ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking

ICYMI: Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking

May 18, 2023

LIGHTHOUSE POINT, Fla. — On Tuesday, May 16, Governor Ron DeSantis signed four bills to combat human trafficking, raise awareness of the signs and impacts of human trafficking, and impose critical reforms to hold human traffickers accountable.

“Biden’s Border Crisis is exacerbating human trafficking across the nation—72% of all human trafficking victims are illegal immigrants and 60% of unaccompanied alien children crossing the border were caught by cartels and exploited for drug trafficking, or worse,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While the federal government continues to ignore the people that are suffering due to its failed policies, Florida continues to act. I am signing this legislation to better protect vulnerable children, ensure businesses are taking steps to identify and eliminate trafficking and to give victims a way to fight back against their abusers.”

“The Biden Administration’s reckless border policies have facilitated human trafficking and knowingly aided traffickers. As Biden fails to secure our border, Governor DeSantis continues to step in to protect Floridians,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “We have enacted significant measures to ensure Floridians are not being subjected to this heinous crime. Traffickers are not welcomed in our state, and we will use the fullest extent of the law to hold them accountable.”

“Governor DeSantis is a strong leader in our fight to end human trafficking and rescue victims,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “I am proud to fight alongside him as we strengthen laws to stop human traffickers and help survivors heal.”

“At DCF, we take seriously our role in protecting Floridians from human trafficking and ensuring victims receive the recovery services they need to not only survive, but thrive,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “We send a strong and clear message to the people of Florida, thanks to the DeSantis administration, we will always fight for survivors of human trafficking and we will not allow this evil to permeate our communities. Our Department stands ready to enhance outreach, amplify messaging on reporting signs of trafficking, and doing all we can to ensure quality safe home availability for both children and adults.”

Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill (SB) 7064, Human Trafficking, which supports victims of human trafficking and strengthens penalties for human traffickers by:

  • Establishing a civil action for victims of human trafficking against traffickers and providing that victims can recover damages and attorney’s fees from adult entertainment establishments.
  • Allowing seized property from a human trafficker to be sold and proceeds be paid as restitution to victims.
  • Requiring adult establishments to verify the identity and ages of all employees and establishing a third-degree felony for owners or operators of adult establishments that do not retain such records.
  • Requiring offenders of prostitution, lewdness or related acts to attend an educational course on the impacts of human trafficking and negative impacts of commercial sex on people and their communities.

The Governor also signed SB 1690, Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking, which expands human trafficking awareness programs and increases human trafficking victim support by:

  • Cracking down on repeat violators of human trafficking awareness requirements by shortening the cure period for an initial violation from 90 days to 45 days and imposing daily fines for any subsequent violation.
  • Requiring residential treatment centers for children to place signs on their premises to warn children about the dangers of human trafficking and to demonstrate avenues for reporting instances of human trafficking.
  • Mandating the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking to conduct a study and make recommendations regarding the regulation of adult safe houses, which provide housing and care specifically for survivors of human trafficking.
  • Ensuring security measures for safe houses and safe foster homes includes detection of possible trafficking activity, coordination with law enforcement, and emergency response plans to search for absent or missing children.
  • Requiring safe houses and foster homes to give kids age-appropriate programming to educate them on the signs and dangers of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking, approved by the Department of Children and Families.

Also signed today was HB 1465 which, among other provisions, makes human traffickers eligible for mandatory minimum sentences when they possess or discharge a firearm during the course of their crimes.

Additionally, the Governor signed SB 1210 which provides that a petition for human trafficking victim expunction and all pleadings and documents related to the petition are confidential and exempt from public records requirements.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com. Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.

May 18, 2023 /  
DBPR Encourages Licensee Preparedness During 2023 Hurricane Preparedness Week; Launches New Hurricane Guide for Businesses and Professionals
For Immediate Release
April 30, 2023

Contact: communications@myfloridalicense.com
(850) 922-8981

DBPR Encourages Licensee Preparedness During 2023 Hurricane Preparedness Week;
Launches New Hurricane Guide for Businesses and Professionals

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today is the first day of the National Weather Service’s annual Hurricane Preparedness Week, and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is encouraging all licensees to make business preparations now ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. To better support Florida’s business community, DBPR has developed a new hurricane guide for licensees to learn more about preparedness, recovery and available resources to incorporate into their business continuity plans.

“Florida’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy and a vital part of community recovery after a hurricane impacts our state,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “As our licensee base continues to grow under the Governor’s pro-business policies, it’s important for both new and long-standing professionals to review their business continuity plans and include disaster preparedness measures that will minimize losses and help Floridians get back to work quickly after a storm.”

