By Jenny Yu.  

This year’s convention offers a full lineup of events designed to connect professionals and their families, on and off the show floor. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) 104th Convention & Expo is set to return June 10–12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, bringing together roofing professionals for three days of networking, education and a wide range of exciting social events designed for attendees and their families!  

Eat, drink and network 

The fun begins at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday, sponsored by Adams & Reese LLP, featuring food stations and an open bar in a relaxed setting. The excitement continues the next evening with the Jimmy Buffett Casino Party, an evening of games, dancing and tropical flair, alongside key presentations. Throughout the expo, the Beer Bust, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply and GAF, and complimentary Expo lunches from PAC-CLAD Petersen and USG Securock offer casual opportunities to connect. 

Give back 

A cornerstone of the convention, the Foundation Auction runs throughout the event, raising funds for the FRSA Educational & Research Foundation. With both in-person and online bidding, attendees can support scholarships and industry advancement from wherever they are! Bidding starts on June 5 at 8:00 a.m. and ends June 12 at 2:00 p.m. 

Spotlighting women and Spanish speakers in the industry 

Professional development meets community at the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Table Talks Session on Wednesday, June 10, where women in roofing can exchange insights on leadership and relationship building in a round-robin format. Registration is $25 and includes refreshments. 

On Thursday, June 11, SRS Building Products and CertainTeed join forces to host a special session for Spanish speakers to learn, connect and celebrate. This event is free, with limited spots available. 

Family fun for everyone! 

Enjoy time with loved ones, starting with Wednesday's Family Fun Event featuring indoor mini golf and a new “Brick Lab” competition where families can build and race custom Lego cars. The Kids’ Program adds even more excitement throughout the convention, with pizza-making, scavenger hunts, arcade competitions and interactive gaming experiences, ensuring younger roofers-to-be are just as engaged as their parents. 

Sports and creative experiences 

For those seeking active or creative outlets, attendees can participate in golf and clay shooting tournaments or explore artistic options like a textured painting workshop and a chocolate rose culinary experience. 

From networking receptions to family activities and charitable giving, FRSA’s 104th Convention & Expo offers something for everyone.  

Register now to secure your spot and experience it all.

By Emma Peterson. 

Soak up some summer sunshine and boost your business at the FRSA’s 104th Convention and Expo!  

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) Convention and Expo offer a great yearly opportunity for contractors to network and learn through educational seminars each year. It’s an event contractors won’t want to miss, as it’s the largest regional roofing show in the U.S. and offers an abundance of must-see events and booths on the trade show floor! Last year, over 250 companies exhibited, showcasing the latest products and services in the roofing world to over 5,000 contractors.  

This year, the show will be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, from June 10-12, 2026. FRSA has worked with the resort to get a discounted group rate at $189+ (resort fees included) that will be available to reserve in April. They have also secured a discounted self-park price of $23 a day for FRSA attendees. There is also an additional room block available at Delta Hotels (one mile from Gaylord) at $118+ (including parking and resort fees).  

And, as is the precedent, “the expo is FREE for all roofing contractors. For all non-exhibiting manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, there is a $295 per person fee to attend the expo and a $995 per person fee for industry service providers.”  

If you are planning on attending, make sure to say hello to The Coffee Shops™ crew who will be hosting a live sound stage from the lobby! Additionally, go find some our industry friends around the expo, like GenFlex (booth 924), Gaco (booth 923), Elevate (booth 717), MetalVue (booth 1309), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings (booth 1309), HB Fuller (booth 1110), Marco Industries (booth 335) and Progressive Metals (booth 304). You can find the whole expo floor map online.  

Learn more about the show and get registered at www.floridaroof.com/convention.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Lawmakers advance tax relief proposals and debate artificial intelligence rules ahead of pivotal 2026 sessions. 

