Florida Senate - 2018                        COMMITTEE AMENDMENT
       Bill No. SB 1884
       
       
       
       
       
       
                                Ì138944DÎ138944                         
       
                              LEGISLATIVE ACTION                        
                    Senate             .             House              
                   Comm: WD            .                                
                  02/01/2018           .                                
                                       .                                
                                       .                                
                                       .                                
       —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————




       —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
       The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and
       Domestic Security (Broxson) recommended the following:
       
    1         Senate Amendment (with title amendment)
    2  
    3         Delete everything after the enacting clause
    4  and insert:
    5         Section 1. Subsection (10) is added to section 83.49,
    6  Florida Statutes, to read:
    7         83.49 Deposit money or advance rent; duty of landlord and
    8  tenant.—
    9         (10)If the tenant is a servicemember, a landlord may not
   10  require payment of a security deposit or advance rent that
   11  exceeds, in the aggregate, the total sum of rent that would be
   12  due in a 60-day period under the rental agreement.
   13         Section 2. Subsection (1) of section 83.682, Florida
   14  Statutes, is amended to read:
   15         83.682 Termination of rental agreement by a servicemember.—
   16         (1) Any servicemember may terminate his or her rental
   17  agreement by providing the landlord with a written notice of
   18  termination to be effective on the date stated in the notice
   19  that is at least 30 days after the landlord’s receipt of the
   20  notice if any of the following criteria are met:
   21         (a) The servicemember is required, pursuant to a permanent
   22  change of station orders, to move 35 miles or more from the
   23  location of the rental premises;
   24         (b) The servicemember is prematurely or involuntarily
   25  discharged or released from active duty or state active duty;
   26         (c) The servicemember is released from active duty or state
   27  active duty after having leased the rental premises while on
   28  active duty or state active duty status and the rental premises
   29  is 35 miles or more from the servicemember’s home of record
   30  prior to entering active duty or state active duty;
   31         (d) After entering into a rental agreement, the
   32  servicemember receives military orders requiring him or her to
   33  move into government quarters or the servicemember becomes
   34  eligible to live in and opts to move into government quarters or
   35  privatized military housing;
   36         (e) The servicemember receives temporary duty orders,
   37  temporary change of station orders, or state active duty orders
   38  to an area 35 miles or more from the location of the rental
   39  premises, provided such orders are for a period exceeding 60
   40  days; or
   41         (f) The servicemember has leased the property, but prior to
   42  taking possession of the rental premises, receives a change of
   43  orders to an area that is 35 miles or more from the location of
   44  the rental premises.
   45         Section 3. Section 197.572, Florida Statutes, is amended to
   46  read:
   47         197.572 Easements for conservation purposes, prevention of
   48  encroachment of military installations, or for public service
   49  purposes or for drainage or ingress and egress survive tax sales
   50  and deeds.—When any lands are sold for the nonpayment of taxes,
   51  or any tax certificate is issued thereon by a governmental unit
   52  or agency or pursuant to any tax lien foreclosure proceeding,
   53  the title to the lands shall continue to be subject to any
   54  easement for conservation purposes as provided in s. 704.06, for
   55  the purpose of preventing the encroachment of military
   56  installations as provided in s. 288.980(2), or for telephone,
   57  telegraph, pipeline, power transmission, or other public service
   58  purpose and shall continue to be subject to any easement for the
   59  purposes of drainage or of ingress and egress to and from other
   60  land. The easement and the rights of the owner of it shall
   61  survive and be enforceable after the execution, delivery, and
   62  recording of a tax deed, a master’s deed, or a clerk’s
   63  certificate of title pursuant to foreclosure of a tax deed, tax
   64  certificate, or tax lien, to the same extent as though the land
   65  had been conveyed by voluntary deed. The easement must be
   66  evidenced by written instrument recorded in the office of the
   67  clerk of the circuit court in the county where such land is
   68  located before the recording of such tax deed or master’s deed,
   69  or, if not recorded, an easement for a public service purpose
   70  must be evidenced by wires, poles, or other visible occupation,
   71  an easement for drainage must be evidenced by a waterway, water
   72  bed, or other visible occupation, and an easement for the
   73  purpose of ingress and egress must be evidenced by a road or
   74  other visible occupation to be entitled to the benefit of this
   75  section; however, this shall apply only to tax deeds issued
   76  after the effective date of this act.
   77         Section 4. Section 250.483, Florida Statutes, is created to
   78  read:
   79         250.483Active duty; licensure or qualification.—
   80         (1)If a member of the Florida National Guard or the United
   81  States Armed Forces Reserves seeking licensure or qualification
   82  for a trade, occupation, or profession is ordered into state
   83  active duty or into active duty as defined in this chapter, and
   84  his or her period of training, study, apprenticeship, or
   85  practical experience is interrupted or the start thereof is
   86  delayed, he or she is entitled to licensure or qualification
   87  under the laws covering his or her licensure or qualification at
   88  the time of entrance into active duty pursuant to subsection
   89  (2).
   90         (2)A board of examiners or other qualification board
   91  regulated under general law shall accept periods of training and
   92  practical experience in the Florida National Guard or the United
   93  States Armed Forces Reserves in place of the interrupted or
   94  delayed periods of training, study, apprenticeship, or practical
   95  experience if the board finds the standard and type of work or
   96  training performed in the Florida National Guard or the United
   97  States Armed Forces Reserves to be substantially the same as the
   98  standard and type required under the laws of this state.
   99         (3)A member of the National Guard or the United States
  100  Armed Forces Reserves must request licensure or qualification
  101  pursuant to this section by the respective board of examiners or
  102  other qualification board within 6 months after release from
  103  active duty with the Florida National Guard or the United States
  104  Armed Forces Reserves.
  105         Section 5. Paragraph (d) of subsection (2), paragraphs (a),
  106  (c), and (d) of subsection (3), and subsections (4), (5), (6),
  107  and (8) of section 288.980, Florida Statutes, are amended to
  108  read:
  109         288.980 Military base retention; legislative intent; grants
  110  program.—
  111         (2)
  112         (d) Funds appropriated to the Military Base Protection
  113  Program this program may be used to address emergent needs
  114  relating to mission sustainment, encroachment reduction or
  115  prevention, and base retention. All funds appropriated for the
  116  purposes of the this program are eligible to be used for
  117  matching of federal funds. The Florida Defense Support Task
  118  Force department shall coordinate and implement the this
  119  program.
  120         (3)(a) The Florida Defense Support Task Force department is
  121  authorized to manage and award grants on a competitive basis
  122  from any funds available to it to support activities related to
  123  the Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant Program and the Florida
  124  Defense Infrastructure Grant Program.
  125         (c) The Florida Defense Support Task Force department shall
  126  require that an applicant:
  127         1. Represent a local government with a military
  128  installation or military installations that could be adversely
  129  affected by federal actions.
  130         2. Agree to match at least 30 percent of any grant awarded.
  131         3. Prepare a coordinated program or plan of action
  132  delineating how the eligible project will be administered and
  133  accomplished.
  134         4. Provide documentation describing the potential for
  135  changes to the mission of a military installation located in the
  136  applicant’s community and the potential impacts such changes
  137  will have on the applicant’s community.
  138         (d) In making grant awards the Florida Defense Support Task
  139  Force department shall consider, at a minimum, the following
  140  factors:
  141         1. The relative value of the particular military
  142  installation in terms of its importance to the local and state
  143  economy relative to other military installations.
  144         2. The potential job displacement within the local
  145  community should the mission of the military installation be
  146  changed.
  147         3. The potential impact on industries and technologies
  148  which service the military installation.
  149         (4) The Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant Program is
  150  established to respond to the need for this state to work in
  151  conjunction with defense-dependent communities in developing and
  152  implementing strategies and approaches that will help
  153  communities support the missions of military installations, and
  154  in developing and implementing alternative economic
  155  diversification strategies to transition from a defense economy
  156  to a nondefense economy. Eligible applicants include defense
  157  dependent counties and cities, and local economic development
  158  councils located within such communities. The program shall be
  159  administered by the Florida Defense Support Task Force
  160  department and grant awards may be provided to support
  161  community-based activities that:
  162         (a) Protect existing military installations;
  163         (b) Diversify the economy of a defense-dependent community;
  164  or
  165         (c) Develop plans for the reuse of closed or realigned
  166  military installations, including any plans necessary for
  167  infrastructure improvements needed to facilitate reuse and
  168  related marketing activities.
  169  
  170  Applications for grants under this subsection must include a
  171  coordinated program of work or plan of action delineating how
  172  the eligible project will be administered and accomplished,
  173  which must include a plan for ensuring close cooperation between
  174  civilian and military authorities in the conduct of the funded
  175  activities and a plan for public involvement.
  176         (5) The Defense Infrastructure Grant Program is created.
  177  The Florida Defense Support Task Force department shall
  178  coordinate and implement this program, the purpose of which is
  179  to support local infrastructure projects deemed to have a
  180  positive impact on the military value of installations within
  181  the state. Funds are to be used for projects that benefit both
  182  the local community and the military installation.
  183  Infrastructure projects to be funded under this program include,
  184  but are not limited to, those related to encroachment,
  185  transportation and access, utilities, communications, housing,
  186  environment, and security. Grant requests will be accepted only
  187  from economic development applicants serving in the official
  188  capacity of a governing board of a county, municipality, special
  189  district, or state agency that will have the authority to
  190  maintain the project upon completion. An applicant must
  191  represent a community or county in which a military installation
  192  is located. There is no limit as to the amount of any grant
  193  awarded to an applicant. A match by the county or local
  194  community may be required. The program may not be used to fund
  195  on-base military construction projects. The department shall
  196  enter into a contract with the task force establish guidelines
  197  to implement the purpose of this subsection.
  198         (6) The Florida Defense Support Task Force department may
  199  award nonfederal matching funds specifically appropriated for
  200  construction, maintenance, and analysis of a Florida defense
  201  workforce database. Such funds will be used to create a registry
  202  of worker skills that can be used to match the worker needs of
  203  companies that are relocating to this state or to assist workers
  204  in relocating to other areas within this state where similar or
  205  related employment is available.
  206         (8) The department shall enter into a contract with the
  207  Florida Defense Support Task Force establish guidelines to
  208  implement and carry out the purpose and intent of this section.
  209         Section 6. Present subsections (6) and (7) of section
  210  288.987, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (7) and
  211  (8), respectively, paragraph (d) of subsection (3) and
  212  subsection (5) of that section are amended, and a new subsection
  213  (6) is added to that section, to read:
  214         288.987 Florida Defense Support Task Force.—
  215         (3) The task force shall be comprised of the Governor or
  216  his or her designee, and 12 members appointed as follows:
  217         (d) Appointed members must represent defense-related
  218  industries or communities that host military bases and
  219  installations. All appointments must be made by August 1, 2011.
  220  Members shall serve for a term of 4 years, with the first term
  221  ending July 1, 2015. However, if members of the Legislature are
  222  appointed to the task force, those members shall serve until the
  223  expiration of their legislative term and may be reappointed
  224  once. A vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the
  225  unexpired term in the same manner as the initial appointment.
  226  All members of the council are eligible for reappointment. A
  227  member who serves in the Legislature may participate in all task
  228  force activities but may only vote on matters that are advisory.
  229         (5) The president of Enterprise Florida, Inc., executive
  230  director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, or his or
  231  her designee, shall serve as the ex officio, nonvoting executive
  232  director of the task force. Enterprise Florida, Inc., shall
  233  serve as the administrative agent of the task force and may
  234  serve as the task force’s representative; provide staffing,
  235  administrative, and logistical support to the task force and its
  236  mission; and enter into and execute contracts on behalf of the
  237  task force.
  238         (6)The chair of the Florida Defense Alliance as
  239  established in s. 288.980(1)(b) shall serve as an ex officio,
  240  nonvoting member of the task force and shall advise the task
  241  force on issues affecting the defense community.
  242         Section 7. Present paragraph (c) of subsection (4) of
  243  section 295.187, Florida Statutes, is redesignated as paragraph
  244  (d), and a new paragraph (c) is added to that subsection, to
  245  read:
  246         295.187 Florida Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunity
  247  Act.—
  248         (4) VENDOR PREFERENCE.—
  249         (c) A state agency may set aside up to 10 percent of the
  250  total funds allocated for the procurement of personal property
  251  and services for the purpose of entering into contracts with
  252  certified veteran business enterprises. Such contracts must be
  253  competitively solicited among only certified veteran business
  254  enterprises.
