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Government Affairs Key Highlights
Government Affairs Key Highlights
At the ABC Florida East Coast Chapter, we are committed to advocating for policies and driving initiatives that shape the future of the construction industry.
Through strategic engagement and collaboration, we champion legislative efforts to build a competitive, fair, and thriving marketplace for professionals across our region. Our involvement in construction industry legislation ensures that the needs of builders, contractors, and industry stakeholders are represented at local, state, and federal levels.
Friends of ABC Florida East Coast
Strong industries are built on strong relationships. The Friends of ABC Florida East Coast represent elected leaders who have listened to our members, engaged with our chapter, and championed policies that help the merit shop construction industry grow. Their support has helped shape a stronger future for Florida's workforce and economy.
U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling
ABC FEC welcomed U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling, along with Troy Selberg, Director of Workforce Initiatives, for a visit that underscored the importance of direct federal engagement with industry-led workforce development.
The visit included a tour of ABCI’s training facilities and a roundtable discussion with ABC FEC leadership, instructors, and program alumni. During the tour, Acting Secretary Sonderling observed hands-on apprenticeship instruction and demonstrations of ABC Labs, ABCI’s proprietary virtual reality training platform designed to replicate real-world construction environments.
The visit highlighted the vital role apprenticeship programs play in addressing the ongoing shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry while ensuring workers receive training grounded in the highest standards of safety and productivity.
It also reinforced the value of industry-led training in advancing the principles of free enterprise and opportunity that define the Merit Shop philosophy.
U.S. Representative Burgess Owens
During the 2026 ABC Washington, D.C. Legislative Conference, our team met with U.S. Representative Burgess Owens (UT- District 4). Mr. Owens serves as the Chairman for the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development and is a strong advocate for apprenticeship education.
He was particularly impressed by Florida’s apprenticeship model. Under Florida law, apprentices are required to be employed while participating in their programs and are not charged tuition.
So impressed by the success of Florida’s approach, Mr. Owens is working to bring a similar model to his home state of Utah. His efforts highlight the value of apprenticeship programs that provide individuals with the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain valuable hands-on experience, and build meaningful careers in the construction industry.
U.S. Representative Randy Fine
ABC-FEC had the honor of hosting U.S. Representative Randy Fine of District 6, who spent time learning how ABCI prepares students for real careers in construction. Representative Fine serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and participates in multiple subcommittees focused on labor, higher education, and workforce protections. His discussions with ABC-FEC leadership centered on the critical role apprenticeships play in strengthening Florida’s talent pipeline and supporting long-term economic development.
Legislative and Regulatory Issues
ABC-FEC successfully defeated the Miami Heat Ordinance, which sought to impose additional construction regulations despite existing OSHA protocols. With the support of Senator Rene Garcia and Miami-Dade leaders, we protected industry standards and ensured regulatory balance.
Candidate Influence
ABC-FEC saw a 93.8% success rate in the November 5th elections, with 45 of 48 endorsed candidates winning. This underscores our strong advocacy for pro-Merit Shop policies. Additionally, we proudly endorsed President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, reinforcing our commitment to supporting leaders who advance the construction industry.
In 2024, ABC-FEC attended 143 meetings/tours with federal, state, and local officials, advocating for apprenticeship training and workforce development. Successful Leg Con events in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. included meetings with key leaders such as Senator Rick Scott, multiple U.S. Representatives, Florida state leaders, and local officials, reinforcing our commitment to pro-industry policies.
Workforce Related Programs and Services (HB 1507 Rep. Yarborough/Senator Albritton) with ABC REQUEST
The primary goal of this legislature is to provide a “one-stop shop” for resources and information regarding workforce education, supportive services, and Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship programs for those interested in the state of Florida. This includes our goals for Apprenticeship opportunities, but on a much larger scale.
Awareness
For the second consecutive year, ABC-FEC was included in the Congressional Record. On November 19, Congressman Jared Moskowitz recognized ABC-FEC and ABCI’s efforts during National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting their impact on workforce development.
Contact Us Today for More Information
We are committed to representing the rights and interests of our clients at the local, state, and federal levels. Our mission is to ensure that your voice as a commercial construction business in Florida is not only heard but acted upon. With a dedicated full-time legislative staff, we work tirelessly to represent the needs and priorities of commercial construction builders, contractors, and companies throughout Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Pierce, Melbourne, FL, and the surrounding communities. Our team goes above and beyond, investing unparalleled time, resources, and effort into political advocacy. We focus on shaping fair and effective construction industry legislation to protect and advance the goals of our members. No other organization does more to ensure that commercial construction businesses like yours are well-represented in every aspect of the legislative process.
Contact us today to learn more about our construction industry legislation services!
Please contact T.J. Long at tjlong@abceastflorida.com or call 954-984-0075.
