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CHAMBER ACTION |
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Committee on Agriculture recommends the following: |
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Committee Substitute |
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Remove the entire bill and insert: |
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A bill to be entitled |
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An act relating to the Department of Agriculture and |
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Consumer Services; amending s. 527.01, F.S.; revising the |
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definition of "qualifier" for purposes of ch. 527, F.S., |
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relating to sale of liquefied petroleum gas; revising the |
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definition of “category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer”; |
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revising the definition of "category II liquefied |
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petroleum gas dispenser"; revising the definition of “LP |
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gas installer”; revising the definition of “specialty |
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installer”; defining “category V liquefied petroleum gases |
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dealer for industrial uses only”; amending s. 527.02, |
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F.S.; providing for licensure of category V liquefied |
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petroleum gases dealers for industrial uses only; |
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providing license fees for such dealers; creating s. |
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527.0201, F.S.; reorganizing existing subsections of |
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Florida Statutes; providing for examination of such |
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dealers; revising persons who may make application for |
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examination for competency; providing that no person may |
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act as a qualifier for more than one licensed location; |
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providing an additional prerequisite for certification as |
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a master qualifier; clarifying provisions with respect to |
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procedure in the event of specified vacancies in qualifier |
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and master qualifier positions; clarifying provisions with |
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respect to suspension of a license in the event that a |
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business organization no longer possesses a duly |
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designated qualifier; providing procedure with respect to |
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category I liquefied petroleum gas dealers or LP gas |
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installers who no longer possess a master qualifier but |
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employ a category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer or LP |
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gas installer qualifier; providing that the department may |
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deny, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a qualifier card |
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or master qualifier certificate for specified causes; |
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amending s. 527.06, F.S.; conforming a cross reference; |
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amending s. 527.065, F.S.; revising conditions under which |
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liquefied petroleum gas licensees must notify the |
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department of liquefied petroleum gas-related accidents |
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involving a customer account; amending s. 527.11, F.S.; |
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revising a prerequisite to obtaining a liquefied petroleum |
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gas license; amending s. 527.13, F.S.; authorizing the |
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department to impose administrative penalties and suspend |
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or revoke a qualification for violation of the provisions |
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of ch. 527, F.S., rules adopted pursuant thereto, or a |
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cease and desist order; increasing the period of time in |
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which licensees may pay penalties to the department; |
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authorizing the department to issue a warning letter to |
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licenseholders, master qualifiers, qualifiers, or others |
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in lieu of an administrative or civil penalty for first |
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violations; amending s. 527.22, F.S.; revising terms of |
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membership of the Propane Gas Education, Safety, and |
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Research Council; amending s. 559.904, F.S.; revising |
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provisions relating to applications, renewal applications, |
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registration, and registration fees with respect to motor |
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vehicle repair shops; amending s. 559.929, F.S.; |
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eliminating a condition under which the department may |
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waive security requirements with respect to registration |
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as a seller of travel; amending s. 501.143, F.S.; |
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providing limitations on contracts for ballroom dance |
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studio services, the renewal of such contracts, and oral |
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or written representations with respect thereto; providing |
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penalties, remedies, and enforcement; amending s. 507.03, |
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F.S.; revising registration requirements for moving |
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services; amending s. 507.04, F.S.; revising requirements |
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with respect to insurance coverage for moving services; |
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amending s. 570.382, F.S.; authorizing licensed entities |
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permitted to race Arabian horses to conduct activities |
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licensed under ch. 550, F.S., under specified |
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circumstances; providing an effective date. |
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Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: |
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Section 1. Paragraph (h) is added to subsection (5) of |
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section 527.01, Florida Statutes, subsections (6), (7), (10), |
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and (11) are amended, and a new subsection (19) is added to said |
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section, to read: |
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527.01 Definitions. As used in this chapter: |
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(5) "Qualifier" means any person who has passed a |
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competency examination administered by the department and is |
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employed by a licensed business in one or more of the following |
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classifications: |
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(h) Category V liquefied petroleum gases dealer for |
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industrial uses only.