  255         Section 8. Paragraph (c) of subsection (4) of section
  256  295.21, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  257         295.21 Florida Is For Veterans, Inc.—
  258         (4) GOVERNANCE.—
  259         (c) Each member of the board of directors shall be
  260  appointed for a term of 4 years, except that, to achieve
  261  staggered terms, the initial appointees of the Governor shall
  262  serve terms of 2 years. A member is eligible ineligible for
  263  reappointment to the board except that a member appointed to a
  264  term of 2 years or less may be reappointed for one an additional
  265  term of 4 years. The initial appointments to the board must be
  266  made by July 15, 2014. Vacancies on the board shall be filled in
  267  the same manner as the original appointment. A vacancy that
  268  occurs before the scheduled expiration of the term of the member
  269  shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term.
  270         Section 9. Paragraphs (d) and (e) of subsection (3) of
  271  section 295.22, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  272         295.22 Veterans Employment and Training Services Program.—
  273         (3) ADMINISTRATION.—Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall
  274  administer the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program
  275  and perform all of the following functions:
  276         (d) Create a grant program to provide funding to assist
  277  veterans in meeting the workforce-skill needs of businesses
  278  seeking to hire, promote, or generally improve specialized
  279  skills of veterans, establish criteria for approval of requests
  280  for funding, and maximize the use of funding for this program.
  281  Grant funds may be used only in the absence of available
  282  veteran-specific federally funded programs. Grants may fund
  283  specialized training specific to a particular business.
  284         1. Grant funds may be allocated to any training provider
  285  selected by the business, including a career center, a Florida
  286  College System institution, a state university, or an in-house
  287  training provider of the business. If grant funds are used to
  288  provide a technical certificate, a licensure, or a degree, funds
  289  may be allocated only upon a review that includes, but is not
  290  limited to, documentation of accreditation and licensure.
  291  Instruction funded through the program terminates when
  292  participants demonstrate competence at the level specified in
  293  the request but may not exceed 12 48 months. Preference shall be
  294  given to target industry businesses, as defined in s. 288.106,
  295  and to businesses in the defense supply, cloud virtualization,
  296  or commercial aviation manufacturing industries.
  297         2. Costs and expenditures for the grant program must be
  298  documented and separated from those incurred by the training
  299  provider. Costs and expenditures shall be limited to $8,000 per
  300  veteran trainee. Qualified businesses must cover the entire cost
  301  for all of the training provided before receiving reimbursement
  302  from the corporation equal to 50 percent of the cost to train a
  303  veteran who is a permanent, full-time employee. Eligible costs
  304  and expenditures include:
  305         a. Tuition and fees.
  306         b.Curriculum development.
  307         b.c. Books and classroom materials.
  308         c.d. Rental fees for facilities at public colleges and
  309  universities, including virtual training labs.
  310         e.Overhead or indirect costs not to exceed 5 percent of
  311  the grant amount.
  312         3. Before funds are allocated for a request pursuant to
  313  this section, the corporation shall prepare a grant agreement
  314  between the business requesting funds, the educational
  315  institution or training provider receiving funding through the
  316  program, and the corporation. Such agreement must include, but
  317  need not be limited to:
  318         a. Identification of the personnel necessary to conduct the
  319  instructional program, instructional program description, and
  320  any vendors used to conduct the instructional program the
  321  qualifications of such personnel, and the respective
  322  responsibilities of the parties for paying costs associated with
  323  the employment of such personnel.
  324         b.Identification of the match provided by the business,
  325  including cash and in-kind contributions, equal to at least 50
  326  percent of the total grant amount.
  327         b.c. Identification of the estimated duration of the
  328  instructional program.
  329         c.d. Identification of all direct, training-related costs.
  330         d.e. Identification of special program requirements that
  331  are not otherwise addressed in the agreement.
  332         e.f. Permission to access aggregate information specific to
  333  the wages and performance of participants upon the completion of
  334  instruction for evaluation purposes. The agreement must specify
  335  that any evaluation published subsequent to the instruction may
  336  not identify the employer or any individual participant.
  337         4. A business may receive a grant under the Quick-Response
  338  Training Program created under s. 288.047 and a grant under this
  339  section for the same veteran trainee. If a business receives
  340  funds under both programs, one grant agreement may be entered
  341  into with CareerSource Florida, Inc., as the grant
  342  administrator.
  343         (e) Contract with one or more entities to administer an
  344  entrepreneur initiative program for veterans in this state which
  345  connects business leaders in the state with veterans seeking to
  346  become entrepreneurs.
  347         1. The corporation shall award each contract in accordance
  348  with the competitive bidding requirements in s. 287.057 to one
  349  or more public or private entities universities that:
  350         a. Demonstrate the ability to implement the program and the
  351  commitment of university resources, including financial
  352  resources, to such programs.
  353         b. Have a demonstrated experience working with military and
  354  veteran entrepreneurs resource center.
  355         c.Have a regional small business development center in the
  356  Florida Small Business Development Center Network.
  357         c.d. As determined by the corporation, have been nationally
  358  recognized for their performance in assisting entrepreneurs to
  359  launch successful businesses in the state commitment to the
  360  military and veterans.
  361         2. Each contract must include performance metrics,
  362  including a focus on employment and business creation. Each
  363  university must coordinate with any entrepreneurship center
  364  located at the university. The entity university may also work
  365  with a university or college an entity offering related programs
  366  to refer veterans or to provide services. The entrepreneur
  367  initiative program may include activities and assistance such as
  368  peer-to-peer learning sessions, mentoring, technical assistance,
  369  business roundtables, networking opportunities, support of
  370  student organizations, speaker series, or other tools within a
  371  virtual environment.
  372         Section 10. Subsections (7) through (12) of section
  373  446.041, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (8)
  374  through (13), respectively, and a new subsection (7) is added to
  375  that section, to read:
  376         446.041 Apprenticeship program, duties of the department.
  377  The department shall:
  378         (7)Lead and coordinate outreach efforts to educate
  379  veterans about apprenticeship and career opportunities.
  380         Section 11. Subsection (4) is added to section 446.081,
  381  Florida Statutes, to read:
  382         446.081 Limitation.—
  383         (4)Nothing in ss. 446.011-446.092 or in any rules adopted
  384  or contained in any approved apprentice agreement under such
  385  sections invalidates any special provision for veterans,
  386  minority persons, or women in the standards, qualifications, or
  387  operation of the apprenticeship program which is not otherwise
  388  prohibited by any applicable general law, rule, or regulation.
  389         Section 12. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 455.02,
  390  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  391         455.02 Licensure of members of the Armed Forces in good
  392  standing and their spouses or surviving spouses with
  393  administrative boards or programs.—
  394         (1) Any member of the United States Armed Forces of the
  395  United States now or hereafter on active duty who, at the time
  396  of becoming such a member, was in good standing with any of the
  397  boards or programs listed in s. 20.165 and was entitled to
  398  practice or engage in his or her profession or occupation
  399  vocation in the state shall be kept in good standing by the
  400  applicable board or program, without registering, paying dues or
  401  fees, or performing any other act on his or her part to be
  402  performed, as long as he or she is a member of the United States
  403  Armed Forces of the United States on active duty and for a
  404  period of 2 years after discharge from active duty as a member
  405  of the Armed Forces of the United States, if he or she is not
  406  engaged in his or her licensed profession or vocation in the
  407  private sector for profit. A member, during active duty and for
  408  a period of 2 years after discharge from active duty, engaged in
  409  his or her licensed profession or occupation in the private
  410  sector for profit in this state must complete all license
  411  renewal provisions except remitting the license renewal fee,
  412  which shall be waived by the department.
  413         (2) A spouse of a member of the Armed Services of the
  414  United States Armed Forces who is married to a member during a
  415  period of active duty, or a surviving spouse of a member who at
  416  the time of death was serving on active duty, who is in good
  417  standing with any of the boards or programs listed in s. 20.165
  418  shall be kept in good standing by the applicable board or
  419  program as described in subsection (1) and shall be exempt from
  420  licensure renewal provisions, but only in cases of his or her
  421  absence from the state because of his or her spouse’s duties
  422  with the United States Armed Forces. The department or the
  423  appropriate board or program shall waive any license renewal fee
  424  for such spouse when he or she is present in this state because
  425  of such member’s active duty and for a surviving spouse of a
  426  member who at the time of death was serving on active duty and
  427  died within the 2 years preceding the date of renewal.
  428         Section 13. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (3) and
  429  paragraph (j) of subsection (4) of section 456.024, Florida
  430  Statutes, are amended, and subsection (5) is added to that
  431  section, to read:
  432         456.024 Members of Armed Forces in good standing with
  433  administrative boards or the department; spouses; licensure.—
  434         (3)(a) A person is eligible for licensure as a health care
  435  practitioner in this state if he or she:
  436         1. Serves or has served as a health care practitioner in
  437  the United States Armed Forces, the United States Reserve
  438  Forces, or the National Guard;
  439         2. Serves or has served on active duty with the United
  440  States Armed Forces as a health care practitioner in the United
  441  States Public Health Service; or
  442         3. Is a health care practitioner, other than a dentist, in
  443  another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or
  444  territory of the United States and is the spouse of a person
  445  serving on active duty with the United States Armed Forces.
  446  
  447  The department shall develop an application form, and each
  448  board, or the department if there is no board, shall waive the
  449  application fee, licensure fee, and unlicensed activity fee for
  450  such applicants. For purposes of this subsection, “health care
  451  practitioner” means a health care practitioner as defined in s.
  452  456.001 and a person licensed under part III of chapter 401 or
  453  part IV of chapter 468.
  454         (b) The board, or the department if there is no board,
  455  shall issue a license to practice in this state to a person who:
  456         1. Submits a complete application.
  457         2. If he or she is a member of the United States Armed
  458  Forces, the United States Reserve Forces, or the National Guard,
  459  submits proof that he or she has received an honorable discharge
  460  within 6 months before, or will receive an honorable discharge
  461  within 6 months after, the date of submission of the
  462  application.
  463         3.a. Holds an active, unencumbered license issued by
  464  another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or
  465  territory of the United States and who has not had disciplinary
  466  action taken against him or her in the 5 years preceding the
  467  date of submission of the application;
  468         b. Is a military health care practitioner in a profession
  469  for which licensure in a state or jurisdiction is not required
  470  to practice in the United States Armed Forces, if he or she
  471  submits to the department evidence of military training or
  472  experience substantially equivalent to the requirements for
  473  licensure in this state in that profession and evidence that he
  474  or she has obtained a passing score on the appropriate
  475  examination of a national or regional standards organization if
  476  required for licensure in this state; or
  477         c. Is the spouse of a person serving on active duty in the
  478  United States Armed Forces and is a health care practitioner in
  479  a profession, excluding dentistry, for which licensure in
  480  another state or jurisdiction is not required, if he or she
  481  submits to the department evidence of training or experience
  482  substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure in
  483  this state in that profession and evidence that he or she has
  484  obtained a passing score on the appropriate examination of a
  485  national or regional standards organization if required for
  486  licensure in this state.
  487         4. Attests that he or she is not, at the time of submission
  488  of the application, the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in
  489  a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the
  490  United States Department of Defense for reasons related to the
  491  practice of the profession for which he or she is applying.
  492         5. Actively practiced the profession for which he or she is
  493  applying for the 3 years preceding the date of submission of the
  494  application.
  495         6. Submits a set of fingerprints for a background screening
  496  pursuant to s. 456.0135, if required for the profession for
  497  which he or she is applying.
  498  
  499  The department shall verify information submitted by the
  500  applicant under this subsection using the National Practitioner
  501  Data Bank.
  502         (4)
  503         (j)An applicant who is issued a temporary professional
  504  license to practice as a dentist pursuant to this section must
  505  practice under the indirect supervision, as defined in s.
  506  466.003, of a dentist licensed pursuant to chapter 466.
  507         (5)The spouse of a person serving on active duty with the
  508  United States Armed Forces shall have a defense to any citation
  509  and related cause of action brought under s. 456.065 if the
  510  following conditions are met:
  511         (a)The spouse holds an active, unencumbered license issued
  512  by another state or jurisdiction to provide health care services
  513  for which there is no equivalent license in this state.
  514         (b)The spouse is providing health care services within the
  515  scope of practice of the out-of-state license.
  516         (c)The training or experience required by the out-of-state
  517  license is substantially similar to the license requirements to
  518  practice a similar health care profession in this state.
