Chris Dawson, Attorney, GrayRobinson
First and foremost, a BIG congratulations on 100 years of FRSA! This Association has a rich history and an exceptionally bright future and it truly is an honor to represent you in Tallahassee. During the 2022 regular session, the Florida Legislature commemorated FRSA’s centennial with ceremonial resolutions on the House and Senate floors, sponsored by Representative Alex Andrade (R – Pensacola) and Senator Keith Perry (R – Gainesville), respectively. Be sure to check out these timeless mementos the next time you visit FRSA’s headquarters. Now, a few tidbits from Tallahassee as we watch the spring give way to a sizzling-hot Florida election year summer.
Governor DeSantis recently announced a string of appointments to construction industry boards across the state. A BIG congratulations to FRSA’s own Mark Grenier on his appointment to the Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board. He will be a fantastic representative of the industry and the City of Clermont. Other appointees include:
Florida Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board*
■ Charles Howe (Gainesville)
■ Jane Decker (Miami)
■ Alexander Hernandez (Coral Springs)
■ Peter Ringle (Lake Worth)
■ Steven Schoeff (Keystone Heights)
Construction Industry Licensing Board*
■ Bradley Barreto (Coral Gables)
■ Robert Maphis (Windermere)
■ Michael Sasso (Oviedo)
■ Michael Strickland (Lakeland)
■ Brian Zettle (Tallahassee)
*These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
State Apprenticeship Advisory Council
■ Kirk Barras (Middleburg)
■ Steve Cona III (Tampa)
■ Marcelo Dossantos (Fort Pierce)
■ Eric Kennedy (Margate)
■ David McGraw (Lakeland)
■ Lee Middleton (Wesley Chapel)
■ Natasha Sherwood (Lutz)
■ Kathryn Starkey (New Port Richey)
Following another tumultuous session on insurance issues, Governor Ron DeSantis called the Legislature into special session in late May to try to broker a deal for reform. A number of issues were on the menu – including attorneys’ fees, reinsurance reform, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the Florida Building Code and solicitation. However, FRSA remains actively engaged with legislative leadership and the Governor’s office in order to protect industry interests while rooting out fraud and abuse. As has been the case for 100 years and counting, Florida’s roofers remain engaged in meaningful reform to drive stability and accountability into the Florida marketplace.
Chris Dawson is an Attorney and professional Lobbyist for GrayRobinson’s Orlando office and is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Alabama. He primarily focuses on lobbying and government relations for public and private sector clients at the executive and
legislative levels of state government. He is credentialed as a Designated Professional Lobbyist by the Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists. Chris also holds two degrees in Civil Engineering and has experience in construction litigation and design professional malpractice defense.