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(6) "Category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer" means any |
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person selling or offering to sell by delivery or at a |
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stationary location any liquefied petroleum gas to the ultimate |
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consumer for industrial, commercial, or domestic use; any person |
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leasing or offering to lease, or exchanging or offering to |
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exchange, any apparatus, appliances, and equipment for the use |
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of liquefied petroleum gas; any person installing, servicing, |
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altering, or modifying apparatus, piping, tubing, appliances, |
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and equipment for the use of liquefied petroleum or naturalgas; |
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any person installing carburetion equipment; or any person |
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requalifying cylinders. |
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(7) "Category II liquefied petroleum gas dispenser" means |
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any person engaging in the business of operating a liquefied |
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petroleum gas dispensing unit for the purpose of serving liquid |
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products to the ultimate consumer for industrial, commercial, or |
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domestic use, and selling or offering to sell, or leasing or |
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offering to lease, apparatus, appliances, and equipment for the |
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use of liquefied petroleum gas, including maintaining a cylinder |
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storage rack at the licensed business location for the purpose |
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of storing cylinders filled by the licensed business for sale or |
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use at a later dateengaging in the business of operating a |
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cylinder exchange unit. |
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(10) "LP gas installer" means any person who is engaged in |
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the liquefied petroleum gas business and whose services include |
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the installation, servicing, altering, or modifying of |
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apparatus, piping, tubing, tanks, and equipment for the use of |
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liquefied petroleum or naturalgas and selling or offering to |
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sell, or leasing or offering to lease, apparatus, appliances, |
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and equipment for the use of liquefied petroleum or naturalgas. |
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(11) "Specialty installer" means any person involved in |
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the installation, service, or repair of liquefied petroleum or |
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naturalgas appliances and equipment, and selling or offering to |
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sell, or leasing or offering to lease, apparatus, appliances, |
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and equipment for the use of liquefied petroleum gas, whose |
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activities are limited to specific types of appliances and |
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equipment as designated by department rule. |
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(19) “Category V liquefied petroleum gases dealer for |
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industrial uses only” means any person engaged in the business |
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of filling, selling, and transporting liquefied petroleum gas |
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containers for use in welding, forklifts, or other industrial |
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applications.
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Section 2. Section 527.02, Florida Statutes, is amended, |
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and section 527.0201, Florida Statutes, is created, to read: |
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527.02 License; penalty; fees. |
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(1)(a)It is unlawful for any person to engage in this |
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state in the activities of a pipeline system operator, category |
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I liquefied petroleum gas dealer, category II liquefied |
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petroleum gas dispenser, category III liquefied petroleum gas |
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cylinder exchange operator, category IV liquefied petroleum gas |
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dispenser and recreational vehicle servicer, category V |
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liquefied petroleum gases dealer for industrial uses only,LP |
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gas installer, specialty installer, dealer in liquefied |
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petroleum gas appliances and equipment, manufacturer of |
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liquefied petroleum gas appliances and equipment, requalifier of |
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cylinders, or fabricator, repairer, and tester of vehicles and |
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cargo tanks without first obtaining from the department a |
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license to engage in one or more of these businesses. The sale |
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of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders with a volume of 10 pounds |
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water capacity or 4.2 pounds liquefied petroleum gas capacity or |
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less is exempt from the requirements of this chapter. It is a |
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felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. |
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775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, to intentionally or |
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willfully engage in any of said activities without first |
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obtaining appropriate licensure from the department. |
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(2)Each business location of a person having multiple |
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locations shall be separately licensed and must meet the |
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requirements of this section. Such license shall be granted to |
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any applicant determined by the department to be competent, |
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qualified, and trustworthy who files with the department a |
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surety bond, insurance affidavit, or other proof of insurance, |
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as hereinafter specified, and pays for such license the |
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following original application fee for new licenses and annual |
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renewal fees for existing licenses: |
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License Category | OriginalApplication Fee | Renewal Fee |
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Category I liquefiedpetroleum gas dealer | $525 | $425 |
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Category II liquefiedpetroleum gas dispenser | 525 | 375 |
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Category III liquefiedpetroleum gas cylinderexchange unit operator | 100 | 65 |
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Category IV liquefied gas dispenser and recreational vehicle servicer | 525 | 400 |
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Category V liquefied petroleum gases dealer for industrial uses only | 300 | 200 |
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Specialty installer | 300 | 200 |
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Dealer in appliances and equipment for use of liquefied petroleum gas | 50 | 45 |
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Manufacturer of liquefied petroleum gas appliances and equipment | 525 | 375 |
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Requalifier of cylinders | 525 | 375 |
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Fabricator, repairer, and tester of vehicles and cargo tanks | 525 | 375 |
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(3)Any applicant for original license whose application |
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is submitted during the last 6 months of the license year may |
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have the original license fee reduced by one-half for the 6- |
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month period. This provision shall apply only to those companies |
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applying for an original license and shall not be applied to |
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licensees who held a license during the previous license year |
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and failed to renew the license. The department may refuse to |
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issue an initial license to any applicant who is under |
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investigation in any jurisdiction for an action that would |
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constitute a violation of this chapter until such time as the |
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investigation is complete. |
