By Jesse Sanchez. 

Gain clearer guidance on how updated code language standardizes flashing practices and reinforces manufacturer-aligned installation. 

Roofing contractors preparing for upcoming projects will need to take a closer look at the changes made to flashing requirements in the 2026 9th Edition of the Florida Building Code, scheduled to be implemented starting December 31, 2026, as outlined by the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA). While flashing has always been central to protecting roof systems from moisture intrusion, the latest revisions move decisively to eliminate ambiguity and establish a more consistent standard across all roof types. 

The code continues to define flashing as the component used to seal roofing systems where they are interrupted or terminated. What has changed is how clearly that responsibility is communicated. Updated language in Section 1503.2 reinforces flashing’s role in safeguarding the entire roof assembly, extending beyond traditional areas such as wall intersections and parapet walls to include penetrations, joints and system transitions. The result is a more comprehensive expectation: flashing is not limited to isolated conditions but is essential to the integrity of the full roofing system. 

This clarification directly addresses a gap that existed in previous editions. In some roof covering sections, flashing was not explicitly referenced, which led to inconsistent interpretations in the field. The 2026 update resolves that issue by introducing a uniform requirement across a wide range of systems, including metal panels, shingles, built-up roofing, modified bitumen and photovoltaic assemblies. Each now specifies that flashing must comply with both the code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. 

That alignment with manufacturer guidance strengthens both installation practices and code enforcement. In parallel, the revisions refine where flashing must be installed, adding clearer direction around roof edges, penetrations and transitions between materials. New exceptions further distinguish between steep- and low-slope applications, offering more precise, condition-based guidance for contractors. 

The code also expands into adjacent systems. A new section addressing lightning protection systems reinforces that any roof penetration or attachment must maintain proper flashing integration, ensuring continuity across all components. 

These updates establish a clearer, more enforceable baseline. For contractors, that clarity supports better planning, more consistent execution and improved long-term performance as the industry adapts to evolving building code requirements. 

Learn more about how updated Florida Building Code flashing requirements impact installation practices, compliance standards and long-term roof system performance!

By Jenny Yu.  

The MetalVue Roadshow is set to provide contractors with the knowledge, resources and confidence to develop metal roofing businesses that last. 

Before the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Convention and Expo officially begins, attendees have an opportunity to get the party started early by attending a special Sherwin-Williams MetalVue event! Titled “MetalVue Roadshow: Grow With Metal,” this experience is free of charge and takes place on June 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. 

The focus of this event is to help contractors unlock new business opportunities by demystifying metal roofing. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the resources available to them through MetalVue, Sherwin Williams’ comprehensive program that helps both manufacturers and contractors sell more residential and commercial metal roofs.  

Attendees will gain the knowledge and tools to build long-term, sustainable metal roofing businesses. Industry experts will share insights on how to train installation crews for high-quality installation and customer satisfaction, as well as techniques for selling metal roofing with more confidence.  

One key resource that attendees will explore at the MetalVue Roadshow is Roofing Passport, the industry’s only fully automated roofing software platform for both estimating and ordering. Roofing Passport, applicable for both residential and commercial roofs, integrates seamlessly with Eagleview for precise aerial property measurements of existing structures and with Roofing WRX for estimation derived from drawings for new construction.  

MetalCoffeeShop is proud to be a partner of the MetalVue Roadshow. Other partners include Watts Removal Products, GiddyUp Roofing Software, Sheridan Metal Resources, Uplevel Digital and The StoneGate Group. With this full suite of industry leaders providing resources and support, the MetalVue Roadshow is set to be the pre-FRSA event you can’t miss.  

Register now to secure your spot for the FREE Metal Vue Roadshow before FRSA begins!

By The Coffee Shops™. 

MetalForming’s booth will feature elite equipment built to support evolving roofing and architectural metal fabrication needs. 

MetalForming (MF), LLC is set to participate in the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) 2026 Expo, one of the largest regional trade shows for roofing and sheet metal professionals in the United States. Taking place June 10–12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, the event brings together thousands of contractors, manufacturers and industry experts for networking, education and product discovery. 

At this year’s expo, MetalForming will showcase a comprehensive lineup of advanced equipment designed to support modern architectural fabrication. Visitors to the company’s booth, Booth #1417, can expect to see cutting-edge solutions including the New Tech SSQ3 portable rollformer, the Schechtl MAX-F folder and more exclusive solutions from VIETSTEEL and ASCO/Slinet. These metal folding and coil processing technologies are engineered to improve precision, efficiency and versatility in applications ranging from roofing panels to custom wall systems.  

Beyond product demonstrations, MetalForming’s team will be available to provide expert guidance on selecting the right equipment and optimizing fabrication processes. This hands-on approach reflects the broader value of FRSA 2026, which combines live demonstrations, educational sessions and peer-to-peer connections to help industry professionals stay ahead of evolving trends. 

