July 11, 2008

Dear Friends,

Since I joined the DBPR team back in February of last year and during my time as Interim Secretary, we have been working hard to implement changes that will make the Department a more efficient place to do business. I hope you have started to see changes in the service you receive. Last week, we got some help in our mission to offer you more efficient service with the signing of House Bill 601.

The bill was sponsored by Representative Matt Hudson, Senator Dennis Jones and incorporated an earlier version sponsored by Senator Michael Bennett. The new laws will improve public safety and streamline parts of the Department's licensing and regulation. These changes to the law will help the Department run more like one of the businesses we license, thus offering you better service.

Highlights from HB 601 include:

• Farm Labor: The bill eliminates a duplication of efforts by removing the state requirement for a background check for Farm Labor Contractors who are already federally registered with a full background check.
• Licensing: The Department will now be able to administratively close deficient license application files after two years. Department staff will now have administrative authority to approve complete, non-controversial applications for professional licenses. Changes will help streamline work flow inside the licensing system, decrease application processing time and save funds from licensing fees.
• Electrical Contractors: The bill removes the requirement for Electrical Contractors to pre-qualify before taking the licensing exam and allows applicants to apply for a license after passing the exam. The change in the requirement is consistent with the current requirement for the Construction Industry Licensing Board and will decrease the application processing time.
• Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes: The Division of Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes will no longer have enforcement authority over fraudulent land sales practices. The Division will forward complaints to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The Division will now be named the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes.
• Boxing Commission: The bill authorizes amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) events in Florida to be approved by a national MMA sanctioning organization recognized by the Florida State Boxing Commission.

I am excited about the changes made during this year's session and thankful to the Governor and the Legislature for their support of the Department. I am eager to continue to make improvements with these Legislative changes in place. With their support, we will continue to make strides in offering our customers the best service, while doing all we can to protect the public.

Sincerely,

Chuck Drago
Interim Secretary

Department of Business and
Professional Regulation
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Customer Contact Center:
850.487.1395
www.MyFloridaLicense.com

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