volume 2 • issue 3 • winter 2009
BusinessWorks
florida
a q u a r t e r ly p u b l i c at i o n o f t h e f l o r i d a d e pa r t m e n t o f b u s i n e s s a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l r e g u l at i o n
2009 Legislative Session:
A Race to Support
Florida’s Businesses
Cover story page 6
BusinessWorks
FLORIDA
L I C E N S E E F F I C I E N T L Y • R E G U L A T E F A I R L Y
A MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY CHARLES W. DRAGO
Dear Friends:
Florida BusinessWorks is published quarterly by
the Florida Department of Business and Professional
Regulation to provide our customers up-to-date
information on the services and activities of the
Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
During each Legislative Session,
there’s energy in the air. Being based in
Tallahassee, the anticipation mounts as
committees meet and special sessions are
called. More important than anything,
there is the opportunity to work with
legislators to change laws in order to better
GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST serve our customers, Floridians and visitors.
SECRETARY CHARLES W. DRAGO As you’ll read, the Department of
Business and Professional Regulation
INSIdE ThIS ISSuE: has worked closely with legislators to introduce bills that will enhance
business and ultimately boost the economy. You’ve heard time and time
Board Talk: again from me that we are making an effort to streamline processes and
Shaping Our Environment reduce regulatory burdens, and that is exactly what some proposed
Board of Landscape Architecture
legislation stands to do. I’ve shared these bills with you because it is
Partnerships: important that you know what changes may take place that will enhance
National Association of State Boards of your professional lives.
Accountancy: Accelerating the Licensing
Process for Florida’s Certified Public Part of being an “open government” means communicating
Accountants frequently with licensees, customers and industry stakeholders. I
encourage each of you to follow bills that could affect your business or
Cover Story:
profession throughout Session, and I am committed to providing regular
2009 Legislative Session:
A Race to Support Florida’s Businesses
updates in my weekly “Bottom Line” message, the electronic newsletter.
If you haven’t subscribed, you can do so by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com
Division Spotlight: and clicking on the “Bottom Line” logo.
Division of Technology
While some changes require legislative action, others can be
Customer Service Spotlight: done internally at DBPR or with the help of our boards. In addition to
Hotels & Restaurants Plan Review Office following progress this Session, you can visit our Web site and follow
the “Accelerate Florida” link to see what accomplishments we’re making
Frequently Asked Questions:
What you need to know about outside of Session. This Web site is continuously updated as we make
Legislative Session changes that improve business practices to better serve customers.
One in a Million: We look forward to a great Legislative Session and thank the
Meet One of Our Licensed Professionals bill sponsors who are supporting legislation that will support Florida’s
businessmen and women and our economy.
Sincerely,
For comments, questions, or information contact:
Florida Department of Business and Charles W. Drago
Professional Regulation
1940 N. Monroe Street
Secretary, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850.487.1395
Web site: www.MyFloridaLicense.com
2 BusinessWorks Winter 2009
STREAMLINES
NEWS & NOTES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
FLORiDA BOARD OF COSMETOLOgy PROHiBiTS FiSH PEDiCuRES
In recent months, several cosmetology salons in Florida have been offering fish pedicures,
the use of tiny, live carp to clean feet. At their January 2009 meeting, the Florida Board of
Cosmetology determined that fish pedicures are not permitted in cosmetology salons in
Florida. Fish pedicures violate two previously standing rules, one that prohibits animals
or pets, excluding animals trained to assist the hearing impaired, visually impaired, or the
physically disabled, in salons and another that sets the standards for pedicure sanitation
requirements.
H&R COMPLETES REORgANizATiON TO ACCELERATE LiCENSiNg PROCESS
The Division of Hotels and Restaurants has completed the reorganization of the plan
review process to Tallahassee. All restaurants that are under new construction or being
remodeled must submit a plan of the facility before receiving a license. Centralized plan
review accelerates the licensure process by reducing the time required to complete a plan
review, allowing electronic submission of plans and streamlining the process by accepting
applications and licensing fees along with the plan review.
DBPR LAuNCHES “WHy NOT?” SPRiNg BREAk ViDEO CONTEST TO PREVENT
uNDERAgE DRiNkiNg
Florida’s beaches are a popular Spring Break destination, and in advance of this year’s
springtime festivities, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of
Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco launched a video contest called “Why Not?” Using YouTube.
com and SchoolTube.com for submissions, the campaign was geared toward Generation Y’ers
and asked 14- to 20-year-olds to share videos on why they chose not to drink alcohol this
Spring Break. DBPR received an overwhelming response.
