Florida Senate - 2018 CS for SB 1884
By the Committee on Appropriations; and Senators Broxson and
Passidomo
576-03574-18 20181884c1
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to military and veterans affairs;
3 creating s. 250.483, F.S.; providing requirements
4 relating to licensure or qualification of persons
5 ordered into active duty or state active duty;
6 amending s. 295.21, F.S.; providing that a member of
7 the board of directors for Florida is for Veterans,
8 Inc., is eligible for reappointment under certain
9 circumstances; amending s. 295.22, F.S.; revising
10 provisions relating to receiving training grants from
11 Florida is for Veterans, Inc.; amending s. 446.041,
12 F.S.; providing duties of the Department of Education;
13 amending s. 446.081, F.S.; providing construction;
14 amending s. 455.02, F.S.; requiring the Department of
15 Business and Professional Regulation to waive certain
16 fees; amending s. 456.024, F.S.; revising licensure
17 eligibility requirements; providing an exemption from
18 certain penalties; amending ss. 472.015, 472.016,
19 493.6105, 493.6107, and 493.6113, F.S.; requiring the
20 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to
21 waive certain fees; amending ss. 494.00312 and
22 494.00313, F.S.; requiring the Office of Financial
23 Regulation to waive certain fees; amending s. 497.140,
24 F.S.; providing an exemption from a certain fee;
25 amending s. 497.141, F.S.; providing an exemption from
26 a certain fee; amending ss. 497.281, 497.368, 497.369,
27 497.370, 497.371, 497.373, 497.374, and 497.375, F.S.;
28 providing exemptions from certain fees; creating s.
29 497.393, F.S.; authorizing the licensing authority to
30 recognize certain military-issued credentials for
31 purposes of licensure; amending ss. 497.453, 497.466,
32 and 497.554, F.S.; providing exemptions from certain
33 fees; amending s. 497.602, F.S.; providing an
34 exemption from an application fee; authorizing the
35 licensing authority to recognize certain military
36 issued credentials for purposes of licensure; amending
37 s. 501.015, F.S.; requiring the Department of
38 Agriculture and Consumer Services to waive a
39 registration fee; amending ss. 501.605, 501.607,
40 501.609, and 507.03, F.S.; requiring the Department of
41 Agriculture and Consumer Services to waive certain
42 fees for certain licensees; amending s. 517.12, F.S.;
43 requiring the Office of Financial Regulation to waive
44 certain fees; amending ss. 527.02 and 539.001, F.S.;
45 waiving certain licensing fees; amending ss. 559.904
46 and 559.928, F.S.; requiring the Department of
47 Agriculture and Consumer Services to waive certain
48 registration fees; amending s. 626.171, F.S.; revising
49 fee waiver qualification requirements for certain
50 applicants; amending ss. 626.732, 626.7851, 626.8311,
51 626.8417, and 626.927, F.S.; revising prelicensure
52 course requirements for certain applicants; amending
53 s. 633.414, F.S.; authorizing an extension for
54 firefighter certification renewal for certain persons;
55 amending s. 633.444, F.S.; requiring the Division of
56 State Fire Marshal to waive certain expenses
57 associated with attending the Florida State Fire
58 College; creating s. 683.147, F.S.; designating March
59 25 of each year as “Medal of Honor Day”; amending s.
60 1002.37, F.S.; revising the order of priority given to
61 students seeking enrollment in the Florida Virtual
62 School; amending s. 1003.42, F.S.; providing for a
63 character development program that incorporates the
64 values of the Congressional Medal of Honor; amending
65 s. 1012.55, F.S.; requiring the State Board of
66 Education to issue a temporary certificate in
67 educational leadership to certain persons; revising
68 certain exemptions from requirements for teacher
69 certification for certain individuals; amending s.
70 1012.56, F.S.; requiring the State Board of Education
71 to adopt certain rules; amending s. 1012.59, F.S.;
72 requiring the State Board of Education to waive
73 certain fees; providing an effective date.
74
75 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
76
77 Section 1. Section 250.483, Florida Statutes, is created to
78 read:
79 250.483 Active 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 2. Paragraph (c) of subsection (4) of section
106 295.21, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
107 295.21 Florida Is For Veterans, Inc.—
108 (4) GOVERNANCE.—
109 (c) Each member of the board of directors shall be
110 appointed for a term of 4 years, except that, to achieve
111 staggered terms, the initial appointees of the Governor shall
112 serve terms of 2 years. A member is eligible ineligible for
113 reappointment to the board except that a member appointed to a
114 term of 2 years or less may be reappointed for one an additional
115 term of 4 years. The initial appointments to the board must be
116 made by July 15, 2014. Vacancies on the board shall be filled in
117 the same manner as the original appointment. A vacancy that
118 occurs before the scheduled expiration of the term of the member
119 shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term.
120 Section 3. Paragraphs (d) and (e) of subsection (3) of
121 section 295.22, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
122 295.22 Veterans Employment and Training Services Program.—
123 (3) ADMINISTRATION.—Florida Is For Veterans, Inc., shall
124 administer the Veterans Employment and Training Services Program
125 and perform all of the following functions:
126 (d) Create a grant program to provide funding to assist
127 veterans in meeting the workforce-skill needs of businesses
128 seeking to hire, promote, or generally improve specialized
129 skills of veterans, establish criteria for approval of requests
130 for funding, and maximize the use of funding for this program.
131 Grant funds may be used only in the absence of available
132 veteran-specific federally funded programs. Grants may fund
133 specialized training specific to a particular business.
134 1. Grant funds may be allocated to any training provider
135 selected by the business, including a career center, a Florida
136 College System institution, a state university, or an in-house
137 training provider of the business. If grant funds are used to
138 provide a technical certificate, a licensure, or a degree, funds
139 may be allocated only upon a review that includes, but is not
140 limited to, documentation of accreditation and licensure.
141 Instruction funded through the program terminates when
142 participants demonstrate competence at the level specified in
143 the request but may not exceed 12 48 months. Preference shall be
144 given to target industry businesses, as defined in s. 288.106,
145 and to businesses in the defense supply, cloud virtualization,
146 or commercial aviation manufacturing industries.
147 2. Costs and expenditures for the grant program must be
148 documented and separated from those incurred by the training
149 provider. Costs and expenditures shall be limited to $8,000 per
150 veteran trainee. Qualified businesses must cover the entire cost
151 for all of the training provided before receiving reimbursement
152 from the corporation equal to 50 percent of the cost to train a
153 veteran who is a permanent, full-time employee. Eligible costs
154 and expenditures include:
155 a. Tuition and fees.
156 b. Curriculum development.
157 b.c. Books and classroom materials.
158 c.d. Rental fees for facilities at public colleges and
159 universities, including virtual training labs.
160 e. Overhead or indirect costs not to exceed 5 percent of
161 the grant amount.
162 3. Before funds are allocated for a request pursuant to
163 this section, the corporation shall prepare a grant agreement
164 between the business requesting funds, the educational
165 institution or training provider receiving funding through the
166 program, and the corporation. Such agreement must include, but
167 need not be limited to:
168 a. Identification of the personnel necessary to conduct the
169 instructional program, instructional program description, and
170 any vendors used to conduct the instructional program the
171 qualifications of such personnel, and the respective
172 responsibilities of the parties for paying costs associated with
173 the employment of such personnel.
174 b. Identification of the match provided by the business,
175 including cash and in-kind contributions, equal to at least 50
176 percent of the total grant amount.
177 b.c. Identification of the estimated duration of the
178 instructional program.
179 c.d. Identification of all direct, training-related costs.
180 d.e. Identification of special program requirements that
181 are not otherwise addressed in the agreement.
182 e.f. Permission to access aggregate information specific to
183 the wages and performance of participants upon the completion of
184 instruction for evaluation purposes. The agreement must specify
185 that any evaluation published subsequent to the instruction may
186 not identify the employer or any individual participant.
187 4. A business may receive a grant under the Quick-Response
188 Training Program created under s. 288.047 and a grant under this
189 section for the same veteran trainee. If a business receives
190 funds under both programs, one grant agreement may be entered
191 into with CareerSource Florida, Inc., as the grant
192 administrator.
193 (e) Contract with one or more entities to administer an
194 entrepreneur initiative program for veterans in this state which
195 connects business leaders in the state with veterans seeking to
196 become entrepreneurs.
197 1. The corporation shall award each contract in accordance
198 with the competitive bidding requirements in s. 287.057 to one
199 or more public or private entities universities that:
200 a. Demonstrate the ability to implement the program and the
201 commitment of university resources, including financial
202 resources, to such programs.
203 b. Have a demonstrated experience working with military and
204 veteran entrepreneurs resource center.
