TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget recommends $151 million to support the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s continued commitment to making Florida the best place for businesses and job creators. Governor Scott’s budget also supports DBPR’s overall mission to license efficiently and regulate fairly, allowing Florida businesses and professionals to succeed and create jobs for future generations of Floridians.
Governor Scott said, “We are fighting to make Florida the global destination for jobs so our future generations can have great opportunities to live their dreams in the Sunshine State. DBPR has been at the forefront of making it easier for businesses to succeed, and over the last six years, they have cut fees by over $19 million, reduced 213 burdensome regulations and decreased the average time to get a license to around two days. That’s the way government should work – with efficiency and innovation to help Florida’s businesses open their doors and create jobs for our families for years to come.”
Matilde Miller, Interim Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation said, “Governor Scott’s proposed budget directly supports DBPR’s mission of expanding and growing business in Florida. Thanks to Governor Scott’s leadership, we will continue to make it easier for Floridians to get a license, start a business and create jobs in our great state.”
Governor Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget includes:
- License application processing: In 2015, DBPR processed 70,555 more applications than in 2011 and reduced application processing time to around 2 days. The budget proposes continuing $7.6 million for the Central Intake Unit to remain the only statewide business regulatory entity that processes applications in around two days for more than one million licensees. This unit processes an average of around 5,000 applications each week. Additionally, over 95.5% of license renewal applications are now available online. This allows department licensees to renew online in real time and get to work more quickly.
- Interactive Voice Response System: DBPR’s Customer Contact Center receives over one million calls annually and since 2011, the average wait time for callers has decreased from 2.45 minutes to just 18 seconds. The budget proposes continuing $5.4 million for the Customer Contact Center to continue to improve efficiency and provide better customer service to consumers.
- Food safety: DBPR’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants’ inspection practices enable the division to communicate more effectively to licensees in a pro-business manner. The Division works to be transparent with the public on the results of an inspection, which are published in real time on the DBPR website and DBPR Mobile App. The budget proposes continuing $21.2 million to allow the division to continue to protect the health and safety of Floridians and guests to the state while implementing regulations that make good business sense for Florida’s 91,000 food service and lodging establishments.
Richard Browdy, Chairman of the Florida Building Commission, said, “The construction industry in Florida is booming, and thanks to Governor Scott and DBPR, it has the leadership and resources it needs to continue to thrive. Under Governor Scott’s proposed budget, DBPR can continue to maximize efficiencies, reduce regulations, and ensure Floridians can get to work more quickly than ever before.”
Deborah Curry, President and CEO of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, said, “Governor Scott has always focused on job growth for Florida’s businesses and professionals, and we appreciate his continued efforts to lower the tax burden on Florida’s citizens and businesses.”
Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, said, “DBPR has done a tremendous job inspecting and regulating Florida’s world-class hotels and restaurants in a very pro-business manner. Florida is home to over 91,000 food service and lodging establishments, and thanks to DBPR’s dedication, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants has been recognized as a national leader in food safety and innovation. I applaud Governor Scott’s proposed budget that continues to invest in Florida’s outstanding restaurant and lodging industry. ”
