Florida Senate - 2009                                    SB 1844
       
       
       
       By Senator Crist
       
       
       
       
       12-00032B-09                                          20091844__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to locksmith services; creating part
    3         XII of ch. 559, F.S.; providing a short title;
    4         providing findings and purpose; preempting to the
    5         state the regulation of locksmith services and those
    6         performing such services; providing scope and
    7         application; providing exemptions; providing
    8         definitions; providing rulemaking authority for the
    9         Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
   10         requiring licensure of locksmith services businesses;
   11         delineating requirements for licensing; authorizing
   12         licensure by endorsement under certain circumstances;
   13         providing license renewal requirements and process;
   14         requiring a locksmith services business employer to
   15         meet certain requirements in order to employ persons
   16         as locksmiths or automotive-only locksmiths; requiring
   17         certain information to be in specified employee
   18         records; requiring a locksmith services business to
   19         meet certain requirements in order to employ an
   20         apprentice locksmith; requiring a locksmith services
   21         business to have liability insurance; requiring a
   22         locksmith services business to issue a photo
   23         identification card to each employee performing
   24         locksmith services; requiring display of photo
   25         identification; requiring a locksmith services
   26         business to display its license and to display the
   27         license number and other information in all
   28         advertising; requiring maintenance of certain records
   29         by a locksmith services business; specifying
   30         acceptable forms of payment for work performed;
   31         authorizing review of records by law enforcement and
   32         the department; prohibiting a locksmith services
   33         business to require a person to waive certain rights
   34         as a precondition for service; requiring the
   35         Department of Law Enforcement to provide certain
   36         records to the department upon request; delineating
   37         prohibited acts; providing administrative remedies and
   38         penalties, civil penalties and remedies, and criminal
   39         penalties; providing that a violation of this part
   40         constitutes a deceptive and unfair trade practice;
   41         providing for deposit of penalty proceeds in the
   42         General Inspection Trust Fund; creating the Florida
   43         Locksmith Services Advisory Council within the
   44         Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
   45         providing membership and terms; providing operating
   46         procedures and powers and duties; requiring the
   47         department to provide administrative and staff
   48         support; providing an effective date.
   49         
   50  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   51         
   52         Section 1. Part XII of chapter 559, Florida Statutes,
   53  consisting of sections 559.941, 559.942, 559.943, 559.944,
   54  559.945, 559.946, 559.947, 559.948, 559.949, 559.95, 559.951,
   55  559.952, 559.953, 559.954, 559.955, 559.956, 559.957, 559.958,
   56  559.959, 559.96, 559.961, and 559.962, is created to read:
   57                              PART XII                             
   58                         LOCKSMITH SERVICES                        
   59         559.941 Short title.—This part may be cited as the “Florida
   60  Locksmith Services Act.”
   61         559.942 Findings and purpose.—
   62         (1) The Legislature finds that:
   63         (a) Locksmiths and automotive-only locksmiths operate in
   64  the public trust to service, secure, and protect persons and
   65  property.
   66         (b) Locksmiths and automotive-only locksmiths must be
   67  trained in regulations and laws applicable to their profession,
   68  such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, building codes, and
   69  fire and life safety codes, as well as trained in the proper
   70  installation and maintenance of security devices, motor vehicle
   71  locks, keys, and built-in security systems.
   72         (c) The licensing and regulation of persons performing
   73  locksmith services in this state is necessary to protect the
   74  safety and security of the public.
   75         (2) The purpose of this part is to protect the public from
   76  the misuse of locksmithing knowledge, supplies, manuals, or
   77  equipment which results in the violation of public safety and
   78  security, through the licensing of locksmith services
   79  businesses.
   80         559.943 Preemption.—Effective July 1, 2010, this part
   81  preempts any local act, law, ordinance, or regulation of a
   82  county or municipality which pertains to locksmith services and
   83  those who perform locksmith services.
   84         559.944 Scope and application; exemptions.—This part shall
   85  apply to all locksmith services businesses and all those
   86  providing locksmith services in the state but does not apply to
   87  the following:
   88         (1)A member of a police department, fire department, or
   89  other government agency, in his or her official line of duty,
   90  providing emergency opening services.
   91         (2) A sales representative providing a bona fide sales
   92  demonstration of products to locksmiths.
   93         (3) An in-store employee of a hardware, do-it-yourself home
   94  products sales store, or other retail store rekeying locks just
   95  purchased, or about to be purchased, in the store of the
   96  employee.
   97         (4) A licensed low voltage contractor installing or
   98  servicing electromechanical, electronic, or electromagnetic
   99  devices and peripheral hardware.
  100         (5) A person acquiring or using a key-duplication machine
  101  or key blanks to duplicate keys.
  102         (6) A property owner or an agent of the property owner
  103  maintaining a file of key cutting data for a master-key system
  104  on the property.
  105         (7) An employee of a bank, savings and loan, credit union,
  106  or trust company providing safe, safe-deposit box, or vault
  107  opening or servicing services at his or her place of employment.
