Electrical Council of Florida News (blog)

Federated Insurance® Acquires High Definition Vehicle Insurance (HDVI)

Cecily Millan — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:41:57 GMT

News Release

For Immediate Release: August 2026

Lisa Hagenson

Association Risk Management Services

Federated Mutual Insurance Company

507-455-5118

lmhagenson@fedins.com

Federated Insurance® Acquires High Definition Vehicle Insurance (HDVI)

On August 1, 2026, Federated Insurance acquired High Definition Vehicle Insurance (HDVI), a commercial trucking insurance company that provides property and liability coverage to trucking fleets and drivers across 26 states. HDVI is a technology leader in the insurance industry and uses advanced telematics solutions and data analytics to help businesses perform safely and efficiently. HDVI will operate as a separate, largely autonomous subsidiary company of Federated Insurance. HDVI employees will remain on staff, and their products will continue to be marketed through existing agency partners.

This acquisition reflects Federated’s continued focus on long-term financial strength and delivering meaningful value to the businesses and association partners it serves.

“This is a strategic investment for future growth that further diversifies our operations and strengthens our organization,” Federated Insurance Chairman, President and CEO Nicholas Lower stated. “Acquisitions are one part of our ongoing profitable growth strategy and meaningfully reinforce our ability to offer unmatched value to clients and association partners for years to come.”

HDVI’s technology-driven approach presents new opportunities to enhance risk management solutions for Federated Insurance clients.

“What made this opportunity truly compelling was the alignment between our two organizations,” Lower said. “We share similar values, a commitment to serving clients, and a desire to help prevent vehicle crashes and other workplace injuries. HDVI has built something unique and special, and we are excited to support the innovative work they are doing in commercial trucking while exploring ways their technology may benefit Federated’s 47,000+ clients in the future.”

At Federated Insurance, It’s Our Business to Protect Yours®

About Federated Insurance

Founded in 1904, Federated Mutual Insurance Company is a national insurance and risk management organization that supports the property, casualty, and life insurance needs of clients in select industries. The organization has more than 500 recommendations from local, state, regional, and national associations and buying groups and is rated A+ (Superior) by industry analyst AM Best^®. At Federated Insurance, It’s Our Business to Protect Yours®.

Understanding Drug Testing Devices - A FEDERATED INSURANCE® SPONSORED WEBINAR

Cecily Millan — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:16:03 GMT

Understanding Drug Testing Devices

Thursday, August 20, 2026 (1:00 PM Central)

30 minutes | Complimentary | Advance registration required

Discover Abbott’s workplace drug testing solutions in this informative webinar. Attendees will learn the key differences between the Abbott Workplace POCT Drug Test Program and MyeScreen Full Drug Test Program. Gain insights to select the ideal solution for your workforce based on testing needs, locations, and compliance requirements.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

➤ An overview of two different drug testing programs available to clients
➤ Highlights of the different products available
➤ Trending topics in the industry (e.g., marijuana testing)
➤ How employers can set up drug testing

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Business Owners / Operators
Risk Managers
Operations Managers
HR Professionals

The World Cup and Employee Motivation

Cecily Millan — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:12:45 GMT

Question

Recently, it seems like our employees have lost their work focus; they seem less motivated and productive. As it is, summer is usually a hard time to keep our employees motivated; however, this summer in particular, our employees have been spending a lot of time at work discussing the World Cup. Aside from disciplining employees for wasting too much time talking about nonwork matters, how can we keep our employees motivated?

Answer

There are a number of positive strategies employers can use to keep employees motivated. First, employers should help others see how their jobs and accomplishments make a difference and contribute to the company’s success. Employees who feel that they are making a positive difference will be more motivated to continue working hard and helping the company succeed.

Employers can also offer personal, team and companywide recognition when employees accomplish major goals or produce exceptional work. Managers should recognize individual good work on a consistent basis. Recognizing employees on all levels of the company - not just management or long-time employees - is important in keeping motivation and morale high.

Introducing incentives or rewards for exceptional performance is another way to motivate employees. This could include a salary increase, a bonus, a vacation or other gifts. Employers should be sure to tailor incentives to the employee’s job duties to make them as effective as possible. Employers can give these incentives on a timely basis related to good performance rather than once per year.

Finally, employers can simply ask employees what the company could do to make them more motivated to do their jobs. Employee surveys can reveal meaningful insights. Remember, discipline is not the only way to ensure employees are staying on track. Implementing positive strategies can both keep employees motivated to work hard and create a fulfilling work environment that employees enjoy being part of.