Property tax relief and artificial intelligence (AI) regulation are emerging as defining issues for Florida’s 2026 legislative sessions, according to GrayRobinson legislative counsel and the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA). Early committee action has elevated competing tax proposals, while AI policy debates are accelerating ahead of a focused committee week. Together, the measures signal a session shaped by affordability pressures, technology oversight and voter-driven constitutional questions. 

Four property tax proposals advanced through the House State Affairs Committee in December, each structured as constitutional amendments tied to non-school levies. HB 211 would allow homeowners to transfer accrued “Save Our Homes” benefits to a new homestead, preserving lower taxable values during relocation. One distinction to note is the law enforcement funding protections which are embedded across the bills, preventing reductions below recent budget levels. 

Related measures expand exemptions based on insurance coverage, age and homestead status. HB 209 links relief to comprehensive, multiperil insurance while HB 205 targets seniors by eliminating non-school property taxes without an income cap. HB 201 proposes the broadest approach, removing non-school property taxes for homesteads and prompting debate over impacts to local services. 

Questions during debate highlighted concerns about equity, service funding and voter clarity. Supporters argued that homeowners should retain the “Save Our Homes” benefit wherever relocation occurs, framing portability as fairness. Opponents warned of shifting burdens to renters, retirees and working families while excluding fire, EMS and stormwater programs from protections. 

Beyond taxes, AI regulation is gaining momentum as policymakers assess risks and opportunity. Governor Ron DeSantis is urging state level oversight that limits exploitative uses, protects data privacy and restricts certain applications by government and attorneys. Proposed legislation would require human review of AI influenced insurance claim denials, a development closely watched by contractors nationwide. 

Learn more about legislative developments shaping property taxes, AI oversight and insurance decision making statewide!

By Emma Peterson. 

This IIBEC education session is a great opportunity for contractors and other professionals interested in the legal landscape of construction. 

In just a couple weeks, March 12-15, 2026, over 1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other professionals working in the building envelope industry will convene in Sacramento, California for the 2026 International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Convention and Tradeshow.  

This event is not only a great opportunity to network with your peers in the industry and explore an extensive expo hall full of the latest advancements in building science technology, but it is also an opportunity for you to learn from industry leaders in education sessions designed to help you grow professionally! One such session is the “State of the Industry: A Look at Contract Provisions and Other Emerging Trends” led by Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese. 

Trent is one of the leading construction lawyers in the field. With over 25 years of legal experience, Trent is licensed in nine different states and serves as general counsel for more than 10 trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). 

In his IIBEC education session, which will be hosted Friday, March 13, 2026 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Trent will share an up-to-date overview of the industry’s legal landscape and guide attendees through an exploration of “how recent legal developments, regulatory changesand market conditions are reshaping risk allocation, project delivery and compliance strategies.” Participants will walk away with actionable strategies that equip them to:  

• Navigate contract provisions confidently: Whether it’s scope of work, indemnification, payment terms or dispute resolution provisions, Trent’s session will help attendees recognize and navigate these key elements of a contract.  
• Analyze and respond to emerging trends: You will walk away with a better understanding of current and anticipated policy trends, such as those related to labor and immigration.  
• Evaluate risk management options: Attendees of the session will learn about evolving contract language as related to risk management for owners, general contractors and subcontractors. 
• Adapt their businesses to new market realities: Ultimately, this session will give you the skills needed to adapt your business to reflect new market realities. 

Not only is this a great opportunity for you to get a better understanding of your industry and boost your career, but Trent’s session has been approved for 1.25 IIBEC CEH and 1.25 AIA LU/Elective!  

If you haven’t already, make sure you are registered to attend the 2026 IIBEC Convention and Expo! And if you’re interested in learning more about Trent’s session or any of the other education opportunities at the show, check out the full schedule online.

By Emma Peterson. 

We sat down with roofing industry leaders to hear their thoughts about 2025 and predictions for 2026.  

For the last Coffee Conversations® of 2025, we hosted a panel of professionals from all sides of the roofing industry to reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026. This powerful conversation, sponsored by SRS Distribution, is a great resource for any professional moving forward in the roofing world this year. Keep reading to hear some insights from each professional.  

