President’s Message: March 2025

ACEC Florida President Richard G. Acree, PE

To the ACEC Florida Community,

They say spring brings new beginnings, and for ACEC Florida, we are embarking on a new beginning as I transition to serve as your President.

Former President Andy Lauzier recently stepped down to focus more attention on his role as HDR’s Transportation and Planning Director. Andy remains committed to ACEC (both Florida and Nationally) and will continue to be engaged with our association; he’s simply going to devote more attention to his position with one of the nation’s largest engineering firms.

I want to thank Andy for his leadership and service to ACEC Florida, and I’m reassured to know that he’s just a phone call away should I need any advice.

March is shaping up to be an exciting and impactful month for our industry, with several key events and initiatives that highlight the strength and influence of Florida’s engineering community.

Earlier this week, 162 professional engineers made their voices heard on behalf of our industry during the 2025 Professional Engineers Legislative Days. With 74 legislative appointments and several impromptu meetings, our members shared their thoughts on proposed legislation for this year’s regular session. This annual event is our opportunity to advocate for the profession, connect with lawmakers, and ensure that engineering remains at the forefront of policy discussions. To stay informed, be sure to join our Weekly Legislative Update Calls, where we provide the latest insights on general bills, environmental legislation, and transportation-related bills.

I am looking forward to the 2025 GMEC Conference, happening March 26-28 in Orlando. This premier event brings together geotechnical and materials engineering professionals from across the state to discuss innovations, industry challenges, and best practices.

We are also proud to support workforce development through upcoming hiring and career events. ACEC Florida is once again partnering with FDOT and others to host Tampa Bay Construction Career Days (CCD) on March 26 and the Northwest Florida CCD on April 22-23—two outstanding opportunities to inspire the next generation of engineers and construction professionals. If you or your firm are looking to connect with emerging talent, don’t miss the Region 3 | FDOT District 5 Road to Your Future Hiring Event on April 30.

These events are a testament to the strength of our industry and the collective impact we have when we engage, advocate, and lead. I look forward to seeing many of you at these events and working together to advance the engineering industry in Florida.

Best regards,

Rick Acree, PE