Two bills that died in last year’s Florida legislative session are being reintroduced for the 2021 season.
The first is meant to address a subcontractor shortage in the Sunshine State. Senate Bill 338, by Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota/Charlotte) would exempt pool/spa subcontractors from the state’s specialty license requirement. If the bill passes, subs will be able to work under the general contractor’s license.
The Florida Swimming Pool Association backs the bill, stating that the requirements for gaining a subcontractor’s license are as demanding as those to receive a GC’s license. This, the organization believes, disincentivizes companies from obtaining it, with well under 10% of applicable companies doing so. Last year, the bill made it to the final step before the legislative session ended. This year, FSPA is cautiously optimistic, said FSPA Government Affairs Manager Dallas Thiesen.
The other bill, which has yet to be numbered, would appropriate $200,000 to FSPA’s foundation, Florida Swims, to provide free swim lessons in certain targeted areas. In addition to help prepare children for water safety, the foundation would collect data to help it develop the most effective statewide plan that could address obstacles to receiving lessons in low-income areas, such as lack of funding and transportation.
Florida’s legislative sessions last 60 days. With such a short window, much of the negotiating and bill introductions take place beforehand. This year’s session begins March 2 and ends April 30.