205 c. Have a regional small business development center in the
206 Florida Small Business Development Center Network.
207 c.d. As determined by the corporation, have been nationally
208 recognized for their performance in assisting entrepreneurs to
209 launch successful businesses in the state commitment to the
210 military and veterans.
211 2. Each contract must include performance metrics,
212 including a focus on employment and business creation. Each
213 university must coordinate with any entrepreneurship center
214 located at the university. The entity university may also work
215 with a university or college an entity offering related programs
216 to refer veterans or to provide services. The entrepreneur
217 initiative program may include activities and assistance such as
218 peer-to-peer learning sessions, mentoring, technical assistance,
219 business roundtables, networking opportunities, support of
220 student organizations, speaker series, or other tools within a
221 virtual environment.
222 Section 4. Subsections (7) through (12) of section 446.041,
223 Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (8) through
224 (13), respectively, and a new subsection (7) is added to that
225 section, to read:
226 446.041 Apprenticeship program, duties of the department.
227 The department shall:
228 (7) Lead and coordinate outreach efforts to educate
229 veterans about apprenticeship and career opportunities.
230 Section 5. Subsection (4) is added to section 446.081,
231 Florida Statutes, to read:
232 446.081 Limitation.—
233 (4) Nothing in ss. 446.011-446.092 or in any rules adopted
234 or contained in any approved apprentice agreement under such
235 sections invalidates any special provision for veterans,
236 minority persons, or women in the standards, qualifications, or
237 operation of the apprenticeship program which is not otherwise
238 prohibited by any applicable general law, rule, or regulation.
239 Section 6. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 455.02,
240 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
241 455.02 Licensure of members of the Armed Forces in good
242 standing and their spouses or surviving spouses with
243 administrative boards or programs.—
244 (1) Any member of the United States Armed Forces of the
245 United States now or hereafter on active duty who, at the time
246 of becoming such a member, was in good standing with any of the
247 boards or programs listed in s. 20.165 and was entitled to
248 practice or engage in his or her profession or occupation
249 vocation in the state shall be kept in good standing by the
250 applicable board or program, without registering, paying dues or
251 fees, or performing any other act on his or her part to be
252 performed, as long as he or she is a member of the United States
253 Armed Forces of the United States on active duty and for a
254 period of 2 years after discharge from active duty as a member
255 of the Armed Forces of the United States, if he or she is not
256 engaged in his or her licensed profession or vocation in the
257 private sector for profit. A member, during active duty and for
258 a period of 2 years after discharge from active duty, engaged in
259 his or her licensed profession or occupation in the private
260 sector for profit in this state must complete all license
261 renewal provisions except remitting the license renewal fee,
262 which shall be waived by the department.
263 (2) A spouse of a member of the Armed Services of the
264 United States Armed Forces who is married to a member during a
265 period of active duty, or a surviving spouse of a member who at
266 the time of death was serving on active duty, who is in good
267 standing with any of the boards or programs listed in s. 20.165
268 shall be kept in good standing by the applicable board or
269 program as described in subsection (1) and shall be exempt from
270 licensure renewal provisions, but only in cases of his or her
271 absence from the state because of his or her spouse’s duties
272 with the United States Armed Forces. The department or the
273 appropriate board or program shall waive any license renewal fee
274 for such spouse when he or she is present in this state because
275 of such member’s active duty and for a surviving spouse of a
276 member who at the time of death was serving on active duty and
277 died within the 2 years preceding the date of renewal.
278 Section 7. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (3) and
279 paragraph (j) of subsection (4) of section 456.024, Florida
280 Statutes, are amended, and subsection (5) is added to that
281 section, to read:
282 456.024 Members of Armed Forces in good standing with
283 administrative boards or the department; spouses; licensure.—
284 (3)(a) A person is eligible for licensure as a health care
285 practitioner in this state if he or she:
286 1. Serves or has served as a health care practitioner in
287 the United States Armed Forces, the United States Reserve
288 Forces, or the National Guard;
289 2. Serves or has served on active duty with the United
290 States Armed Forces as a health care practitioner in the United
291 States Public Health Service; or
292 3. Is a health care practitioner, other than a dentist, in
293 another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or
294 territory of the United States and is the spouse of a person
295 serving on active duty with the United States Armed Forces.
296
297 The department shall develop an application form, and each
298 board, or the department if there is no board, shall waive the
299 application fee, licensure fee, and unlicensed activity fee for
300 such applicants. For purposes of this subsection, “health care
301 practitioner” means a health care practitioner as defined in s.
302 456.001 and a person licensed under part III of chapter 401 or
303 part IV of chapter 468.
304 (b) The board, or the department if there is no board,
305 shall issue a license to practice in this state to a person who:
306 1. Submits a complete application.
307 2. If he or she is a member of the United States Armed
308 Forces, the United States Reserve Forces, or the National Guard,
309 submits proof that he or she has received an honorable discharge
310 within 6 months before, or will receive an honorable discharge
311 within 6 months after, the date of submission of the
312 application.
313 3.a. Holds an active, unencumbered license issued by
314 another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or
315 territory of the United States and who has not had disciplinary
316 action taken against him or her in the 5 years preceding the
317 date of submission of the application;
318 b. Is a military health care practitioner in a profession
319 for which licensure in a state or jurisdiction is not required
320 to practice in the United States Armed Forces, if he or she
321 submits to the department evidence of military training or
322 experience substantially equivalent to the requirements for
323 licensure in this state in that profession and evidence that he
324 or she has obtained a passing score on the appropriate
325 examination of a national or regional standards organization if
326 required for licensure in this state; or
327 c. Is the spouse of a person serving on active duty in the
328 United States Armed Forces and is a health care practitioner in
329 a profession, excluding dentistry, for which licensure in
330 another state or jurisdiction is not required, if he or she
331 submits to the department evidence of training or experience
332 substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure in
333 this state in that profession and evidence that he or she has
334 obtained a passing score on the appropriate examination of a
335 national or regional standards organization if required for
336 licensure in this state.
337 4. Attests that he or she is not, at the time of submission
338 of the application, the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in
339 a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the
340 United States Department of Defense for reasons related to the
341 practice of the profession for which he or she is applying.
342 5. Actively practiced the profession for which he or she is
343 applying for the 3 years preceding the date of submission of the
344 application.
345 6. Submits a set of fingerprints for a background screening
346 pursuant to s. 456.0135, if required for the profession for
347 which he or she is applying.
348
349 The department shall verify information submitted by the
350 applicant under this subsection using the National Practitioner
351 Data Bank.
352 (4)
353 (j) An applicant who is issued a temporary professional
354 license to practice as a dentist pursuant to this section must
355 practice under the indirect supervision, as defined in s.
356 466.003, of a dentist licensed pursuant to chapter 466.
357 (5) The spouse of a person serving on active duty with the
358 United States Armed Forces shall have a defense to any citation
359 and related cause of action brought under s. 456.065 if the
360 following conditions are met:
361 (a) The spouse holds an active, unencumbered license issued
362 by another state or jurisdiction to provide health care services
363 for which there is no equivalent license in this state.
364 (b) The spouse is providing health care services within the
365 scope of practice of the out-of-state license.
366 (c) The training or experience required by the out-of-state
367 license is substantially similar to the license requirements to
368 practice a similar health care profession in this state.
369 Section 8. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
370 472.015, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
371 472.015 Licensure.—
372 (3)
373 (b) The department shall waive the initial license fee for
374 an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
375 Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
376 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
377 on active duty or the spouse of such a member, the surviving
378 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces who died
379 while serving on active duty, or a business entity that has a
380 majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse or surviving
381 spouse if the department receives an application, in a format
382 prescribed by the department. The application format must
383 include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and
384 supporting documentation, within 60 months after the date of the
385 veteran’s discharge from any branch of the United States Armed
386 Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
387 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
388 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
389 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
390 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
391 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
392 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
393 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
394 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
395 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
396 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
397 veteran at the time of discharge; or
398 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
399 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
400 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
401 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
402 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
403 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
404 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
405 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
406 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
407 Section 9. Section 472.016, Florida Statutes, is amended to
408 read:
409 472.016 Members of Armed Forces in good standing with the
410 board.—
411 (1) Any member of the United States Armed Forces of the
412 United States who is now or in the future on active duty and
413 who, at the time of becoming such a member of the United States
414 Armed Forces, was in good standing with the board and entitled
415 to practice or engage in surveying and mapping in the state
416 shall be kept in good standing by the board, without
417 registering, paying dues or fees, or performing any other act on
418 his or her part to be performed, as long as he or she is a
419 member of the United States Armed Forces of the United States on
420 active duty and for a period of 2 years 6 months after discharge
421 from active duty, provided that he or she is not engaged in the
422 practice of surveying or mapping in the private sector for
423 profit. A member, during active duty and for a period of 2 years
424 after discharge from active duty, engaged in the practice of
425 surveying or mapping in the private sector for profit in this
426 state must complete all licensure renewal provisions except
427 remitting the license renewal fee, which shall be waived by the
428 department.
