HB 1471 2003
   
1 CHAMBER ACTION
2         
3         
4         
5         
6          Committee on Agriculture recommends the following:
7         
8          Committee Substitute
9          Remove the entire bill and insert:
10
11 A bill to be entitled
12          An act relating to the Department of Agriculture and
13    Consumer Services; amending s. 527.01, F.S.; revising the
14    definition of "qualifier" for purposes of ch. 527, F.S.,
15    relating to sale of liquefied petroleum gas; revising the
16    definition of “category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer”;
17    revising the definition of "category II liquefied
18    petroleum gas dispenser"; revising the definition of “LP
19    gas installer”; revising the definition of “specialty
20    installer”; defining “category V liquefied petroleum gases
21    dealer for industrial uses only”; amending s. 527.02,
22    F.S.; providing for licensure of category V liquefied
23    petroleum gases dealers for industrial uses only;
24    providing license fees for such dealers; creating s.
25    527.0201, F.S.; reorganizing existing subsections of
26    Florida Statutes; providing for examination of such
27    dealers; revising persons who may make application for
28    examination for competency; providing that no person may
29    act as a qualifier for more than one licensed location;
30    providing an additional prerequisite for certification as
31    a master qualifier; clarifying provisions with respect to
32    procedure in the event of specified vacancies in qualifier
33    and master qualifier positions; clarifying provisions with
34    respect to suspension of a license in the event that a
35    business organization no longer possesses a duly
36    designated qualifier; providing procedure with respect to
37    category I liquefied petroleum gas dealers or LP gas
38    installers who no longer possess a master qualifier but
39    employ a category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer or LP
40    gas installer qualifier; providing that the department may
41    deny, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a qualifier card
42    or master qualifier certificate for specified causes;
43    amending s. 527.06, F.S.; conforming a cross reference;
44    amending s. 527.065, F.S.; revising conditions under which
45    liquefied petroleum gas licensees must notify the
46    department of liquefied petroleum gas-related accidents
47    involving a customer account; amending s. 527.11, F.S.;
48    revising a prerequisite to obtaining a liquefied petroleum
49    gas license; amending s. 527.13, F.S.; authorizing the
50    department to impose administrative penalties and suspend
51    or revoke a qualification for violation of the provisions
52    of ch. 527, F.S., rules adopted pursuant thereto, or a
53    cease and desist order; increasing the period of time in
54    which licensees may pay penalties to the department;
55    authorizing the department to issue a warning letter to
56    licenseholders, master qualifiers, qualifiers, or others
57    in lieu of an administrative or civil penalty for first
58    violations; amending s. 527.22, F.S.; revising terms of
59    membership of the Propane Gas Education, Safety, and
60    Research Council; amending s. 559.904, F.S.; revising
61    provisions relating to applications, renewal applications,
62    registration, and registration fees with respect to motor
63    vehicle repair shops; amending s. 559.929, F.S.;
64    eliminating a condition under which the department may
65    waive security requirements with respect to registration
66    as a seller of travel; amending s. 501.143, F.S.;
67    providing limitations on contracts for ballroom dance
68    studio services, the renewal of such contracts, and oral
69    or written representations with respect thereto; providing
70    penalties, remedies, and enforcement; amending s. 507.03,
71    F.S.; revising registration requirements for moving
72    services; amending s. 507.04, F.S.; revising requirements
73    with respect to insurance coverage for moving services;
74    amending s. 570.382, F.S.; authorizing licensed entities
75    permitted to race Arabian horses to conduct activities
76    licensed under ch. 550, F.S., under specified
77    circumstances; providing an effective date.
78         
79          Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
80         
81          Section 1. Paragraph (h) is added to subsection (5) of
82    section 527.01, Florida Statutes, subsections (6), (7), (10),
83    and (11) are amended, and a new subsection (19) is added to said
84    section, to read:
85          527.01 Definitions. As used in this chapter:
86          (5) "Qualifier" means any person who has passed a
87    competency examination administered by the department and is
88    employed by a licensed business in one or more of the following
89    classifications:
90          (h) Category V liquefied petroleum gases dealer for
91    industrial uses only.