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(4)(b)Any person applying for a liquefied petroleum gas |
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license as a specialty installer, as defined by s. 527.01(11), |
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shall upon application to the department identify the specific |
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area of work to be performed. Upon completion of all license |
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requirements set forth in this chapter, the department shall |
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issue the applicant a license specifying the scope of work, as |
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identified by the applicant and defined by rule of the |
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department, for which the person is authorized. |
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(5)(c)The license fee for a pipeline system operator |
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shall be $100 per system owned or operated by the person, not to |
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exceed $400 per license year. Such license fee applies only to a |
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pipeline system operator who owns or operates a liquefied |
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petroleum gas pipeline system that is used to transmit liquefied |
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petroleum gas from a common source to the ultimate customer and |
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that serves 10 or more customers. |
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(6)(d)The department shall promulgate rules specifying |
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acts deemed by the department to demonstrate a lack of |
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trustworthiness to engage in activities requiring a license or |
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qualifier identification card under this section. |
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(7)(e)Any license issued by the department may be |
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transferred to any person, firm, or corporation for the |
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remainder of the current license year upon written request to |
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the department by the original licenseholder. Prior to approval |
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of any transfer, all licensing requirements of this chapter must |
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be met by the transferee. A license transfer fee of $50 shall be |
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charged for each such transfer. |
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527.0201 Qualifiers; master qualifiers; examinations.--
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(1)(2) In addition to the requirements of s. 527.02 |
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subsection (1), any person applying for a license to engage in |
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the activities of a pipeline system operator, category I |
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liquefied petroleum gas dealer, category II liquefied petroleum |
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gas dispenser, category IV liquefied petroleum gas dispenser and |
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recreational vehicle servicer, category V liquefied petroleum |
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gases dealer for industrial uses only,LP gas installer, |
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specialty installer, requalification of cylinders, or |
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fabricator, repairer, and tester of vehicles and cargo tanks, |
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must prove competency by passing a written examination |
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administered by the department or its agent with a grade of 75 |
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percent or above. Each applicant for examination shall submit a |
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$20 nonrefundable fee. The department shall by rule specify the |
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general areas of competency to be covered by each examination |
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and the relative weight to be assigned in grading each area |
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tested. |
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(2)(a)Application for examination for competency may be |
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made by an individual or by an owner, a partner, or any person |
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employed byin a supervisory capacity ofthe license applicant. |
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Upon successful completion of the competency examination, the |
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department shall issue a qualifier identification card to the |
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examinee. |
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(a)Qualifier identification cards, except those issued to |
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category I liquefied petroleum gas dealers and liquefied |
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petroleum gas installers, shall remain in effect as long as the |
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individual shows to the department proof of active employment in |
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the area of examination and all continuing education |
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requirements are met. Should the individual terminate active |
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employment in the area of examination for a period exceeding 24 |
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months, or fail to provide documentation of continuing |
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education, the individual's qualifier status shall automatically |
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expire. If the qualifier status has expired, the individual must |
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applymay reapply for and successfully complete anexamination |
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by the department in order to reestablish qualifier status. |
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(b) Every business organization shall employpossess such |
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a full-time qualifier at all times who has successfully |
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completed an examination in the corresponding category of the |
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license held by the business organization. No person may act as |
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a qualifier for more than one licensed location. |
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(3)(b)Qualifier cards issued to category I liquefied |
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petroleum gas dealers and liquefied petroleum gas installers |
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shall expire 3 years after the date of issuance. All category I |
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liquefied petroleum gas dealer qualifiers and liquefied |
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petroleum gas installer qualifiers holding a valid qualifier |
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card upon the effective date of this act shall retain their |
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qualifier status until July 1, 2003, and may sit for the master |
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qualifier examination at any time during that time period. All |
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suchAlternatively, allcategory I liquefied petroleum gas |
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dealer qualifiers and liquefied petroleum gas installer |
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qualifiers may renew their qualification on or before July 1, |
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2003, upon application to the department, payment of a $20 |
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renewal fee, and documentation of the completion of a minimum of |
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12 hours approved continuing education courses, as defined by |
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department rule, during the previous 3-year period. Applications |
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for renewal must be made 30 calendar days prior to expiration. |
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Persons failing to renew prior to the expiration date must |
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reapply and take a qualifier competency examination in order to |
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reestablish category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer qualifier |
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and liquefied petroleum gas installer qualifier status. In the |
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event a category I liquefied petroleum gas qualifier or |
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liquefied petroleum gas installer qualifier becomes a master |
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qualifier at any time during the effective date of the qualifier |
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card, the card shall remain in effect until expiration of the |
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master qualifier certification. |
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(4)(3)A qualifier for a business organization involved in |
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installation, repair, maintenance, or service of liquefied |
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petroleum gas appliances, equipment, or systems must actually |
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function in a supervisory capacity of other company employees |
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installing, repairing, maintaining, or servicing liquefied |
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petroleum gas appliances, equipment, or systems. A separate |