The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. After a devastating 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season due to hurricanes Ian and Nicole, DBPR reminds licensees of the importance of including disaster preparedness in business continuity plans.

Actions businesses can take to ensure they are prepared for potential storms include:

  • Protecting staff by conducting hurricane drills and having evacuation plans;
  • Protecting property by reviewing insurance coverage, including flood insurance;
  • Protecting important documents by sealing them in waterproof containers and having secure, back-up digital copies;
  • Verifying that contractors hired to perform mitigation or recovery work are licensed and in good standing by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com; and
  • Connecting with local emergency management officials to learn how businesses may be able to help their community before and after a disaster.

To read and download the new DBPR Hurricane Guide, visit our website here.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.
May 1, 2023 /  
DBPR Hosts 11th Annual Celebrating Women in Business Event
For Immediate Release
April 12, 2023

Contact: communications@myfloridalicense.com
(850) 922-8981

ICYMI: DBPR Hosts 11th Annual Celebrating Women in Business Event

Tallahassee, Fla. – On Tuesday, Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Melanie S. Griffin hosted DBPR’s 11th Annual Celebrating Women in Business event in Tallahassee. Nearly 200 business professionals gathered to hear from a few of Florida’s dynamic female entrepreneurs for a panel discussion followed by roundtable discussions.

“Supporting women in business and highlighting female contributions to our state’s thriving economy is not only something the entire Department strives to do, but is also a mission that is near and dear to my heart,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “As a business owner myself, I know just how important women-led companies are in our great state. It was such a privilege and valuable learning experience to connect with each of these incredible, trailblazing women, and I look forward to seeing more women succeed professionally in Florida’s pro-business climate.”

DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin moderated the panel as they shared their success stories and career insights. Representing the industries of retail, wholesale distribution, alcoholic beverages and engineering, the panelists included:

  • Amanda Morrison, Owner of Poco Vino Wine Bar & Market
  • Analorena Melendez, CEO of A&E Wholesale
  • Lorena Holley, Vice President and General Counsel of the Florida Retail Federation
  • Maryam Ghyabi-White, CEO of Ghyabi Consulting & Management and Governing Board Member of the St. Johns River Water Management District

The panel discussion was followed by a series of roundtable discussions, where attendees had the opportunity to discuss leadership, mentorship and professional development directly with additional female business leaders. Representing the industries of accounting, real estate, construction, engineering, retail and public service, the mentors included:

  • Secretary Michelle Branham, Florida Department of Elder Affairs
  • Secretary Shevaun Harris, Florida Department of Children and Families
  • Director Taylor Hatch, Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
  • Assistant Secretary Lisa Saliba, Florida Department of Transportation
  • Nina Sickler, P.E., Senior Vice President of River City Development Group
  • Susie Busch Transou, Co-Owner/Vice President of Tri-Eagle Sales and Owner of Hearth & Soul
  • Kerwyn Jones-Wilson, CEO of Jones Construction & Design, LLC
  • Suzanne Graham, Government Affairs Director of Massey Services
  • Reenee Williams, Rapid Response Coordinator of CareerSource – Capital Region
  • Donna Barrett, Executive Officer of Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association
  • Pamela Jones-Smith, CEO/Founder of BERNEXIS Construction and Development
  • Amy Miller, P.E., National Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance
  • Dr. Kimberly Moore, Vice President for Workforce Innovation at Tallahassee Community College
  • Stacey Kolka, CPA, Director of Tax Services at Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A.
  • Lee-En Chung, P.E., Owner/Founder of Ivy Ventures, Inc.

This year’s program highlighted the contributions women have made to the State of Florida’s economy and celebrated their many accomplishments in a variety of professional fields. The 11th annual event also served as a professional development opportunity for talented professionals and licensees to collaborate and discuss important leadership topics.

To watch the panel, visit the Florida Channel’s coverage of the event here. For more information on our featured guests, visit the 2023 Celebrating Women in Business program website here.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates nearly 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, please visit myfloridalicense.com.

Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook and LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.
April 12, 2023 /  
Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget Recommendations Streamline Pathways to Professional Careers and Ensure Public Safety

 

For Immediate Release

February 3, 2023

Contact: communications@myfloridalicense.com

(850) 922-8981

Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget Recommendations Streamline Pathways to Professional Careers and Ensure Public Safety

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Melanie S. Griffin commended Governor Ron DeSantis’ budget recommendations and affirmed the targeted funding will enhance Florida’s business climate by continuing to modernize the technological capabilities of the department, increasing levels of service for businesses and professionals regulated by the department’s programs, and ensuring that Florida remains a leader in occupational licensing.

