the many provisions in the
2015 code, effective June 30th, references ASTM 926, Standard Specifications for Application of Portland
Cement-Based Plaster, and contains new requirements specifying minimum curing times between stucco applications. These requirements appear to be in conflict. Click here to review an analysis by John
Farinelli
SEBC 2015 – Reserve Your Stay ASAP
Believe it or not, Orlando is selling out! Hotels surrounding the Orange County Convention Center are booked. While you’re registering for SEBC, hurry to make your hotel reservations. The Rosen Center room block ends June 15. Don’t wait! Click here to book your room today .
Ten years since its last hurricane, Florida more vulnerable to catastrophe than ever, experts say…
Two million more people have taken up residence in Florida since a hurricane last hit in 2005. That growth, concentrated along coastal areas likeliest to be washed away by a storm, means the state is in many ways more vulnerable than ever to catastrophic damage from a tropical hurricane… read more
#GOBAGives: Ivey Lane Day in the Park
The Greater Orlando Builders
Association (GOBA) and GOBA Foundation have created a partnership with a low income community called Ivey Lane, in West Orlando, with the help of Orlando’s District 5 Commissioner Regina Hill. They have held a book drive bringing in more 300 books for the subsidized housing community, began a mentoring program at Ivey Lane Elementary School and, this past Saturday, held a community event that offered vision screening through Florida Vision Quest to more than 80 children, another 100 received identification cards from Child Rescue Network and distributed more than 7,500 pounds of food to 200 families. #GOBAGives

The Bottom Line
What does advocacy look like? If it looks like and walks like a duck, then it must be
Medicaid Expansion (ok, a cheesy reference to special session). Too many of us mistake “advocacy” as the singular act of advocating at the legislative level (local, state, or county). In reality, advocacy is a state of mind requiring constant diligence on a variety of platforms. FHBA is no exception to that rule.
Last week, the Florida Legislature began its special session deliberating on the budget and health care.
FHBA is actively pursuing budget funding items for Future Builders of America, the septic tank study and affordable housing. In addition, we are also working on a potential emergency rule with the Building
Commission to delay three key provisions of the pending building code (blower door testing, mechanical ventilation and secondary fire elevators in high rises). FHBA will be seeking a declaratory statement on the confusing, inconsistent code with respect to applying stucco. Earlier this year, we signed onto an
Amicus Brief to the U.S. Supreme Court case objecting to the 11 th Circuit’s decision in the case of
Hillcrest vs. Pasco County Case. FHBA has also expressed serious concerns in writing to the Florida
Game and Fish Commission about their plans to regulate 40 additional species of animals.
Bottom Line: Advocacy on behalf of FHBA members takes a variety of forms —legislative lobbying, initiating regulatory rule making, petitioning for declaratory statements, engaging in legal action and expressing written concerns about an overzealous agency. FHBA’s interest is broad, and we will continue our best efforts to represent you in any way possible.