Overall, MetalForming’s participation underscores its commitment to advancing the sheet metal and roofing industries through innovation and customer-focused solutions. Attendees of FRSA 2026 will gain valuable insights into the latest technologies shaping the future of metal fabrication while connecting with a trusted leader in the field. 

Visit booth #1417 at FRSA 2026 to connect with the MetalForming team and discover how their solutions can help expand your company’s success!

By MFM Building Products.

MFM Building Products will showcase self-adhering waterproofing membranes, high-temperature underlayments and Fortified®-listed roofing solutions at the FRSA Expo 2026 in Florida.

MFM Building Products, a leading manufacturer of self-adhering waterproofing membranes since 1961, will be attending the FRSA Expo 2026 at the Gaylord Pines Resort, Kissimmee, Florida, Booth 803. The FRSA Expo is celebrating its 104th anniversary and will be held from June 10-12, 2026.

MFM will be displaying waterproofing products designed for a variety of roofing applications including low-slope roofing membranes, steep-slope underlayments, specialized roofing tapes and flashing membranes. MFM specializes in manufacturing self-adhered or “self-stick” products for ease of installation and maximum waterproofing protection. In total, MFM offers 10 different products that are listed with the Fortified® Building Program to help strengthen homeowner’s roofing structures to reduce damage caused by severe weather.

Highlighted this year will be Ultra HT Wind & Water Seal® which has been certified as a fire-resistant barrier and rated to 250°F for use under metal roofing systems. Ultra HT is UL® listed when used with 24-gauge steel and 16 oz. copper Class A roofing panel assemblies. In addition, the underlayment complies with ASTM E108/ICC-ES AC188 when installed under 3-tab and laminated Class A rated asphalt shingles. This high temperature rated underlayment carries the following approvals: ASTM D1970, ICC-ES ESR 1737, Florida Building Code FL 11842, Miami-Dade County and the Fortified Building Program.

MFM Building Products is a 100% ESOP employee-owned company and manufactures all of its products in Coshocton, Ohio, USA. Show attendees can visit the company’s booth for more information or to receive a free sample of the products on display.

For more detailed product information or to request a FREE sample if not attending the show, please visit our website at www.mfmbp.com or call MFM Customer Service at 800-882-7663.

Register now for the 2026 FRSA Expo!

By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors will gain practical insights from leading experts while connecting with top manufacturers and suppliers. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) is hosting its 104th Convention & Expo from June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in in Kissimmee, Florida. With a strong lineup of sponsors and an educational program packed with timely topics, this year’s event is set to provide contractors with practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. 

A wide range of industry leaders are lending their support for the event, underscoring its importance across the roofing and metal construction sectors. Platinum sponsors include Eagle Roofing Products, ABC Supply and TAMKO®; while gold sponsors CertainTeed LLC, Polyglass and SOPREMA further highlight the depth of industry participation. Additional support from emerald sponsor Adams & Reese LLP; sapphire sponsors BITEC, Drexel Metals, MetalForming LLC and Sika Corporation; silver sponsor SRS Building Products; bronze sponsors Duro-Last®, IB Roof Systems™, PAC-CLAD Petersen and Roof Hugger; and affiliate sponsor, Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF), reinforce the event’s focus on innovation, performance and contractor success. 

Educational sessions 

Education remains the cornerstone of the convention, with sessions designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in the industry while providing attendees with opportunities to earn CE credits. Legal and compliance topics are a hot topic with multiple sessions led by Trent Cotney, RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer and partner at Adams & Reese LLP, including: 

• “Building an OSHA Inspection SOP” - Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 a.m. 
• “Roofing Legal, Labor and Policy Trends” - Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 7:00 a.m. 
• “Artificial Intelligence in Roofing” - Thursday, June 11, 7:00 a.m. 
• “ICE Raids and I-9 Audit Defense” - Thursday, June 11, 8:15 a.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:15 a.m. 

These sessions will provide contractors with actionable guidance on navigating regulations, mitigating risk and adapting to emerging technologies.  

Business operations are also a key focus. John Kenney, Influencer of The Coffee Shops™ and CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will lead “Estimating for Small Business” on Wednesday, June 10, at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., offering practical strategies to improve accuracy and profitability for contractors of all sizes. Meanwhile, Chad Westbrook, founder of Service Alignment, will present “Documenting a Roofing Project” on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m. and Friday, June 12, at 7:00 a.m., helping attendees strengthen processes that support accountability, communication and long-term project success. 