“With the Governor’s leadership and pro-business policies attracting so many new professionals and businesses to the Free State of Florida, our number of licensees continues to grow,” said DBPR Secretary Griffin. “The Framework for Freedom Budget will minimize burdens of government processes, deliver new customer-centric technological improvements, and enable DBPR to better serve this growing licensee base.”

The FY 2023-24 budget recommendations equip DBPR to continue leading Governor DeSantis’ vision for improving Florida’s regulatory environment and ensuring public safety and welfare by:

  • Providing new resources for identity verification security software that will use data provided by the customer to verify identity in real-time and reduce the risk of application fraud;
  • Enhancing law enforcement training and equipment necessary to more efficiently enforce the state’s alcoholic beverage and tobacco laws;
  • Deploying competitive pay to attract and retain qualified inspectors and regulation professionals in order to meet the increase in licensing demand;
  • Developing a more robust searchable database with a list of buildings on condominium property that are three stories or higher in height to better serve the public and local governments; and
  • Providing targeted pay adjustments to critical DBPR licensing staff.

In addition to funding these advancements, the Framework for Freedom Budget includes continuing support for DBPR’s regulatory compliance programs in areas vital to the health, safety, and welfare of Florida’s citizens and visitors. This includes the Department’s programs that serve state objectives in education, investigation, and enforcement of unlicensed activity that poses substantial risks of public harm.

For more details, visit frameworkforfreedombudget.com.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates nearly 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida, including accountants, architects and interior designers, asbestos consultants, athlete agents, auctioneers, barbers, building code administrators and inspectors, community association managers, construction contractors, cosmetologists, electrical contractors, employee leasing companies, engineers, geologists, home inspectors, landscape architects, mold assessors and remediators, pilot commissioners, real estate appraisers and brokers, and veterinarians, as well as businesses dealing in alcoholic beverages, tobacco, food service, public lodging, and condominiums, timeshares, and other cooperative residential arrangements. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, please visit myfloridalicense.com.

Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram, or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook and LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.
February 3, 2023 /  
DBPR Celebrates an Increase of Nearly 300,000 Professional Licenses in 2022

 

For Immediate Release

January 4, 2023

Contact: communications@myfloridalicense.com

(850) 922-8981

DBPR Celebrates an Increase of Nearly 300,000 Professional
Licenses in 2022

DBPR has Expedited the Licensing Process, Increased Outreach, and Improved Customer Experience

 

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Melanie S. Griffin recognized agency achievements, which included internal operational successes, hurricane response accomplishments, and agency education and enforcement.

“To the credit of Governor DeSantis’ pro-business climate, the number of DBPR licensees has grown to 1.7 million, increasing by nearly 300,000 in 2022,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “To best serve these citizens of Florida and visitors to our state, DBPR looks for ways to cut bureaucratic red tape, refine internal processes, and partner with stakeholders and sister agencies to make it easier for Floridians to obtain professional licensure, have access to good paying jobs, and open businesses in Florida.”

Operational Efficiencies
Reduced License Application Processing Times

  • Application processing times were reduced by 68% in 2022. Implementing evening and weekend shifts, reducing the Division of Service Operations employment vacancy rate, and reimagining internal business processes have made it easier and faster for Floridians to get to work.
  • The agency also expedited the licensing process for military spouses and veterans, implementing legislation and internal policies that ensure applications submitted by those who have served our country are processed within 7 days. Since taking effect on July 1, 2022, 42 military spouses have been issued licenses through this expedited process.
  • During the 2022 Legislative Session, DBPR was appropriated over $4 million to develop and implement a Customer Experience Modernization (CXM) Project, designed to make it faster and easier to apply for and receive licensure, as well as modernize additional aspects of the Customer Contact Center. The first part of the CXM Project was completed in November 2022.

Hurricane Recovery & Outreach

  • The Department successfully led Emergency Support Function – 6 (ESF-6) at the state’s Emergency Operations Center, coordinating all mass care functions in response to Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, including all shelters, points of distribution, and feeding sites throughout the State.
  • The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco deployed 31 law enforcement officers over five missions in the impacted hurricane areas. DBPR also aided in setting up and successfully operating Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) throughout multiple counties in the impacted areas. Sixty-seven other DBPR employees staffed centers throughout the months of October and part of November, providing critical services and resources to Floridians in their most vulnerable time of need.
  • DBPR issued emergency orders to support licensees and hurricane recovery by waiving certain application fees, extending license renewal deadlines, waiving certain requirements and suspending some geographic scope limitations for some certified or registered, general, building, or residential contractors in certain counties, among other measures.
  • DBPR strategically invested in earned media through social media, billboards and radio to amplify the Department’s message that falling victim to an unlicensed contractor puts a homeowner’s family, finances and home at risk, receiving nearly 20.2 million impressions.
  • Through the Department’s enforcement efforts, and in conjunction with Chief Financial Officer Patronis and local law enforcement agencies, the Department has successfully detected unlicensed contractors, stopped fraudulent behavior in our state, and prevented bad actors from taking advantage of Floridians, including our most vulnerable populations. The Division of Regulation is currently working more than 200 cases related to Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

