Arborist Licensing Efforts
The Florida Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (FLISA) is committed to advancing the arboriculture profession and protecting Florida’s urban forests through impactful legislative advocacy. Working alongside policymakers, industry experts, and our dedicated Governmental Affairs Committee, we strive to shape laws that support arborists, homeowners, and the environment. Our legislative efforts focus on professional licensing, tree care regulations, and initiatives that benefit our communities.
At FLISA, we recognize that professional standards are vital to ensuring safe, high-quality tree care across the state. We have been actively involved in pushing for arborist licensing in Florida to elevate the industry and protect consumers. By collaborating with state legislators and stakeholders, we aim to establish a licensing framework that acknowledges the expertise of certified arborists, enhances public safety, and promotes sustainable practices. Our ongoing efforts are driven by the need to professionalize arboriculture and ensure that only qualified individuals provide critical tree care services.
FLISA is also championing a forward-thinking legislative proposal: a tax holiday on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and gear used by arborists in Florida. This initiative seeks to temporarily exempt essential items—such as helmets, harnesses, gloves, chainsaws, and climbing equipment—from sales tax, reducing the financial burden on arborists who rely on this gear to work safely and effectively. Over the last two years, we’ve already seen success in getting items arborists use included in tax relief measures, demonstrating the value of our advocacy. Building on this momentum, we aim to expand these efforts, further lowering costs for these critical tools to support our professionals, enhance workplace safety, and encourage the adoption of best practices in tree care. Our Governmental Affairs Committee is spearheading this effort, collecting input from members and rallying legislative support to make this tax holiday a reality for Florida’s arboriculture community.
One of our proudest achievements is our role in crafting and refining Florida Statute 163.045, which governs tree pruning, trimming, and removal on residential properties. FLISA worked closely with lawmakers to bring clarity and precision to this legislation, ensuring it serves the needs of arborists and property owners alike. Through our efforts, we successfully secured clarity on tree risk, with the law now incorporating our tree risk assessment process as a standard. This inclusion ensures that assessments are consistent, science-based, and aligned with industry best practices, empowering arborists to make informed decisions.
Additionally, we advocated for clearer definitions of what constitutes residential property and what documentation is required under the statute. These updates eliminate ambiguity, making the law more straightforward and practical for our arborists to apply in their work. Our collaboration with legislators in 2022 further refined these elements, enhancing zoning clarity and solidifying risk assessment standards. This success underscores FLISA’s commitment to improving legislative frameworks that support our profession and benefit Florida’s communities.
Leadership in Advocacy: The Governmental Affairs Committee and Jim Spratt
Our legislative successes would not be possible without the dedication of our Government Affairs Committee and the expertise of our lobbyist, Jim Spratt. The Committee, composed of passionate FLISA members, monitors legislative developments, crafts policy recommendations, and engages with state officials to advance our mission. They provide the strategic vision and technical knowledge that drive our advocacy.
Jim Spratt, our experienced lobbyist, plays a pivotal role in representing FLISA’s interests in Tallahassee. With his deep understanding of Florida’s legislative landscape, Jim builds relationships with lawmakers, negotiates on our behalf, and ensures our voice is heard on critical issues. Together, the Governmental Affairs Committee and Jim Spratt form a powerhouse team that keeps FLISA at the forefront of arboriculture policy in Florida.
Meet Jim Spratt
LOBBYIST
Join Us in Shaping the Future
The Florida Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for policies that strengthen our industry and protect Florida’s trees. Whether it’s securing professional licensing, refining statutes like 163.045, or introducing innovative ideas like a tax holiday on arborist PPE and gear, we’re making a difference—one tree, one law, and one community at a time. Get involved with FLISA today to support our legislative efforts and help us cultivate a greener, safer Florida.