Governor DeSantis Signs Legislation to Streamline Business Practices in Florida, Cut Red Tape
May 13, 2024
Tallahassee, Fla. — Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1335, a bill that further streamlines business practices and bolsters Florida’s top-ranked business environment by cutting unnecessary red tape. Friday’s actions will lift burdensome restrictions on Florida professionals and create an online account system, modernizing the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) licensing practices.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to make pro-business policy decisions with tangible, positive impacts on our state’s businesses and professionals,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “This legislation cuts unnecessary bureaucratic red tape and allows DBPR to communicate with licensees through online accounts – ultimately helping Floridians obtain licenses and begin operations much faster.”
In part, HB 1335 does the following:
- Eliminates remnants of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies by ensuring that deputy Harbor Pilots are selected based solely on their talent and ability to ensure the best candidates are selected.
- Expands what qualifies as work experience for Certified Designated Representatives (CDRs) to address vacancies. CDR licensees are responsible for studying federal laws governing prescription drug distribution, among other qualifications. Every prescription drug wholesale distributor and applicant must designate at least one representative.
- Authorizes DBPR to maintain an online system account to effectively process license, permit, or registration applications for individuals and organizations with licenses.
- Protects and supports victims of deceitful contractors by providing enhanced protection to Floridians who have been taken advantage of and increasing the maximum payouts and aggregate caps for the Construction Industry Licensing Board’s Homeowner Recovery Fund.