SECRETARy DRAgO ANNOuNCES ACCELERATiON iN LiCENSiNg PROCESS FOR
FLORiDA’S CERTiFiED PuBLiC ACCOuNTANTS
DBPR has reduced the time required to process exam scores for CPAs by more than half– from
three months to as soon as two weeks. Floridians hoping to become licensed certified public
accountants can look forward to a quicker, more efficient licensure process due an agreement
negotiated with the agency that provides CPA testing nationwide.
DBPR MARkS NEW yEAR WiTH 269 COMPLiANCE SWEEPS AND 20 STiNg OPERATiONS
TO FigHT uNLiCENSED ACTiViTy
Working throughout the state from ten regional offices, the Division of Regulation has
executed 269 sweeps and 20 stings since the start of the fiscal year, which began on July 1,
2008. A sweep consists of checking licenses to ensure compliance with state laws; a sting
consists involves undercover operations where known or suspected unlicensed individuals
are targeted. Both operations may result in the arrest of unlicensed persons.
WHAT REquiRES A LiCENSE ?
It is important for consumers and licensees to be able to find information about what
activities require a DBPR license. DBPR is working on a project that will provide user-friendly,
easily accessible information about what requires a DBPR license. Each of the professions
under the Division of Professions will be developing a matrix-style information sheet to be
used as a guideline for individuals seeking information about activities that could require a
DBPR license. This new feature will be predominately featured on the department’s Web site.
Please be on the look out for more information about this service enhancement.
BusinessWorks Winter 2009 3
DEPAR TMENT OF BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
Board Talk
Board of Landscape Architecture:
Shaping our
Environment
Submitted by Juanita Chastain,
Executive Director of the Board of
Landscape Architecture, and
kitrina Dean, Public Information Specialist
S
pring is here. Flowers are bloom- land. Additionally, they work with archi- in Asheville, N.C. Laurie Olin is another
ing, bees are buzzing, leaves are tects, city planners, engineers and other well known landscape architect, whose
sprouting and the grass is green- professionals to protect the environment landscape projects include areas in Bry-
er. This is the time of year when through designing and implementing ant Park and Battery Park in New York,
people begin to beautify their projects to meet the needs of people and N.Y., and the Washington Monument in
surroundings with lush landscaping, and the environment. Washington, D.C.
oftentimes turn to a professional. If you Today, people are growing increas- Before an applicant can take the
are seeking to hire a landscape architect, ingly environmentally conscious. Green required exam, the applicant must have
check his or her license first. The Depart- and sustainability projects are popping completed a professional degree program
ment of Business and Professional Regu- up everywhere. Landscape architects are in landscape architecture as approved by
lation licenses and regulates landscape ar- involved in projects that include energy the Landscape Architectural Accredita-
chitects. Seven members sit on the Board efficient landscaping. The trend of green tion Board or present evidence of at least
of Landscape Architecture, including five roofs, which are roofs that are covered six years of actual practical experience
landscape architects and two consumers. with vegetation and soil, is another ven- in landscape architectural work satisfac-
While landscape architecture may ture that involves landscape architects. tory to the board, or present evidence of
not be a familiar profession to many peo- Additionally, some landscape architects a combination of education and experi-
ple, their work surrounds us every day. are involved in xeriscaping, which is ence. An additional year of experience
People may mistake the term to that of a landscaping and gardening in ways that must be documented prior to licensure.
gardener; however, a landscape architect reduce or eliminate the need for supple- An applicant must take and pass the
creates landscapes around parks, gardens, mental irrigation. Landscape Architectural Registration Ex-
campuses, and many more areas. Cur- Landscape architects not only shape amination and the Florida laws and rules
rently there are 1,080 licensed landscape Florida’s land, but also design and create examination to obtain licensure. To learn
architects and 281 licensed landscape ar- remarkable landmarks around the nation. more information about becoming a
chitectural businesses in Florida. Frederick Law Olmstead is one of the best landscape architect, please visit our Web
Landscape architects plan and de- known landscape architects. His designs site at MyFloridaLicense.com.
