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The Florida Senate

HB 735 — Preemption of Local Occupational Licensing

by Rep. Harding and others (CS/SB 268 by Regulated Industries Committee and Senator Perry)

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Regulated Industries Committee (RI)

The bill expressly preempts the licensing of occupations to the state and supersedes any local government licensing of occupations, with the exception of local government licensing of occupations authorized by general law or occupational licenses imposed by a local government before January 1, 2021. However, the exception for local government licensing imposed by a local government expires July 1, 2023. Local government occupational licensing requirements in place by January 1, 2021 may not be increased or modified thereafter.

The bill specifically prohibits local governments from requiring a license for a person whose job scope does not substantially correspond to that of a contractor or journeyman type licensed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board, within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. It specifically precludes local governments from requiring a license for: painting, flooring, cabinetry, interior remodeling, driveway or tennis court installation, handyman services, decorative stone, tile, marble, granite, or terrazzo installation, plastering, stuccoing, caulking, and canvas awning and ornamental iron installation.

The bill authorizes counties and municipalities to issue journeyman licenses in the plumbing, pipe fitting, mechanical, and HVAC trades, as well as the electrical and alarm system trades, which is the current practice by counties and municipalities. As a result of this authorization in general law, local journeyman licensing is excepted from the preemption of local licensing to the state under the bill.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2021.

Vote: Senate 22-18; House 82-32