  108         (8) An automotive service dealer, a lock manufacturer, or
  109  an agent of a lock manufacturer servicing, installing,
  110  repairing, or rebuilding automotive locks or originating and
  111  duplicating automotive keys.
  112         (9) Building trades personnel installing locks or locking
  113  devices on a project that requires a building permit.
  114         (10) A wrecker operator as defined in s. 1.01(15)
  115  possessing and using car-opening tools necessary to unlock
  116  vehicles to facilitate towing.
  117         (11) A purchaser of locksmith services or other consumer
  118  who possesses equipment, manuals, or instructions intended and
  119  necessary for that person to maintain and operate specific
  120  locking, opening, or security systems installed into real or
  121  personal property owned, leased, rented, or occupied by the
  122  purchaser or consumer.
  123         559.945 Definitions.—As used in this part, the term:
  124         (1) “Advertise” means to advise, announce, give notice of,
  125  publish, or call attention to by use of oral, written, or
  126  graphic statement made in any media form, including, without
  127  limitation, a newspaper or other publication, directory listing,
  128  telephone book listing, or on radio or television, any
  129  electronic medium; or contained in any notice, handbill, sign,
  130  including signage on vehicle, flyer, catalog or letter; or
  131  printed on or contained in any tag or label attached to or
  132  accompanying any good.
  133         (2) “Apprentice locksmith” means a natural person 15 years
  134  of age or older who performs locksmith services for the public
  135  for compensation under the indirect supervision of an owner of a
  136  licensed locksmith services business and under the direct and
  137  continuous supervision of a locksmith employed by the licensed
  138  locksmith service business. Each apprentice application must
  139  identify the name and owner of the licensed locksmith service
  140  business who has agreed to serve as the supervisor of the
  141  apprentice locksmith. An apprentice may not conduct, or contract
  142  to conduct, locksmith services without the express approval of
  143  his or her supervisor.
  144         (3) “Automotive-only locksmith” means a natural person, at
  145  least 18 years of age, who performs locksmith services, as
  146  defined in paragraphs (21)(e)-(g), for the public for
  147  compensation while in the employ of a locksmith services
  148  business.
  149         (4) “Bump key” means a fabricated, specially shaped, or
  150  modified key intended to be used to unlock a lock by any means
  151  other than the specific method designed to open the lock.
  152         (5) “Car-opening tool” means a metal, cloth, nylon, rubber,
  153  or plastic tool or device designed to enter, bypass, or
  154  otherwise overcome the locking systems or locking mechanisms of
  155  a motor vehicle by any means other than the specific method
  156  designed to open the lock.
  157         (6) “Change key” means a key planned and cut to operate a
  158  specific group or series of locks that all have the same
  159  combination of tumblers, pins, or wafers.
  160         (7) “Codebook” means a compilation, in any form, of key
  161  codes.
  162         (8) “Code-grabbing device” means a device that can receive,
  163  record, or receive and record the code signal sent by the
  164  transmitter of a motor vehicle's security, alarm, or immobilizer
  165  system and playback the signal to disarm, bypass, or neutralize
  166  the system.
  167         (9) “Compensation” means money, fee, emolument, quid pro
  168  quo, barter, remuneration, pay, reward, indemnification, or
  169  satisfaction.
  170         (10) “Consumer” or “customer” means the person who
  171  purchases or receives locksmith services.
  172         (11) “Department” means the Department of Agriculture and
  173  Consumer Services.
  174         (12) “Emergency” means a life-threatening situation
  175  involving a person, livestock, or an animal generally regarded
  176  as a pet.
  177         (13) “Key-duplication machine” means a device capable of
  178  copying or reproducing keys.
  179         (14) “License” means a document issued by the department
  180  and granted to a locksmith services business according to the
  181  requirements of this part.
  182         (15) “Licensee” means a locksmith services business issued
  183  a license under this part.
  184         (16) “Licensing” means the granting of a license by the
  185  department pursuant to the requirements of chapter 120 and this
  186  part.
  187         (17) “Lock” means a mechanical, electromechanical,
  188  electronic, or electromagnetic device or similar device,
  189  including any peripheral hardware such as, but not limited to,
  190  closed-circuit television systems, wireless or infrared
  191  transmitters, card readers, keypads, or biometric scanners that
  192  are designed to control access to and egress from something or
  193  are designed to control the use of something.
  194         (18) “Lock pick” means a manual, electric, or electronic
  195  tool or device used to bypass, override, or neutralize a lock by
  196  any means other than the specific method designed to open the
  197  lock.
  198         (19) “Locksmith” means a natural person, at least 18 years
  199  of age, who may perform all locksmith services, as defined in
  200  subsection (21), for the public for compensation while in the
  201  employ of a locksmith services business. The term does not mean
  202  a person whose activities are limited to making duplicate keys.
  203         (20) “Locksmith services business” means a person, who, for
  204  compensation, provides or attempts to provide locksmith services
  205  to persons located in this state or who maintains a place of
  206  business in this state.