429 (2) The board shall adopt rules exempting the spouses of
430 members of the United States Armed Forces of the United States
431 from licensure renewal provisions, but only in cases of absence
432 from the state because of their spouses’ duties with the United
433 States Armed Forces. The department or the appropriate board or
434 program shall waive any license renewal fee for the spouse of a
435 member of the United States Armed Forces when such member is
436 present in this state because of the member’s active duty with
437 the United States Armed Forces, and for the surviving spouse of
438 a member who at the time of death was serving on active duty and
439 died within the 2 years preceding the date of renewal.
440 Section 10. Subsection (1) of section 493.6105, Florida
441 Statutes, is amended to read:
442 493.6105 Initial application for license.—
443 (1) Each individual, partner, or principal officer in a
444 corporation, shall file with the department a complete
445 application accompanied by an application fee not to exceed $60,
446 except that an the applicant for a Class “D” or Class “G”
447 license is not required to submit an application fee. An
448 application fee is not required for an applicant who qualifies
449 for the fee waiver in s. 493.6107(6). The application fee is not
450 refundable.
451 (a) The application submitted by any individual, partner,
452 or corporate officer must be approved by the department before
453 the individual, partner, or corporate officer assumes his or her
454 duties.
455 (b) Individuals who invest in the ownership of a licensed
456 agency but do not participate in, direct, or control the
457 operations of the agency are not required to file an
458 application.
459 (c) The initial application fee for a veteran, as defined
460 in s. 1.01, shall be waived if he or she applies for a Class
461 “C,” Class “CC,” Class “DI,” Class “E,” Class “EE,” Class “K,”
462 Class “M,” Class “MA,” Class “MB,” Class “MR,” or Class “RI”
463 license within 24 months after being discharged from a branch of
464 the United States Armed Forces. An eligible veteran must include
465 a copy of his or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States
466 Department of Defense, or another acceptable form of
467 identification as specified by the Department of Veterans’
468 Affairs with his or her application in order to obtain a waiver.
469 Section 11. Subsection (6) of section 493.6107, Florida
470 Statutes, is amended to read:
471 493.6107 Fees.—
472 (6) The initial application license fee for a veteran, as
473 defined in s. 1.01, the spouse or surviving spouse of such
474 veteran, a member of the United States Armed Forces who has
475 served on active duty, or the spouse or surviving spouse of such
476 member who at the time of death was serving on active duty and
477 died within the 2 years preceding the initial application, shall
478 be waived if he or she applies for a Class “C,” Class “CC,”
479 Class “DI,” Class “E,” Class “EE,” Class “K,” Class “M,” Class
480 “MA,” Class “MB,” Class “MR,” or Class “RI” license in a format
481 prescribed by the department. The application format must
482 include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and
483 supporting documentation Class “M” or Class “K” license within
484 24 months after being discharged from any branch of the United
485 States Armed Forces. An eligible veteran must include a copy of
486 his or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States
487 Department of Defense, or another acceptable form of
488 identification as specified by the Department of Veterans’
489 Affairs with his or her application in order to obtain a waiver.
490 A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
491 by the department, including the applicant’s signature, under
492 penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
493 Section 12. Subsection (7) is added to section 493.6113,
494 Florida Statutes, to read:
495 493.6113 Renewal application for licensure.—
496 (7) The department shall waive the respective fees for a
497 licensee who:
498 (a) Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
499 Forces or the spouse of such member;
500 (b) Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces
501 and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
502 expiration date of the license. A licensee who is a former
503 member of the United States Armed Forces who served on active
504 duty within the 2 years preceding the application must have
505 received an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge
506 from the United States Armed Forces; or
507 (c) Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
508 States Armed Forces who was serving on active duty at the time
509 of death and died within the 2 years preceding the expiration
510 date of the license.
511
512 A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
513 by the department, including the applicant’s signature, under
514 penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
515 Section 13. Subsection (8) is added to section 494.00312,
516 Florida Statutes, to read:
517 494.00312 Loan originator license.—
518 (8) The office shall waive the fees required by paragraph
519 (2)(e) for an applicant who:
520 (a) Is or was an active duty member of the United States
521 Armed Forces. To qualify for the fee waiver, an applicant who is
522 a former member of the United States Armed Forces must have
523 received an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge
524 from the United States Armed Forces;
525 (b) Is married to a current or former member of the United
526 States Armed Forces and is or was married to the member during
527 any period of active duty; or
528 (c) Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
529 States Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at
530 the time of death.
531
532 An applicant seeking such fee waiver must submit proof, in a
533 form prescribed by commission rule, that the applicant meets one
534 of the qualifications in this subsection.
535 Section 14. Subsection (4) is added to section 494.00313,
536 Florida Statutes, to read:
537 494.00313 Loan originator license renewal.—
538 (4) The office shall waive the fees required by paragraph
539 (1)(b) for a loan originator who:
540 (a) Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
541 Forces or the spouse of such member;
542 (b) Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces
543 and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
544 expiration date of the license pursuant to s. 494.00312(7). To
545 qualify for the fee waiver, a loan originator who is a former
546 member of the United States Armed Forces who served on active
547 duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of the
548 license must have received an honorable discharge upon
549 separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
550 (c) Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
551 States Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at
552 the time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
553 surviving spouse’s license expiration date pursuant to s.
554 494.00312(7).
555
556 A loan originator seeking such fee waiver must submit proof, in
557 a form prescribed by commission rule, that the loan originator
558 meets one of the qualifications in this subsection.
559 Section 15. Paragraph (a) of subsection (6) of section
560 497.140, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
561 497.140 Fees.—
562 (6)(a)1. The department shall impose, upon initial
563 licensure and each renewal thereof, a special unlicensed
564 activity fee of $5 per licensee, in addition to all other fees
565 provided for in this chapter. Such fee shall be used by the
566 department to fund efforts to identify and combat unlicensed
567 activity which violates this chapter. Such fee shall be in
568 addition to all other fees collected from each licensee and
569 shall be deposited in a separate account of the Regulatory Trust
570 Fund; however, the department is not limited to the funds in
571 such an account for combating improper unlicensed activity in
572 violation of this chapter.
573 2. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
574 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
575 who separated from service within 2 years preceding the
576 application for licensure are exempt from the special unlicensed
577 activity fee associated with initial licensure. To qualify for
578 the fee exemption under this subparagraph, a licensee must
579 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
580 dependent identification card, military service record, military
581 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
582 document that indicates such member is currently in good
583 standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
584 Section 16. Subsection (4) of section 497.141, Florida
585 Statutes, is amended to read:
586 497.141 Licensing; general application procedures.—
587 (4) Before the issuance of any license, the department
588 shall collect such initial fee as specified by this chapter or,
589 where authorized, by rule of the board, unless an applicant is
590 exempted as specified by this chapter. Upon receipt of a
591 completed application and the appropriate fee, and certification
592 by the board that the applicant meets the applicable
593 requirements of law and rules, the department shall issue the
594 license applied for. However, an applicant who is not otherwise
595 qualified for licensure is not entitled to licensure solely
596 based on a passing score on a required examination.
597 Section 17. Subsection (1) of section 497.281, Florida
598 Statutes, is amended to read:
599 497.281 Licensure of brokers of burial rights.—
600 (1)(a) No person shall receive compensation to act as a
601 third party to the sale or transfer of three or more burial
602 rights in a 12-month period unless the person pays a license fee
603 as determined by licensing authority rule but not to exceed $250
604 and is licensed with the department as a burial rights broker in
605 accordance with this section.
606 (b) A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
607 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
608 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
609 application for licensure are exempt from the initial license
610 fee. To qualify for the initial license fee exemption, an
611 applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
612 military dependent identification card, military service record,
613 military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
614 separation document that indicates such member is currently in
615 good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
616 Section 18. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
617 (3) of section 497.368, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
618 497.368 Embalmers; licensure as an embalmer by examination;
619 provisional license.—
620 (1) Any person desiring to be licensed as an embalmer shall
621 apply to the licensing authority to take the licensure
622 examination. The licensing authority shall examine each
623 applicant who has remitted an examination fee set by rule of the
624 licensing authority not to exceed $200 plus the actual per
625 applicant cost to the licensing authority for portions of the
626 examination and who has:
627 (a) Completed the application form and remitted a
628 nonrefundable application fee set by the licensing authority not
629 to exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
630 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
631 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
632 application for licensure, are exempt from the application fee.