sign traditional spaces and restore natu- include Central and Prospectus Park in
ral places disturbed by humans, such as New York, N.Y. and George Washington
wetlands, stream corridors and forested Vanderbilt II’s Biltmore Estate grounds
4 BusinessWorks Winter 2009
DEPAR TMENT OF BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
parTnerships
National Association Partnership
accelerating the
licensing process
for Florida’s Cpas
O
n Jan. 14, in a meeting of Now, the waiting time has been sig-
the Senate Committee on nificantly reduced. The National Asso-
Regulated Industries, Secre- ciation of State Boards of Accountancy is
“This change will tary Drago announced that now transmitting scores as frequently as
his agency has reduced the time required eight times per exam window, which is
help Floridians get to process exam scores for CPAs by more a three-month period. DBPR will now
to work faster, and than half–from three months to as soon as be able to provide eligible applicants with
two weeks. Floridians hoping to become licensure packages more quickly, in ap-
Certified Public licensed certified public accountants can proximately 30 days.
Accountants can look forward to a quicker, more efficient
licensure process due an agreement nego-
“An applicant made us aware of the
problem with the exam reporting when
now enjoy a faster tiated with National Association of State she received her exam scores months be-
Boards of Accountancy. fore DBPR. Based on her concern, we
path to their careers.” In the past, Floridians interested in have worked out an agreement with the
becoming CPAs sat for an exam, and CPA testing agency to receive scores as
—Secretary Charles W. Drago those who passed then waited for as long they are processed for a significant reduc-
as three months for DBPR to receive the tion in the application processing time.
scores from the National Association This change will help Floridians get to
of State Boards of Accountancy. DBPR work faster, and Certified Public Accoun-
could not send an application packet be- tants can now enjoy a faster path to their
fore receiving the scores. DBPR identi- careers.” said Secretary Drago
fied the CPA licensing process as one of
the most lengthy for the applicant and
sought to make changes in the process.
BusinessWorks Winter 2009 5
volume 2 • issue 3 • winter 2009
BusinessWorks
florida
a q u a r t e r ly p u b l i c at i o n o f t h e f l o r i d a d e pa r t m e n t o f b u s i n e s s a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l r e g u l at i o n
BusinessWorks cover stor y
2009 Legislative Session:
A Race to Support
Florida’s Businesses
Cover story page 6
2009 Legislative Session:
A Race to Support Florida’s Businesses
By Charles W. Drago, Secretary, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
R
unning the Department of leadership they will provide during Ses-
Business and Professional Reg- Professions Bill: “In our current sion.
ulation is a lot like running a economic market, the need for generating Some of the proposed legislation in-
relay race. We cannot accom- revenue is important. This bill removes tended to streamline processes and pro-
plish great change alone; we stumbling blocks to our licensing process and vide DBPR with ways to serve you better
rely on the whole team. The first step to will provide a shorter turn-around time for is listed on the following page.
achieving Governor Charlie Crist’s “Ac- professionals applying for a DBPR licenses,
celerate Florida” directive to promote less enabling them to get to work.”
intrusive, more effective government was — Rep. Scott Plakon PMW Bill: “It is the department’s responsibility
to identify the team members and which to provide efficient, effective, and fair regulation of
leg of the race they would run. The lineup
authorized gaming at pari-mutuel facilities. This
unfolded like this: first, customers, part- procedures to better serve the business-
ners and industry stakeholders; second, bill streamlines licensing and operating dates for all
men and women who rely on us for their
boards and board staff; third, DBPR; and livelihood. pari-mutuel wagering facilities throughout the State
fourth, the Legislature. With Legislative The final stretch of the race is Legisla- of Florida.”