  207         (21) “Locksmithing” or “locksmith services” means:
  208         (a) Selling, installing, servicing, repairing, repinning,
  209  recombinating, and adjusting locks, safes, vaults, or safe
  210  deposit boxes;
  211         (b) Originating, duplicating, and copying keys;
  212         (c) Opening, bypassing, and neutralizing locks, safes,
  213  vaults, or safe-deposit boxes;
  214         (d) Creating, documenting, selling, installing, managing,
  215  and servicing master-key systems;
  216         (e) Unlocking, bypassing, or neutralizing locks of motor
  217  vehicles by means other than intended by the manufacturer;
  218         (f) Originating keys for motor vehicles that includes, if
  219  necessary, the programming, reprogramming, or bypassing of any
  220  security, transponder, or immobilizer systems or subsequent
  221  technology built in by the manufacturer; and
  222         (g) Keying, rekeying, or recombinating of motor vehicle
  223  locks.
  224         (22) “Locksmithing tool” means a tool that is designed, or
  225  intended by the user to be used, to open a mechanical,
  226  electronic, magnetic, or electrical locking device by any means
  227  other than that intended by the manufacturer for such a device
  228  in normal operation.
  229         (23) “Manipulation key” means a key other than a change or
  230  master key that can be variably positioned or manipulated in a
  231  keyway to bypass, override, or neutralize a lock by any means
  232  other than the specific method designed to open the lock. For
  233  the purposes of this part, the term also applies to wiggle and
  234  bump keys.
  235         (24) “Master key” means a key planned or cut to operate all
  236  locks in a series or group of locks, with each lock in the
  237  series or group having its own unique key. For the purposes of
  238  this part, sub-master, grand master, great grand master,
  239  emergency override, and maid's keys are considered the same as a
  240  master key.
  241         (25) “Master-key system” means a system of locks in which a
  242  lock is keyed so that it can be operated by its own individual
  243  key as well as by a key that operates other locks in the system
  244  that are also keyed to their own individual keys.
  245         (26) “Motor vehicle” means a “motor vehicle” as defined in
  246  s. 559.903(5).
  247         (27) “Organization” means an entity other than a natural
  248  person.
  249         (28) “Person” means a “person” as defined in s. 1.01(3).
  250         (29) “Photo identification card” means a document supplied
  251  by the locksmith services business licensee with a photograph of
  252  the employee authorized to perform locksmith services as a
  253  locksmith, an apprentice, or as an automotive-only locksmith,
  254  the format of which is approved by the department.
  255         (30) “Place of business” means a physical location where
  256  the business of locksmith services is conducted or, if the
  257  licensee conducts the business of locksmith services exclusively
  258  from one or more vehicles and not from a specific location, the
  259  physical location where the records of the locksmith services
  260  business are maintained.
  261         (31) “Safe-opening tool” means a tool designed, or intended
  262  by the user to be used, to open a safe, safe-deposit box, or
  263  similar object by means other than that which is intended by the
  264  manufacturer of the safe, vault, safe-deposit box, or similar
  265  object for normal opening.
  266         (32) “Tryout key” means a manipulation key that may or may
  267  not be one of a set of similar keys used for a specific series,
  268  keyway, or brand of lock to open, bypass, override, or
  269  neutralize a lock by means other than intended by the
  270  manufacturer.
  271         559.946 Rulemaking authority.—
  272         (1) The department may adopt rules pursuant to ss.
  273  120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement provisions of this part.
  274         (2) The department shall adopt rules relating, but not
  275  limited, to the following:
  276         (a) Requirements for licensing locksmith services
  277  businesses.
  278         (b) Requirements and process for background checks and
  279  fingerprint checks for persons governed by this part.
  280         (c) Forms required to implement this part, including
  281  license applications, license renewals, fingerprint submissions,
  282  background checks, and photo identification cards.
  283         (d) Establishment of application, licensing, renewal, and
  284  other reasonable and necessary fees, based upon the department's
  285  estimate of the costs to the department in administering this
  286  part.
  287         (e) Creation and periodic update of a background check fee
  288  schedule to incorporate fee changes by the Federal Bureau of
  289  Investigation, the Department of Law Enforcement, and other
  290  entities involved in such background checks.
  291         (f) Methods to obtain and renew photographs for photo
  292  identification.
  293         (g) Use and display of licenses and license numbers.
  294         559.947 Locksmith services business licensing;
  295  application.—
  296         (1) Each locksmith services business providing or
  297  attempting to provide locksmith services must have a valid
  298  license issued by the department prior to doing business in this
  299  state. The application for a license must be on a form provided
  300  by the department and must include at least the following
  301  information:
  302         (a) The full legal name of the applicant.
  303         (b) The name or names under which the applicant is doing
  304  business. If the applicant is doing business under one or more
  305  fictitious names, the date or dates on which the applicant
  306  registered each fictitious name with the Department of State.
  307         (c) The physical address of the applicant's place of
  308  business.
  309         (d)If the applicant will perform locksmith services at
  310  more than one physical location, the applicant must designate
  311  the following:
  312         1.The physical address of the applicant's principal place
  313  of business.
