Focus on Florida’s Future Budget Enhances Florida’s Pro-Business Climate and Protects Consumers from Financial Harm
~ Florida DBPR Applauds Governor DeSantis’ Signing of the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget ~
June 13, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) applauds Governor DeSantis’ and the Florida Legislature’s investment in enhancing Florida’s pro-business climate and maximizing licensing services for businesses and professionals through the signing of the Focus on Florida’s Future budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The Focus on Florida’s Future budget includes support for Florida’s growing number of licensees, improvements to DBPR’s technological and cybersecurity capabilities, investments in education for Florida’s future business leaders, and continued training and equipment for DBPR law enforcement officers.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ steadfast leadership and pro-business policies, as well as the support and investment of the Florida Legislature, Florida’s business and professional landscape continues to be a model for the nation,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “The Focus on Florida’s Future Budget slashes through bureaucratic red tape, streamlines processes and allows DBPR to best serve Florida’s growing number of valued licensees while prioritizing the health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors.”
The Focus on Florida’s Future budget builds upon Governor DeSantis’ vision for Florida’s business and professional landscape. Highlights include:
- $2.8 million to address significant upticks in inspections and investigations as licensee growth continues.
- More than $4.6 million to enhance cybersecurity and technology capabilities and bolster DBPR’s technical infrastructure.
- More than $195,000 for law enforcement training and equipment necessary to enforce the state’s alcoholic beverage and tobacco laws more efficiently.
- More than $311,000 for the Hospitality Education Program to enhance school-to-career training and transition programs for students interested in pursuing careers in the hospitality industry.
For additional budget highlights, click here.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis signed CS/CS/HB 1335 into law, which streamlines business practices and bolsters Florida’s top-ranked business environment by cutting unnecessary red tape for DBPR licensees. The legislation lifts burdensome restrictions on Florida professionals and creates an online account system, modernizing DBPR’s licensing practices. For more information, view the Department’s press release or the full bill text.