Session here, I want to share how we got tive Session, which began March 3. The — Sen. Dennis Jones
to where we are and what the final stretch Florida Legislature can change laws to im-
of the race looks like. prove the way the department serves cus-
Like on any good track team, there tomers and to protect Floridians and visi- We are in the midst a great Session,
are those who are best coming out of the tors. DBPR’s Office of Legislative Affairs and I look forward to updating you on
blocks, starting the race. For DBPR, those has been working closely with legislators the progress of the bills intended to make
teammates are our customers. Our licens- your professional lives easier. I encour-
ees can (and have) provided us with the age each of you to track the progress of
end-user feedback necessary to gain in- Elevator Safety: “The these bills as they may affect you. You can
sight into what processes work and what safety of our state’s constituency is of track them by visiting Online Sunshine at
could be improved. By hitting the road the utmost importance, including but www.leg.state.fl.us
for “On the Road to Better Business,” I From the customers we serve to the
not limited to their safety on elevators
received input from our licensees who are legislators who pass bills into law, we are
located across the state. and conveyances. This bill strengthens a team and none of us can do it alone. I
Once we were out of the blocks with our enforcement efforts, and provides would like to thank Governor Crist for his
customer insight in-hand, the baton was for the safety of Florida residents and leadership; our board members, customers
passed to our boards’ staff. We identified visitors.” and industry stakeholders for their invalu-
what changes could be made internally — Rep. Jim Frishe able input; and everyone who has assisted
and what could be made with the help of us with identifying ways to improve busi-
our boards, who have the authority to cre- ness along the way.
ate and modify rules. to develop bills intended to enhance the
Next, DBPR had the baton for the fi- way we serve our licensees and consum-
nal bend before the straightaway. We have ers.
been rigorously streamlining policies and Elevator Safety: “The Florida Legislature
I would like to share these bills and
is committed to protecting the citizens of our state
also to recognize the senators and repre-
sentatives who are sponsoring the bills. I in every capacity, including safety on our motorized
PMW Bill: “With the department’s mission to thank Senators Mike Bennett, Mike Fa- transportations. This bill, which also shows how
license efficiently and regulate fairly, the focus of this sano, Dennis Jones and Don Gaetz; and important this is to the Department, addresses
bill is to expand licensing options, provide continuity I thank Representatives Dwight Bullard, issues raised in a recently released Senate Interim
in the racing seasons and protect the welfare of Jim Frische, Scott Plakon, Ron Schultz, Report and improves the safety standards of
racing animals in pari-mutuel wagering facilities.” and Alan Williams. In addition to recog- elevator safety in the State of Florida.”
—Rep. Ron Schultz nizing the support of our sponsors, I’d like —Senator Dennis Jones
to thank Senate President Jeff Atwater and
Speaker of the House Larry Cretul for the
6 BusinessWorks Winter 2009
DBPR Proposed Legislation Committe Chairs
➤➤ Senator gaetz and Representative Plakon are sponsoring a bill that will: House Policy Committee on Insurance,
Business and Financial Affairs
• Eliminate the Qualified Business license for construction companies since Rep. Pat Patterson, R-Deland
the activities of a business are already tied to the qualifying agent’s license. 313 House Office Building
402 South Monroe Street
• Remove the requirement for proof of local city/county licenses for
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
contractors. If contractors meet the state requirements, they become Phone: (850) 488-9873
licensed.
• Provide computer-based testing for barbers so that they, like
House Policy Council on General Government
cosmetologists, do not have to take the practical portion of the exam.
Rep. Baxter G. Troutman, R-Winter Haven
• Provide an unlicensed activity fee holiday during cycles when funds are 317 House Office Building
sufficient to support regulation of unlicensed activity. 402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
• Eliminate laws and rules examination that are required for Certified Public Phone: (850) 488-9465
Accountants to renew their licenses. CPAs are already required to complete
mandatory Continuing Professional Education.
House Committee on Government
• Eliminate notarization requirement for all applications and license renewals, Operations Appropriation
which will allow applicants to submit applications and renewals online. Rep. D. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla
222 The Capitol
• Allow attorneys who sell real estate and who are in good standing with the 402 South Monroe Street
Florida Bar to be exempt from continuing education. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
• Remove room rate signage requirements for licensed hotels. Phone: (850) 488-0348
➤➤ Senator Jones and Representative Frische are sponsoring a bill that will:
House Full Appropriations Council on
• Strengthen elevator safety and enforcement. General Government & Health Care
➤➤ Senator Bennett and Representative Williams are sponsoring a bill that Rep. Marcelo Llorente. R-Miami
222 The Capitol
will:
402 South Monroe Street
• Amend statute to protect the identity of department employees who Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
investigate unlicensed activity. Phone: (850) 488-5047
➤➤ Senator Jones and Representative Schultz are sponsoring a bill related to
Pari-Mutuel Wagering that will: Senate Committee on Committee on
Regulated Industries
• Extend expirations for temporary licenses from 30 to 90 days in order Senator Dennis L. Jones, R-Seminole
to increase efficiencies when processing applications and conducting 408 Senate Office Building
background checks. 404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
• Offer a three-year occupational cardroom license. (850) 487-5065
• Provide DBPR the authority to offer a discount of fees for the three-year Email: jones.dennis.web@flsenate.gov
license.