Published Date: July 15, 2026

The HR Question of the Month is provided by Zywave®, a company wholly independent from Federated Insurance. Federated provides its clients access to this information through the Federated Employment Practices Network with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or employment advice. As such, Federated does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of the information herein. This information may be subject to restrictions and regulation in your state. Consult with your own qualified legal counsel regarding your specific facts and circumstances.

Protect Your Business From Phishing Attacks

Cecily Millan — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:11:14 GMT

Phishing is a common method cybercriminals use to try to infiltrate businesses. It’s often done via email, text messages, or fake websites to trick employees into opening harmful links or sharing sensitive information. A single click can lead to exposed passwords, financial data, or customer records, which can disrupt operations and lead to costly recovery efforts.

How Can You Help Prevent Phishing at Your Business?

Start with these steps to help your employees stay aware of how phishing works and what to watch for1:

Recognize Red Flags: Train employees to identify phishing red flags such as: unexpected requests, urgent language, misspelled words, unusual sender addresses, or suspicious links.
Provide Training Exercises: Regular cybersecurity exercises can encourage employees to keep their guards up. It can help them learn to watch for potential phishing attempts, along with what to do if an attack occurs.
Update and Back Up Systems Regularly: Ensure that your software is up-to-date and back up data often to secure offsite locations. Regular updates can remedy security gaps before attackers can exploit them.
Continue to Build a Cybersecurity Culture: Reinforce secure online practices and ensure employees know how to report suspicious emails or possible phishing attempts.

Phishing attacks are often easily preventable if your employees know what to look for. Make sure they have the right tools and knowledge to watch for these threats to protect your operations. For more cybersecurity risk management resources, reach out to your local Federated Insurance® marketing representative.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. "Teach Employees to Avoid Phishing." Accessed May 5, 2026. https://www.cisa.gov/audiences/small-and-medium-businesses/secure-your-business/teach-employees-avoid-phishing.

Protect Your Business From Phishing Attacks PDF
Protect Your Business From Phishing Attacks JPG

This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. Examples shown are for illustrative purposes only. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances. ©2026 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.

Published Date: July 21, 2026

How Last Survivor Insurance Can Help Protect Your Estate

Cecily Millan — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:08:10 GMT

Over the years, you’ve worked hard to grow the value of your business, property, and other investments. When it’s time to settle your estate, much of that value may be tied up in these assets, not in cash. If the total value of your estate exceeds filing thresholds set by the IRS or your state, estate taxes could take a large portion of it.1

To cover those taxes, your heirs might have to sell the assets you’ve spent a lifetime building. This issue can arise after the death of the surviving spouse, when estate taxes and final expenses become due.2

Benefits of a Last Survivor Life Insurance Policy

A last survivor life insurance policy can help. It covers two lives (usually you and your spouse) and pays out only after the second death. The death benefit from a last survivor policy can:

Provide cash to cover estate taxes and settlement costs.
Help protect your business from being broken up or sold.
Prevent heirs from being forced to sell assets quickly.

Because the policy pays only once, it can be more affordable than buying two separate policies for the same purpose. It can also work with an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) to keep proceeds outside your taxable estate and give you control over how funds are used.

A last survivor policy isn’t for everyone. Since it doesn’t pay after the first death, you may need additional coverage if income replacement or early liquidity is important. Your tax and legal advisors can help you decide if this type of policy can be a good addition to your estate plan.

Talk to your Federated® marketing representative for a referral to a member of Federated’s network of independent attorneys to learn more.

1. Internal Revenue Service. Estate Tax. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estate-tax. Accessed June 16, 2026.
2. Internal Revenue Service. Filing Estate and Gift Tax Returns. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/filing-estate-and-gift-tax-returns. Accessed June 16, 2026.

This content may be accessed in the following additional formats:

This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered an offer of insurance or legal, financial, tax, or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all losses. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. This information is current as of its publication date and is subject to change. Some of the services referenced herein are provided by third parties wholly independent of Federated. Federated provides access to these services with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or other expert advice. All products and services not available in all states. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances. All rights reserved.

Published Date: July 15, 2026

HB 803 was signed into law by Governor DeSantis on May 7, 2026, and became effective July 1, 2026.

Cecily Millan — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:05:14 GMT

HB 803 was signed into law by Governor DeSantis on May 7, 2026, and became effective July 1, 2026.

Subsections 553.791(14) and (15), F.S., require that private provider inspection records and certificates of compliance are to be prepared on forms supplied by the Florida Building Commission (Commission).

The Commission is currently developing these forms, which includes stakeholder input and careful review to ensure they are clear, consistent, and effective for private provider use statewide.

While this work is underway, please continue to use the current form(s) required by your local jurisdiction and there are no changes to current submittal requirements at this time.

