Join
Contact
Florida Municipal Electric Association Logo
Back to Events

2026 Florida Lineman Competition

Hosted by City of Tallahassee

Friday, March 13, 2026
to Saturday, March 14, 2026
Register Now Sponsor Directory Sponsor Benefit Chart Utility Sponsor Benefit Chart
Category: FMEA Signature Events

Since 2001, the Florida Lineman Competition has been the premier event where public power lineworkers from across the region showcase their unmatched skill, dedication and mastery in the craft of line work. What began as a small friendly contest has grown into a revered annual tradition that honors these essential workers who keep our communities powered, resilient and safe.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this signature event, we invite you to be part of the excitement. By registering as a competitor, sponsor or exhibitor, you’ll support:
  • Journeyman teams and apprentices as they compete for statewide honors
  • Workforce development and safety training for the next generation of lineworkers
  • A respected platform that highlights the pride and professionalism of the Florida public power community
Join the Florida Municipal Electric Association in commemorating 25 years of excellence and in strengthening the future of those who power our everyday lives. We look forward to seeing you in Tallahassee in March!

Agenda

Friday, March 13

  • 8:00 am – Noon: Field Exhibitors and trailer/trucks set-up at Apalachee Regional Park, Competition field
  • 1:00 – 3:00 pm: Apprentices and Journeyman Teams sign-in at Apalachee Regional Park, Competition field
  • 2:00 – 3:45 pm: Judges registration and meeting: MANDATORY for all Judges at Apalachee Regional Park, Competition field
  • 2:00 – 5:00 pm: Welcome Reception Exhibitors check-in and set-up at Apalachee Regional Park, Competition field
  • 3:45 – 4:00 pm: Apprentices and Judges report to Apprentice Safe Work Practice Exam room at Apalachee Regional Park, Competition field
  • 4:00 – 5:00 pm: Apprentice Safe Work Practice Exam: MANDATORY for all Apprentices and Judges at Apalachee Regional Park, Competition field
  • 5:00 - 6:00 pm: Kid's Rodeo (Registration details forthcoming.)
  • 6:00 – 8:00 pm: Welcome Reception & Vendor Expo at Apalachee Regional Park, Competition field

Saturday, March 14

Rules
Apprentice Events
Journeyman Events 
Questions and Answers
Code of Conduct

Exhibitor Opportunities: Friday, Saturday, or Both Days

Friday on the Field: For our 25th Annual Florida Lineman Competition in Tallahassee, we are going back to basics. Rather than our standard hotel-based Friday events (March 13, 2026), we will be under the large family tent, outside on the competition field for everything from check-in through the Welcome Reception, and the Saturday Competition itself. 

Exhibitor registration includes a 6-foot table and two chairs, as well as two representatives.  One additional representative spot can be purchased for a max of 3 representatives per table. Please note that because we will be on the competition field both days, exhibitor opportunities DO NOT include table linens/skirting OR electricity.

See Friday's Welcome Reception vendor map to see table availability.

Exhibitor Registration Rates
Event Sponsors

All Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Elite Sponsors receive a table at both Friday's Welcome Reception and Saturday on the Field as part of their sponsorship purchase and do not need to register for any additional space.
Associate Member

Friday Welcome Reception trade show under the tent: $750

Saturday field exhibitors space: $750

Both days: $1,100
Non Member

Friday Welcome Reception trade show under the tent: $1,100

Saturday field exhibitor space: $1,100

Both days: $1,700
Saturday Tent Rental Includes a 10' x 10' tent, 1 table and 2 chairs, for those who do not intend to bring their own pop-up tent: $300
Additional Table Representative $250

Notes: Net proceeds from the exhibitor table purchases may be transferred to the MEPAC (Municipal Electric Political Action Committee).

What is the purpose of the Competition?

The Florida Lineman Competition is a competitive event in which utility lineworkers work as teams, demonstrating their skills and knowledge in a fun and safe environment

  • To encourage individual and team safety while performing various job skills and procedures.
  • To enhance the communication and safety of working as a team.
  • To emphasize the need to learn the correct and safe methods of performing power line job procedures.
  • To provide opportunities for individuals from all segments of the industry to attend and participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Florida Lineman Competition is a competitive event in which utility lineworkers work as individual apprentices or journeyman teams, demonstrating their skills and knowledge in a fun and safe environment.
  • To encourage individual and team safety while performing various job skills and procedures.
  • To enhance the communication and safety of working as a team.
  • To emphasize the need to learn the correct and safe methods of performing power line job procedures.
  • To provide opportunities for individuals from all segments of the industry to attend and participate.
  • Creates safety awareness.
  • Boosts morale.
  • Enhances team concepts.
  • Improves working skills.
  • Reinforces positive behavior.
  • Creates networking systems with other utilities.
Yes, release forms will be sent to each competitor and must be signed prior to the event.
Safety procedures, work practice, equipment handling, neatness, and timely completion of each event (time will be used only in case of a tie).
Operating utility linemen, foremen or supervisors. We welcome and encourage judges from all FMEA members and cooperative utilities. A person may volunteer to be a judge representing a utility without having team or apprentice in the competition. All teams must provide a judge for the competition.
Yes, any mistake, which under normal working conditions would cause serious injury or death, will disqualify the team for the event in which the mistake was made. The Chief Judge can also disqualify a team for inappropriate conduct and the modifications of safety equipment.
There is no limit to the number of teams or apprentices who can participate. But every utility must provide judges for the competition. One judge per journeyman team or one judge per two apprentices is required. There is a fee for utilities not providing judges.
A first aid station and paramedics will be on the grounds.
No, you are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
No, the general public is welcome Saturday, March 1 for the 7:30 am Opening Ceremony through the end of the competition sometime around 3 pm that afternoon. 
Parking is free for this event. 

APPA Safety Manual

Code of Conduct | Cancellation Policy

Attendees of Florida Municipal Electric Association meetings agree to abide by the FMEA Code of Conduct. If attendees engage in unacceptable behavior as outlined in the Code of Conduct, FMEA may take any action it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, expulsion from the current and future meetings with no warning or refund.

Register Now Sponsor Directory Sponsor Benefit Chart Utility Sponsor Benefit Chart

Vendor Expo Map

Competition Site 

Apalachee Regional Park

7550 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32311

Hotel Information

Note: There will not be a primary hotel this year, but rather several properties with blocks on reserve.

Courtyard Tallahassee Downtown/Capitol

1018 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32301

$189/night

Residence Inn Tallahassee University/Capitol

600 W Gaines St, Tallahassee, FL 32304

$199/night, $30 parking

Banquet Venue 

FSU Student Union Ballroom, Level 2

75 N Woodward Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306

Ticket required. Please park in Woodward Avenue Parking Garage, or Lot 418 for over-sized vehicles. 

Scam Alert

Please do NOT make hotel reservations or purchase attendee lists through any third party that may contact you by phone or email. Use only the online reservation links, phone numbers, and discount codes available directly from FMEA.

For More Information:

Elizabeth Bendele

Elizabeth Bendele

Director of Member Services, FMEA

View Profile

(850)224-3314 x1002