• Allow permit holders to determine whether certain electronic devices, such Senate Committee on General
as cell phones, are permissible. Government Appropriations
Senator Carey Baker, R-Eustis
• Change statute so quarter horse permit applications have the same mileage 316 Senate Office Building
restrictions, financial and notice requirements as any other pari-mutuel 404 South Monroe Street
permit application. Require all new quarter horse permit holders to run a Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
full schedule of live racing in the first year of operation in order to operate a (850) 487-5014
cardroom. Email: baker.carey.web@flsenate.gov
• Call for the humane treatment of racing animals.
Senate Policy and Steering Committee
• Change the thoroughbred racing season to July 1 through June 30 in order on Ways and Means
to match the greyhound, jai alai, and harness facilities. Senator JD Alexander, R-Winter Haven
• Change the deadline for the issuance of an annual operating dates licenses 412 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
for thoroughbred permit holders to March 15th of every year.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
➤➤ Senator Fasano and Representative Bullard are sponsoring a bill that will: (850) 487-5044
Email: alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov
• Add the Division of Service Operations to the organizational structure of
the department.
division spoTlighT
Taking Care oF Business
Division of Technology:
Excellent Customer Service
Begins with Quality Technology
T
he Department of Business store and retrieve the high volume of
and Professional Regulation documents that enter the department.
licenses more than one mil- DBPR has contracted with ISOCORP/
lion businesses and profes- IAS to implement a department-wide
sionals that provide services document management system that of-
to citizens and visitors of fers the following:
Florida. In this day and age, providing
quality customer service begins with •➤ A centralized repository to store,
quality technology. DBPR’s Single Li- manage and retrieve documentation
censing System and department-wide
•➤ Automated matching of documenta-
document management systems provide
tion with existing licensing informa-
employees and consumers access to real-
tion
time licensing information. One of the
top priorities of DBPR is ensuring that •➤ Automatic assignment and routing The division of Technology oversees
information is easily accessible and con- of documents the processes for system design,
sumer-friendly.
•➤ Access to documents online testing, planning, implementation and
In 2001, DBPR undertook a
project to re-engineer its core business •➤ Scanning and indexing of documen- administration of the department’s
processes to improve and centralize its tation for storage and retrieval
licensing capabilities. As part of the re- computer operations and desktop/
•➤ Increased efficiency for processing
engineering project, DBPR contracted field support. Development and
deficient applications
with Accenture LLP to design, build and
implement a statewide licensing system •➤ Increased document security maintenance of DBPR’s corporate
and Internet portal, implement a cen- database application system,
•➤ Continuity of operations in the
tralized call center, and provide applica-
event of a disaster LicenseEase, is handled through this
tion management services. The contract
with Accenture LLP ended on Dec. 31, The department-wide document man- division, as is the development and
2008, and the Division of Technology agement system not only improves over-
brought the support and maintenance all customer service, but also increases maintenance of the department’s
of the Single Licensing System in-house. employee efficiency by allowing staff to Internet/Intranet presence and various
Thanks to the Technology staff, this for- spend more time on business processing
mal transition, which occurred on Jan.1, tasks as opposed to administrative tasks. Win32 and Web-based applications.
2009, has been smooth for DBPR’s cus- The Division of Technology has worked
tomers. tirelessly to ensure that the system tran-
The Single Licensing System has sition has been seamless in order to pro-
proven to be effective, yet the department vide accurate information, which is the
still needed an electronic way to capture, foundation of good customer service.
8 BusinessWorks Winter 2009
CusTomer serviCe spoTlighT
Taking Care oF You
Division of Hotels & Restaurants’ Plan Review Office
The plan review team is just that - a team. This office
is staffed with eight people who all have the same
goal in mind, which is to provide citizens with great
customer service as they help them fulfill a dream of
opening a restaurant. Everyone in this office is cross-
trained so they are able to help each other handle the
large amount of plans submitted. Everyone keeps in-
mind that submitted plans are not just pieces of pa-
per, but could be anywhere from five to more than 100
employees waiting to go to work.