633 To qualify for the application fee exemption, an applicant must
634 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
635 dependent identification card, military service record, military
636 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
637 document that indicates such member is currently in good
638 standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
639 (3) Any applicant who has completed the required 1-year
640 internship and has been approved for examination as an embalmer
641 may qualify for a provisional license to work in a licensed
642 funeral establishment, under the direct supervision of a
643 licensed embalmer for a limited period of 6 months as provided
644 by rule of the licensing authority. The fee for provisional
645 licensure shall be set by rule of the licensing authority, but
646 may not exceed $200, and shall be nonrefundable and in addition
647 to the fee required in subsection (1). This provisional license
648 may be renewed no more than one time. A member of the United
649 States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the
650 United States Armed Forces who separated from service within the
651 2 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
652 initial provisional licensure fee. To qualify for the initial
653 provisional licensure fee exemption, an applicant must provide a
654 copy of a military identification card, military dependent
655 identification card, military service record, military personnel
656 file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation document
657 that indicates such member is currently in good standing or such
658 veteran was honorably discharged.
659 Section 19. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
660 (5) of section 497.369, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
661 497.369 Embalmers; licensure as an embalmer by endorsement;
662 licensure of a temporary embalmer.—
663 (1) The licensing authority shall issue a license by
664 endorsement to practice embalming to an applicant who has
665 remitted an examination fee set by rule of the licensing
666 authority not to exceed $200 and who the licensing authority
667 certifies:
668 (a) Has completed the application form and remitted a
669 nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing
670 authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States
671 Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
672 States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
673 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
674 application fee. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
675 an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
676 card, military dependent identification card, military service
677 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
678 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
679 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
680 discharged.
681 (5)(a) There may be adopted by the licensing authority
682 rules authorizing an applicant who has met the requirements of
683 paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and who is awaiting an opportunity to
684 take the examination required by subsection (4) to be licensed
685 as a temporary licensed embalmer. A temporary licensed embalmer
686 may work as an embalmer in a licensed funeral establishment
687 under the general supervision of a licensed embalmer. Such
688 temporary license shall expire 60 days after the date of the
689 next available examination required under subsection (4);
690 however, the temporary license may be renewed one time under the
691 same conditions as initial issuance. The fee for issuance or
692 renewal of an embalmer temporary license shall be set by rule of
693 the licensing authority but may not exceed $200. The fee
694 required in this subsection shall be nonrefundable and in
695 addition to the fee required in subsection (1).
696 (b) A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
697 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
698 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
699 application for licensure are exempt from the initial issuance
700 fee. To qualify for the initial issuance fee exemption, an
701 applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
702 military dependent identification card, military service record,
703 military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
704 separation document that indicates such member is currently in
705 good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
706 Section 20. Subsection (1) of section 497.370, Florida
707 Statutes, is amended to read:
708 497.370 Embalmers; licensure of an embalmer intern.—
709 (1)(a) Any person desiring to become an embalmer intern
710 shall make application to the licensing authority on forms
711 specified by rule, together with a nonrefundable fee determined
712 by rule of the licensing authority but not to exceed $200.
713 (b) A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
714 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
715 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
716 application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
717 To qualify for the application fee exemption under this
718 paragraph, an applicant must provide a copy of a military
719 identification card, military dependent identification card,
720 military service record, military personnel file, veteran
721 record, discharge paper, or separation document that indicates
722 such member is currently in good standing or such veteran was
723 honorably discharged.
724 (c) The application shall indicate the name and address of
725 the licensed embalmer under whose supervision the intern will
726 receive training and the name of the licensed funeral
727 establishment or centralized embalming facility where such
728 training is to be conducted. The embalmer intern shall intern
729 under the direct supervision of a licensed embalmer who has an
730 active, valid license under s. 497.368 or s. 497.369.
731 Section 21. Section 497.371, Florida Statutes, is amended
732 to read:
733 497.371 Embalmers; establishment of embalmer apprentice
734 program.—
735 (1) The licensing authority adopts rules establishing an
736 embalmer apprentice program. An embalmer apprentice may perform
737 only those tasks, functions, and duties relating to embalming
738 which are performed under the direct supervision of an embalmer
739 who has an active, valid license under s. 497.368 or s. 497.369.
740 An embalmer apprentice is eligible to serve in an apprentice
741 capacity for a period not to exceed 3 years as may be determined
742 by licensing authority rule or for a period not to exceed 5
743 years if the apprentice is enrolled in and attending a course in
744 mortuary science or funeral service education at any mortuary
745 college or funeral service education college or school. An
746 embalmer apprentice shall be issued a license upon payment of a
747 licensure fee as determined by licensing authority rule but not
748 to exceed $200.
749 (2) A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
750 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
751 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
752 application for licensure are exempt from the licensure fee. To
753 qualify for the licensure fee exemption under this subsection,
754 an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
755 card, military dependent identification card, military service
756 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
757 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
758 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
759 discharged.
760 (3) An applicant for the embalmer apprentice program may
761 not be issued a license unless the licensing authority
762 determines that the applicant is of good character and has not
763 demonstrated a history of lack of trustworthiness or integrity
764 in business or professional matters.
765 Section 22. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
766 (3) of section 497.373, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
767 497.373 Funeral directing; licensure as a funeral director
768 by examination; provisional license.—
769 (1) Any person desiring to be licensed as a funeral
770 director shall apply to the licensing authority to take the
771 licensure examination. The licensing authority shall examine
772 each applicant who has remitted an examination fee set by rule
773 of the licensing authority not to exceed $200 plus the actual
774 per applicant cost to the licensing authority for portions of
775 the examination and who the licensing authority certifies has:
776 (a) Completed the application form and remitted a
777 nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing
778 authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States
779 Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
780 States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
781 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
782 application fee. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
783 an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
784 card, military dependent identification card, military service
785 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
786 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
787 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
788 discharged.
789 (3) Any applicant who has completed the required 1-year
790 internship and has been approved for examination as a funeral
791 director may qualify for a provisional license to work in a
792 licensed funeral establishment, under the direct supervision of
793 a licensed funeral director for 6 months as provided by rule of
794 the licensing authority. However, a provisional licensee may
795 work under the general supervision of a licensed funeral
796 director upon passage of the laws and rules examination required
797 under paragraph (2)(b). The fee for provisional licensure shall
798 be set by rule of the licensing authority but may not exceed
799 $200. The fee required in this subsection shall be nonrefundable
800 and in addition to the fee required by subsection (1). This
801 provisional license may be renewed no more than one time. A
802 member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse,
803 and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who separated
804 from service within the 2 years preceding application for
805 licensure are exempt from the initial provisional licensure fee.
806 To qualify for the initial provisional licensure fee exemption,
807 a licensee must provide a copy of a military identification
808 card, military dependent identification card, military service
809 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
810 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
811 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
812 discharged.
813 Section 23. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
814 (5) of section 497.374, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
815 497.374 Funeral directing; licensure as a funeral director
816 by endorsement; licensure of a temporary funeral director.—
817 (1) The licensing authority shall issue a license by
818 endorsement to practice funeral directing to an applicant who
819 has remitted a fee set by rule of the licensing authority not to
820 exceed $200 and who:
821 (a) Has completed the application form and remitted a
822 nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing
823 authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States
824 Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
825 States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
826 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
827 nonrefundable application fee. To qualify for the exemption, an
828 applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
829 military dependent identification card, military service record,
830 military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
831 separation document that indicates such member is currently in
832 good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
833 (5) There may be adopted rules authorizing an applicant who
834 has met the requirements of paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and who is
835 awaiting an opportunity to take the examination required by
836 subsection (4) to obtain a license as a temporary funeral
837 director. A licensed temporary funeral director may work as a
838 funeral director in a licensed funeral establishment under the
839 general supervision of a funeral director licensed under
840 subsection (1) or s. 497.373. Such license shall expire 60 days
841 after the date of the next available examination required under
842 subsection (4); however, the temporary license may be renewed
843 one time under the same conditions as initial issuance. The fee
844 for initial issuance or renewal of a temporary license under
845 this subsection shall be set by rule of the licensing authority
846 but may not exceed $200. The fee required in this subsection
847 shall be nonrefundable and in addition to the fee required in
848 subsection (1). A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
849 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
850 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
851 application for licensure are exempt from the initial issuance
852 fee. To qualify for the initial issuance fee exemption, an
853 applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
854 military dependent identification card, military service record,
855 military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
856 separation document that indicates such member is currently in
857 good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
858 Section 24. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
859 497.375, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
860 497.375 Funeral directing; licensure of a funeral director
861 intern.—
862 (1)(a) Any person desiring to become a funeral director
863 intern must apply to the licensing authority on forms prescribed
864 by rule of the licensing authority, together with a
865 nonrefundable fee set by rule of the licensing authority not to
866 exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
867 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
868 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
869 application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
870 To qualify for the application fee exemption, an applicant must
871 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
872 dependent identification card, military service record, military
873 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
874 document that indicates such member is currently in good
875 standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
876 Section 25. Section 497.393, Florida Statutes, is created
877 to read:
878 497.393 Licensure; military-issued credentials for
879 licensure.—The licensing authority shall recognize military
880 issued credentials relating to funeral and cemetery services for
881 purposes of licensure as a funeral director or embalmer. A
882 member of the United States Armed Forces and a veteran of the
883 United States Armed Forces seeking licensure as a funeral
884 director or embalmer under this section shall submit to the
885 licensing authority a certification that the military-issued
886 credential reflects knowledge, training, and experience
887 substantially similar to the requirements of this chapter for
888 licensure as a funeral director or embalmer. The licensing
889 authority shall adopt rules specifying forms and procedures to
890 be used by persons seeking licensure under this section. The
891 licensing authority may conduct an investigation and further
892 inquiry of any person regarding any military-issued credential
893 sought to be recognized.
