IMPORTANT NEWS...
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Program Recognized by Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government
September 30, 2010
TALLAHASSEE—Yesterday, the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, announced the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants’ Model Plan Review Program was selected for its newly-created Bright Ideas program. In its inaugural year, Bright Ideas is designed to recognize and share creative government initiatives around the country with interested public sector, nonprofit, and academic communities.
“Tourism is a central component of Florida’s economy, and ensuring efficient licensing for new restaurants is an important part of supporting the industry,” said Secretary Charlie Liem. “I’m proud that our plan review process will now serve as a ‘best practice’ for other states.”
Florida's Division of Hotels and Restaurants is the first in the nation to implement statewide electronic review and approval of restaurant construction plans. The electronic statewide restaurant plan review program saves the state resources while accelerating the licensing process, improving customer service and protecting public health.
This year’s 173 Bright Ideas were chosen by a team of expert evaluators made up of academics, practitioners, and former public servants. Selected from a pool of nearly 600 applicants, 2010 Bright Ideas address a range of pressing issues including poverty reduction, environmental conservation, and emergency management.
“For over 20 years we have been honoring the country’s most creative public sector initiatives through our Innovations in American Government Awards Program,” said Anthony Saich, director of the Ash Center. “The creation of Bright Ideas was a natural next step to shed light on an even greater number of noteworthy programs and practices across our nation and to encourage practitioners to make these ideas work in their own backyards.”
The 2010 Bright Ideas will be showcased on the Center’s Government Innovators Network, an online marketplace of ideas and examples of government innovation for policymakers and practitioners.
The Roy and Lila Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation advances excellence and innovation in governance and public policy through research, education, and public discussion. For more information, visit Ash.harvard.edu.
DBPR’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR 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 MyFloridaLicense.com.