APA Florida

08/24/2026

The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association is pleased to announce its newly elected statewide officers, including President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, and six vice presidents. Their terms begin on Jan. 1, 2027.

Members cast ballots from July 13 to Aug. 14 to elect these nine statewide officers, who will join the 12 regional section chairs, President Edward Ng, AICP, and Immediate Past President Allara Mills-Gutcher, AICP, and other appointed officers to form the APA Florida 2027-28 Executive Committee.

"Now more than ever, our profession needs dedicated volunteers who are willing to share their time, expertise, and leadership to build upon the strong foundation of service and advocacy that APA Florida provides for its members,” Chapter President Allara Mills-Gutcher, AICP, said. “During this important time for the Chapter, I am encouraged by the talented and committed leaders elected by our members. Their passion and vision will help guide APA Florida as we continue advancing the planning profession and serving communities across the state.”

"Please join me in congratulating and welcoming them to their 2027-2028 positions."

Thank you to every candidate who answered the call to serve.

08/20/2026

The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Florida) represents the professionals who help communities plan for growth. We believe all taxpayers deserve thoughtful policy that considers both immediate needs and long-term impacts. Our vision is a Florida where our communities, economies, and environments all thrive, supported by the infrastructure, services and thoughtful planning needed to keep pace with growth.

Florida welcomes nearly half a million new residents each year. Effective community planning is critical to helping cities and counties manage growth, providing for safer roads, shorter commutes, reliable emergency response, parks and neighborhood spaces, protection of natural resources, and natural disaster resilience. As proposed, Amendment 3 would significantly reduce a source of local revenue without identifying a sustainable replacement to fund infrastructure, public services, and responsible growth.

Until a comprehensive tax plan is established that ensures local governments have the required funding to meet the needs of their communities today and in the future, APA Florida cannot support the amendment in its current form. We remain committed to working with our state leaders to build solutions that benefit Florida taxpayers and protect the quality of life Floridians depend on.

Here's what's at stake in your community: https://bit.ly/3U2pDFf

08/12/2026

📚🍎Class is back in session and so is the search for the perfect planning career opportunity! Check out APA Florida's JobMart for the newest jobs worth adding to your list.

See our newest and expiring jobs here: https://bit.ly/3N5Ja4v

07/22/2026

Great Places in Florida Noms Due July 31

The best places in any city, town, or neighborhood are designed around the people who use them. They do more than move people through. They give people reasons to arrive, stay, gather, explore, and return. People-focused places are those where buildings meet the street, daily needs are within reach, and the public realm offers something to notice, somewhere to pause, and someone to run into.

These places are diverse in use, rich in texture, and thoughtful in detail. They can take many forms: a neighborhood corridor, a small public square, a walkable block, or a transit node. What they share is a sense of welcome, activity, and belonging. They are the places that make a community feel like home. Sound like a place you know?

Contest Categories:
- Street
- Public Space
- Greenway/Trail
- Downtown

Contest info, criteria here https://bit.ly/4eMFnEc or at link in bio

07/20/2026

Calling all planners! For an upcoming edition of Florida Planning Magazine, we’re looking for travel photos that showcase the places and planning elements that caught your attention on the road.

Did you spot an innovative transit solution, a well-designed streetscape, an inviting public plaza, or a creative approach to pedestrian connectivity? Maybe it was a vibrant gathering space, thoughtful wayfinding, or a small design detail that made a big impact.

Wherever your travels have taken you, we want to see the world through a planner’s lens. Share your favorite photos that highlight great planning, urban design, placemaking, and people-centered communities that elevate the places and spaces we visit.

Submit your photos below and inspire fellow planners with what caught your eye along the way: https://form.jotform.com/fapa/travel

07/13/2026

All members current with APA dues as of July 1 should have received a ballot on July 13. Please review all election information and the candidate slate here: https://bit.ly/4gZqcZB

07/09/2026

FPC26 UPDATE

Join the 400+ planners already registered for the 2026 Florida Planning Conference. Make sure you register before midnight THIS FRIDAY to take advantage of Early Pricing and save.

Plus, registered attendees will receive access to the conference hotel room block at the InterContinental Hotel Miami, our headquarters hotel overlooking Biscayne Bay in the heart of Downtown Miami. Rooms are limited and expected to fill quickly.

This year’s conference features:
- 78 Breakout Sessions + 10 Spark Talks + Tuesday interactive labs and workshops
- Inspirational Plenary and Keynote Speakers
- Can't miss FPC@Nite activities

Lock in Early Pricing and reserve your place in Miami: https://bit.ly/3Tnru6U

07/07/2026

We Want to Celebrate You!

The planning profession is full of movers, shakers, and changemakers ... and that includes you!

Whether you've started a new position, received a promotion, earned recognition, or achieved a professional milestone, we'd love to highlight your success in our Planners on the Move feature.

Submit your update here and be featured in the Summer issue of Florida Planning Magazine: https://form.jotform.com/fapa/POTM

07/01/2026

APA Florida is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Project Awards, showcasing the very best in community planning across the state. Additionally, two standout student projects will also be honored.

Presented annually at the Florida Planning Conference, the APA Florida Project Awards highlight outstanding planning initiatives that improve the quality of life in communities across Florida. These projects represent best practices in planning, conservation, development, and public engagement.

“The outstanding work of this year’s award recipients underscores how essential planners are to shaping communities across Florida,” said APA Florida President Allara Mills-Gutcher, AICP. “Each day planners tackle a wide range of challenges on behalf of our residents. As a reflection of those efforts, these amazing projects that reflect the depth and impact of our profession are celebrated.”

APA Florida Awards Committee Chair Lara Bouck, AICP, PE, said: “The Project Award winners this year feature pioneering policy frameworks, comprehensive plans, and implementation projects, highlighting creative approaches to solving some of Florida's most pressing challenges while setting new standards for excellence in the profession.”

The Project Awards recipients will be recognized during the Opening Plenary Session on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the 2026 Florida Planning Conference in Miami.

07/01/2026

While everyone is gearing up to celebrate America's 250th Birthday this weekend, we wanted to share a reminder about another exciting milestone on the horizon ... Early registration pricing ends July 10, so now is the time to secure your spot and save.

There are also plenty of ways to make the most of your conference experience:

- Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to boost visibility and connect with industry leaders.

- Professional headshot sessions have been added on Tuesday and Friday so you can refresh your LinkedIn profile while you're at the conference.

- Mobile tour seats are filling quickly, so don't wait if you plan to participate.

- Tuesday professional development workshops offer valuable learning opportunities to help you grow your skills and expand your expertise.

As we celebrate our nation's past and look ahead to its future, we're also looking forward to bringing our community together at FPC26.

👉 Register before July 10 to take advantage of early pricing and start planning your conference experience today: https://bit.ly/44qsSs5

Register early to save money. Get in on the tours and workshops offered.