Left to Right: Richard Bull, Paulina Brewer, George Koehler,
Hector Guillont, Matt Colson, Bianca Bell, Debi Williams and
Andrew Smith
The Division of Hotels & Restaurants Plan Bianca Bell is one of the faces you will see when you go
Review office is always ready to help food ser- up to the service window. She is responsible for profiling
and compiling the plan review files that accompany
vice operators start the licensing process. All
the plans. One of the main ways Bianca provides great
restaurants that are under new construction or customer service is by calling the applicant for any
being remodeled must submit a plan of the facil- information that may have been accidentally left off of
ity before receiving the license. The Plan Review the application, but is required.
office is the first stop on the path to obtaining
a food service license. This office reviews more
than 5,000 food service plans annually for sanita- Paulina Brewer reviews plans for many types of new
tion and safety concerns while actively working businesses along with existing ones that want to
with our food service licensees to achieve the make renovations. She also works directly with our
highest level of health and safety for all Floridi- restaurant inspectors during an opening inspection
ans and more than 50 million annual visitors. The if any questions arise. Paulina puts herself in
plan review process recently centralized to Tal- citizens’ shoes to make sure information is provided
correctly and the applicant understands what is
lahassee, providing faster service from a single,
being requested.
highly specialized office.
The office receives plan review packets by
mail or in person. Staff then profiles and reviews
the plans in the order they are received. Plans Hector guillont has a background in public health
and is also bilingual, which helps with assisting many
that pass review are approved, the packet is re-
of our Spanish-speaking applicants. He loves his
turned to customers; and the license application job because he can help protect the state of Florida,
can be processed. When plans do not pass re- and his favorite part of the job is connecting with
view, staff notifies the operator, so the problems the many people he encounters doing his job.
can be corrected. Hector would like to remind people always
Lastly, we scan all plans into our document to ensure that water and sewer is hooked
imaging system, On Base, allowing our plan up along with providing the proof to the
review staff to electronically review and recall department.
plans, improving customer service and helping
us become a greener operation.
Our plan reviewers often act as consultants,
by assisting the operator through the plan re- Andrew Smith is a plan reviewer who also assists
with ensuring the office with their technical upgrades,
view process. Our staff is always willing to work
which include ensuring all plans can be scanned for
with customers one-on-one in person, by phone, an electronic copy. His favorite part of the job
or by e-mail. is communication; he states that helping one
person in turn can help a community.
BusinessWorks Winter 2009 9
? Frequently Asked Questions
F R O M T H E D E PA R T M E N T O F B u S i N E S S A N D P R O F E S S i O N A L R E g u L AT i O N
What you need to know about Legislative Session
q: i think changes should be made to a current law, what do i do?
A: When someone feels that changes are needed to an existing law or feel that a law is needed for their idea the
first step is to speak with your local legislator. You will need to have the legislator sponsor the bill and file the
bill language at the Capitol before the bill filing deadline.
q: How do i find out who my local legislators are?
A: You can find your local legislators at www.sentate.fl.gov or www.myfloridahouse.gov. On the left-side
column there will be a box to enter your zip code, and it will pull up all of your legislators’ names and contact
information.
q: How do i check newly filed bills?
A: You can view all filed bills at either the House or the Senate Web sites by the bill number. All House bills will
be indicated by an “HB” and are odd numbered bills. Senate bills are indicated by “SB” and will have even bill
numbers.
q: Do agencies provide any input on the filed bills?
A: All state agencies will complete a bill analysis on bills only relating to that agency. This is to determine the
impact to the agency, in terms of cost, staff resources, or processing requirements.
q: How do i track a bill through the process?
A: You can pull up a bill by the bill number under the appropriate Senate or House Web sites. You can also sign
up for a free bill and statute tracking system at www.myfloridahouse.gov. Click on the “Legislative Tracking”
link on the left-side to create an account.
q: Why does the bill have to go through different committees?
A: Different committees are set up to study the purpose of newly filed bills. One bill may be reviewed or be
amended by multiple committees. Once the bill has been approved by the appropriate committees, it is sent
to the full house, where it is voted on. Once a bill is approved by one side of the Legislature, it goes through
the same process of committee meetings on the other side.
q: Where do i find the proposed effective date of the new bill?
A: All newly filed bills will include an effective date. Most effective dates are July 1, October 1 or could be taken
into effect immediately after the Governor signs the bill into law.
q: How can i tell if the bill has passed?
