Florida Senate - 2017                       CS for CS for SB 802
       
       
        
       By the Committees on Rules; and Judiciary; and Senator Passidomo
       
       
       
       
       
       595-04642-17                                           2017802c2
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to regulated professions and
    3         occupations; amending s. 287.055, F.S.; redefining the
    4         term “design-build firm”; amending s. 326.004, F.S.;
    5         deleting a requirement that yacht and ship brokers
    6         maintain a separate license for each branch office and
    7         related fees; amending s. 447.02, F.S.; deleting a
    8         definition; repealing s. 447.04, F.S., relating to
    9         business agents, licenses, and permits; repealing s.
   10         447.041, F.S., relating to hearings; repealing s.
   11         447.045, F.S., relating to certain confidential
   12         information; repealing s. 447.06, F.S., relating to
   13         the required registration of labor organizations;
   14         amending s. 447.09, F.S.; deleting prohibitions
   15         against specified actions; repealing s. 447.12, F.S.,
   16         relating to registration fees; repealing s. 447.16,
   17         F.S., relating to the applicability of ch. 447, F.S.;
   18         amending s. 468.603, F.S.; redefining the terms
   19         “building code administrator,” “building official,”
   20         and “building code inspector”; amending s. 468.617,
   21         F.S.; providing that a county or municipal government,
   22         school board, community college board, state
   23         university, or state agency is not prohibited from
   24         entering into any contract with any person or entity
   25         for the provision of building code administrator or
   26         building official services; amending s. 469.006, F.S.;
   27         requiring an individual applicant to apply for
   28         licensure in the name of the business organization
   29         that he or she proposes to operate under; requiring
   30         that a license be in the name of a qualifying agent
   31         rather than the name of a business organization;
   32         requiring the qualifying agent, rather than the
   33         business organization, to report certain changes in
   34         information; conforming provisions to changes made by
   35         the act; amending s. 469.009, F.S.; deleting the
   36         authority of the department to reprimand, censure, or
   37         impose probation on certain business organizations;
   38         amending s. 476.034, F.S.; defining and redefining
   39         terms; amending s. 476.114, F.S.; providing
   40         requirements for licensure by examination to practice
   41         restricted barbering; conforming a provision to
   42         changes made by the act; repealing s. 476.144(6),
   43         F.S., relating to requirements to apply for a
   44         restricted license to practice barbering; amending s.
   45         477.013, F.S.; revising the definition of the term
   46         “specialty”; repealing s. 477.0132, F.S., relating to
   47         hair braiding, hair wrapping, and body wrapping
   48         registration; amending s. 477.0135, F.S.; exempting
   49         from certain licensure and registration requirements
   50         persons whose occupations or practices are confined
   51         solely to hair braiding, hair wrapping, or body
   52         wrapping; amending s. 477.019, F.S.; deleting an
   53         exemption from certain continuing education
   54         requirements for persons whose occupations or
   55         practices are confined solely to hair braiding, hair
   56         wrapping, or body wrapping; amending s. 477.026, F.S.;
   57         conforming a provision to changes made by the act;
   58         amending s. 481.203, F.S.; defining the term “business
   59         organization”; deleting the definition of the term
   60         “certificate of authorization”; amending s. 481.219,
   61         F.S.; revising the process by which a business
   62         organization obtains the requisite license to perform
   63         architectural services; requiring that a licensee or
   64         an applicant apply to qualify a business organization
   65         under certain circumstances; specifying application
   66         requirements; authorizing the Board of Architecture
   67         and Interior Design to deny an application under
   68         certain circumstances; requiring that a qualifying
   69         agent be a registered architect or a registered
   70         interior designer under certain circumstances;
   71         requiring that a qualifying agent notify the
   72         department when she or he ceases to be affiliated with
   73         a business organization; prohibiting a business
   74         organization from engaging in certain practices until
   75         it is qualified by a qualifying agent; authorizing the
   76         executive director or the chair of the board to
   77         authorize a certain registered architect or interior
   78         designer to temporarily serve as the business
   79         organization’s qualifying agent for a specified
   80         timeframe under certain circumstances; requiring the
   81         qualifying agent to give written notice to the
   82         department before engaging in practice under her or
   83         his own name or in affiliation with another business
   84         organization; requiring the board to certify an
   85         applicant to qualify one or more business
   86         organizations or to operate using a fictitious name
   87         under certain circumstances; conforming provisions to
   88         changes made by the act; amending s. 481.221, F.S.;
   89         requiring a business organization to include the
   90         license number of a certain registered architect or
   91         interior designer in any advertising; providing an
   92         exception; conforming provisions to changes made by
   93         the act; amending s. 481.229, F.S.; conforming
   94         provisions to changes made by the act; reordering and
   95         amending s. 481.303, F.S.; defining and redefining
   96         terms; amending s. 481.321, F.S.; revising provisions
   97         that require persons to display certificate numbers
   98         under certain circumstances; conforming provisions to
   99         changes made by the act; amending ss. 481.311,
  100         481.317, and 481.319, F.S.; conforming provisions to
  101         changes made by the act; amending s. 481.329, F.S.;
  102         conforming a cross-reference; amending s. 548.017,
  103         F.S.; revising the persons required to be licensed by
  104         the State Boxing Commission; amending s. 548.003,
  105         F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made by the
  106         act; providing an effective date.