894 Section 26. Paragraph (n) of subsection (1) of section
895 497.453, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
896 497.453 Application for preneed license, procedures and
897 criteria; renewal; reports.—
898 (1) PRENEED LICENSE APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—
899 (n) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable
900 fee as determined by licensing authority rule but not to exceed
901 $500. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s
902 spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who
903 separated from service within the 2 years preceding application
904 for licensure are exempt from the application fee when applying
905 as an individual. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
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 Section 27. Paragraph (h) of subsection (2) of section
913 497.466, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
914 497.466 Preneed sales agents, license required; application
915 procedures and criteria; appointment of agents; responsibility
916 of preneed licensee.—
917 (2) PRENEED SALES AGENT LICENSE; APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—
918 (h) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable
919 fee of $150 if made through the department’s online licensing
920 system or $175 if made using paper forms. Payment of either fee
921 shall entitle the applicant to one initial appointment without
922 payment of further fees by the preneed sales agent or the
923 appointing preneed licensee if a preneed sales agent license is
924 issued. The licensing authority may from time to time increase
925 such fees but not to exceed $300. A member of the United States
926 Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
927 States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
928 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
929 application fee. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
930 an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
931 card, military dependent identification card, military service
932 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
933 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
934 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
935 discharged.
936 Section 28. Paragraph (e) of subsection (2) of section
937 497.554, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
938 497.554 Monument establishment sales representatives.—
939 (2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—Licensure as a monument
940 establishment sales agent shall be by submission of an
941 application for licensure to the department on a form prescribed
942 by rule.
943 (e) The monument establishment sales agent application
944 shall be accompanied by a fee of $50. The licensing authority
945 may from time to time increase the application fee by rule but
946 not to exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces,
947 such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed
948 Forces who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
949 application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
950 To qualify for the application fee exemption, an applicant must
951 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
952 dependent identification card, military service record, military
953 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
954 document that indicates such member is currently in good
955 standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
956 Section 29. Paragraph (i) of subsection (2) and subsection
957 (4) of section 497.602, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
958 497.602 Direct disposers, license required; licensing
959 procedures and criteria; regulation.—
960 (2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—
961 (i) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable
962 fee of $300. The licensing authority may from time to time
963 increase the fee by rule but not to exceed more than $500. A
964 member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse,
965 and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who separated
966 from service within the 2 years preceding application for
967 licensure are exempt from the application fee. To qualify for
968 the application fee exemption, an applicant must provide a copy
969 of a military identification card, military dependent
970 identification card, military service record, military personnel
971 file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation document
972 that indicates such member is currently in good standing or such
973 veteran was honorably discharged.
974 (4) ISSUANCE OF LICENSE.—Upon approval of the application
975 by the licensing authority, the license shall be issued. The
976 licensing authority shall recognize military-issued credentials
977 relating to funeral and cemetery services for purposes of
978 licensure as a direct disposer. A member of the United States
979 Armed Forces and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
980 seeking licensure as a direct disposer under this section shall
981 submit to the licensing authority a certification that the
982 military-issued credential reflects knowledge, training, and
983 experience substantially similar to the requirements of this
984 chapter for licensure as a direct disposer. The licensing
985 authority shall adopt rules specifying forms and procedures to
986 be used by members and veterans of the United States Armed
987 Forces seeking licensure under this section. The licensing
988 authority may conduct investigation and further inquiry of any
989 person regarding any military-issued credential sought to be
990 recognized.
991 Section 30. Subsection (2) of section 501.015, Florida
992 Statutes, is amended to read:
993 501.015 Health studios; registration requirements and
994 fees.—Each health studio shall:
995 (2) Remit an annual registration fee of $300 to the
996 department at the time of registration for each of the health
997 studio’s business locations.
998 (a) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
999 for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1000 Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
1001 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
1002 on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
1003 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
1004 member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
1005 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
1006 or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
1007 in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
1008 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
1009 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
1010 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
1011 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1012 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1013 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1014 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1015 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1016 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1017 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1018 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1019 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1020 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1021 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1022 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1023 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1024 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1025 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1026 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1027 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1028 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1029 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1030 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1031 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1032 (b) The department shall waive the registration renewal fee
1033 for a registrant who:
1034 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1035 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1036 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1037 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
1038 date. To qualify for the fee waiver, a registrant who is a
1039 former member of the United States Armed Forces who served on
1040 active duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of
1041 the registration must have received an honorable discharge upon
1042 separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
1043 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1044 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1045 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the date of
1046 renewal.
1047
1048 A registrant seeking such waiver must apply in a format
1049 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
1050 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1051 documentation.
1052 Section 31. Paragraph (b) of subsection (5) of section
1053 501.605, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1054 501.605 Licensure of commercial telephone sellers and
1055 entities providing substance abuse marketing services.—
1056 (5) An application filed pursuant to this part must be
1057 verified and accompanied by:
1058 (b) A fee for licensing in the amount of $1,500. The fee
1059 shall be deposited into the General Inspection Trust Fund. The
1060 department shall waive the initial license fee for an honorably
1061 discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the spouse
1062 or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a current member of the
1063 United States Armed Forces who has served on active duty, the
1064 spouse of such a member, the surviving spouse of a member of the
1065 United States Armed Forces if such member died while serving on
1066 active duty, or a business entity that has a majority ownership
1067 held by such a veteran or spouse or surviving spouse if the
1068 department receives an application, in a format prescribed by
1069 the department. The application format must include the
1070 applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1071 documentation, within 60 months after the date of the veteran’s
1072 discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. To
1073 qualify for the waiver:,
1074 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1075 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1076 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1077 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1078 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1079 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1080 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1081 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1082 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1083 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1084 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1085 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1086 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1087 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1088 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1089 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1090 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1091 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1092 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1093 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1094 Section 32. Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section
1095 501.607, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1096 501.607 Licensure of salespersons.—
1097 (2) An application filed pursuant to this section must be
1098 verified and be accompanied by:
1099 (b) A fee for licensing in the amount of $50 per
1100 salesperson. The fee shall be deposited into the General
1101 Inspection Trust Fund. The fee for licensing may be paid after
1102 the application is filed, but must be paid within 14 days after
1103 the applicant begins work as a salesperson. The department shall
1104 waive the initial license fee for an honorably discharged
1105 veteran of the United States Armed Forces, the spouse or
1106 surviving spouse of such a veteran, a current member of the
1107 United States Armed Forces who has served on active duty, the
1108 spouse of such a member, the surviving spouse of a member of the
1109 United States Armed Forces if the member died while serving on
1110 active duty, or a business entity that has a majority ownership
1111 held by such a veteran or spouse or surviving spouse if the
1112 department receives an application, in a format prescribed by
1113 the department. The application format must include the
1114 applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1115 documentation, within 60 months after the date of the veteran’s
1116 discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. To
1117 qualify for the waiver:,
1118 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1119 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1120 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1121 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1122 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1123 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1124 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1125 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1126 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1127 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1128 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1129 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1130 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1131 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1132 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1133 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1134 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1135 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1136 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1137 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1138 Section 33. Subsection (5) is added to section 501.609,
1139 Florida Statutes, to read:
1140 501.609 License renewal.—
1141 (5) The department shall waive the annual fee to renew for
1142 a licensee who:
1143 (a) Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1144 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1145 (b) Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces,
1146 and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
1147 renewal date. To qualify for the fee waiver, a licensee who is a
1148 former member of the United States Armed Forces who served on
1149 active duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of
1150 the registration must have received an honorable discharge upon
1151 separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
1152 (c) Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
1153 States Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at
1154 the time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
1155 renewal.
