Message from FHBPAC Chair, Frank Coppola
If you are reading this message then a great opportunity awaits you, and although you can’t hear it, it is knocking now. If you are new to the PAC, or a seasoned political “junkie”, I have a story to tell you which hopefully will inspire you or any person-of-action to answer the call of this opportunity.
Three years ago, I received a phone call from Past President Frank Severino, who asked me to step in as Vice-Chair of the PAC. At that time, I really knew nothing about a political action committee, but always enjoyed the subject. RealClearPolitics.com is one of my top bookmarks, and as a kid I was inspired by Ronald Reagan & Tim O’Neil, and as a young adult by John McCain and Patrick Kennedy. The inspiration was because I watched these men famously argue about issues, but yet still have a drink or meal together after the “battle” was over. I was enamored by the fact that these “grown-ups” could argue and reconcile. When Frank pitched the PAC to me, he explained how the FHBA-PAC worked on both sides of the aisle, as everyone on both sides all have roofs over their head. Frank is a hard guy to say “No” to, and I am thankful for that and grateful to him for seeing something in me to give me the opportunity that I would like to extend to you. I have three reasons why.
The first reason is because getting involved with the PAC gives you the opportunity to be in the room where policies are made. My favorite question to ask the politicians I meet is “What made you decide to run for office”? In Florida, at the State level of government, a vast number of these folks all ran because of an issue that impacted them, their family, or their community in a negative way. It’s personal to many of them, as they relate stories of how policies impact real people. I think most people just don’t realize how in a relatively short time, you can go from knowing nothing about a PAC, and actually influence or inspire real policy. As my friend Donna Barrett says “If you’re not part of the dinner conversation, you’re probably on the menu”. Getting involved with the FHBA-PAC give you the opportunity to make good policy or fix bad ones.
The second reason is to learn how to navigate the process of government. It’s fascinating, frustrating, and fruitful to learn and see how the “sausage” is made. Getting involved with the PAC committee and the sister Government Affairs committee gives you the experiences that will teach you how to better navigate the red-tape of government. Did you know that State Senators and State Representatives actually NEED input from real people like you to do their job effectively? After Hurricane Ian hit, the FHBA PAC committee proactively reached out to legislators to give them the heads up that there were going to be click-bait articles all calling for stricter codes due to all the concrete washing away. We explained to the legislators how houses were designed with frangible walls, so the bottom floor would wash away, while leaving the main house standing. It was so exciting to play offense on this issue and participate in the process of government.
The last reason is the most important, which is because of the people you will meet in the FHBA-PAC. Obviously the people who write the policies and are part of the process impact the lives and wellbeing of Floridians. However, it’s not only the Senators, Representatives, Cabinet officials and the Governor that you may meet or see on the dais. It is the people you will be sitting next to in these rooms that are, in my opinion, the best reason to join the PAC as the key here is to be in the room with these people. Wendy Dittmar literally opened a door for me at the Governor’s Club in Tallahassee, which led me to making connections with people of influence who I never imagined meeting at the time, let alone becoming true friends with many of them.
Getting involved with the PAC, contributing time and or money, all truly make a difference. The difference make will all depend on you and whether or not you answer this call. The opportunity to answer the call of getting involved with the FHBA-PAC is now. All you have to do is answer it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Membership of the FHB PAC is comprised of homebuilders and members & friends of the homebuilding industry.
Members of the FHB PAC are FHBA members in good standing and contributors to the Friends of FHB PAC. Members of the 1,000 Club are the financial support necessary to elect pro-builder candidates who share our ideas and understand building is a vital part of Florida’s economy. 1,000 Club members receive exclusive benefits for their support.
The FHB PAC Board is comprised of homebuilding industry leaders from around the state.
Contributions used for political purposes are not tax deductible on federal income taxes.
You may invest online by clicking here, or by personal check payable to:
FHB PAC<br> 1319 Thomaswood Dr. | Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Reinserted the shower pan exemption;
- Provided flexibility to blower door testing;
- Addressed fire distance separation and zero-lot-lines,
- Ensured affordable housing trust fund monies, e.g. Sadowski, go to the State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) and the State Apartment Incentive Loan (SAIL) program;
- Ensured accountability for permit requests;
- Ensured impact fee increases do not apply to pending permit applications;
- The state preemption of local “Rights of Nature” ballot initiatives (a misguided attempt to convince local communities to grant natural systems individual and protected rights);
- The type-two transfer of the State’s Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) program from the Florida Department of Health to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection;
- Provided more flexibility for redeeming and transferring impact fee credits;
- Required local governments that adopt linkage fees on residential or mixed-use housing to fully offset all costs to developers;
- Allowed local governments to authorize affordable housing on any parcel zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial use;
- Required local governments to provide specific impact fee reporting in their annual financial audit to the Florida Department of Financial Services; &
- Most recently, ensured our industry was deem an essential service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.