The Department will provide updates throughout this process and once these forms are finalized, guidance will be available to support a smooth transition to their use.

If there’s any questions about these requirements, please contact the Department through its Codes and Standards Office at: 850.717.1063.

DBPR

2601 Blair Stone Rd , Tallahassee, FL 32399

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Disclaimer

Government Affairs Update July 2026

Cecily Millan — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:48:27 GMT

ECF Government Affairs Report
by David Yencarelli, Tenax Electrical Company

This report is complied by several construction related organizations and is provided as an informational tool only. Please do further research on issues that may affect you or your business.

July 16^th 2026

Item #1: Bills effective July 1^st:
No Permits under $7,500.00

Here's what actually changed under HB 803, effective July 1, 2026:A local building department must exempt the owner of a single-family dwelling (or the owner's contractor) from obtaining a building permit for work:
1.   On a single-family residence
2.    Valued at less than $7,500
3.    Only after submitting a written request for exemption with documentation of the work and its value.

The exemption does NOT apply to:
o   Electrical work
o   Plumbing work
o   Gas work
o   Mechanical (HVAC) work
o   Structural work
o   Any property located partially or entirely within a Flood Hazard Area as defined by the Florida Building Code.
Uniform Commercial Permit Application

-The legislation is in effect.
-The Building Commission is working through the rulemaking process.
-A final statewide application has not yet been published for contractors to begin using.
Item #2: Legislative Priorities for Spring 2027 Session (January 12^th-March 12^th 2027)
·      APPRENTICESHIP REGULATORY REFORM
·      CONDOMINIUM STATUTE OF REPOSE
·      CONDOMINIUM TURNOVER DOCUMENTATION
·      CONSTRUCTION DEFECT - RIGHT TO REPAIR
·      CONSULTANTS’ COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION ACT (CCNA)
·      DIGITAL SEALS
·      EXPEDITED PERMITTING
·      FIRE MARSHALL CONSISTENCY
·      INDEMNIFICATION CLAUSES & OWNER NEGLIGENCE
·      LOCAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
·      NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT
·      OSHA PREEMPTION
·      OWNER-DIRECT PURCHASE PROCESS REFORM
·      PHASED/TEMPORARY CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
·      PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER INSURANCE
·      PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION BONDS (DEVELOPERS)
·      PUBLIC OWNER PAYMENT
·      RECORDING BONDS
·      REGULATING UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS
·      SCHOOL DISTRICT BACKGROUND SEARCH
·      TAXATION OF OFF-SITE PRE-FABRICATION
·      WRAP-UP INSURANCE RATING

This list will be narrowed down to 3 Priorities and then will go to Tallahassee in February 2027 to lobby for them and hopefully get some legislation passed.

The The AI tools Florida electrical contractors are actually using in 2026AI tools Florida electrical contractors are actually using in 2026

Cecily Millan — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:47:27 GMT

When people hear "AI," they picture something complicated. For an electrical shop, it's simpler than that. The tools worth your time aren't doing the wiring. They're answering the phone when you can't, writing up quotes faster, and keeping the schedule straight. The boring office stuff that eats your evenings.

Here's what Florida electrical contractors are actually putting to work this year, and what it runs.

The phone is the big one

You're up on a ladder or under a panel. The phone rings, you can't grab it, and that caller just dials the next electrician. An AI phone answers every time, in your shop's name, and texts you the details. Quo starts at $19 a month and is built for solo and small shops that need after-hours coverage. If you want it to also text back the missed calls and chase the lead, LeadTruffle runs about $229 a month. Podium is in the same lane at around $249 and leans hard on getting reviews out of happy customers. One after-hours call you'd have lost covers any of these for the month.

Quoting from a photo

Panel upgrades and EV charger installs mean a lot of quoting, and the quote you send tonight beats the one the other guy sends Thursday. QuoteIQ lets you quote from a photo in the field, starting around $30 a month. The point isn't fancy. It's getting the number in the customer's hands while they're still thinking about you.

Scheduling and dispatch

This is where most shops start, because it cleans up the whole day. Jobber runs about $49 a month and fits 1 to 15 trucks with a simple setup good for residential and light commercial. Housecall Pro is around $59 and rolls scheduling, invoicing, and customer texts into one place. It's the default a lot of small shops land on. Workiz is about $65 and adds built-in marketing for service-call shops.

If you're bigger

Running 20 or more trucks, commercial, multiple locations? ServiceTitan is the enterprise platform built for that, around $398 per user a month, and it takes a couple months to set up right. Worth it at scale, overkill for a two-truck shop.

