Governor DeSantis Signs SB 1966 and Advances DBPR’s Efforts to Improve Operational Efficiencies and Opportunities for Businesses

 

For Immediate Release

June 22, 2021

 Contact: communications@myfloridalicense.com

(850) 922-8981

Governor DeSantis Signs SB 1966 and Advances DBPR’s Efforts to Improve Operational Efficiencies and Opportunities for Businesses

Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 1966, that furthers the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) efforts to pursue regulatory reforms and operational advancements while also increasing efficiencies and levels of service for businesses and professionals regulated by the Department’s programs.

Senate Bill 1966, sponsored by Senator Manny Diaz and Representative Wyman Duggan, passed with unanimous support in both legislative chambers. With yesterday’s signature from Governor DeSantis, SB 1966 amends statutes within the Department’s jurisdiction by:

  • Exempting small, startup manufacturers of certain soaps, lotions, moisturizers and creams that have $25,000 or less in annual gross sales from cosmetic manufacturer permitting requirements;
  • Creating a 90-day, temporary permit to allow continuity of business and enable compliant business transitions after a change in ownership or change in location of a permitted drug, device, or cosmetic business;
  • Eliminating the supplemental fee for electrical and construction contractor applications related to the funding of construction-related research and continuing education, which are adequately supported by other existing fee revenues;
  • Allowing local registered contractors to obtain certified status after five years of experience;
  • Establishing clearer, more effective audit periods for businesses authorized to sell alcoholic beverages under a special food service license, including a staggered scale that reduces the frequency of audits based on the percentage of compliance from the licensee’s most recent audit;
  • Providing rule development authority for standardizing forms for condominium complaints that will enable more efficient review and resolution of constituent concerns;
  • Allowing the Department to establish the principal office of the appointed Condominium Ombudsman in a location of the Department’s discretion to support more effective organizational design and constituent services; and
  • Changing the name of the “Florida Boxing Commission” to the “Florida Athletic Commission,” a broader term that is more representative of the varied sports regulated by the Commission, which is consistent with comparable regulatory bodies of at least 34 other states.

“By improving the standards that govern our regulation of businesses and professions, we open new opportunities to improve the climate for those who are starting, relocating and expanding in Florida every day,” said DBPR Secretary Julie I. Brown. “With unanimous action by the Florida Legislature and the support and approval of Governor DeSantis, this package of DBPR’s recommendations enables a series of reforms that will enhance opportunities for businesses, improve agency processes and minimize regulatory burdens for multiple industries.”

For more information, view the bill summary highlights or the full bill text.

###

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, visit 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.
June 22, 2021 /  
Florida DBPR Applauds Legislative Funding Approved by Governor DeSantis

 

For Immediate Release

June 2, 2021

 Contact: communications@myfloridalicense.com

(850) 922-8981

Florida DBPR Applauds Legislative Funding Approved by Governor DeSantis

Certain alcohol sales methods allowed by the Governor’s emergency order during the pandemic will now be permanent 

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation highlighted funding secured by Governor Ron DeSantis in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget that furthers efforts to protect Florida consumers while increasing efficiencies and levels of service for businesses and professionals regulated by the Department.

“The sustained funding and support of the Department’s programs in the 2021-22 state budget is a continuing signal that Florida is equipped and ready to serve individuals and businesses who are choosing Florida,” said Secretary Julie Brown. “I applaud Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for making the funding of these important DBPR programs a priority this year.”

The Fiscal Year 2021-22 General Appropriations Act maintains funding for the core regulatory programs of the Department and strengthens investments in agency support services, including network security, law enforcement training and promoting Florida tourism. With the approval of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Department’s 2021-22 appropriations include:

  • Protecting Florida Consumers with more than $2.4 million allocated to regulatory initiatives for deterring and enforcing unlicensed activity in professions including accounting, real estate, and construction and enhancements in law enforcement training and equipment necessary to enforce the state’s alcoholic beverage and tobacco laws;
  • Enhancing Cybersecurity with additional resources for network and computer enhancements that underscore the security of the Department’s systems in providing electronic license management options to more than 1.4 million license holders; and
  • Highlighting the Sunshine State with an allocation of $1 million from the Hotels and Restaurants Trust Fund for a collaborative marketing program promoting in-state tourism to Florida residents.

For more details, view the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Appropriations.

###

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, visit 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.
June 2, 2021 /  
Governor DeSantis Signs Bill Allowing To-Go Sales of Alcoholic Beverages by Restaurants

For Immediate Release

May 13, 2021

 Contact: Media@eog.myflorida.com

Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282

Governor DeSantis Signs Bill Allowing To-Go Sales of Alcoholic Beverages by Restaurants

Certain alcohol sales methods allowed by the Governor’s emergency order during the pandemic will now be permanent 

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill 148, which authorizes restaurants, or vendors of alcoholic beverages also holding a public food service license, to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages prepared by the vendor in sealed containers. The bill extends additional sales options, commonly referenced as alcohol-to-go, that are similar to measures implemented by emergency orders of Governor DeSantis during Florida’s state of emergency related to COVID-19.

“Alcoholic drinks to-go became an important source of revenue for restaurants that were trying to survive during the pandemic,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This law is an important measure to continue the positive economic impacts of a temporary order. I want to thank the Legislature, but particularly Senator Jennifer Bradley and Representative Josie Tomkow, for being ready and willing to create common sense reforms that got government out of the way and increased opportunity for Florida businesses.”

Governor DeSantis signed the bill at Houligan’s Sports Grille, an Ormond Beach-area restaurant that relied on the allowances of the Governor’s prior emergency orders over the past year as an added source of revenue during challenges associated with the pandemic.