Trent Cotney 

Trent is the construction team lead at Adams and Reese, as well as the general counsel for industry associations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association, Western States Roofing Contractors Association and Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.  

When asked about the roofing industry in 2025, Trent highlighted the importance of preparation in relation to challenges like immigration and tariffs. He explained, “What you're starting to see coming out of 2025 and moving into 2026 is contractors embracing the idea that preparation is key.” Whether that looks like organizing tax forms or adding supply clauses to contracts, contractors are improving when it comes to preparation in the last year according to Trent. 

This is a testament to the resilience of roofers, which Trent sees as a key force in the new year. He explained, “There's nothing more resilient than roofing... There will always be issues, struggles and hardships, but we’ve proven this year that we can course correct as they crop up. I see nothing but positivity for 2026.” 

Elizabeth Hurst 

In her role at Sherwin-Williams, Elizabeth examines external market indicators in order to help the Sherwin-Williams sales team stay competitive. She talked about the larger economic picture of the roofing industry sharing what she saw in 2025: “There a lot of uncertainty around things like tariffs that changed the game... But in response I saw a lot of leaders in the industry fall back on the adage of control what you can control.”  

In other words, Elizabeth shared about the same resilience that Trent was talking about. She explained, “A lot of leaders were investing in a growth mindset because they trusted that it was all going to work out. Their perspective was, ‘It's going to shake out, as long as I do what I need to be doing and focus on what I need to focus on.’” And that perspective is what will carry our industry through whatever 2026 throws at us and beyond. 

Steve Little 

As for Steve, he is not only the owner/head coach of K-Post Roofing and Waterproofing, but also a founding partner of National Roofing Partners, which includes over 200 contractors across the United States.  

In both these ventures, Steve has seen firsthand how contractors have risen to the challenges that Trent, Elizabeth and Patrick mentioned. He shared an example: “It's very challenging right now, but we’re seeing a lot of contractors adapt. For example, capital projects were down. In response, a lot of contractors invested in the service side of the business with coatings and other options that extend the life of the roof.”  

Additionally, as we continue to face labor challenges, whether that comes from the pre-existing shortages or more recent immigration policy changes, Steve has seen the industry come together to adapt. He explained, “The Roofing Alliance and NRCA have really come together through SkillsUSA to introduce young people to roofing. There’s also the program at Clemson’s Center for Roofing and the Merit Shop apprenticeship will launch soon...On the immigration side, Congress is working on a Dignity Bill that would allow for a seven-year work permit, which would be huge for our economy and immigrant workers... So there’s a lot to be hopeful about in the new year.”  

Patrick Garcia 

And last but not least, Patrick is responsible for “digital engineering, AI and innovation” for both SRS and Heritage. He had similar insights to Elizabeth, sharing, “This year had a variety of challenges, from labor shortages to cost pressures, but these challenges also offered opportunities.” The main opportunity? A chance to step back and truly think about and improve the collaboration between manufacturers, distributors and contractors. 

Looking ahead at 2026, Patrick hopes this collaboration continues to develop and grow. He shared, “Today, we have a more connected, data-driven ecosystem across distribution contractors and manufacturers. And as we face challenges, this connection is driving deeper conversations about creating a win-win-win mindset wherein, if the manufacturers win, the distributor wins and the contractors win... If we can achieve that, we move the whole industry forward to a more connected, inclusive and resilient future.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to hear more expert insights as we move into the new year.

By Emma Peterson. 

Enter for a chance to win a free book from industry leader and expert Trent Cotney! 

Being a roofing contractor often means wearing many hats, whether it’s the hard hat at the job site or a baseball cap while working on sales and marketing in the office. But one of the most challenging hats to wear is that of a legal expert. From contracts and invoices to warranties and insurance, it can be very overwhelming to start a roofing project.  

