STATE & LOCAL

BOMA Florida Victorious in Protecting Seat on Codes Commission

Facing a direct threat in this year’s state legislative session, BOMA Florida responded to secure a major win for the industry. A pair of sprawling bills were introduced aimed at deregulation of various industries, but tucked into both was language eliminating BOMA’s seat—along with several others—on the Florida Building Commission. The commission is the body responsible for the Florida Building Code, and state law prescribes a seat for “the building owners and managers industry,” even specifying that BOMA will recommend candidates. BOMA Florida pushed back with the message that whether or not the commission should be streamlined, removing one of the state’s largest industries—one that is heavily impacted by and deeply knowledgeable on code matters—was a misguided solution.

As the end of the legislative session neared, BOMA Florida President Mary Lantz testified before the state Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on the importance of preserving this seat. Her message was reinforced the following day, which coincided with BOMA Florida’s Capital Advocacy Day, with members traveling to Tallahassee to meet with legislators. The bills’ sponsors relented, specifically assuring that the BOMA seat would remain safe, before ultimately withdrawing both bills. Congratulations to Mary and the entire Florida coalition for this significant victory in protecting the industry’s voice.