  107          
  108  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
  109  
  110         Section 1. Paragraph (h) of subsection (2) of section
  111  287.055, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  112         287.055 Acquisition of professional architectural,
  113  engineering, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping
  114  services; definitions; procedures; contingent fees prohibited;
  115  penalties.—
  116         (2) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section:
  117         (h) A “design-build firm” means a partnership, corporation,
  118  or other legal entity that:
  119         1. Is certified under s. 489.119 to engage in contracting
  120  through a certified or registered general contractor or a
  121  certified or registered building contractor as the qualifying
  122  agent; or
  123         2. Is certified under s. 471.023 to practice or to offer to
  124  practice engineering; qualified certified under s. 481.219 to
  125  practice or to offer to practice architecture; or qualified
  126  certified under s. 481.319 to practice or to offer to practice
  127  landscape architecture.
  128         Section 2. Subsection (13) of section 326.004, Florida
  129  Statutes, is amended to read:
  130         326.004 Licensing.—
  131         (13) Each broker must maintain a principal place of
  132  business in this state and may establish branch offices in the
  133  state. A separate license must be maintained for each branch
  134  office. The division shall establish by rule a fee not to exceed
  135  $100 for each branch office license.
  136         Section 3. Subsection (3) of section 447.02, Florida
  137  Statutes, is amended to read:
  138         447.02 Definitions.—The following terms, when used in this
  139  chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this
  140  section:
  141         (3) The term “department” means the Department of Business
  142  and Professional Regulation.
  143         Section 4. Section 447.04, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  144         Section 5. Section 447.041, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  145         Section 6. Section 447.045, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  146         Section 7. Section 447.06, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  147         Section 8. Subsections (6) and (8) of section 447.09,
  148  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  149         447.09 Right of franchise preserved; penalties.—It shall be
  150  unlawful for any person:
  151         (6) To act as a business agent without having obtained and
  152  possessing a valid and subsisting license or permit.
  153         (8) To make any false statement in an application for a
  154  license.
  155         Section 9. Section 447.12, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  156         Section 10. Section 447.16, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
  157         Section 11. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 468.603,
  158  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  159         468.603 Definitions.—As used in this part:
  160         (1) “Building code administrator” or “building official”
  161  means any of those employees of municipal or county governments,
  162  or any person contracted by a municipal or county government,
  163  who have with building construction regulation responsibilities
  164  and who are charged with the responsibility for direct
  165  regulatory administration or supervision of plan review,
  166  enforcement, or inspection of building construction, erection,
  167  repair, addition, remodeling, demolition, or alteration projects
  168  that require permitting indicating compliance with building,
  169  plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas, fire prevention, energy,
  170  accessibility, and other construction codes as required by state
  171  law or municipal or county ordinance. This term is synonymous
  172  with “building official” as used in the administrative chapter
  173  of the Standard Building Code and the South Florida Building
  174  Code. One person employed or contracted by each municipal or
  175  county government as a building code administrator or building
  176  official and who is so certified under this part may be
  177  authorized to perform any plan review or inspection for which
  178  certification is required by this part.
  179         (2) “Building code inspector” means any of those employees
  180  of local governments or state agencies, or any person contracted
  181  by a local government or state agency, who have with building
  182  construction regulation responsibilities and who themselves
  183  conduct inspections of building construction, erection, repair,
  184  addition, or alteration projects that require permitting
  185  indicating compliance with building, plumbing, mechanical,
  186  electrical, gas, fire prevention, energy, accessibility, and
  187  other construction codes as required by state law or municipal
  188  or county ordinance.
  189         Section 12. Subsection (3) of section 468.617, Florida
  190  Statutes, is amended to read:
  191         468.617 Joint building code inspection department; other
  192  arrangements.—
  193         (3) Nothing in this part shall prohibit any county or
  194  municipal government, school board, community college board,
  195  state university, or state agency from entering into any
  196  contract with any person or entity for the provision of building
  197  code administrator, building official, or building code
  198  inspection services regulated under this part, and
  199  notwithstanding any other statutory provision, such county or
  200  municipal governments may enter into contracts.
  201         Section 13. Paragraphs (a) and (e) of subsection (2),
  202  subsection (3), paragraph (b) of subsection (4), and subsection
  203  (6) of section 469.006, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  204         469.006 Licensure of business organizations; qualifying
  205  agents.—
  206         (2)(a) If the applicant proposes to engage in consulting or
  207  contracting as a partnership, corporation, business trust, or
  208  other legal entity, or in any name other than the applicant’s
  209  legal name, the legal entity must apply for licensure through a
  210  qualifying agent or the individual applicant must apply for
  211  licensure under the name of the business organization fictitious
  212  name.
  213         (e) A The license, when issued upon application of a
  214  business organization, must be in the name of the qualifying
  215  agent business organization, and the name of the business
  216  organization qualifying agent must be noted on the license
  217  thereon. If there is a change in any information that is
  218  required to be stated on the application, the qualifying agent
  219  business organization shall, within 45 days after such change
  220  occurs, mail the correct information to the department.
  221         (3) The qualifying agent must shall be licensed under this
  222  chapter in order for the business organization to be qualified
  223  licensed in the category of the business conducted for which the
  224  qualifying agent is licensed. If any qualifying agent ceases to
  225  be affiliated with such business organization, the agent shall
  226  so inform the department. In addition, if such qualifying agent
  227  is the only licensed individual affiliated with the business
  228  organization, the business organization shall notify the
  229  department of the termination of the qualifying agent and has
  230  shall have 60 days after from the date of termination of the
  231  qualifying agent’s affiliation with the business organization in
  232  which to employ another qualifying agent. The business
  233  organization may not engage in consulting or contracting until a
  234  qualifying agent is employed, unless the department has granted
  235  a temporary nonrenewable license to the financially responsible
  236  officer, the president, the sole proprietor, a partner, or, in
  237  the case of a limited partnership, the general partner, who
  238  assumes all responsibilities of a primary qualifying agent for
  239  the entity. This temporary license only allows shall only allow
  240  the entity to proceed with incomplete contracts.
