PRESS RELEASES

August 10, 2020

(850) 922-8981

DBPR Launches Online Proctored Testing Options

To Expand Capacity, Availability of Licensure Examinations

New, Online Testing Options Expedite Scheduling and Completion of Exams by License Candidates

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced new, online proctored testing options are now available to candidates for certain professional licenses.  In coordination with DBPR’s license examination provider, Pearson VUE, the online examinations will expand the capacity of examination seats and improve the availability of examination dates while testing centers are implementing social distancing and other safety measures for in-person examinations.

The online testing options also continue DBPR’s focus on improving and streamlining licensure processes and will be considered further as a permanent offering to provide applicants more flexibility in choosing how and when to complete the examination requirements applicable to their licenses.

“With these online examination options, we will help more licensure candidates move forward with scheduling examinations and completing the licensure process, regardless of recent seating and spacing limitations that have been necessary to maintain safe testing environments,” said DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears. “These options are more than just a new choice of format – the capacity and convenience enabled through online testing will give hardworking Floridians the opportunity to get started in their occupations sooner, by a matter of months in some cases.”

On a rolling schedule through August 22, 2020, DBPR and Pearson Vue will implement online, proctored testing for the following professional license examinations:

• Asbestos Contractor
• Asbestos Consultant
• Auctioneer
• Barbers
• Restricted Barbers
• Cosmetology – Theory
• Cosmetology – Clinical
• Certified Drug Representative
• Community Association Manager
• Landscape Architect Florida Section
• Veterinary Medicine Laws & Rules
• Real Estate: Sales Associate; Broker Associate; Instructor; Laws & Rules; and

Florida Appraiser Supplemental Law & Rules.

For the new, online testing options, candidates will need a functioning computer with a webcam, microphone and strong internet connection. During the online examination, candidates will be monitored by a live proctor through microphone and webcam.

Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, DBPR issued Emergency Order 2020-08 on June 9, 2020, to extend deadlines for examination eligibility and licensure eligibility through December 31, 2020, for professional licenses.

“With the examination eligibility extensions and the launch of these new online examinations, candidates have more time and more options to meet their requirements for licensure,” said DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears.  “We’re working every day to identify areas of our processes and our services where DBPR can help people continue making progress toward their professional goals.”

In-person examination at a designated testing center remains available to all license candidates. For additional information regarding the current status of testing centers and the scheduling or rescheduling of exam appointments, please see the Pearson VUE FAQs. To learn more about the online examination options offered by DBPR in coordination with Pearson VUE, please review the Pearson Vue Resources for Test-Takers.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than one 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, 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, pari-mutuel wagering, and condominiums, timeshares, and other cooperative residential arrangements.  The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  For more information, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com.

Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.

July 10, 2020

(850) 922-8981

Florida DBPR Reports Emergency Suspension of Alcoholic Beverage Vendor License in Orange County

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) reported the emergency suspension of an alcoholic beverage vendor license related to:

Licensee Name:     5526 SOBT LLC. d/b/a Le Palace Otown
License Number:    BEV 5808608

License Type:         Series 4COP Dual Quota

County:                   Orange

Upon the entry of the order of Secretary Halsey Beshears, on July 10, 2020, the license is suspended, until further administrative proceedings seeking formal discipline of the license may be instituted pursuant to chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

This emergency license action is based on a finding that immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare requires suspension of the license to avoid future harm.  The attached agency order, as filed on July 10, 2020, provides additional information regarding the circumstances and findings prompting the emergency suspension of License Number BEV 5808608.

For more information see the attached suspension order.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than one 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, 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, pari-mutuel wagering, and condominiums, timeshares, and other cooperative residential arrangements.  The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  For more information, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com.

Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.