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In this special edition of the Talking Pools Podcast, we're interrupting our regular Tuesday broadcast to bring you an urgent conversation about critical legislative threats facing Florida's pool industry. Pool Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Joe Trusty sits down with Dallas Deason, Chief Government Relations Officer for the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA), to break down the serious legislative challenges that nearly slipped through unnoticed — and what the industry did to stop them.
Joe and Dallas dive deep into two explosive topics:
- SB 712/HB 683 Amendment: A last-minute proposal that would have dangerously expanded the ability of general and building contractors to build wet deck areas around swimming pools, bypassing the licensed pool contractors entirely.
- HB 991: A sweeping and alarming bill aimed at dismantling the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) and eliminating mandatory continuing education requirements, not only for pool contractors but across 32 professional categories in Florida.
Dallas explains why these bills would have been catastrophic for both consumers and industry professionals, outlines how FSPA rapidly mobilized to defeat the SB 712/HB 683 amendment, and gives an insider look at the ongoing battle to stop HB 991 before it can cause lasting damage.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Why the proposed wet deck amendment was a threat to pool safety and professional standards
- How FSPA mobilized industry professionals to advocate at the state Capitol
- The critical role of the CILB and why its elimination would lead to a rise in poor workmanship and deregulation chaos
- The vital importance of continuing education for contractors and inspectors
- What pool professionals and consumers can do right now to help fight HB 991
- What happens next if HB 991 passes — and why the consequences could ripple far beyond the pool industry
Guest:
- Dallas Deason, Chief Government Relations Officer, Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA)
Host:
- Joe Trusty, Editor-in-Chief, Pool Magazine
Action Steps for Listeners:
- Visit the Florida House of Representatives website
- Find and contact your legislators — urge them to vote NO on HB 991
- Stay informed and engaged with FSPA's legislative updates
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