  314         2.The physical address of each additional location which
  315  is not the applicant's principal place of business.
  316         3.The mailing address of the applicant, as well as the
  317  mailing address of his or her principal place of business.
  318         4.The mailing address of each additional location that is
  319  not the applicant's principal place of business.
  320         (e) The full name, address, and telephone number for each
  321  of the following:
  322         1. Each locksmith or automotive-only locksmith employed by
  323  the applicant.
  324         2. If the applicant is not a corporation or partnership,
  325  each owner of the applicant.
  326         3. If the applicant is a partnership, each general partner.
  327         4. If the applicant is a limited liability corporation,
  328  each managing member.
  329         5. If the applicant is a corporation, each officer and
  330  director, and the official position and corporate office of each
  331  officer and director.
  332         6. The applicant's Florida agent for service of process.
  333         (f) If the applicant is not a natural person, a statement
  334  providing the following:
  335         1. The type of legal entity, such as a corporation,
  336  partnership, or other limited liability corporation.
  337         2. The applicant's federal employer identification number.
  338         3. If a foreign business entity, the date the applicant
  339  registered with the Department of State for authority to do
  340  business in the state.
  341         (g) The names of all other corporations, business entities,
  342  and trade names through which each owner of the locksmith
  343  services business operated, was known, or did business as a
  344  locksmith services business within the 5 years immediately
  345  preceding the date of the application.
  346         (h) Proof of insurance as required under s. 559.951.
  347         (i) The number of locksmiths and automotive-only locksmiths
  348  which the applicant intends to employ or which are currently
  349  employed.
  350         (2) The application must be accompanied by the following:
  351         (a) For each individual identified in paragraph (1)(e), a
  352  set of fingerprints, along with a completed affidavit of the
  353  individual's criminal record, if any, and a nonrefundable
  354  payment in an amount equal to the actual costs incurred by the
  355  department for the fingerprint analysis and criminal background
  356  check of the applicant. The department shall submit each set of
  357  fingerprints to the Department of Law Enforcement for state and
  358  federal processing, if the federal service is available, to be
  359  processed for any criminal justice information as defined in s.
  360  943.045. The cost of processing fingerprints shall be borne by
  361  the applicant and paid to the Department of Law Enforcement.
  362         1.Before the expiration of the time limit under s. 120.60
  363  for approving the application, if the department does not
  364  receive criminal history information for an individual
  365  identified in paragraph (1)(e) which confirms whether or not the
  366  individual is qualified as specified in subsection (5), or
  367  receives criminal history information with no final disposition
  368  on a crime which may disqualify the individual, the time limit
  369  under s. 120.60 for approving the application is suspended until
  370  receipt of the final disposition of the criminal charge or proof
  371  of restoration of civil rights.
  372         2.If a legible set of fingerprints, as determined by the
  373  Department of Law Enforcement or the Federal Bureau of
  374  Investigation, cannot be obtained after two attempts, the
  375  department shall determine eligibility based upon the name
  376  checks conducted by the Department of Law Enforcement.
  377         (b) A nonrefundable payment for the biennial license fee,
  378  calculated as follows:
  379         1. If the applicant employs one to five locksmiths,
  380  automotive-only locksmiths, or a combination of the two, an
  381  amount not to exceed $800.
  382         2. If the applicant employs six or more locksmiths,
  383  automotive-only locksmiths, or a combination of the two, an
  384  amount not to exceed $1,600.
  385         (3) Periodically, including at the time of license renewal,
  386  the department shall consult with state and federal law
  387  enforcement officials to determine whether any of the
  388  individuals disclosed by a licensee have any change in their
  389  criminal records.
  390         (4) Each licensee must file with the department the
  391  information and fingerprints required by this section for any
  392  new locksmith or automotive-only locksmith employee or other
  393  individual subject to the disclosure requirements of paragraph
  394  (1)(e) within 10 days after the date the individual assumes such
  395  duties with the licensee.
  396         (5) An individual may not be a locksmith, an automotive
  397  only locksmith, or an independent contractor, owner, partner,
  398  officer, director, or managing member of a licensee if the
  399  individual:
  400         (a) Was convicted or found guilty of, or pled guilty or
  401  nolo contendere to, or was incarcerated as a result of having
  402  previously been convicted or found guilty of, or pled guilty or
  403  nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a felony within
  404  the last 10 years; or
  405         (b) Was convicted or found guilty of, or pled guilty or
  406  nolo contendere to, or was incarcerated as a result of having
  407  previously been convicted or found guilty of, or pled guilty or
  408  nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime
  409  involving trespass, burglary, theft, larceny, dealing in stolen
  410  property, receiving stolen property, embezzlement, obtaining
  411  property by false pretenses, possession of altered property, or
  412  any other fraudulent or dishonest dealing within the last 10
  413  years.
  414         (6) The department shall issue to each applicant a license
  415  certificate in the form and size as prescribed by the department
  416  in accordance with s. 120.60. The certificate must show at least
  417  the name, each address disclosed by the applicant pursuant to
  418  paragraph (1)(c), and the license number of the locksmith
  419  services business. In the case of a mobile locksmith services
  420  business, the certificate must show the home address of the
  421  owner, if different from the business address.