  241         (4)
  242         (b) Upon a favorable determination by the department, after
  243  investigation of the financial responsibility, credit, and
  244  business reputation of the qualifying agent and the new business
  245  organization, the department shall issue, without any
  246  examination, a new license in the qualifying agent’s business
  247  organization’s name, and the name of the business organization
  248  qualifying agent shall be noted thereon.
  249         (6) Each qualifying agent shall pay the department an
  250  amount equal to the original fee for licensure of a new business
  251  organization. if the qualifying agent for a business
  252  organization desires to qualify additional business
  253  organizations., The department shall require the agent to
  254  present evidence of supervisory ability and financial
  255  responsibility of each such organization. Allowing a licensee to
  256  qualify more than one business organization must shall be
  257  conditioned upon the licensee showing that the licensee has both
  258  the capacity and intent to adequately supervise each business
  259  organization. The department may shall not limit the number of
  260  business organizations that which the licensee may qualify
  261  except upon the licensee’s failure to provide such information
  262  as is required under this subsection or upon a finding that the
  263  such information or evidence as is supplied is incomplete or
  264  unpersuasive in showing the licensee’s capacity and intent to
  265  comply with the requirements of this subsection. A qualification
  266  for an additional business organization may be revoked or
  267  suspended upon a finding by the department that the licensee has
  268  failed in the licensee’s responsibility to adequately supervise
  269  the operations of the business organization. Failure to
  270  adequately supervise the operations of a business organization
  271  is shall be grounds for denial to qualify additional business
  272  organizations.
  273         Section 14. Subsection (1) of section 469.009, Florida
  274  Statutes, is amended to read:
  275         469.009 License revocation, suspension, and denial of
  276  issuance or renewal.—
  277         (1) The department may revoke, suspend, or deny the
  278  issuance or renewal of a license; reprimand, censure, or place
  279  on probation any contractor, consultant, or financially
  280  responsible officer, or business organization; require financial
  281  restitution to a consumer; impose an administrative fine not to
  282  exceed $5,000 per violation; require continuing education; or
  283  assess costs associated with any investigation and prosecution
  284  if the contractor or consultant, or business organization or
  285  officer or agent thereof, is found guilty of any of the
  286  following acts:
  287         (a) Willfully or deliberately disregarding or violating the
  288  health and safety standards of the Occupational Safety and
  289  Health Act of 1970, the Construction Safety Act, the National
  290  Emission Standards for Asbestos, the Environmental Protection
  291  Agency Asbestos Abatement Projects Worker Protection Rule, the
  292  Florida Statutes or rules promulgated thereunder, or any
  293  ordinance enacted by a political subdivision of this state.
  294         (b) Violating any provision of chapter 455.
  295         (c) Failing in any material respect to comply with the
  296  provisions of this chapter or any rule promulgated hereunder.
  297         (d) Acting in the capacity of an asbestos contractor or
  298  asbestos consultant under any license issued under this chapter
  299  except in the name of the licensee as set forth on the issued
  300  license.
  301         (e) Proceeding on any job without obtaining all applicable
  302  approvals, authorizations, permits, and inspections.
  303         (f) Obtaining a license by fraud or misrepresentation.
  304         (g) Being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea
  305  of nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in
  306  any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of
  307  asbestos consulting or contracting or the ability to practice
  308  asbestos consulting or contracting.
  309         (h) Knowingly violating any building code, lifesafety code,
  310  or county or municipal ordinance relating to the practice of
  311  asbestos consulting or contracting.
  312         (i) Performing any act which assists a person or entity in
  313  engaging in the prohibited unlicensed practice of asbestos
  314  consulting or contracting, if the licensee knows or has
  315  reasonable grounds to know that the person or entity was
  316  unlicensed.
  317         (j) Committing mismanagement or misconduct in the practice
  318  of contracting that causes financial harm to a customer.
  319  Financial mismanagement or misconduct occurs when:
  320         1. Valid liens have been recorded against the property of a
  321  contractor’s customer for supplies or services ordered by the
  322  contractor for the customer’s job; the contractor has received
  323  funds from the customer to pay for the supplies or services; and
  324  the contractor has not had the liens removed from the property,
  325  by payment or by bond, within 75 days after the date of such
  326  liens;
  327         2. The contractor has abandoned a customer’s job and the
  328  percentage of completion is less than the percentage of the
  329  total contract price paid to the contractor as of the time of
  330  abandonment, unless the contractor is entitled to retain such
  331  funds under the terms of the contract or refunds the excess
  332  funds within 30 days after the date the job is abandoned; or
  333         3. The contractor’s job has been completed, and it is shown
  334  that the customer has had to pay more for the contracted job
  335  than the original contract price, as adjusted for subsequent
  336  change orders, unless such increase in cost was the result of
  337  circumstances beyond the control of the contractor, was the
  338  result of circumstances caused by the customer, or was otherwise
  339  permitted by the terms of the contract between the contractor
  340  and the customer.