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qualifier shall be required for every 10 such employees. |
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Additional qualifiers are required for those business |
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organizations employing more than 10 employees that install, |
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repair, maintain, or service liquefied petroleum gas equipment |
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and systems. |
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(5)(4)In addition to all other licensing requirements, |
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each category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer and liquefied |
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petroleum gas installer must, at the time of application for |
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licensure, identify to the department one master qualifier who |
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is a full-time employee at the licensed location. This person |
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shall be a manager, owner, or otherwise primarily responsible |
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for overseeing the operations of the licensed location and must |
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provide documentation to the department as provided by rule. The |
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master qualifier requirement shall be in addition to the |
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requirements of subsection (1)(2). |
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(a) In order to apply for certification as a master |
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qualifier, each applicant must be a category I liquefied |
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petroleum gas dealer qualifier or liquefied petroleum gas |
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installer qualifier, must be employed by a licensed category I |
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liquefied petroleum gas dealer, liquefied petroleum gas |
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installer, or applicant for such license, must provide |
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documentation of a minimum of one year's work experience in the |
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gas industry,and must pass a master qualifier competency |
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examination. Master qualifier examinations shall be based on |
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Florida's laws, rules, and adopted codes governing liquefied |
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petroleum gas safety, general industry safety standards, and |
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administrative procedures. The examination must be successfully |
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completed by the applicant with a grade of 75 percent or more. |
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Each applicant for master qualifier status shall submit to the |
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department a nonrefundable $30 examination fee prior to the |
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examination. |
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(b) Upon successful completion of the master qualifier |
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examination, the department shall issue the examinee a |
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certificate of master qualifier status which shall include the |
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name of the licensed company for which the master qualifier is |
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employed. A master qualifier may transfer from one licenseholder |
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to another upon becoming employed by the company and providing a |
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written request to the department. |
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(c) Master qualifier status shall expire 3 years after the |
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date of issuance of the certificate and may be renewed by |
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submission to the department of documentation of completion of |
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at least 12 hours of approved continuing education courses |
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during the 3-year period; proof of employment with a licensed |
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category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer, liquefied petroleum |
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gas installer, or applicant; and a $30 certificate renewal fee. |
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The department shall define, by rule, approved courses of |
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continuing education. |
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(d) Each category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer or |
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liquefied petroleum gas installer licensed as of August 31, |
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2000, shall identify to the department one current category I |
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liquefied petroleum gas dealer qualifier or liquefied petroleum |
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gas installer qualifier who will be the designated master |
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qualifier for the licenseholder. Such individual must provide |
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proof of employment for 3 years or more within the liquefied |
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petroleum gas industry, and shall, upon approval of the |
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department, be granted a master qualifier certificate. All other |
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requirements with regard to master qualifier certificate |
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expiration, renewal, and continuing education shall apply. |
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(6)(5)A vacancy in a qualifier or master qualifier |
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position in a business organization which results from the |
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departure of the qualifier or master qualifiershall be |
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immediately reported to the department by the departing |
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qualifier or master qualifier and the licensed company. |
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(a)In the event a business organization no longer |
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possesses a duly designated qualifier, as required by this |
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section, its liquefied petroleum gas licenses shall be suspended |
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by order of the department after 20 working days. The license |
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and shall remain suspended until a competent qualifier has been |
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employed, the order of suspension terminated by the department, |
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and the license reinstatedretained. A vacancy in the qualifier |
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position for a period of more than 20 working days shall be |
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deemed to constitute an immediate threat to the public health, |
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safety, and welfare. Failure to obtain a replacement qualifier |
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within 60 days of the vacancy shall be grounds for revocation of |
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licensure or eligibility for licensure. |
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(b) Any category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer or LP |
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gas installer who no longer possesses a master qualifier but |
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currently employs a category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer or |
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LP gas installer qualifier as required by this section, shall |
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have 60 days within which to replace the master qualifier. If |
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the company fails to replace the master qualifier within the 60- |
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day time period, the license of the company shall be suspended |
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by order of the department. The license shall remain suspended |
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until a competent master qualifier has been employed, the order |
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of suspension has been terminated by the department, and the |
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license reinstated. Failure to obtain a replacement master |
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qualifier within 90 days of the vacancy shall be grounds for |
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revocation of licensure or eligibility for licensure.
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(7) The Department may deny, refuse to renew, suspend, or |
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revoke any qualifier card or master qualifier certificate for |
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any of the following causes:
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(a) Violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule |
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or order of the department;
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(b) Falsification of records relating to the qualifier |
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card or master qualifier certificate; or
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(c) Failure to meet any of the renewal requirements.
