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Home » Authors » Trent Cotney
Trent Cotney

Trent Cotney

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.
Articles

ARTICLES

image shows tax paperwork with the word TAXES on top of them

10 Tax Changes for Construction Under the Big, Beautiful Bill

Most benefits are front-loaded through 2028, meaning individuals and businesses should act now to maximize opportunities before key provisions phase out or revert
Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
Trent Cotney
August 27, 2025

The One Big, Beautiful Bill delivers sweeping, mostly taxpayer-friendly changes by locking in lower income tax rates, boosting standard deductions, and expanding deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loan interest while also raising the SALT cap and enhancing estate and business tax breaks.


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From Tax Credits to Tariffs: Key Legal Shifts Impacting Architecture
Video/Podcast

Big Changes for the Industry as 179D Repealed

Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, explains what the latest rulings mean for design professionals.
Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
Trent Cotney
Jill Bloom is the Group Publisher of Building Enclosure, Roofing Contractor, and Walls & Ceilings.
Jill Bloom
Lindsay Lewis is the Editor of Building Enclosure magazine.
Lindsay Lewis
July 8, 2025
Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, explains what the latest rulings mean for design professionals.
Read More
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FTC Bans Noncompete Agreements for Most Workers

Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
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.


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How ChatGPT Can Fail

Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
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. 


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Building Enclosure Contractors Guide to Hurricane Cleanup Licensing

Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
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.


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Determining the OSHA ETS 100-Employee Threshold

Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
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.


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COVID

SBA Loans via the CARES Act

Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
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
Read More

Legally Speaking: Liquidated Damages Provisions in Construction Contracts

Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
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.
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Construction Contracts: The No Damages for Delay Clause

Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
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.
Read More

Drawing Board: The Implied Warranty of Constructability

Trent Cotney, Attorney at Law
Trent Cotney
February 4, 2010
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. 
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Events

June 17, 2025

Addressing Condensation in Low-Slope Roof Assemblies

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

On Demand In modern roofing systems, vapor retarders and air barriers do more than just minimize air leakage—they’re essential to maximizing performance and longevity. This engaging course dives into the next generation of moisture control: permeable vapor retarders and air barriers. Discover how these cutting-edge technologies are transforming low-slope roofing assemblies by improving energy efficiency, managing moisture, and boosting wind uplift resistance.

April 9, 2026

Strategies for High-Performance Below-Grade Waterproofing

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

On-Demand Designing a high-performance building enclosure requires more than just surface-level protection; it demands a rigorous, performance-based mastery of below-grade water and gas mitigation. This discussion will provide an expert-level analysis of below-grade waterproofing within the comprehensive framework of the high-performance building enclosure.

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Plaster and Drywall Assemblies Manual

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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