A: A bill must be voted on and passed by majority the House or the Senate; it then goes to the other one for
the same committee and voting process. Once a bill has been voted and approved by both the House and
the Senate, it is presented to the Governor for a either a signature to become law, becomes law without his
signature or is vetoed. When a bill becomes a law, a statute number is assigned.
q: What does the underlining and the over-striking in a bill or amendment text mean?
A: Underlining and overstriking indicate changes being made to the text of the existing law. Underlined text
indicates new language, and over-striking the text indicates language that is being removed.
q: When does the regular session begin and end?
A: Regular legislative session starts on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in March for a period to not to
exceed 60 days, which is usually during the first week of May. This year, session egan on March 3rd.
10 BusinessWorks Winter 2009
Outreach
Department of Business and Professional Regulation Launches
“Why Not?” Spring Break Video Contest to Prevent underage Drinking
Florida’s beaches are a popular Spring Break destination,
and in advance of this year’s springtime festivities, the
Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s
Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco launched a
video contest called “Why Not?” Using YouTube.com for
submissions, the campaign was geared toward Generation
Y’ers and asked 14- to 20-year-olds to share videos on why
they choose not to drink alcohol this Spring Break. The
campaign did not use any taxpayer money and relied on
existing communications tools, as well as partnerships with the alcoholic beverage industry and government agencies,
to award prizes and create awareness.
“Enforcement should always be a measure of last resort, and ‘Why Not?’ is a creative and innovative way to reach our
teenaged population before they are faced with the difficult decision of whether to drink alcohol this spring break,”
stated Secretary Charles W. Drago. “We recognize the power of peer-to-peer communication and the positive effect it
can have when teens realize that many people, just like them, are choosing not to drink.”
Nearly 30 teens rose to the challenge and videos came from near and far. Three winners were selected and won Best
Buy gift cards – the Florida Retail Federation $1,000 card for first place; the Charmer Sunbelt Group $875 card for sec-
ond place; and the Tri-Eagle Sales $250 card for third place. Videos are currently being featured on
www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
Outreach Events
Representatives of the Department will be on-hand at the following trade shows and events:
National Veterinary Conference Jan. 17-21 Orlando
2009 Day of Education and Expo Jan. 24 Davie
Wind 2009 – Windstorm industry Jan. 25-28 Orlando
Florida Pool and Spa Show Feb. 20-21 Orlando
Alarm Association of Florida March 11-14 Orlando
American Resort Development Association March 29- Apr. 2 Orlando
2009 Convention
Florida Association of Electrical Contractor April 1-2 Orlando
governor’s Hurricane Conference May 10 Fort Lauderdale
Premier Hair Show June 1-2 Orlando
Southeast Builders Conference July 30-31 Orlando
2008-2009 PROFESSiONAL BOARD MEETiNg CALENDAR:
http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/documents/boardcal_0809.pdf
BusinessWorks Winter 2009 11
One in a Million: MEET ONE OF OuR LiCENSED PROFESSiONALS
At left: Warren A. Emo,
AiA, NCARB, President
EMO/ARCHiTECTS, iNC.
has been a licensed
architect in the state of
Florida since 1979.
Profession: Architect
Plans and designs structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
Number of Licensed Professionals in Florida: 8,840
Salary Range: $39,420 - $104,970*
Requirements to be licensed: Graduate of approved architectural curriculum of five years or more from a NAAB accredited
program or equivalent; internship period - three years for Bachelor degree holders, two years for Master degree holders;
successful completion of the Architect Registration Examination.
interesting Facts: The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design has some of the most stringent licensing standards
in the country. These professionals provide a necessary service to the citizens and visitors of Florida through our built
environment. They ensure that the structures in which we live, work and play are designed not only to be structurally sound
but aesthetically pleasing.
*U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida, May 2006
Stay in the Loop
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s eNewsroom is your source
for important Department news and information. Here, you can watch and listen
to public service announcements, read news releases, media advisories and other
Department news, view and subscribe to the Department newsletter, Business Works,
the weekly e-newsletter, The Bottom Line, and other Department publications. The
eNewsroom is located at http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/eNewsroom.html
1940 N. Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Customer Contact Center: 850.487.1395
e-mail: Call.Center@dbpr.state.fl.us
Web site: www.MyFloridaLicense.com