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(8)(6)Any individual having competency qualifications on |
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file with the department may request the transfer of such |
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qualifications to any existing licenseholder by making a written |
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request to the department for such transfer. Any individual |
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having a competency examination on file with the department may |
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use such examination for a new license application after making |
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application in writing to the department. All examinations are |
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confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1). |
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(9)(7)If a duplicate license, qualifier card, or master |
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qualifier certificate is requested by the licensee, a fee of $10 |
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must be received before issuance of the duplicate license or |
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card. If a facsimile transmission of an original license is |
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requested, upon completion of the transmission a fee of $10 must |
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be received by the department before the original license may be |
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mailed to the requester. |
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(10)(8)All revenues collected herein shall be deposited |
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in the General Inspection Trust Fund for the purpose of |
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administering the provisions of this chapter. |
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Section 3. Subsection (4) of section 527.06, Florida |
400
|
Statutes, is amended to read: |
401
|
527.06 Rules. |
402
|
(4) Rules in substantial conformity with the published |
403
|
standards in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations |
404
|
relative to liquefied petroleum gas pipelines shall be deemed to |
405
|
be in substantial conformity with the generally accepted |
406
|
standards of safety concerning the same subject matter. |
407
|
Violation of any provision of the rules adopted pursuant to this |
408
|
subsection may be enjoined under the provisions of s. 527.09. |
409
|
Any person who violates any provision of the rules adopted |
410
|
pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty |
411
|
not to exceed $25,000 for each such violation for each day that |
412
|
such violation persists, except that the maximum civil penalty |
413
|
shall not exceed $500,000, in aggregate, for any related series |
414
|
of violations. Any such civil penalty may be compromised by the |
415
|
department. In determining the amount of such penalty or the |
416
|
amount agreed upon in compromise, the appropriateness of such |
417
|
penalty to the size of the business of the person charged, the |
418
|
gravity of the violation, and the good faith of the person |
419
|
charged in attempting to achieve compliance after notification |
420
|
of a violation shall be considered. Each penalty shall be a lien |
421
|
upon the real and personal property of such person and |
422
|
enforceable by the department as statutory liens under chapter |
423
|
85, the proceeds of which shall be deposited in the General |
424
|
Inspection Trust Fund, as provided in s. 527.0201527.02. |
425
|
Section 4. Subsection (1) of section 527.065, Florida |
426
|
Statutes, is amended to read: |
427
|
527.065 Notification of accidents; leak calls. |
428
|
(1) Immediately upon discovery, all liquefied petroleum |
429
|
gas licensees shall notify the department of any liquefied |
430
|
petroleum gas-relatedgas relatedaccident involving a liquefied |
431
|
petroleum gas licenseecompany or customer account which: |
432
|
(a) Whichcaused a death or personal injury requiring |
433
|
professional medical treatment; |
434
|
(b) WhereResulted in theuncontrolled ignition of |
435
|
liquefied petroleum gas resulted in death, personal injury, or |
436
|
property damage exceeding $1,000; or |
437
|
(c) Whichcaused estimated damage to property exceeding |
438
|
$1,000. |
439
|
Section 5. Subsection (1) of section 527.11, Florida |
440
|
Statutes, is amended to read: |
441
|
527.11 Minimum storage. |
442
|
(1) Every person who engages in the distribution of |
443
|
liquefied petroleum gas for resale to domestic, commercial, or |
444
|
industrial consumers as a prerequisite to obtaining a liquefied |
445
|
petroleum gas license shall install, own or leasea bulk storage |
446
|
filling plant of not less than 18,000 gallons (water capacity) |
447
|
within the state and shall be located within a 75-mile radius of |
448
|
the licensed company's business location. This bulk storage |
449
|
filling plant must have loading and unloading provisions solely |
450
|
for the licenseholder and be operated and maintained in |
451
|
compliance with this chapter for the duration of the license. |
452
|
Section 6. Section 527.13, Florida Statutes, is amended to |
453
|
read: |
454
|
527.13 Administrative finesfineand warning letters.-- |
455
|
(1) If any person violates any provision of this chapter |
456
|
or any rule adopted pursuant thereto or a cease and desist |
457
|
order, the department may impose a civil or administrative |
458
|
penaltiespenalty not to exceed $3,000 for each offense,or |
459
|
suspend or revoke the license or qualificationissued to such |
460
|
person, or any of the foregoing. The cost of the proceedings to |
461
|
enforce this chaptermay be added to any penalty imposed. The |
462
|
department may allow the licensee a reasonable period, not to |
463
|
exceed 9030days, within which to pay to the department the |
464
|
amount of the penalty so imposed. If the licensee fails to pay |
465
|
the penalty in its entirety to the department at its office at |
466
|
Tallahassee within the period so allowed, the licenses of the |
467
|
licensee shall stand revoked upon expiration of such period. |
468
|
(2) If any license expires while administrative charges |
469
|
are pending against the license, the proceedings against the |
470
|
license shall continue to conclusion as if the license were |
471
|
still in effect. |
472
|
(3) In lieu of an administrative or civil penalty in |
473
|
subsection (1) of this section, the department may issue a |
474
|
warning letter to the license holder, master qualifier, |
475
|
qualifier, or any person for a first violation.