This is something that Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese is very familiar with. Trent is a lawyer with a specialization in roofing litigation and arbitration. He has almost three decades of experience “defending roofers on construction defect claims, prosecuting lien and bond law claims, defending OSHA citations, contractor licensing defense and bid protests.” Further, he is the general legal counsel for several industry associations including the West Coast Roofing Contractors Association (WCRCA); Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA); and National Women in Roofing (NWIR).  

And his expert insights and advice are available to you through his new book, Roofing Law: Contracts. In this book he dives into the process of starting a roofing project from a legal perspective. As he puts it, “Getting payment from customers has always been an issue, but the need for contracts and written documents was not as important as it is today. I always say that roofers’ policies, procedures and contracts are like wills; they don’t want to look at them until it’s too late.” This book was designed to be accessible to professionals working in the field. In other words, it was “written for contractors, not lawyers.”  

Enter for a chance to win a free copy of Trent’s new construction law book today! 

You won't want to miss this special Coffee Conversations, sponsored by QXO, coming to you LIVE from the 2025 Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) tradeshow! Join us on the first day of the show as we meet with Florida roofing leaders and experts. Guests include contractors, service providers, manufacturers and distributors who will share their insights and wisdom straight from the trade show floor. You can watch from the comfort of your home, on your mobile device or in person from outside our lobby soundstage at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida. The topics will center around what's hot across Florida and the country. Join us for this great Coffee Conversations LIVE from this year’s FRSA show in Kissimmee, Florida on Thursday, June 5 at 2 pm ET.  

Get notified when we go live on YouTube!

By Emma Peterson.

Don’t miss your chance to get insights and advice from industry leaders like Trent Cotney at the 103rd FRSA Convention and Expo.

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) annual convention and expo is just around the corner! Hosted at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, Florida, the show kicks off on June 4, 2025, and runs until June 6. This is a great opportunity to explore the largest regional show in the U.S. and network with over 4,800 of your peers in the industry. Whether you are a building official, a contractor, an architect, a supplier or another type of professional in the metal industry, this is the place to be!

The Coffee Shops crew will be hanging out in the lobby, so make sure to say hi to us as you prepare to enter the exhibit floor (which hosts over 245 companies). We will also be around the show attending networking events, catching up with friends on the show floor and attending engaging educational sessions. One friend that we are particularly excited to catch up with and hear speak is Trent Cotney from Adams and Reese (booth #407 on the exhibit floor).  

You’ve probably heard Trent’s name in the industry, but if not, he is a board-certified construction lawyer who is based out of Florida who holds licensure in nine different states. His practice focuses on construction litigation and arbitration, and he is well-known as an expert in a variety of topics including OSHA defense, lien law, bond law, bid protests and construction document review. All of his work in construction law stems from his dedication to serving the roofing industry. Trent and his work have been recognized many times with awards such as the National Roofing Contractors Association’s Gold Circle Award, Western States Hall of Fame Award and FRSA’s Bob Campanella Award for lifetime achievement.  

At this year’s FRSA, he will be featured in a variety of speaking sessions:

• June 4, 2025, 10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.  – Licensing Issues & Contracts
  This session covers Chapter 489 licensing and regulations. This is a great opportunity to refresh your overall knowledge (exemptions, consequences, etc.) as well as dive deeper into creating the right contract terms.  
• June 5, 2025, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Construction Law Updates
  As laws and regulations continue to develop and shift, it’s important to make sure you stay up-to-date and compliant. This session will cover some of the key industry legal issues that have changed in the last year (such as marijuana usage, OSHA and case laws).
• June 6, 2025, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Licensing Issues & Contracts
  This session covers Chapter 489 licensing and regulations. This is a great opportunity to refresh your overall knowledge (exemptions, consequences, etc.) as well as dive deeper in creating the right contract terms.

If you haven’t already, get your ticket to the FRSA Expo and Convention today and make sure to attend one or more of Trent’s informative sessions!

By Emma Peterson. 

Find out how the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association has been supporting the industry for over a century. 