  422         (7) Any person applying for or renewing a local business
  423  tax receipt to engage in business as a locksmith services
  424  business must exhibit a valid license certificate from the
  425  department before the local business tax receipt may be issued
  426  or renewed.
  427         (8) In the case of a mobile locksmith services business,
  428  the established place of business shall be considered the home
  429  address of the owner, if different from the business address.
  430         (9) A licensee who seeks to move a locksmith services
  431  business to another location must give 30 days' prior written
  432  notice to the department by certified or registered mail, return
  433  receipt requested, and the department must then amend the
  434  license to indicate the new location and issue an amended
  435  license certificate.
  436         (10) The license granted under this part may not be
  437  transferred or assigned and is valid only for the licensee and
  438  the location for which it is issued.
  439         (11) The department may deny, revoke, or refuse to renew
  440  the license of a locksmith services business based upon a
  441  determination that the locksmith services business or any of its
  442  directors, officers, owners, general partners, locksmiths, or
  443  automotive-only locksmiths:
  444         (a) Failed to meet the requirements for licensure as
  445  provided in this part;
  446         (b) Failed to satisfy a civil fine, administrative fine, or
  447  other penalty arising out of any administrative or enforcement
  448  action brought by any governmental agency;
  449         (c) Received any civil, criminal, or administrative
  450  adjudication in any jurisdiction;
  451         (d) Have pending against them any criminal, administrative,
  452  or enforcement proceedings in any jurisdiction; or
  453         (e) Have had a judgment entered against them in any action
  454  brought pursuant to part II of chapter 501, the Florida
  455  Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
  456         (12)To implement the biennial registration requirements in
  457  s. 559.949, the department may adopt rules to stagger the
  458  registrations over a 2-year period.
  459         559.948 Licensing by endorsement.—
  460         (1) A nonresident of this state may be licensed as a
  461  locksmith services business by meeting one of the following
  462  requirements:
  463         (a) Conforming to the provisions of this part and the rules
  464  of the department pertaining to this part; or
  465         (b) Holding a valid locksmith services business license, or
  466  the equivalent thereof, in another state with which reciprocity
  467  has been established by the department.
  468         (2) The department may establish reciprocity criteria by
  469  rule pursuant to the following guidelines:
  470         (a) The licensure program of the other state must grant
  471  Florida-licensed locksmith services businesses reciprocity under
  472  the same terms and conditions required by this part.
  473         (b) Licensing criteria in the other state must require the
  474  same information as required under s. 559.947.
  475         (c)The other state must license all locksmith services
  476  businesses that are residents in that state and seek to perform
  477  locksmith services in this state.
  478         559.949 License renewal.—
  479         (1) Each license must be renewed biennially on or before
  480  the expiration date of the current license.
  481         (2) To apply for renewal of a license, the licensee shall
  482  file all of the following with the department:
  483         (a) A renewal application on the form required by the
  484  department, providing the information and disclosures required
  485  by s. 559.947.
  486         (b) The annual license fees calculated as required by s.
  487  559.947.
  488         (c) Proof of insurance as required in s. 559.951.
  489         (d) Verification of no changes in the criminal history of
  490  each individual disclosed during the previous license period
  491  pursuant to s. 559.947.
  492         (e) The complete information, fingerprints, and fees
  493  required by s. 559.947(2) for all individuals disclosed pursuant
  494  to s. 559.947(1)(e) who were not previously disclosed in the
  495  prior license period.
  496         559.95 Locksmith services business employer requirements.—
  497         (1) A locksmith services business may not employ any person
  498  who performs any locksmith services as defined under this part
  499  unless:
  500         (a) The locksmith services business issues each locksmith
  501  and automotive-only locksmith an identification card pursuant to
  502  s. 559.952;
  503         (b)1. If employed as an automotive-only locksmith, the
  504  employee completes a course of training in industry ethics; or
  505         2. If employed as a locksmith, the employee completes 16
  506  hours of training, including training in industry ethics, the
  507  Americans with Disabilities Act, the Florida Fire Prevention
  508  Code, and the Life Safety Code; and
  509         (c)The employee completes a minimum of 8 hours of
  510  industry-related training every 2 years. A portion of the
  511  training must include classes on Americans with Disabilities Act
  512  and life safety and fire codes.
  513         (2) Each locksmith services business shall maintain a
  514  record of each locksmith and automotive-only locksmith employee
  515  that contains the following information:
  516         (a) Two photographs of the employee, which shall be taken
  517  within 10 days after the date the employee begins employment.
  518  One copy shall be used for the employee's photo identification
  519  card. The second shall be retained in the employee's personnel
  520  record. These photographs shall be replaced with a current
  521  photograph every 2 calendar years.
  522         (b) A background check on each employee, which shall be
  523  prepared and maintained in the employee's personnel record as
  524  the department may require by rule.