1156
1157 A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
1158 by the department, including the applicant’s signature, under
1159 penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
1160 Section 34. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
1161 507.03, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is added
1162 to that subsection, to read:
1163 507.03 Registration.—
1164 (3)
1165 (b) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
1166 for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1167 Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
1168 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
1169 on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
1170 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
1171 member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
1172 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
1173 or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
1174 in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
1175 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
1176 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
1177 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
1178 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1179 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1180 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1181 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1182 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1183 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1184 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1185 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1186 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1187 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1188 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1189 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1190 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1191 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1192 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1193 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1194 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1195 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1196 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1197 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1198 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1199 (c) The department shall waive the biennial fee to renew
1200 for a registrant who:
1201 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1202 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1203 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1204 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
1205 expiration date. To qualify for the fee waiver, a registrant who
1206 is a former member of the United States Armed Forces who served
1207 on active duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date
1208 of the registration must have received an honorable discharge
1209 upon separation or discharge from the United States Armed
1210 Forces; or
1211 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1212 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1213 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
1214
1215 A registrant seeking such waiver must apply in a format
1216 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
1217 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1218 documentation.
1219 Section 35. Subsections (10) and (11) of section 517.12,
1220 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1221 517.12 Registration of dealers, associated persons,
1222 intermediaries, and investment advisers.—
1223 (10)(a) An applicant for registration shall pay an
1224 assessment fee of $200, in the case of a dealer or investment
1225 adviser, or $50, in the case of an associated person. An
1226 associated person may be assessed an additional fee to cover the
1227 cost for the fingerprints to be processed by the office. Such
1228 fee shall be determined by rule of the commission. Such fees
1229 become the revenue of the state, except for those assessments
1230 provided for under s. 517.131(1) until such time as the
1231 Securities Guaranty Fund satisfies the statutory limits, and are
1232 not returnable in the event that registration is withdrawn or
1233 not granted.
1234 (b) The office shall waive the $50 assessment fee for an
1235 associated person required by paragraph (a) for an applicant
1236 who:
1237 1. Is or was an active duty member of the United States
1238 Armed Forces. To qualify for the fee waiver, an applicant who is
1239 a former member of the United States Armed Forces must have
1240 received an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge
1241 from the United States Armed Forces;
1242 2. Is married to a current or former member of the United
1243 States Armed Forces and is or was married to the member during
1244 any period of active duty; or
1245 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1246 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1247 time of death.
1248
1249 An applicant seeking such fee waiver must submit proof, in a
1250 form prescribed by commission rule, that the applicant meets one
1251 of the qualifications in this paragraph.
1252 (11)(a) If the office finds that the applicant is of good
1253 repute and character and has complied with the provisions of
1254 this chapter and the rules made pursuant hereto, it shall
1255 register the applicant. The registration of each dealer,
1256 investment adviser, and associated person expires on December 31
1257 of the year the registration became effective unless the
1258 registrant has renewed his or her registration on or before that
1259 date. Registration may be renewed by furnishing such information
1260 as the commission may require, together with payment of the fee
1261 required in paragraph (10)(a) subsection (10) for dealers,
1262 investment advisers, or associated persons and the payment of
1263 any amount lawfully due and owing to the office pursuant to any
1264 order of the office or pursuant to any agreement with the
1265 office. Any dealer, investment adviser, or associated person who
1266 has not renewed a registration by the time the current
1267 registration expires may request reinstatement of such
1268 registration by filing with the office, on or before January 31
1269 of the year following the year of expiration, such information
1270 as may be required by the commission, together with payment of
1271 the fee required in paragraph (10)(a) subsection (10) for
1272 dealers, investment advisers, or associated persons and a late
1273 fee equal to the amount of such fee. Any reinstatement of
1274 registration granted by the office during the month of January
1275 shall be deemed effective retroactive to January 1 of that year.
1276 (b) The office shall waive the $50 assessment fee for an
1277 associated person required by paragraph (10)(a) for a registrant
1278 renewing his or her registration who:
1279 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1280 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1281 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1282 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
1283 expiration date of the registration pursuant to paragraph (a).
1284 To qualify for the fee waiver, a registrant who is a former
1285 member of the United States Armed Forces who served on active
1286 duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of the
1287 registration must have received an honorable discharge upon
1288 separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
1289 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1290 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1291 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
1292 surviving spouse’s registration expiration date pursuant to
1293 paragraph (a).
1294
1295 A registrant seeking such fee waiver must submit proof, in a
1296 form prescribed by commission rule, that the registrant meets
1297 one of the qualifications in this paragraph.
1298 Section 36. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
1299 527.02, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is added
1300 to that subsection, to read:
1301 527.02 License; penalty; fees.—
1302 (3)
1303 (b) The department shall waive the initial license fee for
1304 an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1305 Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
1306 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
1307 on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
1308 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
1309 member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
1310 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
1311 or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
1312 in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
1313 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
1314 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
1315 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
1316 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1317 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1318 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1319 Defense or another acceptable form of identification as
1320 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1321 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1322 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1323 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1324 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1325 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1326 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1327 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1328 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1329 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1330 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1331 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1332 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1333 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1334 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1335 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1336 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1337 (c) The department shall waive license renewal fees for a
1338 licensee who:
1339 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1340 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1341 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1342 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
1343 date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
1344 licensee who is a former member of the United States Armed
1345 Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
1346 the annual renewal date must have received an honorable
1347 discharge upon separation or discharge from the United States
1348 Armed Forces; or
1349 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1350 Armed Forces if such member was serving on active duty at the
1351 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
1352 surviving spouse’s renewal.
1353
1354 A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
1355 by the department, including the applicant’s signature, under
1356 penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
1357 Section 37. Paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of section
1358 539.001, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (g) is
1359 added to that subsection, to read:
1360 539.001 The Florida Pawnbroking Act.—
1361 (3) LICENSE REQUIRED.—
1362 (c) Each license is valid for a period of 1 year unless it
1363 is earlier relinquished, suspended, or revoked. Each license
1364 shall be renewed annually, and each licensee shall, initially
1365 and annually thereafter, pay to the agency a license fee of $300
1366 for each license held. The agency shall waive the initial
1367 license fee for an honorably discharged veteran of the United
1368 States Armed Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a
1369 veteran, a current member of the United States Armed Forces who
1370 has served on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the
1371 surviving spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces
1372 if the member died while serving on active duty, or a business
1373 entity that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or
1374 spouse or surviving spouse if the agency receives an
1375 application, in a format prescribed by the agency. The
1376 application format must include the applicant’s signature, under
1377 penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60
1378 months after the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch
1379 of the United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1380 1. A veteran must provide to the agency a copy of his or
1381 her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1382 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1383 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1384 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1385 to the agency a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by
1386 the United States Department of Defense, or another acceptable
1387 form of identification as specified by the Department of
1388 Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1389 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1390 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1391 3. A business entity must provide to the agency proof that
1392 a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran holds a
1393 majority ownership in the business, a copy of the veteran’s DD
1394 Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of Defense,
1395 or another acceptable form of identification as specified by the
1396 Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if applicable, a copy of a
1397 valid marriage license or certificate verifying that the spouse
1398 or surviving spouse of the veteran was lawfully married to the
1399 veteran at the time of discharge.
1400 (g) The agency shall waive license renewal fee for a
1401 licensee who:
1402 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1403 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1404 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces,
1405 and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
1406 renewal date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this
1407 subparagraph, a licensee who is a former member of the United
1408 States Armed Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years
1409 preceding the annual renewal date must have received an
1410 honorable discharge upon separation or discharge from the United
1411 States Armed Forces; or
1412 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1413 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1414 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
1415
1416 A licensee seeking such waiver must apply in a format prescribed
1417 by the agency, including the applicant’s signature, under
1418 penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
1419 Section 38. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
1420 559.904, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is
1421 added to that subsection, to read:
1422 559.904 Motor vehicle repair shop registration;
1423 application; exemption.—
1424 (3)
1425 (b) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
1426 for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1427 Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
1428 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
1429 on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
1430 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
1431 member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
1432 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
1433 or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
1434 in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
1435 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
1436 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
1437 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
1438 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1439 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1440 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1441 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1442 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1443 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1444 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1445 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1446 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1447 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1448 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1449 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1450 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1451 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1452 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1453 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1454 of Defense or another acceptable form of identification as
1455 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1456 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1457 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1458 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1459 (c) The department shall waive registration renewal fees
1460 for a registrant who:
1461 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1462 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1463 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1464 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
1465 date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
1466 registrant who is a former member of the United States Armed
1467 Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
1468 the biennial renewal date must have received an honorable
1469 discharge upon separation or discharge from the United States
1470 Armed Forces; or
1471 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1472 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1473 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
1474
1475 A registrant seeking such waiver must apply in a format
1476 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
1477 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1478 documentation.
