June 19, 2009

Dear Friends:

On Tuesday of this week, Governor Charlie Crist signed legislation that cuts through red tape for Florida's businesses and professionals. House Bill 425 and Senate Bill 2262 were sponsored by Representative Scott Plakon and Senator Don Gaetz, respectively, and the legislation goes into effect on Oct. 1.

I cannot give enough thanks to Governor Crist, the Florida Legislature, Representative Plakon, Senator Gaetz and customers who met with me while "On the Road to Better Business." Together, we were able to streamline processes so Florida's businesses and professionals can enjoy faster paths to their careers.

It's important that our customers and stakeholders are aware of legislative changes that affect our business processes. You can view the full legislation by clicking here. Below are some general highlights:

• Removes signature notarization requirements for all applications and renewals in order to facilitate electronic submittals;
• Eliminates requirement for Certified Public Accountants to complete the State Laws & Rules Exam in order to renew their license, since they must already complete these to meet the national certification requirements;
• Limits the attorney exemption for Real Estate Continuing Education requirements to attorneys that are in good standing with the Florida Bar;
• Eliminates the practical portion of the barber exam;
• Removes the requirement that an applicant for a registered contractor's license provide a copy of his local Occupational License;
• Authorizes the Florida State Boxing Commission to adopt criteria for approval of certain amateur sanctioning organizations and to adopt health and safety standards for amateur Mixed Martial Arts;
• Prohibits a person from advertising or holding himself out as a "talent agent" or "talent agency" unless licensed as such;
• Requires talent agencies to provide certain records to the department for inspection upon request; and,
• Eliminates the application and issuance of the Qualified Business license for construction companies.
• Makes permanent a former pilot program for local governments to allow patrons' dogs within certain designated areas of food service establishments
  

Finally, this weekend is Father's Day, a day of celebration of dads. It's also the day when I get some great ties. We often forget the sacrifice our fathers make and the roles they have played in shaping our lives. Father's Day gives us the opportunity to show and express our love and care to this man. Father's Day is a day to honor not only your father, but all men who have acted as a father figure in your life.

This Father's Day weekend, I’ll be spending time with my daughters, grandsons and wife. I hope that you will all spend time with or recognize your grandfathers, fathers, stepfathers, uncles, friends, husbands and other father figures. It is a great day to recognize the men in our lives who have been great role models to us.

Happy Father’s Day.

Sincerely,

Charles W. Drago
Secretary

Department of Business and
Professional Regulation
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Customer Contact Center:
850.487.1395
www.MyFloridaLicense.com