How to start without the headache

Don't buy all of it. Pick the one thing that's costing you the most right now. For most shops that's the missed phone calls, so start there with the cheapest AI phone and run it for a month. If it pays for itself, and it usually does on one saved job, add the next piece. You do not have to figure out the wiring of these tools yourself either. There are local consultants who set them up for you.

If you want to see these laid out side by side, with what each one does and costs, the electrical page is here: https://theagenticaiindex.com/electrical.html. It's a free directory, no cost and no catch, and it lists local folks who can get any of this running for you.

House Bill 803 & House Bill 1175 signed into law effective July 1, 2026

Cecily Millan — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:36:29 GMT

HB 803 - Building Permits and Inspections

On May 7, 2026, Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 803 into law. Effective July 1, 2026, the provisions related to the Florida Building Code (FBC), building permit requirements, and requirements related to inspections and private providers, are as follows:

Provides for a one-year expiration for building permits for single-family dwellings.

Provides building permit requirements for placement of manufactured housing in certain locations, including mobile home lots and single-family zoning districts.

Requires the Florida Building Commission to develop uniform commercial and residential building permit applications to be used statewide by July 1, 2027, that are, to the extent possible, capable of integrating with existing building permit software systems and accounts for local amendments to the FBC.

Provides limitations for the calculation of local government building inspection fees.

Requires local governments, except in flood hazard areas, to exempt from building permitting:

Work on single-family residential property valued at $7,500 or less, excluding any electrical, plumbing, structural, mechanical, or gas work; and

The installation of temporary residential hurricane and flood walls meeting specified standards.

Requires issuance of a building permit for a retaining wall spanning more than one lot or parcel for the project as a whole.

Restricts local government glazing requirements for new commercial or mixed-use projects.

Requires a five-day response timeframe for permit applications for work valued at less than $15,000.

Prohibits homeowners’ associations from requiring the issuance of a building permit as a prerequisite for review of construction on a parcel.

As it relates to building code inspection and private provider services, the bill:

Requires the Department of Management Services to enter into state term contracts with vendors to provide building code inspection services.

Authorizes persons who meet minimum requirements to perform building inspection and plans examination services for 1 year following state of emergency declarations.

Requires a local government, rather than optionally allowing it, to establish a registration system for private providers and private provider firms operating in the local government’s jurisdiction.

Requires local governments to reduce commercial construction permit fees by specified percentages.

Substantially revises requirements related to private provider services, including:

Limitations on local government authority related to supervision and application reviews.

Requirements related to notifications related to applications and corrective actions.

Revisions of local government fee calculations when private provider services are used.

The full text of the law is available for review HERE.

Updates to the Florida Building Commission’s rulemaking can be found on the Building Code Information System (BCIS), or you can subscribe to the BCIS mailing list to get the latest updates on the rulemaking process straight to your inbox!

HB 1175 - Safety Design Standards for Office Surgery Suites

On May 22, 2026, Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 1175 into law. Effective July 1, 2027, newly created section 553.884, F.S., requires the Florida Building Commission and the State Fire Marshal to adopt specialized safety design standards that allow office surgery suites to provide services or treatments simultaneously for up to six patients on an outpatient basis. Such services or treatments include:

Treatment for patients that renders the patients incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency conditions without the assistance of others.

Anesthesia that renders the patients incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency conditions without the assistance of others.

Treatment for patients who, due to the nature of their injury or illness, are incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency conditions without the assistance of others.

However, the standards must be an alternative to existing ambulatory health care occupancy standards and defines “office surgery suite” as the portion of a physician’s office where surgery is performed.

The full text of the law is available for review HERE.

Updates to the Florida Building Commission’s rulemaking can be found on the Building Code Information System (BCIS), or you can subscribe to the BCIS mailing list to get the latest updates on the rulemaking process straight to your inbox!

DBPR

2601 Blair Stone Rd , Tallahassee, FL 32399

Senate Bill 290 signed into law effective July 1, 2026

Cecily Millan — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:32:43 GMT

On March 23, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 290 into law. Effective July 1, 2026, the new law provides that:

The terms “subcontractor” and “supplier” have the same meaning as their definitions in section 558.002, F.S.

Licensed contractors are required to compensate subcontractors or suppliers for services, labor, or materials within 45 days after receiving payment or in accordance with the terms of the contract, unless there is a bona fide dispute regarding the amount due.

Licensed contractors who knowingly or willfully violate this requirement are subject to disciplinary proceedings as provided in section 489.129, F.S.

The full text of the law is available for review HERE.