1479 Section 39. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
1480 559.928, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (d) is
1481 added to that subsection, to read:
1482 559.928 Registration.—
1483 (2)
1484 (c) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
1485 for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1486 Forces, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran, a
1487 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
1488 on active duty, the spouse of such a member, the surviving
1489 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
1490 member died while serving on active duty, or a business entity
1491 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran or spouse
1492 or surviving spouse if the department receives an application,
1493 in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
1494 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
1495 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
1496 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
1497 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1498 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1499 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1500 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1501 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1502 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1503 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1504 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1505 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1506 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1507 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1508 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1509 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1510 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1511 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1512 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1513 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1514 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1515 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1516 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1517 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1518 (d) The department shall waive the registration renewal fee
1519 for a registrant who:
1520 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1521 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1522 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1523 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
1524 date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
1525 registrant who is a former member of the United States Armed
1526 Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
1527 the annual registration renewal date must have received an
1528 honorable discharge upon separation or discharge from the United
1529 States Armed Forces; or
1530 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1531 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1532 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
1533
1534 A registrant seeking such waiver must apply in a format
1535 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
1536 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1537 documentation.
1538 Section 40. Subsection (6) of section 626.171, Florida
1539 Statutes, is amended to read:
1540 626.171 Application for license as an agent, customer
1541 representative, adjuster, service representative, managing
1542 general agent, or reinsurance intermediary.—
1543 (6) Members of the United States Armed Forces and their
1544 spouses, and veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have
1545 separated from service retired within 24 months before
1546 application for licensure, are exempt from the application
1547 filing fee prescribed in s. 624.501. Qualified individuals must
1548 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
1549 dependent identification card, military service record, military
1550 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
1551 document, or a separation document that indicates such members
1552 of the United States Armed Forces are currently in good standing
1553 or such veterans were honorably discharged.
1554 Section 41. Subsection (6) of section 626.732, Florida
1555 Statutes, is renumbered as subsection (7), and a new subsection
1556 (6) is added to that section, to read:
1557 626.732 Requirement as to knowledge, experience, or
1558 instruction.—
1559 (6) Prelicensure coursework is not required for an
1560 applicant who is a member or veteran of the United States Armed
1561 Forces or the spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified
1562 individual must provide a copy of a military identification
1563 card, military dependent identification card, military service
1564 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
1565 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
1566 currently in good standing or such veteran is honorably
1567 discharged.
1568 Section 42. Section 626.7851, Florida Statutes, is amended
1569 to read:
1570 626.7851 Requirement as to knowledge, experience, or
1571 instruction.—An applicant for a license as a life agent, except
1572 for a chartered life underwriter (CLU), shall not be qualified
1573 or licensed unless within the 4 years immediately preceding the
1574 date the application for a license is filed with the department
1575 he or she has:
1576 (1) Successfully completed 40 hours of coursework in life
1577 insurance, annuities, and variable contracts approved by the
1578 department, 3 hours of which shall be on the subject matter of
1579 ethics. Courses must include instruction on the subject matter
1580 of unauthorized entities engaging in the business of insurance;
1581 (2) Successfully completed a minimum of 60 hours of
1582 coursework in multiple areas of insurance, which included life
1583 insurance, annuities, and variable contracts, approved by the
1584 department, 3 hours of which shall be on the subject matter of
1585 ethics. Courses must include instruction on the subject matter
1586 of unauthorized entities engaging in the business of insurance;
1587 (3) Earned or maintained an active designation as Chartered
1588 Financial Consultant (ChFC) from the American College of
1589 Financial Services; or Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI)
1590 from the Life Management Institute;
1591 (4) Held an active license in life insurance in another
1592 state. This provision may not be used unless the other state
1593 grants reciprocal treatment to licensees formerly licensed in
1594 the state; or
1595 (5) Been employed by the department or office for at least
1596 1 year, full time in life insurance regulatory matters and who
1597 was not terminated for cause, and application for examination is
1598 made within 4 years after the date of termination of his or her
1599 employment with the department or office.
1600
1601 Prelicensure coursework is not required for an applicant who is
1602 a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or the
1603 spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified individual must
1604 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
1605 dependent identification card, military service record, military
1606 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
1607 document that indicates such member is currently in good
1608 standing or such veteran is honorably discharged.
1609 Section 43. Section 626.8311, Florida Statutes, is amended
1610 to read:
1611 626.8311 Requirement as to knowledge, experience, or
1612 instruction.—An applicant for a license as a health agent,
1613 except for a chartered life underwriter (CLU), shall not be
1614 qualified or licensed unless within the 4 years immediately
1615 preceding the date the application for license is filed with the
1616 department he or she has:
1617 (1) Successfully completed 40 hours of coursework in health
1618 insurance, approved by the department, 3 hours of which shall be
1619 on the subject matter of ethics. Courses must include
1620 instruction on the subject matter of unauthorized entities
1621 engaging in the business of insurance, to include the Florida
1622 Nonprofit Multiple-Employer Welfare Arrangement Act and the
1623 Employee Retirement Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. ss. 1001 et
1624 seq., as it relates to the provision of health insurance by
1625 employers to their employees and the regulation thereof;
1626 (2) Successfully completed a minimum of 60 hours of
1627 coursework in multiple areas of insurance, which included health
1628 insurance, approved by the department, 3 hours of which shall be
1629 on the subject matter of ethics. Courses must include
1630 instruction on the subject matter of unauthorized entities
1631 engaging in the business of insurance;
1632 (3) Earned or maintained an active designation as a
1633 Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Chartered Healthcare
1634 Consultant (ChHC), or Registered Employee Benefits Consultant
1635 (REBC) from the American College of Financial Services;
1636 Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) from the Wharton
1637 School of the University of Pennsylvania; or Health Insurance
1638 Associate (HIA) from America’s Health Insurance Plans;
1639 (4) Held an active license in health insurance in another
1640 state. This provision may not be utilized unless the other state
1641 grants reciprocal treatment to licensees formerly licensed in
1642 Florida; or
1643 (5) Been employed by the department or office for at least
1644 1 year, full time in health insurance regulatory matters and who
1645 was not terminated for cause, and application for examination is
1646 made within 4 years after the date of termination of his or her
1647 employment with the department or office.
1648
1649 Prelicensure coursework is not required for an applicant who is
1650 a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or the
1651 spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified individual must
1652 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
1653 dependent identification card, military service record, military
1654 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
1655 document that indicates such member is currently in good
1656 standing or such veteran is honorably discharged.
1657 Section 44. Subsection (7) is added to section 626.8417,
1658 Florida Statutes, to read:
1659 626.8417 Title insurance agent licensure; exemptions.—
1660 (7) Prelicensure coursework is not required for an
1661 applicant who is a member or veteran of the United States Armed
1662 Forces or the spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified
1663 individual must provide a copy of a military identification
1664 card, military dependent identification card, military service
1665 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
1666 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
1667 currently in good standing or such veteran is honorably
1668 discharged.
1669 Section 45. Subsection (7) is added to section 626.927,
1670 Florida Statutes, to read:
1671 626.927 Licensing of surplus lines agent.—
1672 (7) Prelicensure coursework is not required for an
1673 applicant who is a member or veteran of the United States Armed
1674 Forces or the spouse of such a member or veteran. A qualified
1675 individual must provide a copy of a military identification
1676 card, military dependent identification card, military service
1677 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
1678 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
1679 currently in good standing or such veteran is honorably
1680 discharged.
1681 Section 46. Section 633.414, Florida Statutes, is amended
1682 to read:
1683 633.414 Retention of firefighter and volunteer firefighter
1684 certifications.—
1685 (1) In order for a firefighter to retain her or his
1686 Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, every 4 years he or she
1687 must meet the requirements for renewal provided in this chapter
1688 and by rule, which must include at least one of the following:
1689 (a) Be active as a firefighter.
1690 (b) Maintain a current and valid fire service instructor
1691 certificate, instruct at least 40 hours during the 4-year
1692 period, and provide proof of such instruction to the division,
1693 which proof must be registered in an electronic database
1694 designated by the division.
1695 (c) Within 6 months before the 4-year period expires,
1696 successfully complete a Firefighter Retention Refresher Course
1697 consisting of a minimum of 40 hours of training to be prescribed
1698 by rule.
1699 (d) Within 6 months before the 4-year period expires,
1700 successfully retake and pass the Minimum Standards Course
1701 examination pursuant to s. 633.408.
