Trade Association Of Service To Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning | |
The
PLENUM
July 2025 · Vol 40 · NO. 7
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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
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🎆Red, White & Vroom🎆
4th of July Deal That Gives
Back to PBACCA!
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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.
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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?
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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