Best in Florida Public Power Industry Headed to Tallahassee

Community Invited to Attend 2026 Florida Lineman Competition March 13-14

March 04, 2026

The best of the best of Florida’s public power companies will showcase their skills in Tallahassee at the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) 2026 Florida Lineman Competition on March 13-14 at Apalachee Regional Park. Hosted by the City of Tallahassee, the event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

The annual competition, celebrating its 25th year, brings together electric utility lineworkers and apprentices from municipal utilities across the state to demonstrate technical skills, safety practices and teamwork through timed, real-world challenges. Events simulate on-the-job scenarios such as pole climbs, equipment repair and system troubleshooting, all performed under strict safety standards.

“We are thrilled to welcome municipal utilities from around the state to Tallahassee! This competition provides excellent training opportunities to reinforce the skills our lineworkers use every day while serving our community,” said Tony Guillen, general manager of the City of Tallahassee Electric and Gas Utility. “It also strengthens relationships with partner utilities, which is critical when providing or receiving mutual aid. We encourage our community to come out and see firsthand the dedication, expertise, and teamwork it takes to keep the lights on and our city powered every single day.”

Since first participating 24 years ago, the City of Tallahassee has earned 59 overall trophies at the Florida Lineman Competition — the highest total of any participating utility. The achievement underscores Tallahassee’s longstanding leadership in public power and its commitment to maintaining a highly skilled electric workforce.

Community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on the teams while gaining insight into the skill, training, and dedication required to safely and reliably maintain electric service. In addition to the competition events, food trucks and vendors will be on-site throughout the day.

A Kids’ Rodeo will also take place on Friday, March 13, offering interactive activities designed to engage younger attendees. Children must be registered in advance to participate. Additional information and registration details are available for youth ages 7 to 14 online via FMEA.

“We are incredibly excited to celebrate the 25th year of the Florida Lineman Competition and to bring together so many lineworkers from across our public power communities,” said Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of FMEA. “This event is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the exceptional skill, precision and professionalism that define linework, all within a controlled environment that places safety at the forefront. Just as importantly, it highlights the strong sense of brotherhood within the trade — the same spirit of teamwork and trust that keeps our communities powered every day.”

As a municipal electric utility, the City of Tallahassee’s electric system is community-owned. Hosting the statewide competition reflects the City’s continued investment in workforce development and its role as a leader within Florida’s public power network.

For additional event details, including schedule information, visit FLPublicPower.com.