  341         (k) Being disciplined by any municipality or county for an
  342  act or violation of this chapter.
  343         (l) Failing in any material respect to comply with the
  344  provisions of this chapter, or violating a rule or lawful order
  345  of the department.
  346         (m) Abandoning an asbestos abatement project in which the
  347  asbestos contractor is engaged or under contract as a
  348  contractor. A project may be presumed abandoned after 20 days if
  349  the contractor terminates the project without just cause and
  350  without proper notification to the owner, including the reason
  351  for termination; if the contractor fails to reasonably secure
  352  the project to safeguard the public while work is stopped; or if
  353  the contractor fails to perform work without just cause for 20
  354  days.
  355         (n) Signing a statement with respect to a project or
  356  contract falsely indicating that the work is bonded; falsely
  357  indicating that payment has been made for all subcontracted
  358  work, labor, and materials which results in a financial loss to
  359  the owner, purchaser, or contractor; or falsely indicating that
  360  workers’ compensation and public liability insurance are
  361  provided.
  362         (o) Committing fraud or deceit in the practice of asbestos
  363  consulting or contracting.
  364         (p) Committing incompetency or misconduct in the practice
  365  of asbestos consulting or contracting.
  366         (q) Committing gross negligence, repeated negligence, or
  367  negligence resulting in a significant danger to life or property
  368  in the practice of asbestos consulting or contracting.
  369         (r) Intimidating, threatening, coercing, or otherwise
  370  discouraging the service of a notice to owner under part I of
  371  chapter 713 or a notice to contractor under chapter 255 or part
  372  I of chapter 713.
  373         (s) Failing to satisfy, within a reasonable time, the terms
  374  of a civil judgment obtained against the licensee, or the
  375  business organization qualified by the licensee, relating to the
  376  practice of the licensee’s profession.
  377  
  378  For the purposes of this subsection, construction is considered
  379  to be commenced when the contract is executed and the contractor
  380  has accepted funds from the customer or lender.
  381         Section 15. Subsection (2) of section 476.034, Florida
  382  Statutes, is amended, and subsections (6) and (7) are added to
  383  that section, to read:
  384         476.034 Definitions.—As used in this act:
  385         (2) “Barbering” means any of the following practices when
  386  done for remuneration and for the public, but not when done for
  387  the treatment of disease or physical or mental ailments:
  388  shaving, cutting, trimming, coloring, shampooing, arranging,
  389  dressing, curling, or waving the hair or beard or applying oils,
  390  creams, lotions, or other preparations to the face, scalp, or
  391  neck, either by hand or by mechanical appliances, and includes
  392  restricted barbering services.
  393         (6)“Restricted barber” means a person who is licensed to
  394  engage in the practice of restricted barbering in this state
  395  under the authority of this chapter and is subject to the same
  396  requirements and restrictions as a barber, except as specified
  397  in s. 476.114.
  398         (7) “Restricted barbering” means any of the following
  399  practices when done for remuneration and for the public, but not
  400  when done for the treatment of disease or physical or mental
  401  ailments: shaving, cutting, trimming, shampooing, arranging,
  402  dressing, or curling the hair or beard, including the
  403  application of shampoo, hair conditioners, shaving creams, hair
  404  tonic, and hair spray to the face, scalp, or neck, either by
  405  hand or by mechanical appliances. The term does not include the
  406  application of oils, creams, lotions, or other preparations to
  407  the face, scalp, or neck.
  408         Section 16. Present subsection (3) of section 476.114,
  409  Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (4) and amended,
  410  and a new subsection (3) is added to that section, to read:
  411         476.114 Examination; prerequisites.—
  412         (3) An applicant is eligible for licensure by examination
  413  to practice restricted barbering if the applicant:
  414         (a) Is at least 16 years of age;
  415         (b) Pays the required application fee;
  416         (c) Passes a written examination on the laws and rules
  417  governing the practice of barbering in Florida, as established
  418  by the board; and
  419         (d)1. Holds, or has within the previous 5 years held, an
  420  active valid license to practice barbering in another state or
  421  country, or has held a Florida barbering license which has been
  422  declared null and void for failure to renew the license; or
  423         2. Has received a minimum of 1,000 hours of training as
  424  established by the board, which must include, but is not limited
  425  to, the equivalent of completion of services directly related to
  426  the practice of restricted barbering at one of the following:
  427         a. A school of barbering licensed pursuant to chapter 1005;
  428         b. A barbering program within the public school system; or
  429         c. A government-operated barbering program in this state.
  430         (4)(3) An applicant who meets the requirements set forth in
  431  subparagraphs (2)(c)1. and 2., or subparagraphs (3)(d)1. and 2.,
  432  and who fails to pass the examination may take subsequent
  433  examinations as many times as necessary to pass, except that the
  434  board may specify by rule reasonable timeframes for rescheduling
  435  the examination and additional training requirements for
  436  applicants who, after the third attempt, fail to pass the
  437  examination. Prior to reexamination, the applicant must file the
  438  appropriate form and pay the reexamination fee as required by
  439  rule.
  440         Section 17. Subsection (6) of section 476.144, Florida
  441  Statutes, is repealed.
  442         Section 18. Subsection (6) of section 477.013, Florida
  443  Statutes, is amended to read:
  444         477.013 Definitions.—As used in this chapter:
  445         (6) “Specialty” means the practice of one or more of the
  446  following:
  447         (a) Nail specialty, which includes:
  448         1. Manicuring, or the cutting, polishing, tinting,
  449  coloring, cleansing, adding, or extending of the nails, and
  450  massaging of the hands. This term includes any procedure or
  451  process for the affixing of artificial nails, except those nails
  452  which may be applied solely by use of a simple adhesive; and.