|
476
|
(4)(3)All such fines, monetary penalties, and costs |
477
|
received by the department shall be deposited in the General |
478
|
Inspection Trust Fund for the purpose of administering the |
479
|
provisions of this chapter. |
480
|
Section 7. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section |
481
|
527.22, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: |
482
|
527.22 Florida Propane Gas Education, Safety, and Research |
483
|
Council established; membership; duties and responsibilities. |
484
|
(2) |
485
|
(c) Council members shall be appointed to staggeredterms |
486
|
of 4 years, except that, of the initial members appointed, five |
487
|
shall be appointed for terms of 2 years, five shall be appointed |
488
|
for terms of 3 years, and five shall be appointed for terms of 4 |
489
|
years. Members may serve a maximum of two consecutive full |
490
|
terms. Former council members may be reappointed to the council |
491
|
if they have not been members for a period of 2 years. Vacancies |
492
|
in unexpired terms of council members may be filled by the |
493
|
council subject to approval of the commissioner. Members filling |
494
|
unexpired terms may serve a maximum of 7 consecutive years. |
495
|
Section 8. Section 559.904, Florida Statutes, is amended |
496
|
to read: |
497
|
559.904 Motor vehicle repair shop registration; |
498
|
application; exemption. |
499
|
(1) Each motor vehicle repair shop engaged or attempting |
500
|
to engage in the business of motor vehicle repair work must |
501
|
register with the department prior to doing business in this |
502
|
state. The application for registration must be on a form |
503
|
provided by the department and must include at least the |
504
|
following information: |
505
|
(a) The name of the applicant. |
506
|
(b) The name under which the applicant is doing business. |
507
|
(c) The business address at which the applicant performs |
508
|
repair work or in the case of a mobile motor vehicle repair |
509
|
shop, the home address of the owner, if different from the |
510
|
business address. |
511
|
(d) Copies of all licenses, permits, and certifications |
512
|
obtained by the applicant or employees of the applicant. |
513
|
(e) Number of employees which the applicant intends to |
514
|
employ or which are currently employed. |
515
|
(2) Any motor vehicle repair shop maintaining more than |
516
|
one place of business may file a single application biennially |
517
|
annually, which, along with the other information required by |
518
|
this part, clearly indicates the location of and the individual |
519
|
in charge of each facility or in the case of a mobile motor |
520
|
vehicle repair shop, the home address of the owner, if different |
521
|
from the business address. In such case, fees shall be paid for |
522
|
each place of business. |
523
|
(3) Each application for registration must be accompanied |
524
|
by a registration fee calculated on a per-year basisset forth |
525
|
as follows: |
526
|
(a) If the place of business has 1 to 5 employees: $50. |
527
|
(b) If the place of business has 6 to 10 employees: $150. |
528
|
(c) If the place of business has 11 or more employees: |
529
|
$300. |
530
|
(4) Each initial and renewalapplication for registration |
531
|
must be accompanied by copies of the applicant's estimate and |
532
|
invoice forms. Each renewal application for registration must be |
533
|
accompanied by copies of the applicant's estimate and invoice |
534
|
forms only in the event the original forms filed by the |
535
|
applicant are changed, altered, or revised.Such forms must |
536
|
comply with the applicable provisions of this act before a |
537
|
registration may be issued. |
538
|
(5) No biennialannualregistration fee is required for |
539
|
any motor vehicle repair shop which has a local municipal or |
540
|
county license issued pursuant to an ordinance containing |
541
|
standards which the department determines are at least equal to |
542
|
the requirements of this part, or for any motor vehicle dealer |
543
|
licensed pursuant to chapter 320. |
544
|
(6) The department shall issue to each applicant a |
545
|
registration certificate in the form and size as prescribed by |
546
|
the department in accordance with s. 120.60. In the case of an |
547
|
applicant with more than one place of business, the department |
548
|
shall issue a registration certificate for each place of |
549
|
business. The certificate must show at least the name and |
550
|
address of the motor vehicle repair shop and the registration |
551
|
number for that place of business. In the case of a mobile motor |
552
|
vehicle repair shop, the certificate must show the home address |
553
|
of the owner, if different from the business address. |
554
|
(7) Any person applying for or renewing a local |
555
|
occupational license on or after October 1, 1993, to engage in |
556
|
business as a motor vehicle repair shop must exhibit an active |
557
|
registration certificate or active affidavit of exemption proof |
558
|
of filing certificatefrom the department before the local |
559
|
occupational license may be issued or renewed. |
560
|
(8) Each registration must be renewed bienniallyannually |
561
|
on or before the expiration date of the current registration. A |
