IMPORTANT NEWS...

Legislation that Cuts Red Tape for Florida's Businesses and Professionals Goes Into Effect Oct. 1

September 23, 2009

TALLAHASSEE—Legislation passed in the 2009 Legislative Session that cuts through red tape and streamlines business processes goes into effect Oct. 1.  In addition to the changes that will help businesses and professionals enjoy faster paths to their careers, the Board of Surveyors and Mappers and all related licensing and regulatory functions will be moving to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services effective Oct. 1. 

The new laws will enhance customer service and reduce regulatory burden. For the complete legislation, please click here. Highlights from the laws that go into effect Oct.1 include:

• 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 the two-year pilot program for local governments to allow patrons’ dogs within certain designated areas of food service establishments.

The Department’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 MyFloridaLicense.com.