President’s Message: April 2025
ACEC Florida President Richard G. Acree, PE
To the ACEC Florida Community,
There’s no shortage of momentum in our industry right now, and ACEC Florida is working hard to ensure our profession stays informed, connected, and well-represented in every arena that matters.
One of the most significant issues we’re currently addressing is House Bill 1461, which seeks to eliminate several professional licensing boards, including the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE) and the Florida Engineers Management Corporation (FEMC). The proposed plan would move all their functions under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). We are deeply concerned about how this could affect the future of engineering licensure in Florida, and we’re working closely with our partners and legislative contacts to ensure both are protected in any final legislation.
Also of concern is HB 5501, which would redirect $466.8 million documentary stamp tax revenue away from the State Transportation Trust Fund into General Revenue. This recurring sweep would have $3 billion in direct impacts to the FDOT’s Five-Year Work Program. Based on FDOT estimates, it’s important to note this $3 billion in direct impacts would affect $11 billion in projects statewide. While HB 5501 passed the full House, a subsequent Senate Appropriations Committee amendment stripped all language from the bill, setting up the proposed Transportation Trust Fund sweep for debate during budget conference negotiations. As a priority of the Speaker to help fund a sales tax reduction of .75%, the issue will certainly be a part of final budget negotiations.
At the federal level, our recent advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., with our federal PAC donors was a major success. ACEC Florida leaders met with 16 members of Florida’s Congressional delegation to discuss key issues facing our industry and ensure our voice is heard nationally. A highlight of the trip was watching the swearing-in of Congressmen Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine, two new champions for Florida, whom we look forward to working with.
There are also several key events coming up that I encourage all members to be aware of and participate in:
April 30: FDOT District 5’s “Road to Your Future” Hiring Event – an excellent opportunity to support and engage with Florida’s future transportation professionals.
May 14–15: The 2025 ACEC Florida | FDOT Project Management Conference in Championsgate – a focused, high-value conference for anyone working on FDOT projects.
May 18–21: The 2025 ACEC National Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. – your chance to influence national policy and connect with peers across the country.
June 5–9: The 2025 ACEC Florida Transportation Conference in Lake Buena Vista – one of our largest and most anticipated events, bringing together transportation experts from across the state.
Whether it’s policy, advocacy, professional development, or workforce growth, ACEC Florida continues to be at the forefront. Thank you for your ongoing engagement and support. Our strength lies in our collective voice, and together, we’re building a stronger, smarter, and more resilient future for engineering in Florida.
Best regards,
Rick Acree, PE
Terracon, Director of Florida Transportation and Infrastructure
Senior Principal – Vice President