  519         Section 14. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
  520  472.015, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  521         472.015 Licensure.—
  522         (3)
  523         (b) The department shall waive the initial license fee for
  524  an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
  525  Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
  526  current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
  527  on active duty or the spouse of such a member, the surviving
  528  spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces who died
  529  while serving on active duty, or a business entity that has a
  530  majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse or surviving
  531  spouse if the department receives an application, in a format
  532  prescribed by the department. The application format must
  533  include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and
  534  supporting documentation, within 60 months after the date of the
  535  veteran’s discharge from any branch of the United States Armed
  536  Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
  537         1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
  538  or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
  539  Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
  540  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
  541         2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
  542  to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
  543  by the United States Department of Defense, or another
  544  acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
  545  of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
  546  certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
  547  veteran at the time of discharge; or
  548         3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
  549  that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
  550  holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
  551  veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
  552  of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
  553  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
  554  applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
  555  verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
  556  lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
  557         Section 15. Section 472.016, Florida Statutes, is amended
  558  to read:
  559         472.016 Members of Armed Forces in good standing with the
  560  board.—
  561         (1) Any member of the United States Armed Forces of the
  562  United States who is now or in the future on active duty and
  563  who, at the time of becoming such a member of the United States
  564  Armed Forces, was in good standing with the board and entitled
  565  to practice or engage in surveying and mapping in the state
  566  shall be kept in good standing by the board, without
  567  registering, paying dues or fees, or performing any other act on
  568  his or her part to be performed, as long as he or she is a
  569  member of the United States Armed Forces of the United States on
  570  active duty and for a period of 2 years 6 months after discharge
  571  from active duty, provided that he or she is not engaged in the
  572  practice of surveying or mapping in the private sector for
  573  profit. A member, during active duty and for a period of 2 years
  574  after discharge from active duty, engaged in the practice of
  575  surveying or mapping in the private sector for profit in this
  576  state must complete all licensure renewal provisions except
  577  remitting the license renewal fee, which shall be waived by the
  578  department.
  579         (2) The board shall adopt rules exempting the spouses of
  580  members of the United States Armed Forces of the United States
  581  from licensure renewal provisions, but only in cases of absence
  582  from the state because of their spouses’ duties with the United
  583  States Armed Forces. The department or the appropriate board or
  584  program shall waive any license renewal fee for the spouse of a
  585  member of the United States Armed Forces when such member is
  586  present in this state because of the member’s active duty with
  587  the United States Armed Forces, and for the surviving spouse of
  588  a member who at the time of death was serving on active duty and
  589  died within the 2 years preceding the date of renewal.
  590         Section 16. Subsection (1) of section 493.6105, Florida
  591  Statutes, is amended to read:
  592         493.6105 Initial application for license.—
  593         (1) Each individual, partner, or principal officer in a
  594  corporation, shall file with the department a complete
  595  application accompanied by an application fee not to exceed $60,
  596  except that an the applicant for a Class “D” or Class “G”
  597  license is not required to submit an application fee. An
  598  application fee is not required for an applicant who qualifies
  599  for the fee waiver in s. 493.6107(6). The application fee is not
  600  refundable.
  601         (a) The application submitted by any individual, partner,
  602  or corporate officer must be approved by the department before
  603  the individual, partner, or corporate officer assumes his or her
  604  duties.
  605         (b) Individuals who invest in the ownership of a licensed
  606  agency but do not participate in, direct, or control the
  607  operations of the agency are not required to file an
  608  application.
  609         (c)The initial application fee for a veteran, as defined
  610  in s. 1.01, shall be waived if he or she applies for a Class
  611  “C,” Class “CC,” Class “DI,” Class “E,” Class “EE,” Class “K,”
  612  Class “M,” Class “MA,” Class “MB,” Class “MR,” or Class “RI”
  613  license within 24 months after being discharged from a branch of
  614  the United States Armed Forces. An eligible veteran must include
  615  a copy of his or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States
  616  Department of Defense, or another acceptable form of
  617  identification as specified by the Department of Veterans’
  618  Affairs with his or her application in order to obtain a waiver.
  619         Section 17. Subsection (6) of section 493.6107, Florida
  620  Statutes, is amended to read:
  621         493.6107 Fees.—
  622         (6) The initial application license fee for a veteran, as
  623  defined in s. 1.01, the spouse or surviving spouse of such
  624  veteran, a member of the United States Armed Forces who has
  625  served on active duty, or the spouse or surviving spouse of such
  626  member who at the time of death was serving on active duty and
  627  died within the 2 years preceding the initial application, shall
  628  be waived if he or she applies for a Class “C,” Class “CC,”
  629  Class “DI,” Class “E,” Class “EE,” Class “K,” Class “M,” Class
  630  “MA,” Class “MB,” Class “MR,” or Class “RI” license in a format
  631  prescribed by the department. The application format must
  632  include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and
  633  supporting documentation Class “M” or Class “K” license within
  634  24 months after being discharged from any branch of the United
  635  States Armed Forces. An eligible veteran must include a copy of
  636  his or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States
  637  Department of Defense, or another acceptable form of
  638  identification as specified by the Department of Veterans’
  639  Affairs with his or her application in order to obtain a waiver.
  640  
  641  A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
  642  by the department, including the applicant’s signature, under
  643  penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
  644         Section 18. Subsection (7) is added to section 493.6113,
  645  Florida Statutes, to read:
  646         493.6113 Renewal application for licensure.—
  647         (7)The department shall waive the respective fees for a
  648  licensee who:
  649         (a)Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
  650  Forces or the spouse of such member;
  651         (b)Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces
  652  and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
  653  expiration date of the license. A licensee who is a former
  654  member of the United States Armed Forces who served on active
  655  duty within the 2 years preceding the application must have
  656  received an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge
  657  from the United States Armed Forces; or
  658         (c)Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
  659  States Armed Forces who was serving on active duty at the time
  660  of death and died within the 2 years preceding the expiration
  661  date of the license.
  662  
  663  A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
  664  by the department, including the applicant’s signature, under
  665  penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
  666         Section 19. Subsection (8) is added to section 494.00312,
  667  Florida Statutes, to read:
  668         494.00312 Loan originator license.—
  669         (8)The office shall waive the fees required by paragraph
  670  (2)(e) for an applicant who:
  671         (a)Is or was an active duty member of the United States
  672  Armed Forces. To qualify for the fee waiver, an applicant who is
  673  a former member of the United States Armed Forces must have
  674  received an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge
  675  from the United States Armed Forces;
  676         (b)Is married to a current or former member of the United
  677  States Armed Forces and is or was married to the member during
  678  any period of active duty; or
  679         (c)Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
  680  States Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at
  681  the time of death.
  682  
  683  An applicant seeking such fee waiver must submit proof, in a
  684  form prescribed by commission rule, that the applicant meets one
  685  of the qualifications in this subsection.
  686         Section 20. Subsection (4) is added to section 494.00313,
  687  Florida Statutes, to read:
  688         494.00313 Loan originator license renewal.—
  689         (4)The office shall waive the fees required by paragraph
  690  (1)(b) for a loan originator who:
  691         (a)Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
  692  Forces or the spouse of such member;
  693         (b)Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces
  694  and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
  695  expiration date of the license pursuant to s. 494.00312(7). To
  696  qualify for the fee waiver, a loan originator who is a former
  697  member of the United States Armed Forces who served on active
  698  duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of the
  699  license must have received an honorable discharge upon
  700  separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
  701         (c)Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
  702  States Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at
  703  the time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
  704  surviving spouse’s license expiration date pursuant to s.
  705  494.00312(7).
  706  
  707  A loan originator seeking such fee waiver must submit proof, in
  708  a form prescribed by commission rule, that the loan originator
  709  meets one of the qualifications in this subsection.
  710         Section 21. Paragraph (a) of subsection (6) of section
  711  497.140, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
  712         497.140 Fees.—
  713         (6)(a)1. The department shall impose, upon initial
  714  licensure and each renewal thereof, a special unlicensed
  715  activity fee of $5 per licensee, in addition to all other fees
  716  provided for in this chapter. Such fee shall be used by the
  717  department to fund efforts to identify and combat unlicensed
  718  activity which violates this chapter. Such fee shall be in
  719  addition to all other fees collected from each licensee and
  720  shall be deposited in a separate account of the Regulatory Trust
  721  Fund; however, the department is not limited to the funds in
  722  such an account for combating improper unlicensed activity in
  723  violation of this chapter.
  724         2.A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
  725  member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
  726  who separated from service within 2 years preceding the
  727  application for licensure are exempt from the special unlicensed
  728  activity fee associated with initial licensure. To qualify for
  729  the fee exemption under this subparagraph, a licensee must
  730  provide a copy of a military identification card, military
  731  dependent identification card, military service record, military
  732  personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
  733  document that indicates such member is currently in good
  734  standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
  735         Section 22. Subsection (4) of section 497.141, Florida
  736  Statutes, is amended to read:
  737         497.141 Licensing; general application procedures.—
  738         (4) Before the issuance of any license, the department
  739  shall collect such initial fee as specified by this chapter or,
  740  where authorized, by rule of the board, unless an applicant is
  741  exempted as specified by this chapter. Upon receipt of a
  742  completed application and the appropriate fee, and certification
  743  by the board that the applicant meets the applicable
  744  requirements of law and rules, the department shall issue the
  745  license applied for. However, an applicant who is not otherwise
  746  qualified for licensure is not entitled to licensure solely
  747  based on a passing score on a required examination.
  748         Section 23. Subsection (1) of section 497.281, Florida
  749  Statutes, is amended to read:
  750         497.281 Licensure of brokers of burial rights.—
  751         (1)(a) No person shall receive compensation to act as a
  752  third party to the sale or transfer of three or more burial
  753  rights in a 12-month period unless the person pays a license fee
  754  as determined by licensing authority rule but not to exceed $250
  755  and is licensed with the department as a burial rights broker in
  756  accordance with this section.
  757         (b)A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
  758  member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
  759  who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
  760  application for licensure are exempt from the initial license
  761  fee. To qualify for the initial license fee exemption, an
  762  applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
  763  military dependent identification card, military service record,
  764  military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
  765  separation document that indicates such member is currently in
  766  good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
  767         Section 24. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
  768  (3) of section 497.368, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  769         497.368 Embalmers; licensure as an embalmer by examination;
  770  provisional license.—
  771         (1) Any person desiring to be licensed as an embalmer shall
  772  apply to the licensing authority to take the licensure
  773  examination. The licensing authority shall examine each
  774  applicant who has remitted an examination fee set by rule of the
  775  licensing authority not to exceed $200 plus the actual per
  776  applicant cost to the licensing authority for portions of the
  777  examination and who has:
  778         (a) Completed the application form and remitted a
  779  nonrefundable application fee set by the licensing authority not
  780  to exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
  781  member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
  782  who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
  783  application for licensure, are exempt from the application fee.
  784  To qualify for the application fee exemption, an applicant must
  785  provide a copy of a military identification card, military
  786  dependent identification card, military service record, military
  787  personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
  788  document that indicates such member is currently in good
  789  standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
  790         (3) Any applicant who has completed the required 1-year
  791  internship and has been approved for examination as an embalmer
  792  may qualify for a provisional license to work in a licensed
  793  funeral establishment, under the direct supervision of a
  794  licensed embalmer for a limited period of 6 months as provided
  795  by rule of the licensing authority. The fee for provisional
  796  licensure shall be set by rule of the licensing authority, but
  797  may not exceed $200, and shall be nonrefundable and in addition
  798  to the fee required in subsection (1). This provisional license
  799  may be renewed no more than one time. A member of the United
  800  States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the
  801  United States Armed Forces who separated from service within the
  802  2 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
  803  initial provisional licensure fee. To qualify for the initial
  804  provisional licensure fee exemption, an applicant must provide a
  805  copy of a military identification card, military dependent
  806  identification card, military service record, military personnel
  807  file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation document
  808  that indicates such member is currently in good standing or such
  809  veteran was honorably discharged.
  810         Section 25. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
  811  (5) of section 497.369, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  812         497.369 Embalmers; licensure as an embalmer by endorsement;
  813  licensure of a temporary embalmer.—
  814         (1) The licensing authority shall issue a license by
  815  endorsement to practice embalming to an applicant who has
  816  remitted an examination fee set by rule of the licensing
  817  authority not to exceed $200 and who the licensing authority
  818  certifies:
  819         (a) Has completed the application form and remitted a
  820  nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing
  821  authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States
  822  Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
  823  States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
  824  years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
  825  application fee. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
  826  an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
  827  card, military dependent identification card, military service
  828  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
  829  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
  830  currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
  831  discharged.
  832         (5)(a) There may be adopted by the licensing authority
  833  rules authorizing an applicant who has met the requirements of
  834  paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and who is awaiting an opportunity to
  835  take the examination required by subsection (4) to be licensed
  836  as a temporary licensed embalmer. A temporary licensed embalmer
  837  may work as an embalmer in a licensed funeral establishment
  838  under the general supervision of a licensed embalmer. Such
  839  temporary license shall expire 60 days after the date of the
  840  next available examination required under subsection (4);
  841  however, the temporary license may be renewed one time under the
  842  same conditions as initial issuance. The fee for issuance or
  843  renewal of an embalmer temporary license shall be set by rule of
  844  the licensing authority but may not exceed $200. The fee
  845  required in this subsection shall be nonrefundable and in
  846  addition to the fee required in subsection (1).
