Trent Cotney is a Partner with Adams & Reese and a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer, licensed to practice in multiple states across the U.S. and in Canada. With nearly 25 years of experience, Trent has dedicated his career to serving the construction and roofing industries. He is a zealous advocate for the international commercial roofing sector and serves as general counsel for over 10 prominent trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). Trent’s commitment to the industry extends beyond legal counsel; he is an active participant in education, advocacy, and innovation, working tirelessly to address the challenges contractors face and advance the industry as a whole. Known for his deep understanding of construction law and unwavering dedication, Trent Cotney remains a trusted advisor and leader in the roofing community.

FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements for Most Workers

Trent Cotney

April 24, 2024

On April 23, the Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to issue a new rule prohibiting the use of noncompete agreements for most U.S. workers. It is estimated that approximately 30 million workers are currently bound by such agreements, which prevent them from changing employers in their industry.

How ChatGPT Can Fail

Trent Cotney

July 5, 2023

AI—and specifically ChatGPT—can create marketing plans, write our kids’ college essays, and even compose music. But how well it performs can vary wildly and is very much up for debate.

Building Enclosure Contractors Guide to Hurricane Cleanup Licensing

Trent Cotney

October 12, 2022

As the construction industry mobilizes to assist with cleanup and restoration, it is important for out of state contractors to understand the complexity and enforcement of Florida’s construction licensing laws.

Determining the OSHA ETS 100-Employee Threshold

Trent Cotney

January 4, 2022

All eyes have been on the much-anticipated COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard as it continues to undergo judicial review.

SBA Loans via the CARES Act

Trent Cotney Elliot Haney

April 1, 2020

As the impact of COVID-19 continues throughout the construction industry, many businesses are finding it difficult to make payroll and pay other essential business expenses

Trent Cotney

June 15, 2011

Liquidated damages are a fact of life in modern construction contracting. However, even if your contract contains a liquidated damages provision and the owner has assessed liquidated damages, that does not mean the assessment is valid or enforceable.

Trent Cotney

December 1, 2010

Owners routinely insert disclaimers and limitations of liability clauses in contracts that may limit or bar a contractor or subcontractor’s ability to collect additional compensation for work performed because of unexpected conditions and delay.

Trent Cotney

February 4, 2010

Trent Cotney

December 4, 2009

Generally, on construction projects, contractors provide an owner with a workmanship warranty. In addition, a contractor may supply the owner with manufacturer or material warranties after a project is completed. Although these types of warranties are provided by the contractor to the owner, the owner also provides certain warranties to the contractor during the course of construction.

Trent Cotney

July 15, 2009

The most prevalent form contracts used in the construction industry are generated by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In November 2007, AIA made several significant changes to the key AIA documents used by owners, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals.

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 ICC CEU; 1 IIBEC CEH

This webinar will discuss the many components that make up a liquid applied roof, how they fit into the building code, and what types of projects can really benefit from these types of systems.

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 ICC CEU: 1 IIBEC CEH

This presentation will discuss the opportunity, challenges and limitation present when considering acceptance of test data extended to support substitution or modification to an assembly.

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Products

Plaster and Drywall Assemblies Manual

This is a comprehensive manual that goes beyond codes and standards, providing expert guidance in design, detailing, material selection and troubleshooting for plaster and drywall.

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Trent Cotney

ARTICLES

FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements for Most Workers

How ChatGPT Can Fail

Building Enclosure Contractors Guide to Hurricane Cleanup Licensing

Determining the OSHA ETS 100-Employee Threshold

SBA Loans via the CARES Act

Legally Speaking: Liquidated Damages Provisions in Construction Contracts

Construction Contracts: The No Damages for Delay Clause

Drawing Board: The Implied Warranty of Constructability

Drawing Board: The Implied Warranty of Constructability

AIA Contracts and the Initial Decision Maker

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