President’s Message: May 2025
ACEC Florida President Richard G. Acree, PE
To the ACEC Florida Community,
It’s hard to believe we are already halfway through May, and what a dynamic and productive season it has been for ACEC Florida.
Earlier this month, we held our ACEC Florida Board Meeting and Planning and Orientation Session, where we had the pleasure of welcoming the incoming leadership for the 2025–2026 year. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to all the newly elected and appointed leaders. Your commitment to guiding our organization and shaping the future of engineering in Florida is inspiring, and we are excited to support your efforts in the year ahead.
We were also proud to host the ACEC Florida | FDOT 2025 Project Management Conference this week at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. This event is one of the newest and best opportunities for industry professionals to connect with FDOT leadership, learn best practices, and collaborate on innovations that will drive Florida’s infrastructure forward.
On the legislative front, I am happy to report that the proposal to abolish the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE) and the Florida Engineers Management Corporation (FEMC) is officially dead for this session. Only the budget remains, but that obviously includes a sweep of the Transportation Trust Fund and all other budget-related items that affect the engineering industry.
Please note that we will tentatively host a legislative update call on May 30, as the Florida Legislative Session remains extended while budget negotiations are finalized. These calls are a crucial resource to keep you informed and engaged with the policy decisions that directly impact our profession.
Active involvement in the legislative arena is crucial for protecting and advancing the engineering industry, not only at the state level but also nationally. That’s why I strongly encourage all members to attend the ACEC National Convention and Legislative Summit, taking place May 18–21 in Washington, D.C. This is a vital opportunity to represent Florida on the national stage, advocate for our industry’s priorities before Congress, and connect with other member organizations across the country.
As we plan for the months ahead, please consider becoming a sponsor of the upcoming 2025 Transportation Conference. Your support helps make this event a success and showcases your commitment to transportation excellence in Florida. Be sure to also attend the 2025 Outstanding Project Awards Ceremony on June 6, from 8:30–10:30 am, where we’ll recognize exceptional engineering achievements in eight categories.
Finally, don’t miss our biggest event of the year—the FES | ACEC Florida Annual Conference, taking place July 30–August 2 in beautiful Marco Island. This conference is always a member favorite, and for good reason! It’s a time to network, celebrate, earn PDHs, and participate in the installation of our new officers for the coming year, all in one of Florida’s most scenic and relaxing locations. Please note that registration fees increase after July 16, so I encourage you to secure your spot today.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to ACEC Florida. I look forward to seeing many of you at these upcoming events as we continue to advance our profession and strengthen our community.
Best regards,
Rick Acree, PE
Terracon, Director of Florida Transportation and Infrastructure
Senior Principal – Vice President