  847         (b)A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
  848  member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
  849  who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
  850  application for licensure are exempt from the initial issuance
  851  fee. To qualify for the initial issuance fee exemption, an
  852  applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
  853  military dependent identification card, military service record,
  854  military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
  855  separation document that indicates such member is currently in
  856  good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
  857         Section 26. Subsection (1) of section 497.370, Florida
  858  Statutes, is amended to read:
  859         497.370 Embalmers; licensure of an embalmer intern.—
  860         (1)(a) Any person desiring to become an embalmer intern
  861  shall make application to the licensing authority on forms
  862  specified by rule, together with a nonrefundable fee determined
  863  by rule of the licensing authority but not to exceed $200.
  864         (b)A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
  865  member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
  866  who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
  867  application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
  868  To qualify for the application fee exemption under this
  869  paragraph, an applicant must provide a copy of a military
  870  identification card, military dependent identification card,
  871  military service record, military personnel file, veteran
  872  record, discharge paper, or separation document that indicates
  873  such member is currently in good standing or such veteran was
  874  honorably discharged.
  875  
  876  The application shall indicate the name and address of the
  877  licensed embalmer under whose supervision the intern will
  878  receive training and the name of the licensed funeral
  879  establishment or centralized embalming facility where such
  880  training is to be conducted. The embalmer intern shall intern
  881  under the direct supervision of a licensed embalmer who has an
  882  active, valid license under s. 497.368 or s. 497.369.
  883         Section 27. Section 497.371, Florida Statutes, is amended
  884  to read:
  885         497.371 Embalmers; establishment of embalmer apprentice
  886  program.—
  887         (1) The licensing authority adopts rules establishing an
  888  embalmer apprentice program. An embalmer apprentice may perform
  889  only those tasks, functions, and duties relating to embalming
  890  which are performed under the direct supervision of an embalmer
  891  who has an active, valid license under s. 497.368 or s. 497.369.
  892  An embalmer apprentice is eligible to serve in an apprentice
  893  capacity for a period not to exceed 3 years as may be determined
  894  by licensing authority rule or for a period not to exceed 5
  895  years if the apprentice is enrolled in and attending a course in
  896  mortuary science or funeral service education at any mortuary
  897  college or funeral service education college or school. An
  898  embalmer apprentice shall be issued a license upon payment of a
  899  licensure fee as determined by licensing authority rule but not
  900  to exceed $200.
  901         (2)A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
  902  member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
  903  who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
  904  application for licensure are exempt from the licensure fee. To
  905  qualify for the licensure fee exemption under this subsection,
  906  an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
  907  card, military dependent identification card, military service
  908  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
  909  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
  910  currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
  911  discharged.
  912  
  913  An applicant for the embalmer apprentice program may not be
  914  issued a license unless the licensing authority determines that
  915  the applicant is of good character and has not demonstrated a
  916  history of lack of trustworthiness or integrity in business or
  917  professional matters.
  918         Section 28. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
  919  (3) of section 497.373, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  920         497.373 Funeral directing; licensure as a funeral director
  921  by examination; provisional license.—
  922         (1) Any person desiring to be licensed as a funeral
  923  director shall apply to the licensing authority to take the
  924  licensure examination. The licensing authority shall examine
  925  each applicant who has remitted an examination fee set by rule
  926  of the licensing authority not to exceed $200 plus the actual
  927  per applicant cost to the licensing authority for portions of
  928  the examination and who the licensing authority certifies has:
  929         (a) Completed the application form and remitted a
  930  nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing
  931  authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States
  932  Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
  933  States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
  934  years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
  935  application fee. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
  936  an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
  937  card, military dependent identification card, military service
  938  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
  939  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
  940  currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
  941  discharged.
  942         (3) Any applicant who has completed the required 1-year
  943  internship and has been approved for examination as a funeral
  944  director may qualify for a provisional license to work in a
  945  licensed funeral establishment, under the direct supervision of
  946  a licensed funeral director for 6 months as provided by rule of
  947  the licensing authority. However, a provisional licensee may
  948  work under the general supervision of a licensed funeral
  949  director upon passage of the laws and rules examination required
  950  under paragraph (2)(b). The fee for provisional licensure shall
  951  be set by rule of the licensing authority but may not exceed
  952  $200. The fee required in this subsection shall be nonrefundable
  953  and in addition to the fee required by subsection (1). This
  954  provisional license may be renewed no more than one time. A
  955  member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse,
  956  and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who separated
  957  from service within the 2 years preceding application for
  958  licensure are exempt from the initial provisional licensure fee.
  959  To qualify for the initial provisional licensure fee exemption,
  960  a licensee must provide a copy of a military identification
  961  card, military dependent identification card, military service
  962  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
  963  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
  964  currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
  965  discharged.
  966         Section 29. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
  967  (5) of section 497.374, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  968         497.374 Funeral directing; licensure as a funeral director
  969  by endorsement; licensure of a temporary funeral director.—
  970         (1) The licensing authority shall issue a license by
  971  endorsement to practice funeral directing to an applicant who
  972  has remitted a fee set by rule of the licensing authority not to
  973  exceed $200 and who:
  974         (a) Has completed the application form and remitted a
  975  nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing
  976  authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States
  977  Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
  978  States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
  979  years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
  980  nonrefundable application fee. To qualify for the exemption, an
  981  applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
  982  military dependent identification card, military service record,
  983  military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
  984  separation document that indicates such member is currently in
  985  good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
  986         (5) There may be adopted rules authorizing an applicant who
  987  has met the requirements of paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and who is
  988  awaiting an opportunity to take the examination required by
  989  subsection (4) to obtain a license as a temporary funeral
  990  director. A licensed temporary funeral director may work as a
  991  funeral director in a licensed funeral establishment under the
  992  general supervision of a funeral director licensed under
  993  subsection (1) or s. 497.373. Such license shall expire 60 days
  994  after the date of the next available examination required under
  995  subsection (4); however, the temporary license may be renewed
  996  one time under the same conditions as initial issuance. The fee
  997  for initial issuance or renewal of a temporary license under
  998  this subsection shall be set by rule of the licensing authority
  999  but may not exceed $200. The fee required in this subsection
 1000  shall be nonrefundable and in addition to the fee required in
 1001  subsection (1). A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
 1002  member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
 1003  who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
 1004  application for licensure are exempt from the initial issuance
 1005  fee. To qualify for the initial issuance fee exemption, an
 1006  applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
 1007  military dependent identification card, military service record,
 1008  military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
 1009  separation document that indicates such member is currently in
 1010  good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
 1011         Section 30. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
 1012  497.375, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1013         497.375 Funeral directing; licensure of a funeral director
 1014  intern.—
 1015         (1)(a) Any person desiring to become a funeral director
 1016  intern must apply to the licensing authority on forms prescribed
 1017  by rule of the licensing authority, together with a
 1018  nonrefundable fee set by rule of the licensing authority not to
 1019  exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
 1020  member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
 1021  who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
 1022  application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
 1023  To qualify for the application fee exemption, an applicant must
 1024  provide a copy of a military identification card, military
 1025  dependent identification card, military service record, military
 1026  personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
 1027  document that indicates such member is currently in good
 1028  standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
 1029         Section 31. Section 497.393, Florida Statutes, is created
 1030  to read:
 1031         497.393Licensure; military-issued credentials for
 1032  licensure.—The licensing authority shall recognize military
 1033  issued credentials relating to funeral and cemetery services for
 1034  purposes of licensure as a funeral director or embalmer. A
 1035  member of the United States Armed Forces and a veteran of the
 1036  United States Armed Forces seeking licensure as a funeral
 1037  director or embalmer under this section shall submit to the
 1038  licensing authority a certification that the military-issued
 1039  credential reflects knowledge, training, and experience
 1040  substantially similar to the requirements of this chapter for
 1041  licensure as a funeral director or embalmer. The licensing
 1042  authority shall adopt rules specifying forms and procedures to
 1043  be used by persons seeking licensure under this section. The
 1044  licensing authority may conduct an investigation and further
 1045  inquiry of any person regarding any military-issued credential
 1046  sought to be recognized.
 1047         Section 32. Paragraph (n) of subsection (1) of section
 1048  497.453, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1049         497.453 Application for preneed license, procedures and
 1050  criteria; renewal; reports.—
 1051         (1) PRENEED LICENSE APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—
 1052         (n) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable
 1053  fee as determined by licensing authority rule but not to exceed
 1054  $500. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s
 1055  spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who
 1056  separated from service within the 2 years preceding application
 1057  for licensure are exempt from the application fee when applying
 1058  as an individual. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
 1059  an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
 1060  card, military dependent identification card, military service
 1061  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
 1062  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
 1063  currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
 1064  discharged.
 1065         Section 33. Paragraph (h) of subsection (2) of section
 1066  497.466, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1067         497.466 Preneed sales agents, license required; application
 1068  procedures and criteria; appointment of agents; responsibility
 1069  of preneed licensee.—
 1070         (2) PRENEED SALES AGENT LICENSE; APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—
 1071         (h) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable
 1072  fee of $150 if made through the department’s online licensing
 1073  system or $175 if made using paper forms. Payment of either fee
 1074  shall entitle the applicant to one initial appointment without
 1075  payment of further fees by the preneed sales agent or the
 1076  appointing preneed licensee if a preneed sales agent license is
 1077  issued. The licensing authority may from time to time increase
 1078  such fees but not to exceed $300. A member of the United States
 1079  Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
 1080  States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
 1081  years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
 1082  application fee. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
 1083  an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
 1084  card, military dependent identification card, military service
 1085  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
 1086  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
 1087  currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
 1088  discharged.
 1089         Section 34. Paragraph (e) of subsection (2) of section
 1090  497.554, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1091         497.554 Monument establishment sales representatives.—
 1092         (2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—Licensure as a monument
 1093  establishment sales agent shall be by submission of an
 1094  application for licensure to the department on a form prescribed
 1095  by rule.
 1096         (e) The monument establishment sales agent application
 1097  shall be accompanied by a fee of $50. The licensing authority
 1098  may from time to time increase the application fee by rule but
 1099  not to exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces,
 1100  such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed
 1101  Forces who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
 1102  application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
 1103  To qualify for the application fee exemption, an applicant must
 1104  provide a copy of a military identification card, military
 1105  dependent identification card, military service record, military
 1106  personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
 1107  document that indicates such member is currently in good
 1108  standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
 1109         Section 35. Paragraph (i) of subsection (2) and subsection
 1110  (4) of section 497.602, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 1111         497.602 Direct disposers, license required; licensing
 1112  procedures and criteria; regulation.—
 1113         (2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—
 1114         (i) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable
 1115  fee of $300. The licensing authority may from time to time
 1116  increase the fee by rule but not to exceed more than $500. A
 1117  member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse,
 1118  and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who separated
 1119  from service within the 2 years preceding application for
 1120  licensure are exempt from the application fee. To qualify for
 1121  the application fee exemption, an applicant must provide a copy
 1122  of a military identification card, military dependent
 1123  identification card, military service record, military personnel
 1124  file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation document
 1125  that indicates such member is currently in good standing or such
 1126  veteran was honorably discharged.
 1127         (4) ISSUANCE OF LICENSE.—Upon approval of the application
 1128  by the licensing authority, the license shall be issued. The
 1129  licensing authority shall recognize military-issued credentials
 1130  relating to funeral and cemetery services for purposes of
 1131  licensure as a direct disposer. A member of the United States
 1132  Armed Forces and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
 1133  seeking licensure as a direct disposer under this section shall
 1134  submit to the licensing authority a certification that the
 1135  military-issued credential reflects knowledge, training, and
 1136  experience substantially similar to the requirements of this
 1137  chapter for licensure as a direct disposer. The licensing
 1138  authority shall adopt rules specifying forms and procedures to
 1139  be used by members and veterans of the United States Armed
 1140  Forces seeking licensure under this section. The licensing
 1141  authority may conduct investigation and further inquiry of any
 1142  person regarding any military-issued credential sought to be
 1143  recognized.
 1144         Section 36. Subsection (2) of section 501.015, Florida
 1145  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1146         501.015 Health studios; registration requirements and
 1147  fees.—Each health studio shall:
 1148         (2) Remit an annual registration fee of $300 to the
 1149  department at the time of registration for each of the health
 1150  studio’s business locations.