92          (6) "Category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer" means any
93    person selling or offering to sell by delivery or at a
94    stationary location any liquefied petroleum gas to the ultimate
95    consumer for industrial, commercial, or domestic use; any person
96    leasing or offering to lease, or exchanging or offering to
97    exchange, any apparatus, appliances, and equipment for the use
98    of liquefied petroleum gas; any person installing, servicing,
99    altering, or modifying apparatus, piping, tubing, appliances,
100    and equipment for the use of liquefied petroleum or naturalgas;
101    any person installing carburetion equipment; or any person
102    requalifying cylinders.
103          (7) "Category II liquefied petroleum gas dispenser" means
104    any person engaging in the business of operating a liquefied
105    petroleum gas dispensing unit for the purpose of serving liquid
106    products to the ultimate consumer for industrial, commercial, or
107    domestic use, and selling or offering to sell, or leasing or
108    offering to lease, apparatus, appliances, and equipment for the
109    use of liquefied petroleum gas, including maintaining a cylinder
110    storage rack at the licensed business location for the purpose
111    of storing cylinders filled by the licensed business for sale or
112    use at a later dateengaging in the business of operating a
113    cylinder exchange unit.
114          (10) "LP gas installer" means any person who is engaged in
115    the liquefied petroleum gas business and whose services include
116    the installation, servicing, altering, or modifying of
117    apparatus, piping, tubing, tanks, and equipment for the use of
118    liquefied petroleum or naturalgas and selling or offering to
119    sell, or leasing or offering to lease, apparatus, appliances,
120    and equipment for the use of liquefied petroleum or naturalgas.
121          (11) "Specialty installer" means any person involved in
122    the installation, service, or repair of liquefied petroleum or
123    naturalgas appliances and equipment, and selling or offering to
124    sell, or leasing or offering to lease, apparatus, appliances,
125    and equipment for the use of liquefied petroleum gas, whose
126    activities are limited to specific types of appliances and
127    equipment as designated by department rule.
128          (19) “Category V liquefied petroleum gases dealer for
129    industrial uses only” means any person engaged in the business
130    of filling, selling, and transporting liquefied petroleum gas
131    containers for use in welding, forklifts, or other industrial
132    applications.
133          Section 2. Section 527.02, Florida Statutes, is amended,
134    and section 527.0201, Florida Statutes, is created, to read:
135          527.02 License; penalty; fees.
136          (1)(a)It is unlawful for any person to engage in this
137    state in the activities of a pipeline system operator, category
138    I liquefied petroleum gas dealer, category II liquefied
139    petroleum gas dispenser, category III liquefied petroleum gas
140    cylinder exchange operator, category IV liquefied petroleum gas
141    dispenser and recreational vehicle servicer, category V
142    liquefied petroleum gases dealer for industrial uses only,LP
143    gas installer, specialty installer, dealer in liquefied
144    petroleum gas appliances and equipment, manufacturer of
145    liquefied petroleum gas appliances and equipment, requalifier of
146    cylinders, or fabricator, repairer, and tester of vehicles and
147    cargo tanks without first obtaining from the department a
148    license to engage in one or more of these businesses. The sale
149    of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders with a volume of 10 pounds
150    water capacity or 4.2 pounds liquefied petroleum gas capacity or
151    less is exempt from the requirements of this chapter. It is a
152    felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s.
153    775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, to intentionally or
154    willfully engage in any of said activities without first
155    obtaining appropriate licensure from the department.
