ASSOCIATION NEWS - FEBRURARY 2026

A Letter from Our President - Mike Prevost

As we step into a milestone year, Florida Irrigation Society celebrates 60 years of leadership, innovation, and community. This anniversary is more than a marker of time—it is a testament to the vision, dedication, and resilience of the professionals who built and sustained this irrigation association.

Six decades ago, a small but determined group of irrigation contractors recognized the need for a unified voice in Florida’s growing landscape and agricultural industries. They understood that water—our most precious resource—required both stewardship and skill. From those early conversations grew a society committed to advancing best practices, promoting education, and strengthening the irrigation profession across the state.

Through changing technologies, evolving regulations, and expanding environmental awareness, our association has continually adapted. We have embraced innovation—from early mechanical systems to today’s smart controllers and water-efficient designs—while remaining grounded in the core values that shaped our beginning: professionalism, integrity, and service.

Education has always been at the heart of our mission. Generations of contractors, designers, suppliers, and educators have benefited from training programs, certifications, and shared expertise. Each workshop taught, each conference hosted, and each mentorship formed has strengthened not only individual careers but the entire industry.

Equally important has been our role as advocates. By working collaboratively with policymakers, water management districts, and allied organizations, we have helped shape responsible water-use standards and sustainable irrigation practices that protect Florida’s unique environment and our Florida irrigation industry. Our voice has mattered—and continues to matter.

As we begin this 60th anniversary year, we honor those who laid the foundation before us. Their commitment created opportunities many of us now enjoy. At the same time, we look ahead with confidence. New technologies, emerging leaders, and growing public awareness around water conservation position us for an even stronger future.

To our members: you are the living history of this Society. Your daily work reflects the standards we uphold and the reputation we have earned. Thank you for your dedication, your professionalism, and your belief in what we accomplish together at Florida Irrigation Society.

I encourage you to attend the FIS Water Summit in Orlando on July 24 and 25, 2026! This is a great opportunity to engage in key issues impacting the irrigation industry in Florida. Don’t miss the exclusive behind the scenes Disney irrigation system tour during the pre-summit activities! Plus, you can earn 14 CEUs toward your license renewal, making your participation even more valuable. Look forward to personally welcoming you at the Summit!

Here’s to 60 years of progress—and to the next chapter we will write, together.