 1151         (a) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
 1152  for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
 1153  Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
 1154  current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
 1155  on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
 1156  spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
 1157  member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
 1158  that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
 1159  or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
 1160  in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
 1161  must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
 1162  perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
 1163  the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
 1164  United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
 1165         1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
 1166  or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
 1167  Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1168  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
 1169         2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
 1170  to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
 1171  by the United States Department of Defense, or another
 1172  acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
 1173  of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
 1174  certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
 1175  veteran at the time of discharge; or
 1176         3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
 1177  that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
 1178  holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
 1179  veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
 1180  of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1181  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
 1182  applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
 1183  verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
 1184  lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
 1185         (b)The department shall waive the registration renewal fee
 1186  for a registrant who:
 1187         1.Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
 1188  Forces or the spouse of such member;
 1189         2.Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
 1190  served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
 1191  date. To qualify for the fee waiver, a registrant who is a
 1192  former member of the United States Armed Forces who served on
 1193  active duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of
 1194  the registration must have received an honorable discharge upon
 1195  separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
 1196         3.Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
 1197  Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
 1198  time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the date of
 1199  renewal.
 1200  
 1201  A registrant seeking such waiver must apply in a format
 1202  prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
 1203  signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
 1204  documentation.
 1205         Section 37. Paragraph (b) of subsection (5) of section
 1206  501.605, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1207         501.605 Licensure of commercial telephone sellers and
 1208  entities providing substance abuse marketing services.—
 1209         (5) An application filed pursuant to this part must be
 1210  verified and accompanied by:
 1211         (b) A fee for licensing in the amount of $1,500. The fee
 1212  shall be deposited into the General Inspection Trust Fund. The
 1213  department shall waive the initial license fee for an honorably
 1214  discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the spouse
 1215  or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a current member of the
 1216  United States Armed Forces who has served on active duty, the
 1217  spouse of such a member, the surviving spouse of a member of the
 1218  United States Armed Forces if such member died while serving on
 1219  active duty, or a business entity that has a majority ownership
 1220  held by such a veteran or spouse or surviving spouse if the
 1221  department receives an application, in a format prescribed by
 1222  the department. The application format must include the
 1223  applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
 1224  documentation, within 60 months after the date of the veteran’s
 1225  discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. To
 1226  qualify for the waiver:,
 1227         1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
 1228  or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
 1229  Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1230  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
 1231         2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
 1232  to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
 1233  by the United States Department of Defense, or another
 1234  acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
 1235  of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
 1236  certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
 1237  veteran at the time of discharge; or
 1238         3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
 1239  that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
 1240  holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
 1241  veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
 1242  of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1243  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
 1244  applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
 1245  verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
 1246  lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
 1247         Section 38. Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section
 1248  501.607, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1249         501.607 Licensure of salespersons.—
 1250         (2) An application filed pursuant to this section must be
 1251  verified and be accompanied by:
 1252         (b) A fee for licensing in the amount of $50 per
 1253  salesperson. The fee shall be deposited into the General
 1254  Inspection Trust Fund. The fee for licensing may be paid after
 1255  the application is filed, but must be paid within 14 days after
 1256  the applicant begins work as a salesperson. The department shall
 1257  waive the initial license fee for an honorably discharged
 1258  veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the spouse or
 1259  surviving spouse of such a veteran, a current member of the
 1260  United States Armed Forces who has served on active duty, the
 1261  spouse of such a member, the surviving spouse of a member of the
 1262  United States Armed Forces if the member died while serving on
 1263  active duty, or a business entity that has a majority ownership
 1264  held by such a veteran or spouse or surviving spouse if the
 1265  department receives an application, in a format prescribed by
 1266  the department. The application format must include the
 1267  applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
 1268  documentation, within 60 months after the date of the veteran’s
 1269  discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. To
 1270  qualify for the waiver:,
 1271         1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
 1272  or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
 1273  Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1274  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
 1275         2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
 1276  to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
 1277  by the United States Department of Defense, or another
 1278  acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
 1279  of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
 1280  certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
 1281  veteran at the time of discharge; or
 1282         3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
 1283  that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
 1284  holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
 1285  veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
 1286  of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1287  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
 1288  applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
 1289  verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
 1290  lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
 1291         Section 39. Subsection (5) is added to section 501.609,
 1292  Florida Statutes, to read:
 1293         501.609 License renewal.—
 1294         (5)The department shall waive the annual fee to renew for
 1295  a licensee who:
 1296         (a)Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
 1297  Forces or the spouse of such member;
 1298         (b)Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces,
 1299  and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
 1300  renewal date. To qualify for the fee waiver, a licensee who is a
 1301  former member of the United States Armed Forces who served on
 1302  active duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of
 1303  the registration must have received an honorable discharge upon
 1304  separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
 1305         (c)Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
 1306  States Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at
 1307  the time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
 1308  renewal.
 1309  
 1310  A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
 1311  by the department, including the applicant’s signature, under
 1312  penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
 1313         Section 40. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
 1314  507.03, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is added
 1315  to that subsection, to read:
 1316         507.03 Registration.—
 1317         (3)
 1318         (b) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
 1319  for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
 1320  Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
 1321  current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
 1322  on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
 1323  spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
 1324  member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
 1325  that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
 1326  or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
 1327  in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
 1328  must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
 1329  perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
 1330  the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
 1331  United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
 1332         1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
 1333  or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
 1334  Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1335  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
 1336         2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
 1337  to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
 1338  by the United States Department of Defense, or another
 1339  acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
 1340  of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
 1341  certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
 1342  veteran at the time of discharge; or
 1343         3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
 1344  that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
 1345  holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
 1346  veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
 1347  of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1348  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
 1349  applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
 1350  verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
 1351  lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
 1352         (c)The department shall waive the biennial fee to renew
 1353  for a registrant who:
 1354         1.Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
 1355  Forces or the spouse of such member;
 1356         2.Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
 1357  served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
 1358  expiration date. To qualify for the fee waiver, a registrant who
 1359  is a former member of the United States Armed Forces who served
 1360  on active duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date
 1361  of the registration must have received an honorable discharge
 1362  upon separation or discharge from the United States Armed
 1363  Forces; or
 1364         3.Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
 1365  Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
 1366  time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
 1367  
 1368  A registrant seeking such waiver must apply in a format
 1369  prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
 1370  signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
 1371  documentation.
 1372         Section 41. Subsections (10) and (11) of section 517.12,
 1373  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 1374         517.12 Registration of dealers, associated persons,
 1375  intermediaries, and investment advisers.—
 1376         (10)(a) An applicant for registration shall pay an
 1377  assessment fee of $200, in the case of a dealer or investment
 1378  adviser, or $50, in the case of an associated person. An
 1379  associated person may be assessed an additional fee to cover the
 1380  cost for the fingerprints to be processed by the office. Such
 1381  fee shall be determined by rule of the commission. Such fees
 1382  become the revenue of the state, except for those assessments
 1383  provided for under s. 517.131(1) until such time as the
 1384  Securities Guaranty Fund satisfies the statutory limits, and are
 1385  not returnable in the event that registration is withdrawn or
 1386  not granted.
 1387         (b)The office shall waive the $50 assessment fee for an
 1388  associated person required by paragraph (a) for an applicant
 1389  who:
 1390         1.Is or was an active duty member of the United States
 1391  Armed Forces. To qualify for the fee waiver, an applicant who is
 1392  a former member of the United States Armed Forces must have
 1393  received an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge
 1394  from the United States Armed Forces;
 1395         2.Is married to a current or former member of the United
 1396  States Armed Forces and is or was married to the member during
 1397  any period of active duty; or
 1398         3.Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
 1399  Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
 1400  time of death.
 1401  
 1402  An applicant seeking such fee waiver must submit proof, in a
 1403  form prescribed by commission rule, that the applicant meets one
 1404  of the qualifications in this paragraph.
 1405         (11)(a) If the office finds that the applicant is of good
 1406  repute and character and has complied with the provisions of
 1407  this chapter and the rules made pursuant hereto, it shall
 1408  register the applicant. The registration of each dealer,
 1409  investment adviser, and associated person expires on December 31
 1410  of the year the registration became effective unless the
 1411  registrant has renewed his or her registration on or before that
 1412  date. Registration may be renewed by furnishing such information
 1413  as the commission may require, together with payment of the fee
 1414  required in paragraph (10)(a) subsection (10) for dealers,
 1415  investment advisers, or associated persons and the payment of
 1416  any amount lawfully due and owing to the office pursuant to any
 1417  order of the office or pursuant to any agreement with the
 1418  office. Any dealer, investment adviser, or associated person who
 1419  has not renewed a registration by the time the current
 1420  registration expires may request reinstatement of such
 1421  registration by filing with the office, on or before January 31
 1422  of the year following the year of expiration, such information
 1423  as may be required by the commission, together with payment of
 1424  the fee required in paragraph (10)(a) subsection (10) for
 1425  dealers, investment advisers, or associated persons and a late
 1426  fee equal to the amount of such fee. Any reinstatement of
 1427  registration granted by the office during the month of January
 1428  shall be deemed effective retroactive to January 1 of that year.
 1429         (b)The office shall waive the $50 assessment fee for an
 1430  associated person required by paragraph (10)(a) for a registrant
 1431  renewing his or her registration who:
 1432         1.Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
 1433  Forces or the spouse of such member;
 1434         2.Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
 1435  served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
 1436  expiration date of the registration pursuant to paragraph (a).
 1437  To qualify for the fee waiver, a registrant who is a former
 1438  member of the United States Armed Forces who served on active
 1439  duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of the
 1440  registration must have received an honorable discharge upon
 1441  separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
 1442         3.Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
 1443  Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
 1444  time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
 1445  surviving spouse’s registration expiration date pursuant to
 1446  paragraph (a).
 1447  
 1448  A registrant seeking such fee waiver must submit proof, in a
 1449  form prescribed by commission rule, that the registrant meets
 1450  one of the qualifications in this paragraph.
 1451         Section 42. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
 1452  527.02, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is added
 1453  to that subsection, to read:
 1454         527.02 License; penalty; fees.—
 1455         (3)
 1456         (b) The department shall waive the initial license fee for
 1457  an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
 1458  Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
 1459  current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
 1460  on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
 1461  spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
 1462  member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
 1463  that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
 1464  or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
 1465  in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
 1466  must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
 1467  perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
 1468  the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
 1469  United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
 1470         1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
 1471  or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
 1472  Defense or another acceptable form of identification as
 1473  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
 1474         2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
 1475  to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
 1476  by the United States Department of Defense, or another
 1477  acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
 1478  of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
 1479  certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
 1480  veteran at the time of discharge; or
 1481         3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
 1482  that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
 1483  holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
 1484  veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
 1485  of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1486  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
 1487  applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
 1488  verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
 1489  lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
 1490         (c)The department shall waive license renewal fees for a
 1491  licensee who:
 1492         1.Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
 1493  Forces or the spouse of such member;
 1494         2.Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
 1495  served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
 1496  date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
 1497  licensee who is a former member of the United States Armed
 1498  Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
 1499  the annual renewal date must have received an honorable
 1500  discharge upon separation or discharge from the United States
 1501  Armed Forces; or
 1502         3.Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
 1503  Armed Forces if such member was serving on active duty at the
 1504  time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
 1505  surviving spouse’s renewal.
 1506  
 1507  A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
 1508  by the department, including the applicant’s signature, under
 1509  penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
 1510         Section 43. Paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of section
 1511  539.001, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (g) is
 1512  added to that subsection, to read:
 1513         539.001 The Florida Pawnbroking Act.—
 1514         (3) LICENSE REQUIRED.—
 1515         (c) Each license is valid for a period of 1 year unless it
 1516  is earlier relinquished, suspended, or revoked. Each license
 1517  shall be renewed annually, and each licensee shall, initially
 1518  and annually thereafter, pay to the agency a license fee of $300
 1519  for each license held. The agency shall waive the initial
 1520  license fee for an honorably discharged veteran of the United
 1521  States Armed Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a
 1522  veteran, a current member of the United States Armed Forces who
 1523  has served on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the
 1524  surviving spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces
 1525  if the member died while serving on active duty, or a business
 1526  entity that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or
 1527  spouse or surviving spouse if the agency receives an
 1528  application, in a format prescribed by the agency. The
 1529  application format must include the applicant’s signature, under
 1530  penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60
 1531  months after the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch
 1532  of the United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
 1533         1. A veteran must provide to the agency a copy of his or
 1534  her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
 1535  Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1536  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
 1537         2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
 1538  to the agency a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by
 1539  the United States Department of Defense, or another acceptable
 1540  form of identification as specified by the Department of
 1541  Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
 1542  certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
 1543  veteran at the time of discharge; or
 1544         3. A business entity must provide to the agency proof that
 1545  a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran holds a
 1546  majority ownership in the business, a copy of the veteran’s DD
 1547  Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of Defense,
 1548  or another acceptable form of identification as specified by the
 1549  Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if applicable, a copy of a
 1550  valid marriage license or certificate verifying that the spouse
 1551  or surviving spouse of the veteran was lawfully married to the
 1552  veteran at the time of discharge.