  453         2.(b) Pedicuring, or the shaping, polishing, tinting, or
  454  cleansing of the nails of the feet, and massaging or beautifying
  455  of the feet.
  456         (b)(c)Facial specialty, which includes facials, or the
  457  massaging or treating of the face or scalp with oils, creams,
  458  lotions, or other preparations, and skin care services.
  459         (c)Full specialty, which includes manicuring, pedicuring,
  460  and facial services, including all services as described in
  461  paragraphs (a) and (b).
  462         Section 19. Section 477.0132, Florida Statutes, is
  463  repealed.
  464         Section 20. Subsections (7), (8), and (9) are added to
  465  section 477.0135, Florida Statutes, to read:
  466         477.0135 Exemptions.—
  467         (7) A license or registration is not required for a person
  468  whose occupation or practice is confined solely to hair braiding
  469  as defined in s. 477.013(9).
  470         (8) A license or registration is not required for a person
  471  whose occupation or practice is confined solely to hair wrapping
  472  as defined in s. 477.013(10).
  473         (9) A license or registration is not required for a person
  474  whose occupation or practice is confined solely to body wrapping
  475  as defined in s. 477.013(12).
  476         Section 21. Paragraph (b) of subsection (7) of section
  477  477.019, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  478         477.019 Cosmetologists; qualifications; licensure;
  479  supervised practice; license renewal; endorsement; continuing
  480  education.—
  481         (7)
  482         (b) Any person whose occupation or practice is confined
  483  solely to hair braiding, hair wrapping, or body wrapping is
  484  exempt from the continuing education requirements of this
  485  subsection.
  486         Section 22. Paragraph (f) of subsection (1) of section
  487  477.026, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  488         477.026 Fees; disposition.—
  489         (1) The board shall set fees according to the following
  490  schedule:
  491         (f) For hair braiders, hair wrappers, and body wrappers,
  492  fees for registration shall not exceed $25.
  493         Section 23. Subsection (5) of section 481.203, Florida
  494  Statutes, is amended to read:
  495         481.203 Definitions.—As used in this part:
  496         (5) “Business organization” means a partnership, a limited
  497  liability company, a corporation, or an individual operating
  498  under a fictitious name “Certificate of authorization” means a
  499  certificate issued by the department to a corporation or
  500  partnership to practice architecture or interior design.
  501         Section 24. Section 481.219, Florida Statutes, is amended
  502  to read:
  503         481.219 Business organization; qualifying agents
  504  Certification of partnerships, limited liability companies, and
  505  corporations.—
  506         (1) A licensee may The practice of or the offer to practice
  507  architecture or interior design by licensees through a business
  508  organization that offers corporation, limited liability company,
  509  or partnership offering architectural or interior design
  510  services to the public, or through by a business organization
  511  that offers corporation, limited liability company, or
  512  partnership offering architectural or interior design services
  513  to the public through such licensees under this part as agents,
  514  employees, officers, or partners, is permitted, subject to the
  515  provisions of this section.
  516         (2) If a licensee or an applicant proposes to engage in the
  517  practice of architecture or interior design as a business
  518  organization, the licensee or applicant must apply to qualify
  519  the business organization For the purposes of this section, a
  520  certificate of authorization shall be required for a
  521  corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or person
  522  practicing under a fictitious name, offering architectural
  523  services to the public jointly or separately. However, when an
  524  individual is practicing architecture in her or his own name,
  525  she or he shall not be required to be certified under this
  526  section. Certification under this subsection to offer
  527  architectural services shall include all the rights and
  528  privileges of certification under subsection (3) to offer
  529  interior design services.
  530         (a) An application to qualify a business organization must:
  531         1.If the business is a partnership, state the names of the
  532  partnership and its partners.
  533         2.If the business is a corporation, state the names of the
  534  corporation and its officers and directors and the name of each
  535  of its stockholders who is also an officer or a director.
  536         3.If the business is operating under a fictitious name,
  537  state the fictitious name under which it is doing business.
  538         4.If the business is not a partnership, a corporation, or
  539  operating under a fictitious name, state the name of such other
  540  legal entity and its members.
  541         (b) The board may deny an application to qualify a business
  542  organization if the applicant or any person required to be named
  543  pursuant to paragraph (a) has been involved in past disciplinary
  544  actions or on any grounds for which an individual registration
  545  or certification may be denied.
  546         (3)(a) A business organization may not engage in the
  547  practice of architecture unless its qualifying agent is a
  548  registered architect under this part. A business organization
  549  may not engage in the practice of interior design unless its
  550  qualifying agent is a registered architect or a registered
  551  interior designer under this part. A qualifying agent who
  552  terminates her or his affiliation with a business organization
  553  shall immediately notify the department of such termination. If
  554  the qualifying agent who terminates her or his affiliation is
  555  the only qualifying agent for a business organization, the
  556  business organization must be qualified by another qualifying
  557  agent within 60 days after the termination. Except as provided
  558  in paragraph (b), the business organization may not engage in
  559  the practice of architecture or interior design until it is
  560  qualified by a qualifying agent.