  525         (c) Each certificate showing completion of the training
  526  required under subparagraph (1)(b)1. for an automotive-only
  527  locksmith employee or under subparagraph (1)(b)2. for a
  528  locksmith employee.
  529         (d)Each certificate showing completion of the training
  530  under subparagraph (1)(c).
  531         (3)A locksmith service business may not employ an
  532  apprentice locksmith unless:
  533         (a)The supervisor of the apprentice is responsible for any
  534  acts or omissions of the apprentice that constitute a violation
  535  of law in relation to locksmith services.
  536         (b)The apprentice completes a minimum of 16 hours of
  537  industry-related training, a portion of which must include
  538  classes on industry ethics, the Americans with Disabilities Act,
  539  the Florida Fire Prevention Code, and the Life Safety Code. A
  540  certificate of completion shall be kept by the apprentice's
  541  supervisor.
  542         (c)Two photographs of the apprentice are taken within 10
  543  days after the date of employment. One copy shall be used for
  544  the apprentice photo identification card. The second shall be
  545  retained in the employee's personnel record.
  546         559.951 Liability insurance.—Each locksmith services
  547  business must maintain current and valid liability insurance
  548  coverage of at least $100,000 per incident for loss or damages
  549  resulting from the negligence of the locksmith services business
  550  or its locksmith or automotive-only locksmith employees.
  551         (1) The locksmith services business must provide the
  552  department with evidence of liability insurance coverage before
  553  the business is licensed by the department.
  554         (2) The failure of a locksmith services business to
  555  maintain insurance coverage in accordance with this section
  556  constitutes an immediate threat to the public health, safety,
  557  and welfare. If a locksmith services business fails to maintain
  558  insurance coverage, the department may immediately suspend the
  559  business's license or eligibility for licensure, and the
  560  business shall immediately cease operating as a locksmith
  561  services business. In addition, and notwithstanding the
  562  availability of any administrative relief pursuant to chapter
  563  120, the department may seek from the appropriate circuit court
  564  an immediate injunction prohibiting the locksmith services
  565  business from operating until the business complies with this
  566  section and imposing a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 and
  567  court costs.
  568         (3) The required insurance coverage must be issued by an
  569  insurance company or carrier licensed to transact business in
  570  this state under the Florida Insurance Code as designated in s.
  571  624.01. The department shall require a locksmith services
  572  business to present a certificate of insurance of the required
  573  coverage before issuance or renewal of a license. The department
  574  shall be named as a certificateholder in the certificate and
  575  must be notified at least 30 days before any changes in
  576  insurance coverage.
  577         559.952 Identification cards; display of license and
  578  license number.—
  579         (1) Each locksmith services business shall issue a photo
  580  identification card to each employee performing locksmith
  581  services as a locksmith or as an automotive-only locksmith.
  582         (a) Every photo identification card must contain the name
  583  of the individual employee, the name of the locksmith services
  584  business, and the license number of the locksmith services
  585  business.
  586         (b) An identification card for a person employed as a
  587  locksmith must include the word “Locksmith.”
  588         (c) An identification card for a person employed as an
  589  automotive-only locksmith must include the words “Automotive
  590  Only Locksmith.”
  591         (2) All locksmith employees and automotive-only locksmith
  592  employees of a licensed locksmith services business shall
  593  display a photo identification card on their person at all times
  594  when performing locksmith services.
  595         (3) A locksmith services business shall display a copy of
  596  the license issued by the department at the place of business
  597  and in a manner easily readable by the general public. A
  598  locksmith services business providing mobile-only service shall
  599  retain a copy of the license issued by the department in the
  600  service vehicle for presentation to any person of the general
  601  public, any law enforcement officer, or any state or local
  602  official immediately upon request.
  603         (4) Any advertisement or advertising, service vehicles, and
  604  forms must include the license number of the locksmith services
  605  business and the name of the business listed with the
  606  department.
  607         559.953 Acceptable forms of payment; locksmith services
  608  business records.—
  609         (1) A locksmith services business shall accept a minimum of
  610  two of the three following forms of payment:
  611         (a) Cash, cashier's check, money order, or traveler's
  612  check;
  613         (b)Valid personal check, showing upon its face the name
  614  and address of the person for whom the locksmith services were
  615  performed or an authorized representative; or
  616         (c) Valid credit card, which includes, but is not limited
  617  to, Visa or MasterCard.
  618         (2) A locksmith services business shall clearly and
  619  conspicuously disclose to the person requesting locksmith
  620  services in the work order, invoice, or sales receipt the forms
  621  of payment the locksmith services business will accept,
  622  including the forms of payment described in subsection (1).
  623         (3) A copy of each work order, invoice, or sales receipt
  624  shall be retained for 2 years and must include the name of the
  625  person performing the service. A copy of each work order,
  626  invoice, or sales receipt must be readily available for
  627  inspection by any law enforcement officer or by the department
  628  anytime during normal business hours.
  629         559.954 Requirement of waiver of rights prohibited.—It is
  630  unlawful for a locksmith services business to require that a
  631  person waive his or her rights provided in this part as a
  632  precondition to the performance of locksmith services by the
  633  business.