 1553         (g)The agency shall waive license renewal fee for a
 1554  licensee who:
 1555         1.Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
 1556  Forces or the spouse of such member;
 1557         2.Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces,
 1558  and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
 1559  renewal date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this
 1560  subparagraph, a licensee who is a former member of the United
 1561  States Armed Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years
 1562  preceding the annual renewal date must have received an
 1563  honorable discharge upon separation or discharge from the United
 1564  States Armed Forces; or
 1565         3.Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
 1566  Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
 1567  time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
 1568  
 1569  A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
 1570  by the agency, including the applicant’s signature, under
 1571  penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
 1572         Section 44. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
 1573  559.904, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is
 1574  added to that subsection, to read:
 1575         559.904 Motor vehicle repair shop registration;
 1576  application; exemption.—
 1577         (3)
 1578         (b) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
 1579  for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
 1580  Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
 1581  current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
 1582  on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
 1583  spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
 1584  member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
 1585  that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
 1586  or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
 1587  in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
 1588  must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
 1589  perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
 1590  the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
 1591  United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
 1592         1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
 1593  or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
 1594  Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1595  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
 1596         2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
 1597  to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
 1598  by the United States Department of Defense, or another
 1599  acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
 1600  of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
 1601  certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
 1602  veteran at the time of discharge; or
 1603         3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
 1604  that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
 1605  holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
 1606  veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
 1607  of Defense or another acceptable form of identification as
 1608  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
 1609  applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
 1610  verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
 1611  lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
 1612         (c)The department shall waive registration renewal fees
 1613  for a registrant who:
 1614         1.Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
 1615  Forces or the spouse of such member;
 1616         2.Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
 1617  served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
 1618  date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
 1619  registrant who is a former member of the United States Armed
 1620  Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
 1621  the biennial renewal date must have received an honorable
 1622  discharge upon separation or discharge from the United States
 1623  Armed Forces; or
 1624         3.Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
 1625  Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
 1626  time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
 1627  
 1628  A registrant seeking such waiver must apply in a format
 1629  prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
 1630  signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
 1631  documentation.
 1632         Section 45. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
 1633  559.928, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (d) is
 1634  added to that subsection, to read:
 1635         559.928 Registration.—
 1636         (2)
 1637         (c) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
 1638  for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
 1639  Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
 1640  current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
 1641  on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
 1642  spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
 1643  member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
 1644  that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
 1645  or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
 1646  in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
 1647  must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
 1648  perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
 1649  the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
 1650  United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
 1651         1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
 1652  or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
 1653  Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1654  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
 1655         2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
 1656  to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
 1657  by the United States Department of Defense, or another
 1658  acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
 1659  of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
 1660  certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
 1661  veteran at the time of discharge; or
 1662         3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
 1663  that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
 1664  holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
 1665  veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
 1666  of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
 1667  specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
 1668  applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
 1669  verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
 1670  lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
 1671         (d)The department shall waive the registration renewal fee
 1672  for a registrant who:
 1673         1.Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
 1674  Forces or the spouse of such member;
 1675         2.Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
 1676  served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
 1677  date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
 1678  registrant who is a former member of the United States Armed
 1679  Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
 1680  the annual registration renewal date must have received an
 1681  honorable discharge upon separation or discharge from the United
 1682  States Armed Forces; or
 1683         3.Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
 1684  Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
 1685  time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
 1686  
 1687  A registrant seeking such waiver must apply in a format
 1688  prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
 1689  signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
 1690  documentation.
 1691         Section 46. Subsection (3) and paragraph (a) of subsection
 1692  (5) of section 570.71, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
 1693         570.71 Conservation easements and agreements.—
 1694         (3) Rural-lands-protection easements shall be a perpetual
 1695  right or interest in agricultural land which is appropriate to
 1696  retain such land in predominantly its current state and to
 1697  prevent the subdivision and conversion of such land into other
 1698  uses. This right or interest in property shall prohibit only the
 1699  following:
 1700         (a) Construction or placing of buildings, roads, billboards
 1701  or other advertising, utilities, or structures, except those
 1702  structures and unpaved roads necessary for the agricultural
 1703  operations on the land or structures necessary for other
 1704  activities allowed under the easement, and except for linear
 1705  facilities described in s. 704.06(11).;
 1706         (b) Subdivision of the property.;
 1707         (c) Dumping or placing of trash, waste, or offensive
 1708  materials.; and
 1709         (d) Activities that affect the natural hydrology of the
 1710  land or that detrimentally affect water conservation, erosion
 1711  control, soil conservation, or fish or wildlife habitat, except
 1712  those required for environmental restoration; federal, state, or
 1713  local government regulatory programs; or best management
 1714  practices.
 1715         (e)Construction of structures or other activities that are
 1716  incompatible with the mission of a military installation, when
 1717  the land lies within an area identified as a clear zone or an
 1718  accident potential zone or within Military Influence Planning
 1719  Area 1 or 2 as established in the Joint Land Use Study of such
 1720  installation.
 1721         (5) Agricultural protection agreements shall be for terms
 1722  of 30 years and will provide payments to landowners having
 1723  significant natural areas on their land. Public access and
 1724  public recreational opportunities may be negotiated at the
 1725  request of the landowner.
 1726         (a) For the length of the agreement, the landowner shall
 1727  agree to prohibit all of the following:
 1728         1. Construction or placing of buildings, roads, billboards
 1729  or other advertising, utilities, or structures, except those
 1730  structures and unpaved roads necessary for the agricultural
 1731  operations on the land or structures necessary for other
 1732  activities allowed under the easement, and except for linear
 1733  facilities described in s. 704.06(11).;
 1734         2. Subdivision of the property.;
 1735         3. Dumping or placing of trash, waste, or offensive
 1736  materials.; and
 1737         4. Activities that affect the natural hydrology of the
 1738  land, or that detrimentally affect water conservation, erosion
 1739  control, soil conservation, or fish or wildlife habitat.
 1740  5.Construction of structures or other activities that are
 1741  incompatible with the mission of a military installation, when
 1742  the land lies within an area identified as a clear zone or an
 1743  accident potential zone or within Military Influence Planning
 1744  Area 1 or 2 as established in the Joint Land Use Study of such
 1745  installation.
 1746         Section 47. Subsection (6) of section 626.171, Florida
 1747  Statutes, is amended to read:
 1748         626.171 Application for license as an agent, customer
 1749  representative, adjuster, service representative, managing
 1750  general agent, or reinsurance intermediary.—
 1751         (6) Members of the United States Armed Forces and their
 1752  spouses, and veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have
 1753  separated from service retired within 24 months before
 1754  application for licensure, are exempt from the application
 1755  filing fee prescribed in s. 624.501. Qualified individuals must
 1756  provide a copy of a military identification card, military
 1757  dependent identification card, military service record, military
 1758  personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
 1759  document, or a separation document that indicates such members
 1760  of the United States Armed Forces are currently in good standing
 1761  or such veterans were honorably discharged.
 1762         Section 48. Subsection (6) of section 626.732, Florida
 1763  Statutes, is renumbered as subsection (7), and a new subsection
 1764  (6) is added to that section, to read:
 1765         626.732 Requirement as to knowledge, experience, or
 1766  instruction.—
 1767         (6)Prelicensure coursework is not required for an
 1768  applicant who is a member or veteran of the United States Armed
 1769  Forces or the spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified
 1770  individual must provide a copy of a military identification
 1771  card, military dependent identification card, military service
 1772  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
 1773  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
 1774  currently in good standing or such veteran is honorably
 1775  discharged.
 1776         Section 49. Section 626.7851, Florida Statutes, is amended
 1777  to read:
 1778         626.7851 Requirement as to knowledge, experience, or
 1779  instruction.—An applicant for a license as a life agent, except
 1780  for a chartered life underwriter (CLU), shall not be qualified
 1781  or licensed unless within the 4 years immediately preceding the
 1782  date the application for a license is filed with the department
 1783  he or she has:
 1784         (1) Successfully completed 40 hours of coursework in life
 1785  insurance, annuities, and variable contracts approved by the
 1786  department, 3 hours of which shall be on the subject matter of
 1787  ethics. Courses must include instruction on the subject matter
 1788  of unauthorized entities engaging in the business of insurance;
 1789         (2) Successfully completed a minimum of 60 hours of
 1790  coursework in multiple areas of insurance, which included life
 1791  insurance, annuities, and variable contracts, approved by the
 1792  department, 3 hours of which shall be on the subject matter of
 1793  ethics. Courses must include instruction on the subject matter
 1794  of unauthorized entities engaging in the business of insurance;
 1795         (3) Earned or maintained an active designation as Chartered
 1796  Financial Consultant (ChFC) from the American College of
 1797  Financial Services; or Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI)
 1798  from the Life Management Institute;
 1799         (4) Held an active license in life insurance in another
 1800  state. This provision may not be used unless the other state
 1801  grants reciprocal treatment to licensees formerly licensed in
 1802  the state; or
 1803         (5) Been employed by the department or office for at least
 1804  1 year, full time in life insurance regulatory matters and who
 1805  was not terminated for cause, and application for examination is
 1806  made within 4 years after the date of termination of his or her
 1807  employment with the department or office.
 1808  
 1809  Prelicensure coursework is not required for an applicant who is
 1810  a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or the
 1811  spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified individual must
 1812  provide a copy of a military identification card, military
 1813  dependent identification card, military service record, military
 1814  personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
 1815  document that indicates such member is currently in good
 1816  standing or such veteran is honorably discharged.
 1817         Section 50. Section 626.8311, Florida Statutes, is amended
 1818  to read:
 1819         626.8311 Requirement as to knowledge, experience, or
 1820  instruction.—An applicant for a license as a health agent,
 1821  except for a chartered life underwriter (CLU), shall not be
 1822  qualified or licensed unless within the 4 years immediately
 1823  preceding the date the application for license is filed with the
 1824  department he or she has:
 1825         (1) Successfully completed 40 hours of coursework in health
 1826  insurance, approved by the department, 3 hours of which shall be
 1827  on the subject matter of ethics. Courses must include
 1828  instruction on the subject matter of unauthorized entities
 1829  engaging in the business of insurance, to include the Florida
 1830  Nonprofit Multiple-Employer Welfare Arrangement Act and the
 1831  Employee Retirement Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. ss. 1001 et
 1832  seq., as it relates to the provision of health insurance by
 1833  employers to their employees and the regulation thereof;
 1834         (2) Successfully completed a minimum of 60 hours of
 1835  coursework in multiple areas of insurance, which included health
 1836  insurance, approved by the department, 3 hours of which shall be
 1837  on the subject matter of ethics. Courses must include
 1838  instruction on the subject matter of unauthorized entities
 1839  engaging in the business of insurance;
 1840         (3) Earned or maintained an active designation as a
 1841  Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Chartered Healthcare
 1842  Consultant (ChHC), or Registered Employee Benefits Consultant
 1843  (REBC) from the American College of Financial Services;
 1844  Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) from the Wharton
 1845  School of the University of Pennsylvania; or Health Insurance
 1846  Associate (HIA) from America’s Health Insurance Plans;
 1847         (4) Held an active license in health insurance in another
 1848  state. This provision may not be utilized unless the other state
 1849  grants reciprocal treatment to licensees formerly licensed in
 1850  Florida; or
 1851         (5) Been employed by the department or office for at least
 1852  1 year, full time in health insurance regulatory matters and who
 1853  was not terminated for cause, and application for examination is
 1854  made within 4 years after the date of termination of his or her
 1855  employment with the department or office.
 1856  
 1857  Prelicensure coursework is not required for an applicant who is
 1858  a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or the
 1859  spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified individual must
 1860  provide a copy of a military identification card, military
 1861  dependent identification card, military service record, military
 1862  personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
 1863  document that indicates such member is currently in good
 1864  standing or such veteran is honorably discharged.
 1865         Section 51. Subsection (7) is added to section 626.8417,
 1866  Florida Statutes, to read:
 1867         626.8417 Title insurance agent licensure; exemptions.—
 1868         (7)Prelicensure coursework is not required for an
 1869  applicant who is a member or veteran of the United States Armed
 1870  Forces or the spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified
 1871  individual must provide a copy of a military identification
 1872  card, military dependent identification card, military service
 1873  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
 1874  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
 1875  currently in good standing or such veteran is honorably
 1876  discharged.
