Trade Association Of Service To Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning

The

PLENUM

July 2025 · Vol 40 · NO. 7

PBACCA's President's Letter


Dear Members,


As we enter July and celebrate Independence Day, I'm reminded of how closely the values of our

country align with those of our industry: hard work, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence.


The 4th of July is more than fireworks and barbecues. It's a tribute to the American spirit, to freedom hard-earned, and to the small businesses and skilled trades that continue to build this country from the ground up. Each of you, as HVAC contractors and professionals, are part of that legacy. You keep homes comfortable, businesses running, and communities thriving, especially during these peak summer months when your expertise is most critical.


This month, I encourage all of us to take pride not only in our country but also in our contributions to it. Our work embodies independence most tangibly, helping families live comfortably, supporting businesses to stay open, and enabling younger generations to find meaningful careers in our trade. As we enjoy this season, let's also remember to support one another, advocate for our profession, and stay informed. PBACCA is here to be your resource, your voice, and your community, and we're proud to stand with you.


Don’t forget! Our High-E-Fishin-Sea Tournament 2.0 is happening next Saturday, July 12th at the Palm Beach Yacht Center in Hypoloxo. It’s a perfect way to connect with fellow members and enjoy a day on the water. There's only 3 Angler spaces left on the boat, a few open sponsorship opportunities and limited lunch tickets. If you're interested in joining or sponsoring, click to jump aboard by Thursday, July 3!


We’re also excited to share that PBACCA recently met with a Palm Beach County high school principal to explore the possibility of launching a second high school HVAC Academy. While still in the very early stages, the enthusiasm from the school and the strong support of a Palm Beach County School Board member who helped make the connection are very encouraging. If you’re interested in supporting this effort or learning more, please email AlexaLee@pbacca.org to get involved.


Wishing you all a safe, successful, and celebratory July.


With gratitude and patriotism,


Steven Castillo, President PBACCA 2025

🎆Red, White & Vroom🎆

4th of July Deal That Gives

Back to PBACCA!


Thinking about upgrading your fleet? PBACCA Board Member John Riley at Al Packer Ford is offering exclusive employee pricing on new vehicles, especially for our members!


🎆Bonus Firecracker: For every car sold through this deal, $100 will be donated to PBACCA to support our mission.


🔥 Don’t miss your chance to drive into summer with a new ride and support PBACCA! This limited-time offer ends Friday.

📍 Visit or contact John Riley, Fleet Manager

1530 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, 33409

📧 jriley@alpackerford.com

📞 561-818-5424

A big thank you to those who have already participated and to John and the Al Packer team for fueling our PBACCA efforts!

🎣Only 3 Spots Left!

Cast Off with PBACCA on July 12


Working in the summer heat, you know there’s no better way to cool off than a day out on the water with fellow PBACCA members. Join us for High-E-Fishin-Sea 2.0 on Saturday, July 12 at the Palm Beach Yacht Center.


🐟 Angler Registration – $150 Includes:

🎣 4 hours of deep-sea drift fishing (gear, bait, license included)

🥐 Continental breakfast & Mistah Lee’s Smokin’ Good BBQ lunch

🛍️ PBACCA swag bag

🎟️ Raffle ticket & prize entry

💰 Cash prizes for top catches

🤝 Contractor camaraderie & networking


🛥️ Not Fishing?

No problem. Ride along, hang dockside, or chill in the A/C cabin.


Limited lunch-only tickets are still available!


Be Seen. Be Supportive. Be a Sponsor.

Help make this event a splash! Just a few sponsor packages left and most include event admission, signage, newsletter recognition, and social media shout-outs. Raffle prize donations are welcome too!


👏 A huge thank you to our sponsors:


Breakfast Sponsor: York Factory Direct

Bar Sponsor: RGF Environmental Group

T-Shirt & Angler Bag Sponsor: Tropic Supply / Ruud

Raffle Sponsors: Johnstone Supply & Arco Supply

Cash Sponsor: Airworx Air Conditioning

Prize Donors: CMI Air Conditioning, Federated Insurance, JB Warranties

Event Sponsors: Johns Manville, Mueller, and Trane

Lunch Tickets: Daikin Comfort Technologies


Help support students at Royal Palm Beach High School and FACAA. Let’s hook some fish and some futures. Donate a raffle prize to support their programs.


📩 Ready to join, sponsor, or donate?

Email AlexaLee@pbacca.org or call 561-585-3880.

👉 Don’t miss the boat as spaces are almost gone!

🏛️ New Florida Legislation Impacts Permits & Inspections Starting July 1

On June 13, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 683 into law and it brings several important updates that contractors, inspectors, and anyone working with private providers should know about. These changes officially take effect today, July 1, 2025.

Here’s what you need to know:


📝 Faster Turnaround for Permit Applications

If you’re using a private provider to submit a permit application and plans review (including through software-based systems), local building officials must now respond within 5 business days either by issuing the permit or notifying you of any deficiencies. That’s down from the current 20-day window.


🔄 Updated Definitions: “Permit Application” & “Single-Trade Inspection”

It now encompasses both single-trade plans review and inspections. Additionally, solar energy and energy storage installations or alterations have been added to the list of qualifying types of work subject to these reviews.