  561         (b) In the event a qualifying architect or interior
  562  designer ceases employment with the business organization, the
  563  executive director or the chair of the board may authorize
  564  another registered architect or interior designer employed by
  565  the business organization to temporarily serve as its qualifying
  566  agent for a period of no more than 60 days. The business
  567  organization is not authorized to operate beyond such period
  568  under this chapter absent replacement of the qualifying
  569  architect or interior designer who has ceased employment.
  570         (c) A qualifying agent shall notify the department in
  571  writing before engaging in the practice of architecture or
  572  interior design in her or his own name or in affiliation with a
  573  different business organization, and she or he or such business
  574  organization shall supply the same information to the department
  575  as required of applicants under this part For the purposes of
  576  this section, a certificate of authorization shall be required
  577  for a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or
  578  person operating under a fictitious name, offering interior
  579  design services to the public jointly or separately. However,
  580  when an individual is practicing interior design in her or his
  581  own name, she or he shall not be required to be certified under
  582  this section.
  583         (4) All final construction documents and instruments of
  584  service which include drawings, specifications, plans, reports,
  585  or other papers or documents that involve involving the practice
  586  of architecture which are prepared or approved for the use of
  587  the business organization corporation, limited liability
  588  company, or partnership and filed for public record within the
  589  state must shall bear the signature and seal of the licensee who
  590  prepared or approved them and the date on which they were
  591  sealed.
  592         (5) All drawings, specifications, plans, reports, or other
  593  papers or documents prepared or approved for the use of the
  594  business organization corporation, limited liability company, or
  595  partnership by an interior designer in her or his professional
  596  capacity and filed for public record within the state must shall
  597  bear the signature and seal of the licensee who prepared or
  598  approved them and the date on which they were sealed.
  599         (6) The department shall issue a certificate of
  600  authorization to any applicant who the board certifies as
  601  qualified for a certificate of authorization and who has paid
  602  the fee set in s. 481.207.
  603         (6)(7) The board shall allow certify an applicant to
  604  qualify one or more business organizations as qualified for a
  605  certificate of authorization to offer architectural or interior
  606  design services, or to use a fictitious name to offer such
  607  services, if one of the following criteria is met provided that:
  608         (a) One or more of the principal officers of the
  609  corporation or limited liability company, or one or more
  610  partners of the partnership, and all personnel of the
  611  corporation, limited liability company, or partnership who act
  612  in its behalf in this state as architects, are registered as
  613  provided by this part.; or
  614         (b) One or more of the principal officers of the
  615  corporation or one or more partners of the partnership, and all
  616  personnel of the corporation, limited liability company, or
  617  partnership who act in its behalf in this state as interior
  618  designers, are registered as provided by this part.
  619         (8) The department shall adopt rules establishing a
  620  procedure for the biennial renewal of certificates of
  621  authorization.
  622         (9) The department shall renew a certificate of
  623  authorization upon receipt of the renewal application and
  624  biennial renewal fee.
  625         (7)(10) Each qualifying agent approved to qualify a
  626  business organization partnership, limited liability company,
  627  and corporation certified under this section shall notify the
  628  department within 30 days after of any change in the information
  629  contained in the application upon which the qualification
  630  certification is based. Any registered architect or interior
  631  designer who qualifies the business organization shall ensure
  632  corporation, limited liability company, or partnership as
  633  provided in subsection (7) shall be responsible for ensuring
  634  responsible supervising control of projects of the business
  635  organization entity and shall notify the department of the upon
  636  termination of her or his employment with a business
  637  organization qualified partnership, limited liability company,
  638  or corporation certified under this section shall notify the
  639  department of the termination within 30 days after such
  640  termination.
  641         (8)(11)A business organization is not No corporation,
  642  limited liability company, or partnership shall be relieved of
  643  responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees,
  644  or officers by reason of its compliance with this section.
  645  However, except as provided in s. 558.0035, the architect who
  646  signs and seals the construction documents and instruments of
  647  service is shall be liable for the professional services
  648  performed, and the interior designer who signs and seals the
  649  interior design drawings, plans, or specifications is shall be
  650  liable for the professional services performed.
  651         (12) Disciplinary action against a corporation, limited
  652  liability company, or partnership shall be administered in the
  653  same manner and on the same grounds as disciplinary action
  654  against a registered architect or interior designer,
  655  respectively.
  656         (9)(13)Nothing in This section may not shall be construed
  657  to mean that a certificate of registration to practice
  658  architecture or interior design must shall be held by a business
  659  organization corporation, limited liability company, or
  660  partnership. Nothing in This section does not prohibit a
  661  business organization from offering prohibits corporations,
  662  limited liability companies, and partnerships from joining
  663  together to offer architectural, engineering, interior design,
  664  surveying and mapping, and landscape architectural services, or
  665  any combination of such services, to the public if the business
  666  organization, provided that each corporation, limited liability
  667  company, or partnership otherwise meets the requirements of law.
  668         (10)(14)A business organization that is qualified by a
  669  registered architect may Corporations, limited liability
  670  companies, or partnerships holding a valid certificate of
  671  authorization to practice architecture shall be permitted to use
  672  in their title the term “interior designer” or “registered
  673  interior designer” in its title. designer.
