Each year BOMA Florida advocates from all over the state travel to Tallahassee for BOMA Day. It has become a very successful signature event for BOMA Florida. This year was no exception. On February 21st, our advocates gathered in the Senate Chamber of the Old Capitol to discuss our priority issues. The top priority for 2017 is to urge the legislature to repeal a portion of the sales tax on commercial leases. To that end, we were honored to hear from Rep. Larry Ahern (R-Pinellas) the House bill sponsor of HB 223 - the legislation to cut back the tax. He described in detail the bill status and thanked BOMA for being a leader in fighting for the sales tax repeal. Later in the morning, we heard from Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-Pinellas). He has been supportive of BOMA issues over the years, and most recently a leader for solar expansion in Florida. BOMA Florida President Chris Rotolo surprised the Senator when she announced he was selected to be BOMA's Legislator of the Year for 2016-2017. The final speaker of the morning was Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen (R-Ft. Myers). She gave us an overview of the major issues of the 2017 Session. Rep. Fitzenhagen was a former BOMA Legislator of the Year and continues to be one of our strongest advocates.

After the very informative morning meeting, our BOMA team fanned out over the Capitol to meet with legislators and staff. A highlight was to visit with Governor Scott's Chief of Staff (the Governor was out of town). President Rotolo presented an award of appreciation for Gov. Scott to thank him for his efforts to begin the repeal of the sales tax on commercial leases. The Governor has made this issue one of his top priorities for 2017.

During the remainder of the day, position papers were distributed, and many legislators were informed about our priority issues. The day was yet another successful event for BOMA Florida, and continues to elevate BOMA's influence in our state capitol.

During the 2016 BOMA Florida Annual Meeting there was an entire session dedicated to discussing the admissible CRE Trends heading into 2017. The solidarity is that there are reoccurring themes revolved around product types, volumes of transactions, wellness, and talent. This was an inordinately and favorably reviewed segment of the Annual Meeting. Please select the link below to view the details. 

2017 CRE Trends

Article by:  Jeffery Gross AIA
Member BOMA Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beaches.

“The times are a changin’…” is a line from a song in the 60’s but still valid today.  Fire chiefs and fire marshals from many municipalities have for a long time required fire drills and evacuation plans for buildings.  Recent occurrences are now prompting officials from the Department of Homeland Security and other organizations to require quick exit plans from structures.  Evacuating people with disabilities can even be more challenging.  What information should be told and in what format it should be given has raised many questions.

The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, the same group that publishes the Life Safety Code and other fire and safety standards has an updated guide available.  The “Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities” is now available for free and can be downloaded from NFPA’s site at http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/people-at-risk/people-with-disabilities

The guide outlines provisions for those with mobility disabilities, blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, speech disabilities and cognitive disabilities.  Government resources and examples of the Scope of the ADA are included in this publication.

An evacuation plan that is inclusive of all individuals in a building is not only the right thing to do, it is something that must be done.

BOMA Florida is committed to the reduction of energy consumption and the concomitant energy cost reduction, and environmental benefits of energy efficient retrofits throughout Florida. Likewise, BOMA supports the potential for property preservation and insurance reduction with installation of wind storm hardening improvements. BOMA Florida continues to support PACE as a job creation tool, energy efficiency initiative, and viable green retrofit financing option for property owners. 

BOMA Florida encourages its members to work with local municipalities in establishing PACE programs, educating local municipalities on the program, consolidating municipal involvement per regional geographic area, as well as running for local boards. Read the full position paper here. 

BOMA Florida announces its support for Amendment 4, Florida Tax Exemptions for Renewable Energy. On August 30th, 2016, a vote YES on Amendment 4 will provide tax exemptions for solar power and other renewable energy equipment included in values for property taxes. There is currently no one opposing this amendment, as the legislature unanimously agreed to place it on the August ballot.  Vote YES on Amendment 4 in August!

Click here to view the position paper.