156          (2)Each business location of a person having multiple
157    locations shall be separately licensed and must meet the
158    requirements of this section. Such license shall be granted to
159    any applicant determined by the department to be competent,
160    qualified, and trustworthy who files with the department a
161    surety bond, insurance affidavit, or other proof of insurance,
162    as hereinafter specified, and pays for such license the
163    following original application fee for new licenses and annual
164    renewal fees for existing licenses:
165         
License CategoryOriginalApplication FeeRenewal Fee
166         
Category I liquefiedpetroleum gas dealer$525$425
167         
Category II liquefiedpetroleum gas dispenser525375
168         
Category III liquefiedpetroleum gas cylinderexchange unit operator10065
169         
Category IV liquefied gas dispenser and recreational vehicle servicer 525 400
170         
Category V liquefied petroleum gases dealer for industrial uses only300200
171         
LP gas installer 300 200
172         
Specialty installer300200
173         
Dealer in appliances and equipment for use of liquefied petroleum gas 5045
174         
Manufacturer of liquefied petroleum gas appliances and equipment525375
175         
Requalifier of cylinders525375
176         
Fabricator, repairer, and tester of vehicles and cargo tanks525375
177          (3)Any applicant for original license whose application
178    is submitted during the last 6 months of the license year may
179    have the original license fee reduced by one-half for the 6-
180    month period. This provision shall apply only to those companies
181    applying for an original license and shall not be applied to
182    licensees who held a license during the previous license year
183    and failed to renew the license. The department may refuse to
184    issue an initial license to any applicant who is under
185    investigation in any jurisdiction for an action that would
186    constitute a violation of this chapter until such time as the
187    investigation is complete.
188          (4)(b)Any person applying for a liquefied petroleum gas
189    license as a specialty installer, as defined by s. 527.01(11),
190    shall upon application to the department identify the specific
191    area of work to be performed. Upon completion of all license
192    requirements set forth in this chapter, the department shall
193    issue the applicant a license specifying the scope of work, as
194    identified by the applicant and defined by rule of the
195    department, for which the person is authorized.
196          (5)(c)The license fee for a pipeline system operator
197    shall be $100 per system owned or operated by the person, not to
198    exceed $400 per license year. Such license fee applies only to a
199    pipeline system operator who owns or operates a liquefied
200    petroleum gas pipeline system that is used to transmit liquefied
201    petroleum gas from a common source to the ultimate customer and
202    that serves 10 or more customers.
203          (6)(d)The department shall promulgate rules specifying
204    acts deemed by the department to demonstrate a lack of
205    trustworthiness to engage in activities requiring a license or
206    qualifier identification card under this section.
207          (7)(e)Any license issued by the department may be
208    transferred to any person, firm, or corporation for the
209    remainder of the current license year upon written request to
210    the department by the original licenseholder. Prior to approval
211    of any transfer, all licensing requirements of this chapter must
212    be met by the transferee. A license transfer fee of $50 shall be
213    charged for each such transfer.
214          527.0201 Qualifiers; master qualifiers; examinations.--
215          (1)(2) In addition to the requirements of s. 527.02
216    subsection (1), any person applying for a license to engage in
217    the activities of a pipeline system operator, category I
218    liquefied petroleum gas dealer, category II liquefied petroleum
219    gas dispenser, category IV liquefied petroleum gas dispenser and
220    recreational vehicle servicer, category V liquefied petroleum
221    gases dealer for industrial uses only,LP gas installer,
222    specialty installer, requalification of cylinders, or
223    fabricator, repairer, and tester of vehicles and cargo tanks,
224    must prove competency by passing a written examination
225    administered by the department or its agent with a grade of 75
226    percent or above. Each applicant for examination shall submit a
227    $20 nonrefundable fee. The department shall by rule specify the
228    general areas of competency to be covered by each examination
229    and the relative weight to be assigned in grading each area
230    tested.
231          (2)(a)Application for examination for competency may be
232    made by an individual or by an owner, a partner, or any person
233    employed byin a supervisory capacity ofthe license applicant.
234    Upon successful completion of the competency examination, the
235    department shall issue a qualifier identification card to the
236    examinee.
