IMPORTANT NEWS...

Fiscal Year 2010-11 Budget Recommendations Include Increased Efficiencies at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Jan. 30, 2010

TALLAHASSEE—Today Governor Charlie Crist announced the Fiscal Year 2010-11 budget recommendations, which include increased efficiencies and cost-savings at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  These recommendations will allow the department to continue on its course to support Florida’s businesses and professionals while keeping public safety a top priority. 

“Governor Crist’s proposed budget focuses on increasing efficiencies so we can enhance services while reducing costs,” said Interim Secretary Charlie Liem. 

The total budget recommendation for Department of Business and Professional Regulation is $130.4 million. Budget highlights for Fiscal Year 2010-11 include:

• Cost-savings of $1,150,000 through increased efficiencies, including: 
  • Cost-savings of $409,552 due to office consolidations and relocations;
  • Cost-savings of $116,000 due to vehicle fleet management that will lower maintenance costs;
  • Cost-savings of $24,192 due to the elimination of the practical portion of the barber examination; and
  • Cost-savings of $600,256 due to reduced travel and operational efficiencies.

• The budget recommendations include funding for services that will enhance the department’s support of businesses and professionals.  Highlights include:

• $81,294 for three, non-recurring positions to assist with the start-up of home inspectors and mold assessors and remediators regulation.
• $166,726 for additional support of the Florida Boxing Commission.
• $1.3 million for the replacement of vehicles for the Division of Hotels and Restaurants and the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.
• $250,199 for four additional positions to assist with the regulation of Internet tobacco sales.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

For additional details on the Governor’s recommended Fiscal Year 2010-11 budget, visit www.MyFlorida.com and click on “The People’s Budget,” or visit www.ThePeoplesBudget.state.fl.us.

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