Division Accomplishments
Highlights of 2022 include:

Record Number of Combat Sporting Events

  • For the second year in a row, the Florida Athletic Commission broke a record for the amount of live professional boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts events sanctioned in a calendar year. The 123-event total for 2022 reflects the highest number on record and breaks the previous record of 117, set in 2021, representing a 5% increase in the number of professional events hosted last year and a 108% increase from the 59 events held in 2020.

Significant Investment in Hospitality Industry

  • In December 2022, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants completed and released a long-awaited vacation rental database containing a digital searchable listing of all division-licensed vacation rentals. The database currently includes more than 140,000 unique licensed vacation rentals.
  • In 2022, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants saw the total number of division-issued lodging licenses surpass the total number of division-issued food service licenses for the first time. While the number of division-licensed public food service establishments grew from 59,772 to 61,906 (a 3.5% increase), the number of division-licensed public lodging establishments grew from 56,837 to 62,705 (a 10.3% increase). This growth is an indicator of Florida’s robust economy and strong tourism industry.

Fee Holidays for Professions

  • Licensees received a total savings of over $12 million from fee holidays in 2022. The Division of Professions implemented fee holidays for seven professional licenses, including: asbestos contractors and consultants, athlete agents, contractors, electrical contractors, home inspectors, mold remediators and assessors, and veterinarians. As of December 8, 2022, 122,097 licensees saved nearly $10.4 million due to these efforts.
  • The Division of Real Estate renewal cycle of licenses expiring September 30, 2022, received a 25% reduction for biennial real estate fees, saving an estimated 102,200 licensees nearly $1.69 million in license categories: branch offices, brokers, corporate brokers, corporations, instructors, partnerships, sales associate, schools, and schools – additional locations.

Combatted Unlicensed Regulatory Activity

  • In addition to the campaign educating homeowners about the risks associated with hiring an unlicensed professional in the aftermath of a storm, the Division of Regulation conducted a combined 1,015 public outreach activities and proactive unlicensed activity enforcement operations with local law enforcement across the state in 2022. This compares with 905 efforts conducted in 2021, accounting for a 12% increase in total activities.

Awarded Claims from Florida Homeowner’s Construction Recovery Fund

  • Since July 1, 2022, the Florida Homeowner’s Construction Recovery Fund (FHCRF) has awarded 122 claims for fiscal year 2022-2023, totaling $2,017,763. At this increased rate, the FHCRF may nearly double the 141 claims and $2,736,747 awarded in fiscal year 2021-2022, by the end of the current fiscal year.

Committed to Efficient Monitoring

  • The Division of Real Estate has experienced nearly 13% licensee growth in the past three years. Despite this increase, the division performed timely and efficient investigations, conducting 2,933 investigations in 2022. The division also ensured compliance of licensees with applicable statutes and rules by conducting inspections of broker and brokerage offices. In total, 356 Inspections and 112 audits were conducted in 2022, uncovering $192,000 in escrow account shortages.
  • In 2022, the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco conducted 8,472 youth compliance surveys to determine industry compliance with age restrictions on sale of products. This proactive compliance review is a 44% increase from the 5,894 youth surveys completed in 2021.

In addition to these agency achievements, DBPR continues to support regulatory compliance programs in areas vital to public health, safety and welfare, while pursuing increased levels of service for businesses and professionals regulated by the Department’s programs.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates 1.7 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida, including accountants, architects and interior designers, asbestos consultants, athlete agents, auctioneers, barbers, building code administrators and inspectors, community association managers, construction contractors, cosmetologists, electrical contractors, employee leasing companies, engineers, geologists, home inspectors, landscape architects, mold assessors and remediators, pilot commissioners, real estate appraisers and brokers, and veterinarians, as well as businesses dealing in alcoholic beverages, tobacco, food service, public lodging, and condominiums, timeshares, and other cooperative residential arrangements. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram, or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook and LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.
January 4, 2023 /