  634         559.955 Records of the Department of Law Enforcement.—The
  635  Department of Law Enforcement, on request, shall supply to the
  636  department any arrest and conviction records in its possession
  637  of an individual applying for or holding a license under this
  638  part.
  639         559.956 Violations.—It is a violation of this part to:
  640         (1) Offer to provide or provide locksmith services without
  641  a valid license by the department.
  642         (2) Advertise or represent oneself as a locksmith services
  643  business without first being issued a valid license by the
  644  department.
  645         (3) Obtain, own, or possess locksmithing tools; bump,
  646  change, master, manipulation, or tryout keys; car-opening tools;
  647  code-grabbing devices; lock picks; safe-opening tools; or
  648  manuals or codebooks in any format, either in person, through an
  649  intermediary, through mail order, or by any other remote
  650  procurement method, without a valid license to perform locksmith
  651  services issued by the department.
  652         (4) Obtain, own, or possess car opening tools, either in
  653  person, through an intermediary, or through mail order or by any
  654  other remote procurement method, without first being issued a
  655  valid license by the department.
  656         (5) Possess locksmithing tools, implements, or outfits,
  657  unless the person is a dealer, a locksmith services business
  658  licensed under this part or a locksmith or automotive-only
  659  locksmith employed by such a business, an automobile
  660  repossessor, a motor vehicle recovery or towing service
  661  employee, or a locking-device manufacturer or such
  662  manufacturer's agent, who has a reasonable need to possess
  663  locksmithing tools, implements, or outfits for demonstration,
  664  testing, and research purposes.
  665         (6) Fraudulently misuse any customer's credit card.
  666         (7) Fail or refuse, after notice, to provide any law
  667  enforcement officer or the department with any document or
  668  record or disclose any information required to be produced or
  669  disclosed.
  670         (8) File with the department the fingerprints of a person
  671  other than the specific individual for whom fingerprints must be
  672  submitted pursuant to s. 559.947(2)(a) or s. 559.949(2)(e) or
  673  fail to submit replacement fingerprints for a locksmith or
  674  automotive-only locksmith employee whose original fingerprint
  675  submissions are returned to the department as unclassifiable by
  676  the screening agency.
  677         (9) Use a local mailing address, registration facility,
  678  drop box, or answering service in the promotion, advertisement,
  679  solicitation, or sale of locksmith services, unless the licensed
  680  business address of the locksmith services business is clearly
  681  disclosed during any telephone solicitation and is prominently
  682  and conspicuously disclosed in all advertisements and on the
  683  work orders, invoices, or sales receipts.
  684         (10) Operate as a locksmith services business in a location
  685  other than that stated on the license certificate.
  686         (11) Make a false statement in response to a request or
  687  investigation by the department, the Department of Legal
  688  Affairs, a law enforcement officer, or the state attorney.
  689         (12) Make a material false statement in an application,
  690  document, or record required to be submitted or retained under
  691  this part.
  692         (13) Commit any other act of fraud or misrepresentation, or
  693  fail to disclose a material fact.
  694         (14) Disclose or permit the disclosure of any customer
  695  information without the customer's written approval, except as
  696  authorized by this part.
  697         (15) Violate any provisions of this part or of the rules
  698  adopted or orders issued under this part.
  699         559.957 Administrative remedies; penalties.—
  700         (1) The department shall process consumer complaints as
  701  provided in ss. 570.07 and 570.544.
  702         (2) Any locksmith services business shall allow department
  703  personnel to enter its place or places of business to ascertain
  704  whether the license certificate is current. If department
  705  personnel are refused entry or access to the premises, the
  706  department may seek injunctive relief in circuit court in order
  707  to obtain compliance with this subsection.
  708         (3) The department may enter an order doing one or more of
  709  the following if the department finds that a locksmith services
  710  business has violated or is operating in violation of this part
  711  or the rules adopted or orders issued under this part:
  712         (a) Issuing a notice of noncompliance under s. 120.695.
  713         (b) Imposing an administrative fine not to exceed $10,000
  714  for each act or omission.
  715         (c) Directing that the locksmith services business cease
  716  and desist specified activities.
  717         (d) Refusing to issue a license or revoking or suspending a
  718  license.
  719         (e) Placing the licensee on probation for a period of time,
  720  subject to the conditions specified by the department.
  721         (4) The administrative proceedings that could result in the
  722  entry of an order imposing any of the penalties specified in
  723  subsection (3) are governed by chapter 120.
  724         (5) In a final order imposing an administrative fine or
  725  suspending, revoking, or denying initial issuance or renewal of
  726  a license, the department may assess against the sanctioned
  727  party the cost of conducting such administrative proceedings,
  728  unless the department determines that the offense was
  729  inadvertent or done in a good faith belief that the act did not
  730  violate a state law or rule. The cost is limited to the
  731  reasonable hourly rate for the hearing officer and the actual
  732  cost of recording or transcribing the proceedings.