⚡ Private Providers Get More Tools

Private providers are now allowed to use automated/code-compliance review software to check plans against the Florida Building Code and National Electrical Code speeding up the process for contractors.


🔍 Virtual Inspections Are Now Allowed

Single-trade inspections (including HVAC-related work) can now be performed virtually or in-person. This gives more flexibility and can help speed up project timelines.


🚀 Exemption

An exemption from the provisions of the Florida Building Code was added for any system or equipment, whether affixed or movable, located on the property of a spaceport which is used for the production, erection, alteration, modification, repair, launch, processing, recovery, transport, integration, fueling, conditioning, or equipping of a space launch vehicle, payload, or spacecraft.


📌 Why This Matters

These updates:

  • Speed up the permitting process when using private providers
  • Support software-driven plan reviews for HVAC and other trades
  • Create a more flexible and tech-friendly inspection process
  • Help ensure local departments stick to shorter review timelines


📖 Want to dig into the details?

👉 👉 Read the full text of HB 683 here.

Tech Corner

Not an Ad...Just Something Cool That Might Help Your Techs Sell More

Submitted by Sean Caplan

Service Manager, EDS Air Conditioning and Plumbing

Coach Your Techs (Without the Van Ride)


We’re always on the lookout for tools that make life easier for HVAC teams, especially ones that help techs sell better without adding more to their plates. A colleague recently shared this with us, and while this isn’t a sponsored post, we thought it was worth passing along because it might help your business too.

It’s called Rilla, and it’s a virtual ridealong tool built specifically for the trades, HVAC included.


Read More: What is it? Pros and Cons?

Win 4 Pack of High-E-Fishin-Sea 2.0 Lunch Tickets


Sponsored by Daikin Comfort Technologies, the first two correct answers will receive a packet of 4 lunch tickets for the upcoming tournament next Saturday.


The first air conditioner was designed to help with what type of business problem?


Click here to answer & win

Member Spotlight

Recognizing Excellence

In Our Industry

At PBACCA, we know that our members are the heart of the industry, and we want to highlight the great work being done in our community. Do you know a contractor, technician, or company that has gone above and beyond? Whether it’s exceptional customer service, innovative solutions, or community involvement, we’d love to feature them in an upcoming newsletter.

Send your nominations to AlexaLee@pbacca.org, and let’s celebrate the outstanding professionals who make a difference every day!

Palm Beach Air Conditioning

Contractors Association, Inc.

2025 CALENDAR of EVENTS


July 3

Board Meeting, Zoom, 4:30 pm


July 12

High-E-Fishin Sea Tournament 2.0,

8 am - 2 pm

Palm Beach Yacht Center

7848 South Federal Hwy, Hypoluxo 33462


August 7

FACAA Apprenticeship Graduation

The Beach Club Lake Worth

One 7th Ave N, Lake Worth Beach 33460


September 4

Board Meeting, Zoom, 4:30 pm


October 2

General Meeting

Stadium Grill

1203 Town Center Dr, Jupiter 33458


October 18

Golf Tournament

Winston Trails Golf Club

6101 Winston Trails Blvd, Lake Worth Beach 33463

PBACCA 2025 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

President: Steven Castillo

Robert R McGill Air Conditioning

(561) 588-2630 • Cell (561) 629-0707 stevencastillo@mcgillac.com


President Elect: Sean Caplan

EDSAir Conditioning & Plumbing

(561) 586-7090 • Cell (561) 601-6931 SCaplan@edsairconditioning.com


Vice President: Robin Worrell

State Energy Heating & Air

(561) 688-6264 • Cell (561) 795-1130 robin@stateenergy.com


Treasurer: Morgan Brantley

CMI Air Conditioning & Electric

(561) 844-1004 • Cell (561) 441-6118 morgan@cmiac.com



Director: Arturo A. Alba, Jr., ARCO Supply

(561) 586-3331 • Cell (561) 358-9687 arturoalba@arcosupply.com


Director: John Riley

Al Packer Ford-Lincoln

(561) 689-6550 x206 • Cell (561) 818-5424 jriley@alpackerford.com


John Tolbert

Johnstone Supply, The Ware Group

(561) 252-4504 • Cell (561) 572-2507

Brandon "Cruz" Crumbley

South Florida Air Solutions

(561) 575-2665 • Cell (561) 517-0296


Director: Rob Mayhew, Tropic Supply

(561) 684-3997 • Cell (561) 703-8354 Rob.Mayhew@tropicsupply.com


Director: Thomas Carpenter

First Degree Air Conditioning

(561) 461-7411

firstdegreeairconditioning@gmail.com


Director: Randy Castricone

iFLO Pro

(561) 724-6256

randy@iflo.com



Director: Andy Taylor

Leone Green & Associates

(561) 402-9205

ataylor@leonegreen.com

Executive Director: Alexa Lee

(561) 585-3880 • Cell (561) 301-9975 alexalee@pbacca.org


FINANCIAL ADVISOR: Donna M. Sotillo, CPA Sotillo & Company • (561) 547-5730

P.O. Box 3407

Lantana, FL 33462

561-585-3880

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