For Immediate Release
December 23, 2020 |
Contact: communications@myfloridalicense.com
(850) 922-8981 |
Florida DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears Highlights 2020 Agency Successes
State Implemented Major Regulatory Reform and Improved Florida’s Licensing System While Providing Support to Businesses and Professionals During the Pandemic
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Halsey Beshears highlighted 2020 agency achievements on regulatory reform initiatives and advancements in the delivery of regulatory services. Accomplishments for the calendar year include passage and implementation of the “Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act,” new online licensing and testing options, and support for businesses and professionals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, we were able to realize great strides and advancements in occupational licensing reforms and support businesses and professionals during the public health emergency,” said DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears. “We were proud to add additional online transactions and begin offering online license testing opportunities that helped many Floridians continue to work throughout the pandemic. DBPR remains committed to providing quality customer service and efficiency in licensing.”
This year, DBPR made significant progress in occupational licensing reform through the passage of the “Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act,” a significant priority of Governor DeSantis’ efforts to remove unnecessary barriers to practicing in Florida’s regulated professions. The Department also worked toward improvements in regulatory fees and requirements, expanding electronic options for agency services, reducing investigative times on license compliance cases, and additional performance highlights of agency programs as outlined below.
OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REFORMS Governor DeSantis signed “The Occupational Freedom and Opportunity Act” (The Act) which eliminates barriers of entry to certain professions licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DPBR).
“Governor DeSantis and DBPR have led the charge to improve access to a stable job and a clear career path for cosmetologists through regulatory improvements this year and by reducing training hours and eliminating licenses for certain categories, such as hair braiders, hair wrappers and body wrappers,” said Rhonda Griffis, Board Chair for the Florida Board of Cosmetology. “Thanks to the state’s efforts, more hardworking Floridians are able to achieve a successful career in cosmetology.”
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN REGULATORY FEES AND REQUIREMENTS
“Based upon Governor DeSantis’ recommendation to remove occupational licensing barriers, we are proud to have reduced the fees for architecture licensure. This year we reduced the financial burden for these professionals to allow for easier access to a professional career.” said Steve Jernigan, Chairman of the Board of Architecture and Interior Design.
EXPANDED ELECTRONIC OPTIONS FOR AGENCY SERVICES
REDUCED INVESTIGATIVE TIMES ON LICENSE COMPLIANCE CASES
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS OF AGENCY PROGRAMS
ENSURED PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY THROUGH SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONALS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Implemented Regulatory Measures for Public Health and Safety
Supported Emergency Relief and Recovery
For more information please visit www.myfloridalicense.com.
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