562
|
late fee of $25 shall be paid, in addition to the registration |
563
|
fee or any other penalty, for any registration renewal |
564
|
application that is received by the department after the |
565
|
expiration date of the current registration. The department may |
566
|
not issue the registration until all fees are paid. |
567
|
(9) No annualregistration application or fee is required |
568
|
for an individual with no employees and no established place of |
569
|
business. In the case of a mobile motor vehicle repair shop, the |
570
|
established place of business shall be considered the home |
571
|
address of the owner, if different than the business address. |
572
|
(10) The department may deny, revoke, or refuse to renew |
573
|
the registration of a motor vehicle repair shop based upon a |
574
|
determination that the motor vehicle repair shop, or any of its |
575
|
directors, officers, owners, or general partners: |
576
|
(a) Have failed to meet the requirements for registration |
577
|
as provided in this part; |
578
|
(b) Have not satisfied a civil fine, administrative fine, |
579
|
or other penalty arising out of any administrative or |
580
|
enforcement action brought by any governmental agency based upon |
581
|
conduct involving fraud, dishonest dealing, or any violation of |
582
|
this part; |
583
|
(c) Have had against them any civil, criminal, or |
584
|
administrative adjudication in any jurisdiction, based upon |
585
|
conduct involving fraud, dishonest dealing, or any violation of |
586
|
this part; or |
587
|
(d) Have had a judgment entered against them in any action |
588
|
brought by the department or the state attorney pursuant to ss. |
589
|
501.201-501.213 or this part. |
590
|
(11) The department shall post a prominent "Closed by |
591
|
Order of the Department" sign on any motor vehicle repair shop |
592
|
that has had its registration suspended or revoked. The |
593
|
department shall also post a sign on any motor vehicle repair |
594
|
shop that has been judicially or administratively determined to |
595
|
be operating without a registration. It is a misdemeanor of the |
596
|
second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. |
597
|
775.083, for any person to deface such sign or remove such sign |
598
|
without written authorization by the department or for any motor |
599
|
vehicle repair shop to open for operation without a registration |
600
|
or to open for operation as a motor vehicle repair shop while |
601
|
its registration is suspended or revoked. The department may |
602
|
impose administrative sanctions provided for in s. 559.921(4) |
603
|
for violations of this subsection. |
604
|
(12) In order to implement the biennial registration |
605
|
requirements in this section, the department shall have |
606
|
rulemaking authority in order to stagger the registrations over |
607
|
a 2-year period. This subsection shall expire on June 30, 2005.
|
608
|
Section 9. Subsection (6) of section 559.929, Florida |
609
|
Statutes, is amended to read: |
610
|
559.929 Security requirements. |
611
|
(6) The department may waive the bond, letter of credit, |
612
|
or certificate of deposit requirement on an annual basis if the |
613
|
seller of travel has had 5 or more consecutive years of |
614
|
experience as a seller of travel in Florida in compliance with |
615
|
this part, can demonstrate financial responsibility in the |
616
|
submission of audited financial statements or the prior year's |
617
|
federal income tax return,has not had any civil, criminal, or |
618
|
administrative action instituted against the seller of travel in |
619
|
the vacation and travel business by any governmental agency or |
620
|
any action involving fraud, theft, misappropriation of property, |
621
|
or moral turpitude, and has a satisfactory consumer complaint |
622
|
history with the department. Such waiver may be revoked if the |
623
|
seller of travel violates any provision of this part. |
624
|
Section 10. Paragraphs (g) and (h) are added to subsection |
625
|
(4) of section 501.143, Florida Statutes, to read: |
626
|
501.143 Dance Studio Act. |
627
|
(4) CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS. Every contract for ballroom |
628
|
dance studio services or lessons shall be in writing and shall |
629
|
be subject to this section. All provisions, requirements, and |
630
|
prohibitions which are mandated by this section shall be |
631
|
contained in the written contract before it is signed by the |
632
|
customer. A copy of the signed contract shall be given to the |
633
|
customer at the time the customer signs the contract. |
634
|
(g) No contract for ballroom dance studio services or |
635
|
lessons shall be for a period in excess of 36 months, and |
636
|
thereafter shall only be renewable annually. Such renewal |
637
|
contracts may not be executed and the fee therefore paid until |
638
|
60 days or less before the preceding contract expires.
|
639
|
(h) No ballroom dance studio shall directly or indirectly |
640
|
make any oral or written representation that a ballroom dance |
641
|
studio contract for future services is for a lifetime, |
642
|
constitutes a perpetual membership, or is otherwise for an |
643
|
indefinite term.