  674         Section 25. Subsection (10) of section 481.221, Florida
  675  Statutes, is amended to read:
  676         481.221 Seals; display of certificate number.—
  677         (10) Each registered architect or interior designer must,
  678  and each corporation, limited liability company, or partnership
  679  holding a certificate of authorization, shall include her or his
  680  license its certificate number in any newspaper, telephone
  681  directory, or other advertising medium used by the registered
  682  licensee architect, interior designer, corporation, limited
  683  liability company, or partnership. Each business organization
  684  must include the license number of the registered architect or
  685  interior designer who serves as the qualifying agent for that
  686  business organization in any newspaper, telephone directory, or
  687  other advertising medium used by the business organization, but
  688  is not required to display the license numbers of other
  689  registered architects or interior designers employed by the
  690  business organization A corporation, limited liability company,
  691  or partnership is not required to display the certificate number
  692  of individual registered architects or interior designers
  693  employed by or working within the corporation, limited liability
  694  company, or partnership.
  695         Section 26. Paragraphs (a) and (c) of subsection (5) of
  696  section 481.229, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  697         481.229 Exceptions; exemptions from licensure.—
  698         (5)(a) Nothing contained in This part does not prohibit
  699  shall prevent a registered architect or a qualified business
  700  organization partnership, limited liability company, or
  701  corporation holding a valid certificate of authorization to
  702  provide architectural services from performing any interior
  703  design service or from using the title “interior designer” or
  704  “registered interior designer.”
  705         (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, a
  706  registered architect or qualified business organization
  707  certified any corporation, partnership, or person operating
  708  under a fictitious name which holds a certificate of
  709  authorization to provide architectural services must shall be
  710  qualified, without fee, for a certificate of authorization to
  711  provide interior design services upon submission of a completed
  712  application for qualification therefor. For corporations,
  713  partnerships, and persons operating under a fictitious name
  714  which hold a certificate of authorization to provide interior
  715  design services, satisfaction of the requirements for renewal of
  716  the certificate of authorization to provide architectural
  717  services under s. 481.219 shall be deemed to satisfy the
  718  requirements for renewal of the certificate of authorization to
  719  provide interior design services under that section.
  720         Section 27. Section 481.303, Florida Statutes, is reordered
  721  and amended to read:
  722         481.303 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
  723         (1) “Board” means the Board of Landscape Architecture.
  724         (2) “Business organization” means any partnership, limited
  725  liability company, corporation, or individual operating under a
  726  fictitious name.
  727         (4)(2) “Department” means the Department of Business and
  728  Professional Regulation.
  729         (8)(3) “Registered landscape architect” means a person who
  730  holds a license to practice landscape architecture in this state
  731  under the authority of this act.
  732         (3)(4) “Certificate of registration” means a license issued
  733  by the department to a natural person to engage in the practice
  734  of landscape architecture.
  735         (5) “Certificate of authorization” means a license issued
  736  by the department to a corporation or partnership to engage in
  737  the practice of landscape architecture.
  738         (5)(6) “Landscape architecture” means professional
  739  services, including, but not limited to, the following:
  740         (a) Consultation, investigation, research, planning,
  741  design, preparation of drawings, specifications, contract
  742  documents and reports, responsible construction supervision, or
  743  landscape management in connection with the planning and
  744  development of land and incidental water areas, including the
  745  use of Florida-friendly landscaping as defined in s. 373.185,
  746  where, and to the extent that, the dominant purpose of such
  747  services or creative works is the preservation, conservation,
  748  enhancement, or determination of proper land uses, natural land
  749  features, ground cover and plantings, or naturalistic and
  750  aesthetic values;
  751         (b) The determination of settings, grounds, and approaches
  752  for and the siting of buildings and structures, outdoor areas,
  753  or other improvements;
  754         (c) The setting of grades, shaping and contouring of land
  755  and water forms, determination of drainage, and provision for
  756  storm drainage and irrigation systems where such systems are
  757  necessary to the purposes outlined herein; and
  758         (d) The design of such tangible objects and features as are
  759  necessary to the purpose outlined herein.
  760         (6)(7) “Landscape design” means consultation for and
  761  preparation of planting plans drawn for compensation, including
  762  specifications and installation details for plant materials,
  763  soil amendments, mulches, edging, gravel, and other similar
  764  materials. Such plans may include only recommendations for the
  765  conceptual placement of tangible objects for landscape design
  766  projects. Construction documents, details, and specifications
  767  for tangible objects and irrigation systems shall be designed or
  768  approved by licensed professionals as required by law.
  769         (7) “Qualifying agent” means an owner, officer, or director
  770  of the corporation, or partner of the partnership, who is
  771  responsible for the supervision, direction, and management of
  772  projects of the business organization with which she or he is
  773  affiliated and for ensuring that responsible supervising control
  774  is being exercised.
  775         Section 28. Subsection (5) of section 481.321, Florida
  776  Statutes, is amended to read:
  777         481.321 Seals; display of certificate number.—
  778         (5) Each registered landscape architect must and each
  779  corporation or partnership holding a certificate of
  780  authorization shall include her or his its certificate number in
  781  any newspaper, telephone directory, or other advertising medium
  782  used by the registered landscape architect, corporation, or
  783  partnership. A corporation or partnership must is not required
  784  to display the certificate number numbers of at least one
  785  officer, director, owner, or partner who is a individual
  786  registered landscape architect architects employed by or
  787  practicing with the corporation or partnership.
  788         Section 29. Subsection (4) of section 481.311, Florida
  789  Statutes, is amended to read:
  790         481.311 Licensure.—
  791         (4) The board shall certify as qualified for a certificate
  792  of authorization any applicant corporation or partnership who
  793  satisfies the requirements of s. 481.319.
