By Peter Montana, Director of the Florida HVAC Insider

I had the privilege to sit in on two April COVID-19 legal update webinars hosted by the Cotney Construction Law firm and was impressed with the amount of information shared with the audience. The content targeted contractors in general with details highlighted for specific trades. Cotney Construction Law is an avid supporter of the Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) and its Associated Chapters.

Key take-aways from the April 2 session “COVID-19 Legal Updates for Contractors” included detailed explanations of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, Emergency Family Medical Leave Expansion Act, Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and Paycheck Protection Program. Best practices for job site safety and “common sense” safety were discussed. The session concluded with important provisions to be included in contracts during uncertain times.

The April 17 session “Phase II: Legal Seminar on Coronavirus – Working Through Crisis” summarized the CARES Act and Payroll Protection Program and, since available funding was already expended, other loan and debt relief programs available from the Small Business Administration. Preparing for a long-term recession, or even depression, was emphasized as many of the economic effects of Coronavirus may be felt through the end of 2020 and beyond. Solutions were presented for coping with decreased demand and increased accounts receivable, adjusting the types of work being sought, restructuring contracts and scaling down the right way.

I cannot emphasize enough the value imparted by the Cotney Construction Law team through these seminars and encourage each business owner to take advantage of the resources offered by the firm.

For more information on upcoming seminars, contact FRACCA at 407.676.0031 or Cotney Construction Law at 866.303.5868, info@cotneycl.com or visit www.cotneycl.com.