|
644
|
(7) PENALTIES; REMEDIES. The following penalties and |
645
|
remedies are available for enforcement of the provisions of this |
646
|
section: |
647
|
(a) The department shall have administrative authority to |
648
|
issue a notice of noncompliance pursuant to s. 120.695 and to |
649
|
suspend or revoke the registration of any ballroom dance studio |
650
|
that violates any of the provisions of this section or the rules |
651
|
adopted or orders issued pursuant to such rules. Such ballroom |
652
|
dance studio may not engage in business while the registration |
653
|
is revoked or suspended. |
654
|
(b) The department may impose an administrative fine not |
655
|
to exceed $5,000 per violation against any ballroom dance studio |
656
|
that violates any of the provisions of this section or the rules |
657
|
adopted or orders issued pursuant to this section. |
658
|
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (5), the |
659
|
department may require any ballroom dance studio that has |
660
|
operated or is operating in violation of any of the provisions |
661
|
of this section or the rules adopted or orders issued pursuant |
662
|
to such rules to post security with the department in an amount |
663
|
not to exceed $25,000. |
664
|
(d) The department may proceed by injunction to prevent |
665
|
any ballroom dance studio from doing business subject to the |
666
|
provisions of this section until a performance bond, letter of |
667
|
credit, or certificate of deposit is posted with the department. |
668
|
(e) The enforcing authority may seek a civil penalty not |
669
|
to exceed $5,000 for each violation of this section or the rules |
670
|
adopted or orders issued pursuant to such rules and may |
671
|
institute a civil action in circuit court to recover any |
672
|
penalties or damages allowed in this section and for injunctive |
673
|
relief to enforce compliance with this section or any rule or |
674
|
order of the department. |
675
|
(f) The remedies provided in this section are in addition |
676
|
to any other remedies available for the same conduct. |
677
|
(8) CRIMINAL PENALTIES. Any person which knowingly |
678
|
violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, |
679
|
punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. However, any |
680
|
person which knowingly conducts business as a ballroom dance |
681
|
studio without registering annually with the department commits |
682
|
a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. |
683
|
775.082 or s. 775.083. |
684
|
(10) ENFORCEMENT BY CUSTOMER. Any customer injured by a |
685
|
fraudulent act or fraudulent omission in violation of this |
686
|
section may bring an action for the recovery of damages. |
687
|
Judgment may be entered for three times the amount at which the |
688
|
actual damages are assessed, plus costs and reasonable |
689
|
attorney's fees. |
690
|
Section 11. Subsection (1) of section 507.03, Florida |
691
|
Statutes, is amended to read: |
692
|
507.03 Registration.-- |
693
|
(1) Each mover shall annually register with the |
694
|
department, providing its legal business and trade name, mailing |
695
|
address, and business locations; the full names, addresses, and |
696
|
telephone numbers, and social security numbersof its owners or |
697
|
corporate officers and directors and the Florida agent of the |
698
|
corporation; a statement whether it is a domestic or foreign |
699
|
corporation, its state and date of incorporation, its charter |
700
|
number, and, if a foreign corporation, the date it registered |
701
|
with the State of Florida, and occupational license where |
702
|
applicable; the date on which a mover registered its fictitious |
703
|
name if the mover is operating under a fictitious or trade name; |
704
|
the name of all other corporations, business entities, and trade |
705
|
names through which each owner of the mover operated, was known, |
706
|
or did business as a mover within the preceding 5 years; and |
707
|
proof of insurance coverage as required by this act. |
708
|
Section 12. Subsection (2) of section 507.04, Florida |
709
|
Statutes, is amended to read: |
710
|
507.04 Cargo legal liability valuation and insurance |
711
|
coverage.-- |
712
|
(2) All insurance coverages required under subsection (1) |
713
|
shall be issued by an insurance company or carrier duly |
714
|
authorized to transact business in the State of Florida. The |
715
|
department shallmay require a mover to present a certificate of |
716
|
insuranceevidenceof the required coverages prior to issuance |
717
|
of a registration certificate, or renewal thereof, under s. |
718
|
507.03. The department shall be named as a certificateholder in |
719
|
the certificate, and shall be notified at least 30 days in |
720
|
advance of any changes in insurance coverage. |
721
|
Section 13. Subsection (6) is added to section 570.382, |
722
|
Florida Statutes, to read: |
723
|
570.382 Arabian horse racing; breeders' and stallion |
724
|
awards; Arabian Horse Council; horse registration fees; Florida |
725
|
Arabian Horse Racing Promotion Fund.—- |
726
|
(6) Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of law and in |
727
|
order to enhance the horse breeding industry of this state, any |
728
|
licensed entity that is permitted to race Arabian horses and |
729
|
would be required to make contributions to the Florida Arabian |
730
|
Horse Racing Promotion Fund may conduct at any time any activity |
731
|
authorized by law and being conducted within 35 miles of its |
732
|
licensed facility by any other entity licensed pursuant to |
733
|
chapter 550. |
734
|
Section 14. This act shall take effect upon becoming a |
735
|
law. |