“Alcohol-to-go has been a lifeline to our restaurants during the pandemic,” said Senator Jennifer Bradley. “Not surprisingly, this is a popular option for customers who want the restaurant experience when ordering to-go. As we emerge from the pandemic, this option that has helped our restaurants survive financially should be permanent. Thank you to Governor DeSantis for signing this important legislation to do just that and support our hardworking restaurant industry and its customers.”

“Some of the hardest hit businesses throughout the pandemic have been our local restaurants,” said Representative Josie Tomkow. “Through the proactive leadership of Governor DeSantis and his executive order to allow the sale of alcohol-to-go, many Florida restaurants were able to increase sales and continue to keep their doors open. I’m thankful to the Governor for his support of this common-sense measure that allows for restaurants to continue to offer alcohol-to-go as an option. This pro-consumer, business-friendly bill will help support our restaurant industry and its tens of thousands of employees.”

“I applaud Governor DeSantis on signing this historic piece of legislation that will greatly benefit our bar and restaurant license holders throughout the state,” said DBPR Secretary Julie I. Brown. “The law allows businesses to meet customer needs by providing the ability and convenience of serving alcohol-to-go, and I am pleased that Florida is actively adapting to meet the evolving customer and business needs in the industry.”

Under Senate Bill 148, an eligible vendor that sells or delivers alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption must hold a public food service license, ensure the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages is accompanied by the sale of food in the same order, and comply with sealing and packaging requirements established in the bill. The vendor, or the agent or employee of the vendor making the delivery, is also responsible for verifying and documenting valid proof of the recipient’s identity and age at the time of delivery pursuant to provisions of Florida’s Beverage Law regarding deliveries.

“Florida’s restaurants were some of the businesses hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “With indoor dining shut down, our operators had to get creative at ways to keep revenue coming in and their staff employed. Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order, many restaurants were saved from closing through their ability to sell alcohol with to-go orders for off-premises consumption. With the Governor now signing alcohol-to-go into law, our restaurants can continue to count on this source of revenue as they provide excellent meals and beverages for their customers.”

The full text of Senate Bill 148 is available here.

###
May 19, 2021 /  
DBPR and the Florida State Boxing Commission Welcome UFC 261 to Florida

 

For Immediate Release

April 23, 2021

 Contact: communications@myfloridalicense.com

(850) 922-8981
 

DBPR and the Florida State Boxing Commission Welcome UFC 261 to Florida

Pay-Per-View Event Marks the Return of Full Capacity Crowds to Florida

 

Tallahassee, Fla. — Saturday, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida State Boxing Commission (FSBC) are proud to host the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville for UFC 261. This signature pay-per-view event marks the UFC’s fourth trip to Jacksonville in the last 12 months. It stands as the first professional sporting event in Florida to welcome a full-capacity crowd indoors at the arena since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.       

“We are delighted to host the return of the UFC fans to Jacksonville for UFC 261 and look forward to another great event,” said DBPR Secretary Julie Brown. “We are thankful that Governor Ron DeSantis has kept Florida open for business throughout the pandemic. Under his leadership, the FSBC had its best year on record in 2020, hosting over 60 professional fighting events. From the ring to the octagon, Florida has turned itself into the fighting capital of the world.”

“We were in Jacksonville a year ago and proved that you could bring professional sports back safely,” said UFC President Dana White. “I promised then that we would be back with a stacked card in front of a sold-out crowd. I love the city of Jacksonville and appreciate the support of Governor Ron DeSantis, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, and FSBC Executive Director Patrick Cunningham to make this event happen. I cannot wait to be back in Florida and hope to see you there.”

UFC 261’s main event features a welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman (18-1) and Jorge Masvidal (35-14). Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased HERE. The event is also available to watch on pay-per-view through ESPN+.

###

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.
April 23, 2021 /  
DBPR Hosts Celebrating Women in Business Program

 

For Immediate Release

March 29, 2021

 Contact: communications@myfloridalicense.com

(850) 922-8981
DBPR Hosts Celebrating Women in Business Program

Virtual Event Highlighted Professional Perspectives from Dynamic Women Leading Florida Businesses

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) hosted the virtual 2021 Celebrating Women in Business program, featuring entrepreneurial and career insights from women who have created and managed successful businesses in Florida. DBPR Secretary Julie Brown moderated an insightful conversation among five women whose creativity, determination, hard work, and leadership are shaping businesses in multiple industries. The program opened with remarks from Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Núñez and Senate President Wilton Simpson.

Representing businesses from the hospitality, gaming, barbering, real estate, community association management, and health and fitness sectors, the program’s featured guests included: Sarah Bolinder (CEO, Chop Barbershop, LLC); Katelyn Grady (Co-Founder, The Body Electric Yoga Company); Barbara Hecht Havenick (President & CEO, Magic City Casino); Samantha Padgett (General Counsel, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association); Christina Pappas (Vice President, The Keyes Family Of Companies); and Debra Reinhardt (CEO, Resource Property Management).

“At DBPR, we have the privilege of supporting and working with women who are forming their businesses, building their brands, and charting new trends in the industries regulated by our agency,” said Secretary Julie Brown. “Their hard work opens and expands the boundaries of a business, and perhaps more, it broadens the door of opportunities for women who look to them as their example and their inspiration.”

 This year’s program coincided with the recognition of Women’s History Month and served as a platform for young professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, business leaders, and other interested parties to gain unique insight and hear directly from women who have paved their own path to success in varied professional endeavors.

A recording of the program is available in its entirety here: 3/29/21 Celebration of Women in Business – The Florida Channel For more information on the featured guests, visit the Department’s webpage: DBPR 2021 Celebrating Women in Business – MyFloridaLicense.com.

###

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.
March 29, 2021 /