By Marcelle Dibrell
Two proposed bills that drew opposition from the pool and spa industry failed to advance before the close of the 2026 Florida Legislative Session on March 13, according to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, citing information from the Florida Swimming Pool Association.
One measure, HB 405, would have required mandatory equipotential bonding grids, overturning a prior decision by the Florida Building Commission to retain single-wire loop bonding in the 2026 Florida Building Code.
The issue has been the subject of ongoing debate within the industry and code bodies, as proposals in recent code cycles have sought to eliminate the single-wire option in favor of grid systems. A study by the Pool Industry Council, supported by PHTA and FSPA, found that both single-wire bonding loops and grid systems can reduce voltage differences when properly installed. With the bill’s defeat, the existing code allowing single-wire bonding remains in place in Florida.
A second bill, HB 431, would have expanded the scope of work for HVAC and mechanical contractors
Service Industry News' Annual Summer Survey. We cannot publish the results you want to read without your participation. You can tap anywhere in the picture to submit your answers. Thank You!
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/ciFQ4VV/Serviceindustrynews?source_id=5a3baf99-b4c7-4cf1-a9ca-16421042a786& source_type=em to include replacing pool and spa heat pumps. Under current practice, HVAC contractors can service heaters but typically do not replace them, as replacement can involve poolspecific systems such as plumbing and circulation.
While the bill was described as allowing like-for-like replacements without altering the system, FSPA raised concerns that even straightforward replacements can affect overall pool performance and should remain within the pool trade. With the bill’s failure, existing scope-of-work boundaries remain unchanged, and HVAC contractors were not granted new authority to replace pool heaters.
FSPA characterized both bills as harmful to the pool and spa sector and credited their defeat to coordinated advocacy by members and the association’s government relations team. The group said members contacted legislators, submitted comments, and traveled to Tallahassee to oppose the measures.
According to FSPA, support from allied lawmakers also played a role, with legislators voting against the bills and raising industry concerns during the session.
For pool professionals, the outcome maintains current bonding practices under the Florida Building Code and preserves existing trade boundaries related to pool heater work, avoiding potential changes to construction requirements and service responsibilities.