 1877         Section 52. Subsection (7) is added to section 626.927,
 1878  Florida Statutes, to read:
 1879         626.927 Licensing of surplus lines agent.—
 1880         (7)Prelicensure coursework is not required for an
 1881  applicant who is a member or veteran of the United States Armed
 1882  Forces or the spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified
 1883  individual must provide a copy of a military identification
 1884  card, military dependent identification card, military service
 1885  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
 1886  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
 1887  currently in good standing or such veteran is honorably
 1888  discharged.
 1889         Section 53. Section 633.414, Florida Statutes, is amended
 1890  to read:
 1891         633.414 Retention of firefighter and volunteer firefighter
 1892  certifications.—
 1893         (1) In order for a firefighter to retain her or his
 1894  Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, every 4 years he or she
 1895  must meet the requirements for renewal provided in this chapter
 1896  and by rule, which must include at least one of the following:
 1897         (a) Be active as a firefighter.
 1898         (b) Maintain a current and valid fire service instructor
 1899  certificate, instruct at least 40 hours during the 4-year
 1900  period, and provide proof of such instruction to the division,
 1901  which proof must be registered in an electronic database
 1902  designated by the division.
 1903         (c) Within 6 months before the 4-year period expires,
 1904  successfully complete a Firefighter Retention Refresher Course
 1905  consisting of a minimum of 40 hours of training to be prescribed
 1906  by rule.
 1907         (d) Within 6 months before the 4-year period expires,
 1908  successfully retake and pass the Minimum Standards Course
 1909  examination pursuant to s. 633.408.
 1910         (2) In order for a volunteer firefighter to retain her or
 1911  his Volunteer Firefighter Certificate of Completion, every 4
 1912  years he or she must:
 1913         (a) Be active as a volunteer firefighter; or
 1914         (b) Successfully complete a refresher course consisting of
 1915  a minimum of 40 hours of training to be prescribed by rule.
 1916         (3) Subsection (1) does not apply to state-certified
 1917  firefighters who are certified and employed full-time, as
 1918  determined by the fire service provider, as firesafety
 1919  inspectors or fire investigators, regardless of their employment
 1920  status as firefighters or volunteer firefighters.
 1921         (4) For the purposes of this section, the term “active”
 1922  means being employed as a firefighter or providing service as a
 1923  volunteer firefighter for a cumulative period of 6 months within
 1924  a 4-year period.
 1925         (5) The 4-year period begins upon issuance of the
 1926  certificate or separation from employment.
 1927         (6) A certificate for a firefighter or volunteer
 1928  firefighter expires if he or she fails to meet the requirements
 1929  of this section.
 1930         (7) The State Fire Marshal may deny, refuse to renew,
 1931  suspend, or revoke the certificate of a firefighter or volunteer
 1932  firefighter if the State Fire Marshal finds that any of the
 1933  following grounds exists:
 1934         (a) Any cause for which issuance of a certificate could
 1935  have been denied if it had then existed and had been known to
 1936  the division.
 1937         (b) A violation of any provision of this chapter or any
 1938  rule or order of the State Fire Marshal.
 1939         (c) Falsification of a record relating to any certificate
 1940  issued by the division.
 1941  
 1942  The 4-year period may, in the discretion of the department, be
 1943  extended to 12 months after discharge from military service if
 1944  the military service does not exceed 3 years, but in no event
 1945  more than 6 years from the date of issue or renewal, if
 1946  applicable, for an honorably discharged veteran of the United
 1947  States Armed Forces or the spouse of such a veteran. A qualified
 1948  individual must provide a copy of a military identification
 1949  card, military dependent identification card, military service
 1950  record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
 1951  paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
 1952  currently in good standing or such veteran is honorably
 1953  discharged.
 1954         Section 54. Subsection (3) is added to section 633.444,
 1955  Florida Statutes, to read:
 1956         633.444 Division powers and duties; Florida State Fire
 1957  College.—
 1958         (3)The division shall waive all living and incidental
 1959  expenses associated with attending the Florida State Fire
 1960  College for an active duty member of the United States Armed
 1961  Forces, the spouse of such a member who was serving on active
 1962  duty at the time of death and died within the 2 years preceding
 1963  the spouse attending the college, an honorably discharged
 1964  veteran of the United States Armed Forces, or the spouse or
 1965  surviving spouse of such a veteran. A qualified individual must
 1966  provide a copy of a military identification card, military
 1967  dependent identification card, military service record, military
 1968  personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
 1969  document that indicates such member is currently in good
 1970  standing or such veteran is honorably discharged.
 1971         Section 55. Section 683.147, Florida Statutes, is created
 1972  to read:
 1973         683.147Medal of Honor Day.—
 1974         (1)March 25 of each year is designated as “Medal of Honor
 1975  Day.”
 1976         (2)The Governor may annually issue a proclamation
 1977  designating March 25 as Medal of Honor Day and calling upon
 1978  public officials, schools, private organizations, and all
 1979  residents of the state to commemorate Medal of Honor Day and
 1980  honor recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor who
 1981  distinguished themselves through their conspicuous bravery and
 1982  gallantry during wartime, and at considerable risk to their own
 1983  lives, while serving as members of the United States Armed
 1984  Forces.
 1985         Section 56. Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section
 1986  1002.37, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
 1987         1002.37 The Florida Virtual School.—
 1988         (1)
 1989         (b) The mission of the Florida Virtual School is to provide
 1990  students with technology-based educational opportunities to gain
 1991  the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. The school shall
 1992  serve any student in the state who meets the profile for success
 1993  in this educational delivery context and shall give priority to:
 1994         1. Students who need expanded access to courses in order to
 1995  meet their educational goals, such as home education students
 1996  and students in inner-city and rural high schools who do not
 1997  have access to higher-level courses.
 1998         2. Students seeking accelerated access in order to obtain a
 1999  high school diploma at least one semester early.
 2000         3.Students who are children of an active duty member of
 2001  the United States Armed Forces who is not stationed in this
 2002  state whose home of record or state of legal residence is
 2003  Florida.
 2004  
 2005  The board of trustees of the Florida Virtual School shall
 2006  identify appropriate performance measures and standards based on
 2007  student achievement that reflect the school’s statutory mission
 2008  and priorities, and shall implement an accountability system for
 2009  the school that includes assessment of its effectiveness and
 2010  efficiency in providing quality services that encourage high
 2011  student achievement, seamless articulation, and maximum access.
 2012         Section 57. Subsection (2) of section 1003.42, Florida
 2013  Statutes, is amended to read:
 2014         1003.42 Required instruction.—
 2015         (2) Members of the instructional staff of the public
 2016  schools, subject to the rules of the State Board of Education
 2017  and the district school board, shall teach efficiently and
 2018  faithfully, using the books and materials required that meet the
 2019  highest standards for professionalism and historical accuracy,
 2020  following the prescribed courses of study, and employing
 2021  approved methods of instruction, the following:
 2022         (a) The history and content of the Declaration of
 2023  Independence, including national sovereignty, natural law, self
 2024  evident truth, equality of all persons, limited government,
 2025  popular sovereignty, and inalienable rights of life, liberty,
 2026  and property, and how they form the philosophical foundation of
 2027  our government.
 2028         (b) The history, meaning, significance, and effect of the
 2029  provisions of the Constitution of the United States and
 2030  amendments thereto, with emphasis on each of the 10 amendments
 2031  that make up the Bill of Rights and how the constitution
 2032  provides the structure of our government.
 2033         (c) The arguments in support of adopting our republican
 2034  form of government, as they are embodied in the most important
 2035  of the Federalist Papers.
 2036         (d) Flag education, including proper flag display and flag
 2037  salute.
 2038         (e) The elements of civil government, including the primary
 2039  functions of and interrelationships between the Federal
 2040  Government, the state, and its counties, municipalities, school
 2041  districts, and special districts.
 2042         (f) The history of the United States, including the period
 2043  of discovery, early colonies, the War for Independence, the
 2044  Civil War, the expansion of the United States to its present
 2045  boundaries, the world wars, and the civil rights movement to the
 2046  present. American history shall be viewed as factual, not as
 2047  constructed, shall be viewed as knowable, teachable, and
 2048  testable, and shall be defined as the creation of a new nation
 2049  based largely on the universal principles stated in the
 2050  Declaration of Independence.
 2051         (g) The history of the Holocaust (1933-1945), the
 2052  systematic, planned annihilation of European Jews and other
 2053  groups by Nazi Germany, a watershed event in the history of
 2054  humanity, to be taught in a manner that leads to an
 2055  investigation of human behavior, an understanding of the
 2056  ramifications of prejudice, racism, and stereotyping, and an
 2057  examination of what it means to be a responsible and respectful
 2058  person, for the purposes of encouraging tolerance of diversity
 2059  in a pluralistic society and for nurturing and protecting
 2060  democratic values and institutions.
 2061         (h) The history of African Americans, including the history
 2062  of African peoples before the political conflicts that led to
 2063  the development of slavery, the passage to America, the
 2064  enslavement experience, abolition, and the contributions of
 2065  African Americans to society. Instructional materials shall
 2066  include the contributions of African Americans to American
 2067  society.
 2068         (i) The elementary principles of agriculture.
 2069         (j) The true effects of all alcoholic and intoxicating
 2070  liquors and beverages and narcotics upon the human body and
 2071  mind.
 2072         (k) Kindness to animals.
 2073         (l) The history of the state.
 2074         (m) The conservation of natural resources.
 2075         (n) Comprehensive health education that addresses concepts
 2076  of community health; consumer health; environmental health;
 2077  family life, including an awareness of the benefits of sexual
 2078  abstinence as the expected standard and the consequences of
 2079  teenage pregnancy; mental and emotional health; injury
 2080  prevention and safety; Internet safety; nutrition; personal
 2081  health; prevention and control of disease; and substance use and
 2082  abuse. The health education curriculum for students in grades 7
 2083  through 12 shall include a teen dating violence and abuse
 2084  component that includes, but is not limited to, the definition
 2085  of dating violence and abuse, the warning signs of dating
 2086  violence and abusive behavior, the characteristics of healthy
 2087  relationships, measures to prevent and stop dating violence and
 2088  abuse, and community resources available to victims of dating
 2089  violence and abuse.
 2090         (o) Such additional materials, subjects, courses, or fields
 2091  in such grades as are prescribed by law or by rules of the State
 2092  Board of Education and the district school board in fulfilling
 2093  the requirements of law.
 2094         (p) The study of Hispanic contributions to the United
 2095  States.
 2096         (q) The study of women’s contributions to the United
 2097  States.
 2098         (r) The nature and importance of free enterprise to the
 2099  United States economy.
 2100         (s) A character-development program in the elementary
 2101  schools, similar to Character First or Character Counts, which
 2102  is secular in nature. Beginning in school year 2004-2005, the
 2103  character-development program shall be required in kindergarten
 2104  through grade 12. Each district school board shall develop or
 2105  adopt a curriculum for the character-development program that
 2106  shall be submitted to the department for approval. The
 2107  character-development curriculum shall stress the qualities of
 2108  patriotism; responsibility; citizenship; kindness; respect for
 2109  authority, life, liberty, and personal property; honesty;
 2110  charity; self-control; racial, ethnic, and religious tolerance;
 2111  and cooperation. The character-development curriculum for grades
 2112  9 through 12 shall, at a minimum, include instruction on
 2113  developing leadership skills, interpersonal skills, organization
 2114  skills, and research skills; creating a resume; developing and
 2115  practicing the skills necessary for employment interviews;
 2116  conflict resolution, workplace ethics, and workplace law;
 2117  managing stress and expectations; and developing skills that
 2118  enable students to become more resilient and self-motivated.
 2119         (t) In order to encourage patriotism, the sacrifices that
 2120  veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in serving our
 2121  country and protecting democratic values worldwide. Such
 2122  instruction must occur on or before Medal of Honor Day,
 2123  Veterans’ Day, and Memorial Day. Members of the instructional
 2124  staff are encouraged to use the assistance of local veterans and
 2125  Medal of Honor recipients when practicable.
 2126  
 2127  The State Board of Education is encouraged to adopt standards
 2128  and pursue assessment of the requirements of this subsection. A
 2129  character development program that incorporates the values of
 2130  the recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and that is
 2131  offered as part of a social studies, English Language Arts, or
 2132  other schoolwide character building and veteran awareness
 2133  initiative meets the requirements of paragraphs (s) and (t).
