On February 24, 2026, the Florida Turfgrass Association (FTGA), along with allied partner Turfgrass Producers of Florida (TPF), met with legislators at the Capitol in Tallahassee to discuss key issues affecting Florida’s green industry.
Members present included Mark Kann, president of the FTGA and director of Florida Operations at Sod Solutions; Sarah Spatola, executive director of Turfgrass Producers of Florida; Peyton Edwards, vice president of the FTGA and Florida territory manager for Corteva; Erin Wilder, executive director of Business and Professional Development for Sod Solutions and past president of FTGA; Eric Dixon, immediate past president of the FTGA and managing member of Golf Club Reserves; and Allen Woerner, FTGA director and managing partner of Woerner Farms.
Members of the FTGA and TPF met with several Florida legislative leaders in Tallahassee in February 2026, including Senate President Ben Albritton, Senator Stan McClain, Senator Keith Truenow, Representative Danny Alvarez, Representative J.J. Grow and Representative Nan Cobb.
Thanks to the organization of lobbyist, David Shepp of The Southern Group, the group participated in a full day of private, one-on-one meetings with several Florida legislative leaders, including Senate President Ben Albritton, Senator Stan McClain, Senator Keith Truenow, Representative Danny Alvarez, Representative J.J. Grow and Representative Nan Cobb.
The collective goal was to demonstrate a commitment to supporting and advocating for green industry professionals through a strong network of allied associations working toward common goals and initiatives. Collaboration with TPF and Executive Director Sarah Spatola to highlight legislation approved in the previous year that remains under review, particularly regarding enforcement considerations.
During these meetings, participants emphasized a willingness to work alongside legislators in future planning efforts that may have an impact on the industry. Each representative was also invited to attend the FTGA Annual Conference & Show, which will be held October 6–9, 2026, at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL.
Industry partners met together at the Capitol in Tallahassee in February 2026 to discuss key issues affecting Florida’s green industry.
As industry partners continue working together to present a unified voice, the objective is to position the green industries represented from a proactive rather than defensive standpoint. Key issues to be monitored during this legislative season and future sessions include items related to product liability, pesticide use, the preemption of misguided local water and fertilizer ordinances and continued engagement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regarding the recently passed Florida Synthetic Turf legislation. Thoughtful enforcement guidance, along with establishing clear standards for synthetic turf use and installation, will be important for Florida communities moving forward.
Continued collaboration on these and other green industry priorities with Florida’s elected representatives remains important. Ongoing advocacy alongside allied associations will help protect and strengthen green industry contributions to Florida’s economy for many years to come.
This article was written by Allen Woerner, FTGA director and managing partner of Woerner Farms.
