DBPR Encourages Minority Accounting Students to Apply for Clay Ford Scholarship

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Certified Public Accounting is encouraging fifth-year Florida minority accounting students to apply for the Clay Ford Scholarship.

Recipients of the award will receive between $3,000 and $6,000 per semester for a maximum of two semesters.

“Enriching Florida’s diverse student body will ensure substantial growth within the CPA profession,” said Interim Secretary Matilde Miller. “DBPR is thrilled to have the opportunity to assist these future CPAs.”

During the 2016-17 academic year, a total of 39 students received the award from 10 different universities across Florida.

Applications for the scholarship must be postmarked by June 1, 2017. For more information about the scholarship, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com/CPAScholarship.

May 18, 2017 /  
Maxwell Erik “Max” Grablin Act

The Florida Legislature passed the Maxwell Erik “Max” Grablin Act, which provides specific safety requirements for newly installed elevators in private residences. The new law creates section 399.031, F.S., and specifies clearance requirements for hoistway doors and edges, pressure tolerances for doors and gates, and requires a device on the underside of the platform that will stop downward travel. The law took effect on July 1, 2016, and the requirements are to be added into the Florida Building Code by October 1, 2016.

Despite its location within Chapter 399, F.S., the division does not have authority to enforce the new requirements. Elevators and other conveyances in private residences remain excluded from Chapter 399, F.S., and the division’s jurisdiction. This law will be enforced through the Florida Building Code by the authorities having jurisdiction over elevators in private residences – generally this will be the local building authority. All questions about enforcement should be directed to the local building authority.

April 19, 2017 /  
Kone E5000 Safety Alert
UPDATE: Kone has advised the bureau that they are contacting all known owners of Kone E5000 escalators. Contact your local Kone office or service provider with questions about inspecting for and repairing this potential problem.

April 19, 2017 /  
Citation Rule Changes
The division has amended Rule 61C-5.023, F.A.C., effective June 17, 2015. The revised rule allows a citation to be issued to anyone acting as an elevator company without being registered with the division.

April 19, 2017 /  
Elevator License Number Required for Variances

As of May 26, 2015, petitioners for a Petition for Variance for a new elevator installation will need to apply for a permit before the division will issue an order granting the variance. The division will notify you that the variance will be approved and provide the variance number to include on the permit application.

April 19, 2017 /