DBPR

2601 Blair Stone Rd , Tallahassee, FL 32399

Statewide Clay Shoot - October 8, 2026

Cecily Millan — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:36:10 GMT

Click Here for more details or to register

Member Spotlight

Cecily Millan — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:28:46 GMT

Member Spotlight: David Yencarelli

Electrical Council of Florida

The Electrical Council of Florida is proud to spotlight David Yencarelli, Founder and leader of Tenax Electrical, and a driving force behind raising the standard of professionalism in Florida’s electrical industry.

With more than 20 years of industry experience, David is a licensed and credentialed electrical contractor based in Jacksonville, Florida. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to excellence, integrity, and advancing the trade beyond the “commoditized contractor” model. His philosophy is simple: elite service, white glove experiences, and consistent customer delight are not optional, they are the standard.

Building Tenax Electrical with Purpose

Tenax Electrical specializes in rapid 24 hour emergency support and complex technology integration for both high expectation homeowners and commercial leaders. Under David’s leadership, the company focuses on delivering:

True safety and code compliance
Future ready electrical systems
Advanced technology integration
An unmatched two year warranty
A culture of professionalism and reliability

Tenax clients receive elevated peace of mind and dependable service without the uncertainty and delays often associated with traditional providers.

David believes that professionalism is not marketing language, it is demonstrated daily through preparation, communication, accountability, and results.

Embracing AI to Strengthen the Workforce

Currently, David is leading Tenax Electrical into the future through thoughtful AI integration. From estimating and marketing to social media, customer service, and administration, AI is being implemented as a productivity multiplier, not a replacement for people.

His approach is clear: technology should enhance the ability of skilled professionals to solve complex problems faster and more effectively. By empowering team members with advanced tools, Tenax is increasing efficiency while maintaining its human centered service model.

A Philosophy Rooted in Action

One of David’s guiding principles is:

“Do not listen to what people say. Watch what they do. Behavior never lies.”

He believes consistent action reveals true character, intentions, and values. This mindset has shaped both his leadership style and the culture at Tenax Electrical. The focus is on measurable performance, accountability, and long term trust.

Community Focused Problem Solvers

At heart, David and his team are natural problem solvers. They are motivated by building, troubleshooting, and strengthening the community around them. Whether serving homeowners, commercial partners, or collaborating with other industry professionals, their mission is to help Jacksonville grow to its full potential.

Success for David is not individual. It is shared. He wants his team to succeed, his partners to succeed, and the entire region to thrive.

Beyond the Jobsite

Outside of work, David enjoys hunting, golf, sporting clays, spending time in St. Augustine, and traveling with friends. His passion for camaraderie, strategy, and performance carries from the field to the fairway and beyond.

The Electrical Council of Florida is honored to recognize David Yencarelli as a member who exemplifies leadership, innovation, and integrity in the electrical industry. His commitment to professionalism, technology advancement, and community impact reflects the very best of our trade.

Federated News Release

Cecily Millan — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:06:21 GMT

News Release

Lisa Hagenson

Association Risk Management Services

Federated Mutual Insurance Company

507-455-5118

lmhagenson@fedins.com

Federated Insurance® Introduces myTRAINING^SM Program to Support Risk Management and
Employee Training

Federated Insurance is proud to announce myTRAINING Program, a resource designed to simplify employee training while supporting risk management efforts for association members and their businesses.

Take The Stress Out Of Employee Training

myTRAINING Program provides businesses with a streamlined approach to planning, creating, and scheduling group training sessions. Recognizing that effective employee training is a key element of risk management, this program offers resources to help companies ensure their teams are equipped with the knowledge they need to work efficiently and safely.

With myTRAINING Program, users can choose from pre-designed programs that include industry-specific risk management guidance or develop custom training plans addressing unique needs. The program allows users to schedule monthly or quarterly sessions in advance, assign training responsibilities to team members, and track progress through downloadable attendance sheets. These resources aim to reduce the time and stress typically associated with managing employee training, with most programs created and assigned in 10 minutes or less.

Access More In mySHIELD®

Association member clients can access myTRAINING Program and other risk management resources in mySHIELD, Federated Insurance’s personalized digital platform for clients. Those new to mySHIELD can contact their local Federated® marketing representative to learn more.

At Federated Insurance, It’s Our Business to Protect Yours®

About Federated Insurance

Founded in 1904, Federated Mutual Insurance Company is a national insurance and risk management organization that supports the property, casualty, and life insurance needs of clients in select industries. The organization has more than 500 recommendations from local, state, regional, and national associations and buying groups and is rated A+ (Superior) by industry analyst A.M. Best^®. At Federated Insurance, It’s Our Business to Protect Yours.^®