Gov. Scott’s “Fighting for Florida’s Future” Budget Fights to Keep Florida Business-Friendly

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. ”

January 31, 2017 /  
DBPR Releases Informational eBook, the DBPR Business Brief, for First-Time Entrepreneurs and Job Creators

TALLAHASSEE, Fla — The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) today released the DBPR Business Brief, a comprehensive guide to starting and owning a business as told by hundreds of Florida’s premier industry leaders.

Secretary Ken Lawson said, “Great advice can go a long way—especially for entrepreneurs and job creators starting their own businesses. The DBPR Business Brief shares invaluable lessons, goals and strategies learned by Florida’s top business minds. Our hope is that the knowledge shared in these pages can help write the next chapter of successful businesses in Florida.”

Executive leaders from top Florida businesses such as Firehouse Subs, Greenberg Traurig LLP, the International Speedway Corporation, and Datamaxx Group Inc. (to name a few) offered a first-person perspective on insightful business topics. The subjects covered include personal and professional growth, leadership, decision-making, overcoming obstacles…and more! DBPR encourages Florida’s future business leaders to read this eBook and use the information provided to give their business the best start possible.

October 25, 2016 /  
Multi-Agency Sting Leads to 11 Arrests in Manatee County

Palmetto, Fla. — The Department of Financial Services’ Division of Investigative and Forensic Services (DIFS) today announced 11 arrests following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation and unlicensed contracting sting in Manatee County. The individuals arrested were found to have advertised their ability to perform jobs such as plumbing and electrical work without the proper licensing or training, and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.

“When contractors knowingly neglect the law, a major liability risk is created for property owners,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “Not only are homeowners liable for any injuries that occur to uncovered workers on their property, but sub-par work performed by unlicensed and untrained contractors also creates a direct hazard to the property. This is a practice we, along with our local and state law enforcement partners, are working diligently to stop.”

During the three-day operation, DIFS detectives, accompanied by logistical and tactical support from multiple agencies, established an undercover sting across Manatee County in an effort to stop this illegal practice. Detectives responded to public advertisements, calling for contractors to perform services at a specified location in Manatee County.

Those who were arrested include:

  • Johnny Lewis Harrison
  • Douglas Dan Wilson
  • Moises Gonzalez
  • Shawn Gandy
  • Joseph Alma
  • Kenneth Ellis Lohmann
  • James S. Civitello, Jr.
  • Donald Earl Beck
  • Shawn Anthony Ervin
  • Trang Thanh Tran
  • Tommy Minhtri Nguyen

“Unlicensed activity threatens the livelihood of honest, hardworking professionals and can result in substantial physical or financial burdens to Florida consumers,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “DBPR strives to ensure Florida consumers receive services from people and businesses that are in compliance with the law and meet the qualifications and standards required to obtain their state-issued license. Consumers can empower themselves by becoming familiar with what services require a license from DBPR and by always verifying a license before hiring a professional.”

Multiple agencies played a vital role in securing the sting’s successful outcome. These agencies include The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, Palmetto Police Department, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Manatee County State Attorney’s Office and Manatee County Code Enforcement.

The 11 individuals arrested were booked into Manatee County Jail on charges of workers’ compensation fraud and unlicensed contracting, and if convicted, they can face up to 5 years in prison, more if found to be a repeat offender. These cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Manatee County State Attorney Ed Brodsky.

October 14, 2016 /  
DBPR to Consumers: Protect Yourself Following Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla— Following the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is reminding Floridians of the importance of hiring state-licensed professionals and the dangers posed by unlicensed individuals.

DBPR investigators have been working to inform consumers by handing out brochures on the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors and posting warning signs that explain that unlicensed contracting during a state of emergency is a felony. Investigators have already visited Volusia, St. Johns, Flagler, Clay, Putnam and Duval Counties.

“Many residents throughout Florida have been adversely impacted by this storm,” said Secretary Ken Lawson. “It is important that consumers protect themselves from unlicensed activity scams by verifying licenses as they begin to make repairs to their homes and businesses.”

Before hiring a contractor consumers should follow these steps to avoid falling victim to unlicensed activity scams after a natural disaster:

  • Verify a construction professional’s state license with DBPR before signing a contract by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com or calling (850) 487-1395.
  • A contractor must have a license from DBPR to perform roofing repairs or replacements, structural additions, air conditioning repair or replacement, plumbing work, electrical and/or alarm work. These jobs typically require a permit. Be sure to check with your local building department regarding permit requirements for all of your projects.
  • Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors. Make sure the estimate includes the work the contractor will do, the materials involved, the completion date, and total cost.
  • Contact your insurance agent first to verify that your insurance covers the repairs before you sign a contract.

If you suspect unlicensed activity is taking place, report it to DBPR by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440, emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com or using the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.

October 12, 2016 /  
DBPR Awards $200,000 to Minority Accounting Students

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced today that it has awarded the Clay Ford Minority Scholarship to 39 fifth-year minority accounting students from 10 different universities across Florida. The Clay Ford scholarships are awarded through the CPA Education Minority Assistance Program, which was established in 1999 to encourage minorities to enter the CPA profession.

DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson stated, “In Florida, we know that the future business leaders of tomorrow are in the classrooms of today. Giving every student the opportunity to succeed is important to the continued success of the state of Florida. I’m proud that at DBPR, we have been able to award $200,000 in scholarship funds to minority students entering the CPA profession. I look forward to seeing them achieve their dreams both in the CPA field and beyond.”

Award recipients will receive $3,000 to $6,000 per semester for a maximum of two semesters.

The Florida Board of Accountancy’s CPA Education Minority Assistance Advisory Council met in August to determine award winners.

Applications are accepted each year on a rolling basis and will be applied to the appropriate school year. The deadline for applications for the 2017 – 2018 school year is June 1, 2017.

For information regarding eligibility requirements and the application process, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com/CPAScholarship.

September 29, 2016 /