July 2009

In This Issue:

• Message From The Secretary
• Message From The Executive Director
• New License Application Center
• eNewsroom

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Message From The Secretary

With this economic downturn, many of us find ourselves struggling to use existing resources more frugally and to cut costs wherever possible.  This renewed focus on fiscal responsibility is happening across the board—at state agencies, in Florida’s business and professional community and even in our own homes.  At DBPR, we are focusing on cutting costs through increased efficiency.

Recently, we have targeted areas where we can increase efficiency for the department and for our licensees.  I would like to share some examples of our efforts with you. 

• We have reduced the time required to process exam scores for CPAs by more than half.  The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy is now transmitting scores as frequently as eight times per exam window, which is a three-month period. DBPR will now be able to provide eligible applicants with licensure packages more quickly, in approximately 30 days.

• We have removed the requirement that applicants submit corporate documents.  Before this change, documents from the Department of State had to be submitted by the licensee. Now, DBPR mines the documents directly from the Department of State system, thus reducing deficiencies and processing licenses faster.

• We have implemented computer-based testing for Farm Labor.  The Farm Labor Contractor registration examination, previously administered through the pencil and paper, is now offered via computer at multiple sites throughout the state.

A few months ago I sent a letter to all of our board chairs asking them to be mindful of the current budget times and to help us look for ways to save our licensees money and increase efficiency.  Many of our boards and licensees have risen to this challenge. 

Recently, the chair of the Board of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bob O’Neil, suggested that the board decline their statutorily authorized $50 daily board compensation.  The board agreed, and I would like to commend them on their dedication to public service.  In addition, our licensees, the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association, withdrew their application for a rate increase citing the distressed state of the economy and the possible impact to fellow stakeholders at the Port of Miami. 

It is inspiring to see what we can accomplish when we join together with a common purpose.  As we work through these tough times, I am confident we will be able to weather the storm with the support of one another.  I will continue to keep you informed about what the department and our partners are doing to support you.  You can find more information about our efforts by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com/dbpr/Accelerate_Florida.  I look forward to sharing our successes with you.

Sincerely,

Charles W. Drago, Secretary

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Message From The Executive Director
Anthony B. Spivey

Update on House Bill 63

As you may be aware, the Florida Legislature approved House Bill 63 during the 2009 legislative session. The bill required the fingerprinting and background check of applicants applying for the auctioneer and apprentice licenses. Governor Charlie Crist vetoed House Bill 63 stating that he supports efforts to protect the public, but that government does not exist to restrict economic or personal liberties. The Governor stressed that the purpose of his Accelerate Florida Initiative was to reduce or eliminate unnecessary regulation and to streamline licensing processes. Although the bill did not become law, you can still assist your profession by being ever vigilant towards those auctioneers and apprentices who may not run their businesses in a professional manner as most other auctioneers do.

By reporting unlicensed activity or violations committed by licensees, you can help the department reduce consumer harm. As a reminder, the department has a toll free number to report unlicensed activity 1.866.532.1440. Your information will be taken by a department representative and then referred to an investigator for appropriate action. You may remain anonymous if you choose; however, if you choose to have your identity withheld, you may receive limited information on the status of the investigation. To report alleged illegal activities of individuals who are licensed, you may contact the department at 1.850.487.1395, or you may file a complaint at our Web site by clicking on www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

Your assistance assures the public they are receiving excellent customer service from the very individuals who have a vested stake in their outstanding  experience…you!

Until next time,

Anthony B. Spivey, Executive Director 

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New License Application Center

In our continuing effort to provide better customer service, we have improved our Web site home page and created a user-friendly application center. We hope that these changes will make it easier for you to do business with us. The new features are intended to make the Web site more user-friendly and provide simple ways for our customers to find licensing information and requirements through detailed descriptions and helpful checklists.

The changes to the Web site include: new application features with a full list of license types, a list of detailed license requirements before each application, separate entry points for applications and renewals, and a new page called "What Services Require a DBPR License," which is designed to assist consumers with determining what services require a DBPR license.

Visit us at MyFloridaLicense.com.

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eNewsroom

Check out DBPR's eNewsroom, your source for important Department news and information. Here, you can watch public service announcements, read news releases, and subscribe to and flip through our publications.

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Visit us on the Web at www.MyFloridaLicense.com