May 2009

In This Issue:

• Message From The Secretary
• Message From The Executive Director
• Useful Reminders
• 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
Juanita Chastain

After serving as the Executive Director of the board for over ten years, Anthony “Tony” Spivey has transferred to the Board of Architecture and Interior Design.  Because of Tony’s transfer I have the opportunity to now serve as Executive Director.  I have worked with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for 29 years and have worked in a board office for over 15 years. Tony’s knowledge and expertise will be greatly missed, but he will continue to be a significant resource to me and the industry. 

We continue to receive many inquiries concerning employees of contractors.  Below are some useful reminders in an effort to keep you in compliance with Part II, Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.  Hopefully you will find this information helpful but if you have questions please call the customer contact center at 850.487.1395 or refer to the board’s Web site at www.MyFloridalicense.com. 

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Useful Reminders

What is a Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA)?

Any employee of electrical or fire alarm contractors whose duties include any of the following:

• Altering fire alarm systems
• Installing fire alarm systems
• Maintaining fire alarm systems
• Moving fire alarm systems
• Repairing fire alarm systems
• Replacing fire alarm systems
• Servicing fire alarm systems
• Selling fire alarm systems

What is a Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA)?

Any employee of electrical or burglar alarm contractors whose duties include any of the following:

• Altering intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Installing intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Maintaining intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Moving intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Repairing intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Replacing intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Servicing intrusion burglar alarm systems
• Selling intrusion burglar alarm systems

What are the requirements to become FASA or BASA certified?

Any employees of electrical or alarm contractors engaged in the contracting or installation of alarm systems need to be certified as either a Fire Alarm System Agent (FASA) or Burglar Alarm System Agent (BASA).  FASA and BASA certification requires the employee to meet the following criteria:

• Is at least 18 years of age.
• Completed a minimum of 14 hours of training by a board-approved provider.
• Has not been convicted of a crime directly related to the business within the last three (3) years.
• Must obtain from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) a completed fingerprint and background check if applying as a burglar or fire alarm system agent every two (2) years.
• Has not been committed for substance abuse within the last three (3) years.

Do all employees of electrical or alarm contractors engaged in the contracting or installation of alarm systems have to take the 14-hour training course?

No. The following individuals are exempt:

• Employees of a licensed contractor who perform only monitoring of alarm systems.
• License holders of a certified electrical or alarm contractor’s license.
• Licensed journeyman are exempt from the initial training only, and must possess a FASA or BASA card and complete an approved six (6) hour renewal course every two (2) years.
• See section 489.518, Florida Statues for additional exemptions.

Are any employees of an alarm contractor exempt from the criminal background check?

Yes. Employees who only perform monitoring at an out-of-state site are not required to complete the criminal background check.

Can an employee start working before the criminal background check and training are complete?

Yes. The criminal background check and training must be completed within 90 days of employment.

How do I obtain the fingerprint criminal background check for FASA and BASA certification?

You must contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for fingerprint cards and then submit the card and required fee to the FDLE for processing. The telephone number for the public records section of FDLE is 850.410.8109.

What is the FASA/BASA identification card?

The FASA/BASA identification card indicates that the FASA/BASA agent has met training and education requirements required for certification.  The licensed electrical or alarm system contractor must provide each FASA/BASA employee with an identification card that includes the following:

• Photo of the agent
• Name of the agent
• Signature of Agent
• Name, address and license number of the contractor
• Signature of the contractor
• Issue date and expiration date

Are there continuing education requirements for FASA /BASA agents?

Yes. Each FASA/BASA agent must complete six (6) hours of board-approved continuing education every two (2) years to include false alarm reduction (See Rule 61G6-12, Florida Administrative Code, for additional information on FASA and BASA requirements).

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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.

We encourage you to provide feedback via the "Feedback" link that is available in the Customer Service Spotlight section on 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