237          (a)Qualifier identification cards, except those issued to
238    category I liquefied petroleum gas dealers and liquefied
239    petroleum gas installers, shall remain in effect as long as the
240    individual shows to the department proof of active employment in
241    the area of examination and all continuing education
242    requirements are met. Should the individual terminate active
243    employment in the area of examination for a period exceeding 24
244    months, or fail to provide documentation of continuing
245    education, the individual's qualifier status shall automatically
246    expire. If the qualifier status has expired, the individual must
247    applymay reapply for and successfully complete anexamination
248    by the department in order to reestablish qualifier status.
249          (b) Every business organization shall employpossess such
250    a full-time qualifier at all times who has successfully
251    completed an examination in the corresponding category of the
252    license held by the business organization. No person may act as
253    a qualifier for more than one licensed location.
254          (3)(b)Qualifier cards issued to category I liquefied
255    petroleum gas dealers and liquefied petroleum gas installers
256    shall expire 3 years after the date of issuance. All category I
257    liquefied petroleum gas dealer qualifiers and liquefied
258    petroleum gas installer qualifiers holding a valid qualifier
259    card upon the effective date of this act shall retain their
260    qualifier status until July 1, 2003, and may sit for the master
261    qualifier examination at any time during that time period. All
262    suchAlternatively, allcategory I liquefied petroleum gas
263    dealer qualifiers and liquefied petroleum gas installer
264    qualifiers may renew their qualification on or before July 1,
265    2003, upon application to the department, payment of a $20
266    renewal fee, and documentation of the completion of a minimum of
267    12 hours approved continuing education courses, as defined by
268    department rule, during the previous 3-year period. Applications
269    for renewal must be made 30 calendar days prior to expiration.
270    Persons failing to renew prior to the expiration date must
271    reapply and take a qualifier competency examination in order to
272    reestablish category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer qualifier
273    and liquefied petroleum gas installer qualifier status. In the
274    event a category I liquefied petroleum gas qualifier or
275    liquefied petroleum gas installer qualifier becomes a master
276    qualifier at any time during the effective date of the qualifier
277    card, the card shall remain in effect until expiration of the
278    master qualifier certification.
279          (4)(3)A qualifier for a business organization involved in
280    installation, repair, maintenance, or service of liquefied
281    petroleum gas appliances, equipment, or systems must actually
282    function in a supervisory capacity of other company employees
283    installing, repairing, maintaining, or servicing liquefied
284    petroleum gas appliances, equipment, or systems. A separate
285    qualifier shall be required for every 10 such employees.
286    Additional qualifiers are required for those business
287    organizations employing more than 10 employees that install,
288    repair, maintain, or service liquefied petroleum gas equipment
289    and systems.
290          (5)(4)In addition to all other licensing requirements,
291    each category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer and liquefied
292    petroleum gas installer must, at the time of application for
293    licensure, identify to the department one master qualifier who
294    is a full-time employee at the licensed location. This person
295    shall be a manager, owner, or otherwise primarily responsible
296    for overseeing the operations of the licensed location and must
297    provide documentation to the department as provided by rule. The
298    master qualifier requirement shall be in addition to the
299    requirements of subsection (1)(2).
300          (a) In order to apply for certification as a master
301    qualifier, each applicant must be a category I liquefied
302    petroleum gas dealer qualifier or liquefied petroleum gas
303    installer qualifier, must be employed by a licensed category I
304    liquefied petroleum gas dealer, liquefied petroleum gas
305    installer, or applicant for such license, must provide
306    documentation of a minimum of one year's work experience in the
307    gas industry,and must pass a master qualifier competency
308    examination. Master qualifier examinations shall be based on
309    Florida's laws, rules, and adopted codes governing liquefied
310    petroleum gas safety, general industry safety standards, and
311    administrative procedures. The examination must be successfully
312    completed by the applicant with a grade of 75 percent or more.
313    Each applicant for master qualifier status shall submit to the
314    department a nonrefundable $30 examination fee prior to the
315    examination.