This year, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) celebrated their 102nd annual convention and expo! In preparation for the event, FRSA President and owner of Armstrong Roofing, Les Sims, stopped by The Coffee Shops™ for an episode of Roofing Road Trips® to chat about their century of work in the industry.  

One of the big things that Les emphasized was how supportive the community as FRSA is. They truly want everyone to succeed in their careers, whether they are competitors or not. And the FRSA is not just pushing individuals to be better, they have consistently been pushing the Florida industry to build a stronger community and healthier market. Les explained, “FRSA works through active legislation, participation and engagement. This means meeting with our state legislatures yearly or more.” Beyond advocating in on the legislative side, FRSA also engages with the Florida Building Code process, “ensuring that code modifications are reviewed and submitted that are in the best interest of the contractors and the consumers.” 

Beyond bigger picture advocacy, FRSA looks to serve their community on individual levels as well. Les shared, “As an association, we provide services that contractors need, whether it be workers' comp, credit union for loans, the education foundation for seminars and industry research and obviously the monthly magazine, which helps to disperse information, important information to the Florida contractors.” FRSA also connects their members to resources that are not usually accessible on individual-basis, such as access to their technical director for code support and assistance with building officials (currently Mike Silvers). Les explained, "It's invaluable to have somebody to call and say, ‘Hey, what's the latest code thing? Because I have these inspectors telling me this or I have a homeowner telling me that or another contractor.’ Outside of FRSA, where do you get that? Who do you call when you're in a bind?” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about FRSA and the work they have done and continue to do in the industry. 

By Adams and Reese, LLP. 

Trent Cotney is a leader in the roofing world not only for his legal expertise, but also for his dedication to helping people. 

Trent Cotney, who is Adams and Reese Construction Team’s co-leader and partner was just honored by Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) with an induction into their Hall of Fame. Trent, who got his B.S. and J.D. from Vanderbilt University, is a board-certified construction lawyer who focuses his practice on all construction litigation and arbitration. His nearly 25 years of work have made him an expert in things such as OSHA defense, lien law, bond law, bid protests and construction document review and drafting. He is one of the leading attorneys in his field of practice and has published more than 1,000 articles in 100 different local, regional and national publications.  

Trent’s induction to WSRCA’s Hall of Fame was announced during a special ceremony held this week at the 2024 Western Roofing Expo. “Western States really means a lot to me,” said Trent. “From the first time I started coming to these expos many years ago I’ve been welcomed. And everyone here... we fight for the industry, and that’s what is important to me.” 

In addition to his work through Adams and Reese, Trent serves as WSRCA General Counsel, and as GC for more than a dozen trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association, Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association, National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank and several other industry associations. 

WSRCA officials said awarding Trent with the group’s highest honor for his legal and strategic support over the years was a “no-brainer.” They added that he was even more deserving for his willingness to help, regardless of circumstances and staunch commitment to protect the roofing industry wherever possible. Outgoing WSRCA President Mike Wakerling compared Trent’s attitude to that of a “mama bear” protecting its cubs with unparalleled strength. “Anyone involved with Western States can tell you how important his contributions have been to our success,” Mike said. “It’s also a rare thing in life to meet an individual that not only makes a difference on a professional level, but on a personal level too. He really cares about us.” 

At Adams and Reese, Trent is a leading member of one of the largest construction practices in the country with a roster of more than 90 attorneys serving the construction industry. Working out of the Tampa, Florida office, Trent represents construction and infrastructure clients, including GCs, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, architects, engineers, roofers, developers and other professionals. He is a board-certified construction lawyer licensed in eight states and Washington, DC. Trent is also an EU arbitrator for construction-related disputes. He is experienced in construction litigation and arbitration, including OSHA defense, lien law, bond law, bid protests and construction document review and drafting. 

Trent is ranked among the top construction attorneys in Florida by Chambers USA and ranked by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers in Florida, Texas, Mid-South and Illinois. 

Original article and photo source: Adams and Reese, LLP