Additional sessions cover critical issues including Florida Building Code updates, metal roofing best practices and safety topics such as heat illness prevention. The “SkillsUSA: Build a Workforce Pipeline” session on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m., will also highlight strategies for developing the next generation of roofers, a growing priority for contractors facing ongoing workforce shortages. Together, these seminars provide well-rounded education opportunities tailored to both roofing and sheet metal professionals.  

Register to reserve your spot and take full advantage of everything the 104th FRSA Convention & Expo has to offer!

By Emma Peterson. 

The highly anticipated 104th Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association Convention and Expo is just around the corner!  

In a new Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Tibor Torok, president of the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metall Association (FRSA), for a conversation about their annual convention and expo. This year’s show will take place June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.  

This is a highly anticipated event, drawing thousands of contractors, suppliers and industry leaders from across Florida and beyond. Tibor explained, “There's only one roofing association that is larger than our trade show, and that's the NRCA...People from all over gravitate to our show to see what's upcoming, what's new.” 

In preparation for this, Tibor and his team have been working hard at making sure the show will be one to remember. He spoke a bit about the event highlights attendees can look forward to this year:  

We have a dozen or so first-time exhibitors offering new products and services in addition to the hundreds of long-term people that come year after year and support us. We have a free welcome reception (sponsored by Adams and Reese) and a business lunch that are great for networking. There’s also a Jimmy Buffet themed casino party, a clay sporting tournament and a golf tournament for people to enjoy.  

FRSA will also be offering over 30 hours of continuing education. Taught by professionals in the field, these courses cover everything from Florida building codes and sales training to metal roofing training and fall protection education.  

All of this can feel like a lot to take in, especially if this is your first time attending the FRSA Convention and Expo. Tibor’s advice to newcomers? Take your time and ask questions. He explained:  

Last year we had over 5,000 attendees. So, give yourself time for things like registration. Also Gaylord Palms is large and events happen in multiple locations. Download the show app to get a complete exhibitor list, seminar schedule and floor plan. Overall, take your time and enjoy learning about the new products and methods in the industry. And if you have any questions, ask. You’ll be surprised how many people will engage with you. 

Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to hear more from Tibor. And if you haven't already, make sure to register for the 104th FRSA Convention and Expo.

By Emma Peterson. 

Trent Cotney explains the importance of thorough, purposeful and consistent legal documentation. 

When it comes to getting legal advice about the roofing industry, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better person to talk to than Trent Cotney. Trent has decades of experience in roofing litigation and arbitration. He is a partner at the Adams and Reese law firm as well as general counsel for leading roofing associations like the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA).  

He provided some crucial advice during a Read Listen Watch® episode all about navigating the legal side of roofing, specifically creating contracts that protect your company properly. The throughline of Trent’s advice was to be thorough, purposeful and consistent in your documentation. He explained, “I review hundreds upon hundreds of roofing contracts a month and one of the biggest mistakes I see is a tendency among contractors, especially in residential, to think less is more like, I don't want to scare away customers.”  

This misconception can often lead to issues down the line when contractors face issues and don’t have the appropriate provisions outlined. And it is a misconception, as Trent put it:  

From the owner perspective, I'm focused typically on two things, and so is every customer. It's reputation and price. As a lawyer I look at the terms and conditions, but really that’s just because I’m a lawyer and even then, when I came to my position at Adams and Reese, they sent me a 100 page employee manual to sign digitally and I just got on my phone and went click, click, click. If I'm doing that and I'm a lawyer, then you know homeowners are doing the same thing. 

Another issue that Trent sees come up frequently is what he calls “Frankenstein contracts.” These are contracts that “have been plugged together from bits and pieces along the way and often lead to issues like conflicting provisions or missing warnings.”  

And these issues aren’t limited to conflicts between contractors and clients, they can also crop up between owners and their subs. Trent explained, “About 85% of residential contractors use subs and about 50-60% of commercial contractors use subs. And from a contract standpoint, you need to be thorough. I always tell people to make an MSA or a master subcontract agreement. It's a document that has everything and the kitchen sink in it. You're throwing everything you can at that so that for each ensuing project you work together on after they sign it once, you can just issue a one-page notice to proceed under that same MSA.”  

Building that MSA can feel like a lot to put in one contract but, like with your clients, being thorough, purposeful and consistent in that documentation up front is key to legal success. As Trent put it, “In roofing and construction, if you show up to the job site and you do a good job and you do it consistently, you'll be successful. The same is true for managing your legal side. If you make your documents purposefully thorough and are consistent in making sure everyone is signed off, you not only will be controlling your business operationally, but also contractually. And like on the job site, doing that will lead you to success.” 

Want more legal advice from Trent? Listen to the whole RLW!

By Emma Peterson. 

Soak up some summer sunshine and boost your business at the FRSA’s 104th Convention and Expo!  