 2134         Section 58. Subsection (4) of section 1012.55, Florida
 2135  Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (e) is added to subsection
 2136  (1) of that section, to read:
 2137         1012.55 Positions for which certificates required.—
 2138         (1)
 2139         (e)1.The department shall issue a 3-year temporary
 2140  certificate in educational leadership under s. 1012.56(7) to an
 2141  individual who:
 2142         a.Earned a passing score on the Florida Educational
 2143  Leadership Examination.
 2144         b.Served as a commissioned or noncommissioned military
 2145  officer in the United States Armed Forces for at least 3 years.
 2146         c.Was honorably discharged or has retired from the United
 2147  States Armed Forces.
 2148         d.Is employed full time in a position for which an
 2149  educator certificate is required in a Florida public school,
 2150  state-supported school, or nonpublic school that has a Level II
 2151  program under s. 1012.562.
 2152         2.A Level II program under s. 1012.562 must accept an
 2153  applicant who holds a temporary certificate under subparagraph
 2154  1. The department shall issue a permanent certification as a
 2155  school principal to an individual who holds a temporary
 2156  certificate under subparagraph 1. and successfully completes the
 2157  Level II program.
 2158         (4) A commissioned or noncommissioned military officer who
 2159  is an instructor of junior reserve officer training shall be
 2160  exempt from requirements for teacher certification, except for
 2161  the background screening pursuant to s. 1012.32, if he or she
 2162  meets the following qualifications:
 2163         (a) Is retired from active military duty, pursuant to
 2164  chapter 102 of Title 10 U.S.C.
 2165         (b) Satisfies criteria established by the appropriate
 2166  military service for certification by the service as a junior
 2167  reserve officer training instructor.
 2168         (c) Has an exemplary military record.
 2169  
 2170  If such instructor is assigned instructional duties other than
 2171  junior reserve officer training, he or she shall hold the
 2172  certificate required by law and rules of the state board for the
 2173  type of service rendered. An instructor of junior reserve
 2174  officer training under this subsection may receive funding
 2175  through the Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program
 2176  under s. 1012.71.
 2177         Section 59. Subsection (7) of section 1012.56, Florida
 2178  Statutes, is amended to read:
 2179         1012.56 Educator certification requirements.—
 2180         (7) TYPES AND TERMS OF CERTIFICATION.—
 2181         (a) The Department of Education shall issue a professional
 2182  certificate for a period not to exceed 5 years to any applicant
 2183  who fulfills one of the following:
 2184         1. Meets all the requirements outlined in subsection (2).
 2185         2. For a professional certificate covering grades 6 through
 2186  12:
 2187         a. Meets the requirements of paragraphs (2)(a)-(h).
 2188         b. Holds a master’s or higher degree in the area of
 2189  science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
 2190         c. Teaches a high school course in the subject of the
 2191  advanced degree.
 2192         d. Is rated highly effective as determined by the teacher’s
 2193  performance evaluation under s. 1012.34, based in part on
 2194  student performance as measured by a statewide, standardized
 2195  assessment or an Advanced Placement, Advanced International
 2196  Certificate of Education, or International Baccalaureate
 2197  examination.
 2198         e. Achieves a passing score on the Florida professional
 2199  education competency examination required by state board rule.
 2200         3. Meets the requirements of paragraphs (2)(a)-(h) and
 2201  completes a professional preparation and education competence
 2202  program approved by the department pursuant to paragraph (8)(c).
 2203  An applicant who completes the program and is rated highly
 2204  effective as determined by his or her performance evaluation
 2205  under s. 1012.34 is not required to take or achieve a passing
 2206  score on the professional education competency examination in
 2207  order to be awarded a professional certificate.
 2208         (b) The department shall issue a temporary certificate to
 2209  any applicant who completes the requirements outlined in
 2210  paragraphs (2)(a)-(f) and completes the subject area content
 2211  requirements specified in state board rule or demonstrates
 2212  mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to subsection (5) and
 2213  holds an accredited degree or a degree approved by the
 2214  Department of Education at the level required for the subject
 2215  area specialization in state board rule.
 2216         (c) The department shall issue one nonrenewable 2-year
 2217  temporary certificate and one nonrenewable 5-year professional
 2218  certificate to a qualified applicant who holds a bachelor’s
 2219  degree in the area of speech-language impairment to allow for
 2220  completion of a master’s degree program in speech-language
 2221  impairment.
 2222  
 2223  Each temporary certificate is valid for 3 school fiscal years
 2224  and is nonrenewable. However, the requirement in paragraph
 2225  (2)(g) must be met within 1 calendar year of the date of
 2226  employment under the temporary certificate. Individuals who are
 2227  employed under contract at the end of the 1 calendar year time
 2228  period may continue to be employed through the end of the school
 2229  year in which they have been contracted. A school district shall
 2230  not employ, or continue the employment of, an individual in a
 2231  position for which a temporary certificate is required beyond
 2232  this time period if the individual has not met the requirement
 2233  of paragraph (2)(g). At least 1 year before an individual’s
 2234  temporary certificate is set to expire, the department shall
 2235  electronically notify the individual of the date on which his or
 2236  her certificate will expire and provide a list of each method by
 2237  which the qualifications for a professional certificate can be
 2238  completed. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to
 2239  allow the department to extend the validity period of a
 2240  temporary certificate for 2 years when the requirements for the
 2241  professional certificate, not including the requirement in
 2242  paragraph (2)(g), were not completed due to the serious illness
 2243  or injury of the applicant, the military service of an
 2244  applicant’s spouse, or other extraordinary extenuating
 2245  circumstances. The rules must authorize the department to extend
 2246  the validity period of a temporary certificate or for 1 year if
 2247  the temporary certificateholder is rated effective or highly
 2248  effective based solely on a student learning growth formula
 2249  approved by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to s.
 2250  1012.34(8). The department shall reissue the temporary
 2251  certificate for 2 additional years upon approval by the
 2252  Commissioner of Education. A written request for reissuance of
 2253  the certificate shall be submitted by the district school
 2254  superintendent, the governing authority of a university lab
 2255  school, the governing authority of a state-supported school, or
 2256  the governing authority of a private school.
 2257         Section 60. Subsection (3) is added to section 1012.59,
 2258  Florida Statutes, to read:
 2259         1012.59 Certification fees.—
 2260         (3)The State Board of Education shall waive initial
 2261  general knowledge, professional education, and subject area
 2262  examination fees and certification fees for:
 2263         (a)A member of the United States Armed Forces or a reserve
 2264  component thereof who is serving or has served on active duty or
 2265  the spouse of such a member.
 2266         (b)The surviving spouse of a member of the United States
 2267  Armed Forces or a reserve component thereof who was serving on
 2268  active duty at the time of death.
 2269         (c)An honorably discharged veteran of the United States
 2270  Armed Forces or a veteran of a reserve component thereof who
 2271  served on active duty and the spouse or surviving spouse of such
 2272  a veteran.
 2273         Section 61. This act shall take effect July 1, 2018.
 2274  
 2275  ================= T I T L E  A M E N D M E N T ================
 2276  And the title is amended as follows:
 2277         Delete everything before the enacting clause
 2278  and insert:
 2279                        A bill to be entitled                      
 2280         An act relating to military and veterans affairs;
 2281         amending s. 83.49, F.S.; prohibiting a landlord from
 2282         requiring a prospective tenant who is a servicemember
 2283         to deposit or advance more than a certain amount of
 2284         funds; amending s. 83.682, F.S.; providing an
 2285         additional circumstance under which a servicemember
 2286         may terminate a rental agreement; amending s. 197.572,
 2287         F.S.; providing that the title to certain lands
 2288         remains subject to an easement to prevent encroachment
 2289         of military installations after a tax sale or the
 2290         issuance of a tax certificate in foreclosure
 2291         proceedings; creating s. 250.483, F.S.; providing
 2292         requirements relating to licensure or qualification of
 2293         persons ordered into active duty or state active duty;
 2294         amending s. 288.980, F.S.; requiring the Florida
 2295         Defense Support Task Force, rather than the Department
 2296         of Economic Opportunity, to administer specified
 2297         programs relating to military base retention; amending
 2298         s. 288.987, F.S.; removing obsolete language;
 2299         providing that the president of Enterprise Florida,
 2300         Inc., is the executive director of the Florida Defense
 2301         Support Task Force; providing that the chair of the
 2302         Florida Defense Alliance is an ex officio member of
 2303         the task force; providing duties of Enterprise
 2304         Florida, Inc., in connection with the task force;
 2305         amending s. 295.187, F.S.; authorizing a state agency
 2306         to set aside a certain amount of funds allocated for
 2307         the procurement of personal property and services for
 2308         contracts with certified veteran business enterprises;
 2309         amending s. 295.21, F.S.; providing that a member of
 2310         the board of directors for Florida is for Veterans,
 2311         Inc., is eligible for reappointment under certain
 2312         circumstances; amending s. 295.22, F.S.; revising
 2313         provisions relating to receiving training grants from
 2314         Florida is for Veterans, Inc.; amending s. 446.041,
 2315         F.S.; providing duties of the Department of Education;
 2316         amending s. 446.081, F.S.; providing construction;
 2317         amending s. 455.02, F.S.; requiring the Department of
 2318         Business and Professional Regulation to waive certain
 2319         fees; amending s. 456.024, F.S.; revising licensure
 2320         eligibility requirements; providing an exemption from
 2321         certain penalties; amending ss. 472.015, 472.016,
 2322         493.6105, 493.6107, and 493.6113, F.S.; requiring the
 2323         Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to
 2324         waive certain fees; amending ss. 494.00312 and
 2325         494.00313, F.S.; requiring the Office of Financial
 2326         Regulation to waive certain fees; amending s. 497.140,
 2327         F.S.; providing an exemption from a certain fee;
 2328         amending s. 497.141, F.S.; providing an exemption from
 2329         a certain fee; amending ss. 497.281, 497.368, 497.369,
 2330         497.370, 497.371, 497.373, 497.374, and 497.375, F.S.;
 2331         providing exemptions from certain fees; creating s.
 2332         497.393, F.S.; authorizing the licensing authority to
 2333         recognize certain military-issued credentials for
 2334         purposes of licensure; amending ss. 497.453, 497.466,
 2335         and 497.554, F.S.; providing exemptions from certain
 2336         fees; amending s. 497.602, F.S.; providing an
 2337         exemption from an application fee; authorizing the
 2338         licensing authority to recognize certain military
 2339         issued credentials for purposes of licensure; amending
 2340         s. 501.015, F.S.; requiring the Department of
 2341         Agriculture and Consumer Services to waive a
 2342         registration fee; amending ss. 501.605, 501.607,
 2343         501.609, and 507.03, F.S.; requiring the Department of
 2344         Agriculture and Consumer Services to waive certain
 2345         fees for certain licensees; amending s. 517.12, F.S.;
 2346         requiring the Office of Financial Regulation to waive
 2347         certain fees; amending ss. 527.02 and 539.001, F.S.;
 2348         waiving certain licensing fees; amending ss. 559.904
 2349         and 559.928, F.S.; requiring the Department of
 2350         Agriculture and Consumer Services to waive certain
 2351         registration fees; amending s. 570.71, F.S.;
 2352         prohibiting certain construction or activities that
 2353         are incompatible with the mission of a military
 2354         installation on certain land under a rural-lands
 2355         protection easement; amending s. 626.171, F.S.;
 2356         revising fee waiver qualification requirements for
 2357         certain applicants; amending ss. 626.732, 626.7851,
 2358         626.8311, 626.8417, and 626.927, F.S.; revising
 2359         prelicensure course requirements for certain
 2360         applicants; amending s. 633.414, F.S.; authorizing an
 2361         extension for firefighter certification renewal for
 2362         certain persons; amending s. 633.444, F.S.; requiring
 2363         the Division of State Fire Marshal to waive certain
 2364         expenses associated with attending the Florida State
 2365         Fire College; creating s. 683.147, F.S.; designating
 2366         March 25 of each year as “Medal of Honor Day”;
 2367         amending s. 1002.37, F.S.; revising the order of
 2368         priority given to students seeking enrollment in the
 2369         Florida Virtual School; amending s. 1003.42, F.S.;
 2370         providing for a character development program that
 2371         incorporates the values of the Congressional Medal of
 2372         Honor; amending s. 1012.55, F.S.; requiring the State
 2373         Board of Education to issue a temporary certificate in
 2374         educational leadership to certain persons; revising
 2375         certain exemptions from requirements for teacher
 2376         certification for certain individuals; amending s.
 2377         1012.56, F.S.; requiring the State Board of Education
 2378         to adopt certain rules; amending s. 1012.59, F.S.;
 2379         requiring the State Board of Education to waive
 2380         certain fees; providing an effective date.