IMPORTANT NEWS...

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation Applauds Biscayne Bay Pilots Association for Giving up Pay Increase for Sake of Florida's Economy

Boards, Commissions and Councils Join DBPR in Effort to "Accelerate Florida"

March 25, 2009

TALLAHASSEE—When Governor Charlie Crist charged Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Charles W. Drago to “Accelerate Florida” by removing burdensome regulation and streamlining processes, Secretary Drago asked for the help of boards, commissions, councils and associations to accomplish this goal.  Little did he expect that the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association would withdraw their application for a rate increase, citing the distressed state of the economy and possible impact to fellow stakeholders at the Port of Miami. The Biscayne Bay Pilots Association were joined by the Board of Veterinary Medicine and other professional boards in helping the State of Florida save money.

Overall board-related travel has been a significant consideration in reducing costs by centralizing meeting locations, conducting more conference calls, using existing state agency conference rooms for meetings and negotiating lower rates for overnight lodging accommodations. The Chair of the Board of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bob O’Neil, recommended that the board decline their authorized $50 per day compensation.  The board agreed, and now the seven-member board uses personal money to fund state business. The boards of Cosmetology, Building Code Administrators and Inspectors, Barber, Pilot Commissioners and Pilotage Rate Review reduced travel costs by $45,000 this fiscal year.

“I am moved that these dedicated public servants would forego personal financial gain for the greater good of the State of Florida,” stated Secretary Charles W. Drago.  “The Biscayne Bay Pilots Association and Board of Veterinary Medicine have emerged as true leaders during these challenging economic times by making personal sacrifices for the people of Florida.”

In the letter to boards, commissions and councils, Secretary Drago asked for support in boosting Florida’s economy, “Now we are asking for your help.  As our partners, we hope you will take the time in your meetings to look at issues, rules and regulations from an ‘Accelerate Florida’ perspective.  Help us devise creative ways to eliminate red tape and unnecessary regulations.  It also may be necessary to look at our current laws and rules to find places that need to be amended to ensure we are not creating unnecessary burdens to licensure.  By working together, I know we can make a big impact in the lives of our licensees and help spur Florida’s economy.”

To find out what strides the department has made to “Accelerate Florida,” visit MyFloridaLicense.com and click on “Accelerate Florida.”  The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.  For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

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