  733         (6) The department shall post a prominent “Closed by Order
  734  of the Department” sign on any locksmith services business that
  735  has had its license suspended or revoked. The department shall
  736  also post a sign on any locksmith services business that has
  737  been judicially or administratively determined to be operating
  738  without a license. It is a misdemeanor of the second degree,
  739  punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, for any
  740  person to deface such sign or remove such sign without written
  741  authorization by the department, or for any locksmith services
  742  business to open for operation without a license or to open for
  743  operation as a locksmith services business while its license is
  744  suspended or revoked. The department may impose administrative
  745  sanctions provided for in this section for violations of this
  746  subsection.
  747         559.958 Civil penalties; remedies.—
  748         (1) Any customer injured by a violation of this part may
  749  bring an action in the appropriate court for relief. The
  750  prevailing party in that action may be entitled to damages plus
  751  court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. The customer may
  752  also bring an action for injunctive relief in the circuit court.
  753         (2) The department may institute a civil action in a court
  754  of competent jurisdiction to recover any penalties or damages
  755  authorized in this part and for injunctive relief to enforce
  756  compliance with this part.
  757         (3) The department may seek a civil penalty of up to
  758  $10,000 for each violation of this part.
  759         (4) The department may seek restitution for and on behalf
  760  of any consumer injured by a violation of this part.
  761         (5) Any agreement or representation that purports to waive,
  762  limit, restrict, or avoid any of the duties, obligations, or
  763  prescriptions of the locksmith services business, as provided in
  764  this part, is void.
  765         (6) The remedies provided in this part are in addition to
  766  any other remedies available for the same conduct.
  767         559.959 Criminal penalties.—
  768         (1) Any person who violates any provision of s. 559.956(1)
  769  (4) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as
  770  provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
  771         (2) Any person, other than a licensed locksmith services
  772  business or the identified employees of a licensed locksmith
  773  services business performing locksmith services, who has in his
  774  or her possession any locksmithing tools, implements, or outfits
  775  with intent to commit burglary, robbery, or larceny, upon
  776  conviction thereof, is guilty of a felony of the third degree,
  777  punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
  778         (3) Unless otherwise specified, any person or organization
  779  that engages in any unlawful act enumerated in s. 559.956
  780  commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as
  781  provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
  782         559.96 Deceptive and unfair trade practice.—Any violation
  783  of this part constitutes a deceptive and unfair trade practice
  784  under part II of chapter 501, the Florida Deceptive and Unfair
  785  Trade Practices Act, and administrative rules adopted in
  786  accordance with that act.
  787         559.961 General Inspection Trust Fund; payments.—Any moneys
  788  recovered by the department as a penalty under this part shall
  789  be deposited in the General Inspection Trust Fund.
  790         559.962 Florida Locksmith Services Advisory Council.—The
  791  Florida Locksmith Services Advisory Council is created to advise
  792  and assist the department in carrying out this part.
  793         (1) The membership of the council may not exceed nine
  794  members appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture.
  795         (a) Six industry members of the council shall be chosen
  796  from individuals already engaged in the locksmith services
  797  business licensed under this part, as follows:
  798         1.Five members of the council must be individuals employed
  799  by separate, licensed locksmith services businesses and do not
  800  provide automotive-only locksmith services.
  801         2. One member of the council must be an individual employed
  802  by a licensed locksmith services business and provides
  803  automotive-only locksmith services.
  804         (b) One member of the council must be an electrical
  805  contractor certified under chapter 489.
  806         (c) One member of the council must be a consumer who is not
  807  connected with the locksmith services business.
  808         (d)One member of the council must have private security,
  809  investigative or law enforcement expertise or experience.
  810  Each council member, except the consumer member, must have at
  811  least 3 years' experience in his or her profession and be
  812  currently engaged in that profession. Each council member must
  813  be a resident of the state. Council members must be from
  814  different geographic regions of the state.
  815         (2) Council members shall be appointed for 4-year terms. A
  816  member whose term has expired shall continue to serve until such
  817  time as a replacement is appointed. Any vacancy occurring before
  818  the expiration of a term shall be filled by the commissioner for
  819  the remainder of the term.
  820         (3)(a) The council shall annually elect from its membership
  821  a chair and a vice chair.
  822         (b) The council shall meet at the call of its chair, at the
  823  request of a majority of its membership, or at the request of
  824  the department.
  825         (c) In conducting its meetings, the council shall use
  826  accepted rules of procedure. The department shall keep a
  827  complete record of each meeting, which must show the names of
  828  members present and the actions taken. These records and other
  829  documents about matters within the jurisdiction of the council
  830  shall be kept on file with the department.
  831         (4) The members of the council receive no compensation for
  832  their services, except that they may receive per diem and travel
  833  expenses as provided in s. 112.061.
  834         (5) The department shall be responsible for providing
  835  administrative and staff support services relating to the
  836  functions of the council.
  837         (6) The council may review the rules relating to this part
  838  which are adopted by the department and may advise the
  839  department on matters relating to advancements in industry
  840  standards and practices and other issues that require technical
  841  expertise and consultation or that promote better consumer
  842  protection in the locksmith services industry.
  843         Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2009.