  794         Section 30. Subsection (2) of section 481.317, Florida
  795  Statutes, is amended to read:
  796         481.317 Temporary certificates.—
  797         (2) Upon approval by the board and payment of the fee set
  798  in s. 481.307, the department shall grant a temporary
  799  certificate of authorization for work on one specified project
  800  in this state for a period not to exceed 1 year to an out-of
  801  state corporation, partnership, or firm, provided one of the
  802  principal officers of the corporation, one of the partners of
  803  the partnership, or one of the principals in the fictitiously
  804  named firm has obtained a temporary certificate of registration
  805  in accordance with subsection (1).
  806         Section 31. Section 481.319, Florida Statutes, is amended
  807  to read:
  808         481.319 Corporate and partnership practice of landscape
  809  architecture; certificate of authorization.—
  810         (1) The practice of or offer to practice landscape
  811  architecture by registered landscape architects registered under
  812  this part through a corporation or partnership offering
  813  landscape architectural services to the public, or through a
  814  corporation or partnership offering landscape architectural
  815  services to the public through individual registered landscape
  816  architects as agents, employees, officers, or partners, is
  817  permitted, subject to the provisions of this section, if:
  818         (a) One or more of the principal officers of the
  819  corporation, or partners of the partnership, and all personnel
  820  of the corporation or partnership who act in its behalf as
  821  landscape architects in this state are registered landscape
  822  architects; and
  823         (b) One or more of the officers, one or more of the
  824  directors, one or more of the owners of the corporation, or one
  825  or more of the partners of the partnership is a registered
  826  landscape architect and has applied to be the qualifying agent
  827  for the business organization; and
  828         (c) The corporation or partnership has been issued a
  829  certificate of authorization by the board as provided herein.
  830         (2) All documents involving the practice of landscape
  831  architecture which are prepared for the use of the corporation
  832  or partnership must shall bear the signature and seal of a
  833  registered landscape architect.
  834         (3) A landscape architect applying to practice in the name
  835  of a An applicant corporation must shall file with the
  836  department the names and addresses of all officers and board
  837  members of the corporation, including the principal officer or
  838  officers, duly registered to practice landscape architecture in
  839  this state and, also, of all individuals duly registered to
  840  practice landscape architecture in this state who shall be in
  841  responsible charge of the practice of landscape architecture by
  842  the corporation in this state. A landscape architect applying to
  843  practice in the name of a An applicant partnership must shall
  844  file with the department the names and addresses of all partners
  845  of the partnership, including the partner or partners duly
  846  registered to practice landscape architecture in this state and,
  847  also, of an individual or individuals duly registered to
  848  practice landscape architecture in this state who shall be in
  849  responsible charge of the practice of landscape architecture by
  850  said partnership in this state.
  851         (4) Each landscape architect qualifying a partnership or
  852  and corporation licensed under this part must shall notify the
  853  department within 1 month of any change in the information
  854  contained in the application upon which the license is based.
  855  Any landscape architect who terminates her or his or her
  856  employment with a partnership or corporation licensed under this
  857  part shall notify the department of the termination within 1
  858  month.
  859         (5) Disciplinary action against a corporation or
  860  partnership shall be administered in the same manner and on the
  861  same grounds as disciplinary action against a registered
  862  landscape architect.
  863         (5)(6) Except as provided in s. 558.0035, the fact that a
  864  registered landscape architect practices landscape architecture
  865  through a corporation or partnership as provided in this section
  866  does not relieve the landscape architect from personal liability
  867  for her or his or her professional acts.
  868         Section 32. Subsection (5) of section 481.329, Florida
  869  Statutes, is amended to read:
  870         481.329 Exceptions; exemptions from licensure.—
  871         (5) This part does not prohibit any person from engaging in
  872  the practice of landscape design, as defined in s. 481.303(6) s.
  873  481.303(7), or from submitting for approval to a governmental
  874  agency planting plans that are independent of, or a component
  875  of, construction documents that are prepared by a Florida
  876  registered professional. Persons providing landscape design
  877  services shall not use the title, term, or designation
  878  “landscape architect,” “landscape architectural,” “landscape
  879  architecture,” “L.A.,” “landscape engineering,” or any
  880  description tending to convey the impression that she or he is a
  881  landscape architect unless she or he is registered as provided
  882  in this part.
  883         Section 33. Subsection (1) of section 548.017, Florida
  884  Statutes, is amended to read:
  885         548.017 Participants, managers, and other persons required
  886  to have licenses.—
  887         (1) A participant, manager, trainer, second, timekeeper,
  888  referee, judge, announcer, physician, matchmaker, or promoter
  889  must be licensed before directly or indirectly acting in such
  890  capacity in connection with any match involving a participant. A
  891  physician approved by the commission must be licensed pursuant
  892  to chapter 458 or chapter 459, must maintain an unencumbered
  893  license in good standing, and must demonstrate satisfactory
  894  medical training or experience in boxing, or a combination of
  895  both, to the executive director before working as the ringside
  896  physician.
  897         Section 34. Paragraph (i) of subsection (2) of section
  898  548.003, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  899         548.003 Florida State Boxing Commission.—
  900         (2) The Florida State Boxing Commission, as created by
  901  subsection (1), shall administer the provisions of this chapter.
  902  The commission has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss.
  903  120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this
  904  chapter and to implement each of the duties and responsibilities
  905  conferred upon the commission, including, but not limited to:
  906         (i) Designation and duties of a knockdown timekeeper.
  907         Section 35. This act shall take effect October 1, 2017.