316          (b) Upon successful completion of the master qualifier
317    examination, the department shall issue the examinee a
318    certificate of master qualifier status which shall include the
319    name of the licensed company for which the master qualifier is
320    employed. A master qualifier may transfer from one licenseholder
321    to another upon becoming employed by the company and providing a
322    written request to the department.
323          (c) Master qualifier status shall expire 3 years after the
324    date of issuance of the certificate and may be renewed by
325    submission to the department of documentation of completion of
326    at least 12 hours of approved continuing education courses
327    during the 3-year period; proof of employment with a licensed
328    category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer, liquefied petroleum
329    gas installer, or applicant; and a $30 certificate renewal fee.
330    The department shall define, by rule, approved courses of
331    continuing education.
332          (d) Each category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer or
333    liquefied petroleum gas installer licensed as of August 31,
334    2000, shall identify to the department one current category I
335    liquefied petroleum gas dealer qualifier or liquefied petroleum
336    gas installer qualifier who will be the designated master
337    qualifier for the licenseholder. Such individual must provide
338    proof of employment for 3 years or more within the liquefied
339    petroleum gas industry, and shall, upon approval of the
340    department, be granted a master qualifier certificate. All other
341    requirements with regard to master qualifier certificate
342    expiration, renewal, and continuing education shall apply.
343          (6)(5)A vacancy in a qualifier or master qualifier
344    position in a business organization which results from the
345    departure of the qualifier or master qualifiershall be
346    immediately reported to the department by the departing
347    qualifier or master qualifier and the licensed company.
348          (a)In the event a business organization no longer
349    possesses a duly designated qualifier, as required by this
350    section, its liquefied petroleum gas licenses shall be suspended
351    by order of the department after 20 working days. The license
352    and shall remain suspended until a competent qualifier has been
353    employed, the order of suspension terminated by the department,
354    and the license reinstatedretained. A vacancy in the qualifier
355    position for a period of more than 20 working days shall be
356    deemed to constitute an immediate threat to the public health,
357    safety, and welfare. Failure to obtain a replacement qualifier
358    within 60 days of the vacancy shall be grounds for revocation of
359    licensure or eligibility for licensure.
360          (b) Any category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer or LP
361    gas installer who no longer possesses a master qualifier but
362    currently employs a category I liquefied petroleum gas dealer or
363    LP gas installer qualifier as required by this section, shall
364    have 60 days within which to replace the master qualifier. If
365    the company fails to replace the master qualifier within the 60-
366    day time period, the license of the company shall be suspended
367    by order of the department. The license shall remain suspended
368    until a competent master qualifier has been employed, the order
369    of suspension has been terminated by the department, and the
370    license reinstated. Failure to obtain a replacement master
371    qualifier within 90 days of the vacancy shall be grounds for
372    revocation of licensure or eligibility for licensure.
373          (7) The Department may deny, refuse to renew, suspend, or
374    revoke any qualifier card or master qualifier certificate for
375    any of the following causes:
376          (a) Violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule
377    or order of the department;
378          (b) Falsification of records relating to the qualifier
379    card or master qualifier certificate; or
380          (c) Failure to meet any of the renewal requirements.
381          (8)(6)Any individual having competency qualifications on
382    file with the department may request the transfer of such
383    qualifications to any existing licenseholder by making a written
384    request to the department for such transfer. Any individual
385    having a competency examination on file with the department may
386    use such examination for a new license application after making
387    application in writing to the department. All examinations are
388    confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1).
389          (9)(7)If a duplicate license, qualifier card, or master
390    qualifier certificate is requested by the licensee, a fee of $10
391    must be received before issuance of the duplicate license or
392    card. If a facsimile transmission of an original license is
393    requested, upon completion of the transmission a fee of $10 must
394    be received by the department before the original license may be
395    mailed to the requester.
396          (10)(8)All revenues collected herein shall be deposited
397    in the General Inspection Trust Fund for the purpose of
398    administering the provisions of this chapter.
399          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.