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) Convention and Expo offer a great yearly opportunity for contractors to network and learn through educational seminars each year. It’s an event contractors won’t want to miss, as it’s the largest regional roofing show in the U.S. and offers an abundance of must-see events and booths on the trade show floor! Last year, over 250 companies exhibited, showcasing the latest products and services in the roofing world to over 5,000 contractors.  

This year, the show will be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida, from June 10-12, 2026. FRSA has worked with the resort to get a discounted group rate at $189+ (resort fees included) that will be available to reserve in April. They have also secured a discounted self-park price of $23 a day for FRSA attendees. There is also an additional room block available at Delta Hotels (one mile from Gaylord) at $118+ (including parking and resort fees).  

And, as is the precedent, “the expo is FREE for all roofing contractors. For all non-exhibiting manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, there is a $295 per person fee to attend the expo and a $995 per person fee for industry service providers.”  

If you are planning on attending, make sure to say hello to The Coffee Shops™ crew who will be hosting a live sound stage from the lobby! Additionally, go find some our industry friends around the expo, like GenFlex (booth 924), Gaco (booth 923), Elevate (booth 717), MetalVue (booth 1309), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings (booth 1309), HB Fuller (booth 1110), Marco Industries (booth 335) and Progressive Metals (booth 304). You can find the whole expo floor map online.  

Learn more about the show and get registered at www.floridaroof.com/convention.

By Emma Peterson. 

Trent Cotney shares actionable steps to protect your business, reduce risk and strengthen your bottom line. 

Join Megan Ellsworth and Trent Cotney for a discussion about how roofing companies’ legal departments are more than just overhead in a new Read Listen Watch® (RLW) on March 31, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. PT (10:30 a.m. ET).  

Trent is a lawyer who focuses his practice “on all aspects of construction litigation and arbitration, including OSHA defense, lien law, bond law, bid protests, and construction document review and drafting.” He is a partner at the Adams and Reese law firm, as well as their construction team lead. Additionally, he is general counsel for a variety of leading roofing associations in North America, including West Coast Roofing Contractors Association; Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association; and National Women in Roofing. 

In this webinar, Trent leans on his almost three decades of roofing litigation and arbitration to explain how risk mitigation protects the gap between gross revenue and true take-home profit. Not only will attendees leave with a better understanding of how legal departments can protect and future-proof their businesses, but they will also be given actionable steps and practices for starting the process in their company, such as:  

• A guide to key documentation for every job site manager to have at hand 
• Best practices when it comes to roofing contract formation and clauses 
• Warrant specifications and exceptions to be aware of  
• Best tips to managing liability in relations to subcontractors 
• How to prepare your team for OSHA inspections 

Overall, the legal side of roofing might not always be the most engaging part of running a roofing business, but it can be a key driver of profitability. If you want to learn practical, profit-driving legal strategies that will not only protect your company but help it thrive, this is the webinar for you.  

Register today to listen to Trent and Heidi’s live discussion on March 25, 2026 at 11 a.m. PT (2 p.m. ET).

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Lawmakers advance tax relief proposals and debate artificial intelligence rules ahead of pivotal 2026 sessions. 

Property tax relief and artificial intelligence (AI) regulation are emerging as defining issues for Florida’s 2026 legislative sessions, according to GrayRobinson legislative counsel and the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA). Early committee action has elevated competing tax proposals, while AI policy debates are accelerating ahead of a focused committee week. Together, the measures signal a session shaped by affordability pressures, technology oversight and voter-driven constitutional questions. 

Four property tax proposals advanced through the House State Affairs Committee in December, each structured as constitutional amendments tied to non-school levies. HB 211 would allow homeowners to transfer accrued “Save Our Homes” benefits to a new homestead, preserving lower taxable values during relocation. One distinction to note is the law enforcement funding protections which are embedded across the bills, preventing reductions below recent budget levels. 

Related measures expand exemptions based on insurance coverage, age and homestead status. HB 209 links relief to comprehensive, multiperil insurance while HB 205 targets seniors by eliminating non-school property taxes without an income cap. HB 201 proposes the broadest approach, removing non-school property taxes for homesteads and prompting debate over impacts to local services. 

Questions during debate highlighted concerns about equity, service funding and voter clarity. Supporters argued that homeowners should retain the “Save Our Homes” benefit wherever relocation occurs, framing portability as fairness. Opponents warned of shifting burdens to renters, retirees and working families while excluding fire, EMS and stormwater programs from protections. 

Beyond taxes, AI regulation is gaining momentum as policymakers assess risks and opportunity. Governor Ron DeSantis is urging state level oversight that limits exploitative uses, protects data privacy and restricts certain applications by government and attorneys. Proposed legislation would require human review of AI influenced insurance claim denials, a development closely watched by contractors nationwide. 

Learn more about legislative developments shaping property taxes, AI oversight and insurance decision making statewide!