1702 (2) In order for a volunteer firefighter to retain her or
1703 his Volunteer Firefighter Certificate of Completion, every 4
1704 years he or she must:
1705 (a) Be active as a volunteer firefighter; or
1706 (b) Successfully complete a refresher course consisting of
1707 a minimum of 40 hours of training to be prescribed by rule.
1708 (3) Subsection (1) does not apply to state-certified
1709 firefighters who are certified and employed full-time, as
1710 determined by the fire service provider, as firesafety
1711 inspectors or fire investigators, regardless of their employment
1712 status as firefighters or volunteer firefighters.
1713 (4) For the purposes of this section, the term “active”
1714 means being employed as a firefighter or providing service as a
1715 volunteer firefighter for a cumulative period of 6 months within
1716 a 4-year period.
1717 (5) The 4-year period begins upon issuance of the
1718 certificate or separation from employment.
1719 (6) A certificate for a firefighter or volunteer
1720 firefighter expires if he or she fails to meet the requirements
1721 of this section.
1722 (7) The State Fire Marshal may deny, refuse to renew,
1723 suspend, or revoke the certificate of a firefighter or volunteer
1724 firefighter if the State Fire Marshal finds that any of the
1725 following grounds exists:
1726 (a) Any cause for which issuance of a certificate could
1727 have been denied if it had then existed and had been known to
1728 the division.
1729 (b) A violation of any provision of this chapter or any
1730 rule or order of the State Fire Marshal.
1731 (c) Falsification of a record relating to any certificate
1732 issued by the division.
1733 (8) The 4-year period may, in the discretion of the
1734 department, be extended to 12 months after discharge from
1735 military service for an honorably discharged veteran of the
1736 United States Armed Forces or the spouse of such a veteran. A
1737 qualified individual must provide a copy of a military
1738 identification card, military dependent identification card,
1739 military service record, military personnel file, veteran
1740 record, discharge paper, or separation document that indicates
1741 such member is currently in good standing or such veteran is
1742 honorably discharged.
1743 Section 47. Subsection (3) is added to section 633.444,
1744 Florida Statutes, to read:
1745 633.444 Division powers and duties; Florida State Fire
1746 College.—
1747 (3) The division shall waive all living and incidental
1748 expenses, excluding expenses for meal plans and bunker gear
1749 rentals, associated with attending the Florida State Fire
1750 College to obtain a Certificate of Compliance or a Firesafety
1751 Inspector I certification for an active duty member of the
1752 United States Armed Forces, the surviving spouse of such a
1753 member who was serving on active duty at the time of his or her
1754 death and who died within the 2 years preceding his or her
1755 spouse’s attendance at the college, an honorably discharged
1756 veteran of the United States Armed Forces, or the spouse or
1757 surviving spouse of such a veteran. A qualified individual must
1758 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
1759 dependent identification card, military service record, military
1760 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
1761 document that indicates such member is currently in good
1762 standing or such veteran is honorably discharged.
1763 Section 48. Section 683.147, Florida Statutes, is created
1764 to read:
1765 683.147 Medal of Honor Day.—
1766 (1) March 25 of each year is designated as “Medal of Honor
1767 Day.”
1768 (2) The Governor may annually issue a proclamation
1769 designating March 25 as Medal of Honor Day and calling upon
1770 public officials, schools, private organizations, and all
1771 residents of the state to commemorate Medal of Honor Day and
1772 honor recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor who
1773 distinguished themselves through their conspicuous bravery and
1774 gallantry during wartime, and at considerable risk to their own
1775 lives, while serving as members of the United States Armed
1776 Forces.
1777 Section 49. Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section
1778 1002.37, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1779 1002.37 The Florida Virtual School.—
1780 (1)
1781 (b) The mission of the Florida Virtual School is to provide
1782 students with technology-based educational opportunities to gain
1783 the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. The school shall
1784 serve any student in the state who meets the profile for success
1785 in this educational delivery context and shall give priority to:
1786 1. Students who need expanded access to courses in order to
1787 meet their educational goals, such as home education students
1788 and students in inner-city and rural high schools who do not
1789 have access to higher-level courses.
1790 2. Students seeking accelerated access in order to obtain a
1791 high school diploma at least one semester early.
1792 3. Students who are children of an active duty member of
1793 the United States Armed Forces who is not stationed in this
1794 state whose home of record or state of legal residence is
1795 Florida.
1796
1797 The board of trustees of the Florida Virtual School shall
1798 identify appropriate performance measures and standards based on
1799 student achievement that reflect the school’s statutory mission
1800 and priorities, and shall implement an accountability system for
1801 the school that includes assessment of its effectiveness and
1802 efficiency in providing quality services that encourage high
1803 student achievement, seamless articulation, and maximum access.
1804 Section 50. Subsection (2) of section 1003.42, Florida
1805 Statutes, is amended to read:
1806 1003.42 Required instruction.—
1807 (2) Members of the instructional staff of the public
1808 schools, subject to the rules of the State Board of Education
1809 and the district school board, shall teach efficiently and
1810 faithfully, using the books and materials required that meet the
1811 highest standards for professionalism and historical accuracy,
1812 following the prescribed courses of study, and employing
1813 approved methods of instruction, the following:
1814 (a) The history and content of the Declaration of
1815 Independence, including national sovereignty, natural law, self
1816 evident truth, equality of all persons, limited government,
1817 popular sovereignty, and inalienable rights of life, liberty,
1818 and property, and how they form the philosophical foundation of
1819 our government.
1820 (b) The history, meaning, significance, and effect of the
1821 provisions of the Constitution of the United States and
1822 amendments thereto, with emphasis on each of the 10 amendments
1823 that make up the Bill of Rights and how the constitution
1824 provides the structure of our government.
1825 (c) The arguments in support of adopting our republican
1826 form of government, as they are embodied in the most important
1827 of the Federalist Papers.
1828 (d) Flag education, including proper flag display and flag
1829 salute.
1830 (e) The elements of civil government, including the primary
1831 functions of and interrelationships between the Federal
1832 Government, the state, and its counties, municipalities, school
1833 districts, and special districts.
1834 (f) The history of the United States, including the period
1835 of discovery, early colonies, the War for Independence, the
1836 Civil War, the expansion of the United States to its present
1837 boundaries, the world wars, and the civil rights movement to the
1838 present. American history shall be viewed as factual, not as
1839 constructed, shall be viewed as knowable, teachable, and
1840 testable, and shall be defined as the creation of a new nation
1841 based largely on the universal principles stated in the
1842 Declaration of Independence.
1843 (g) The history of the Holocaust (1933-1945), the
1844 systematic, planned annihilation of European Jews and other
1845 groups by Nazi Germany, a watershed event in the history of
1846 humanity, to be taught in a manner that leads to an
1847 investigation of human behavior, an understanding of the
1848 ramifications of prejudice, racism, and stereotyping, and an
1849 examination of what it means to be a responsible and respectful
1850 person, for the purposes of encouraging tolerance of diversity
1851 in a pluralistic society and for nurturing and protecting
1852 democratic values and institutions.
1853 (h) The history of African Americans, including the history
1854 of African peoples before the political conflicts that led to
1855 the development of slavery, the passage to America, the
1856 enslavement experience, abolition, and the contributions of
1857 African Americans to society. Instructional materials shall
1858 include the contributions of African Americans to American
1859 society.
1860 (i) The elementary principles of agriculture.
1861 (j) The true effects of all alcoholic and intoxicating
1862 liquors and beverages and narcotics upon the human body and
1863 mind.
1864 (k) Kindness to animals.
1865 (l) The history of the state.
1866 (m) The conservation of natural resources.
1867 (n) Comprehensive health education that addresses concepts
1868 of community health; consumer health; environmental health;
1869 family life, including an awareness of the benefits of sexual
1870 abstinence as the expected standard and the consequences of
1871 teenage pregnancy; mental and emotional health; injury
1872 prevention and safety; Internet safety; nutrition; personal
1873 health; prevention and control of disease; and substance use and
1874 abuse. The health education curriculum for students in grades 7
1875 through 12 shall include a teen dating violence and abuse
1876 component that includes, but is not limited to, the definition
1877 of dating violence and abuse, the warning signs of dating
1878 violence and abusive behavior, the characteristics of healthy
1879 relationships, measures to prevent and stop dating violence and
1880 abuse, and community resources available to victims of dating
1881 violence and abuse.
1882 (o) Such additional materials, subjects, courses, or fields
1883 in such grades as are prescribed by law or by rules of the State
1884 Board of Education and the district school board in fulfilling
1885 the requirements of law.
1886 (p) The study of Hispanic contributions to the United
1887 States.
1888 (q) The study of women’s contributions to the United
1889 States.
1890 (r) The nature and importance of free enterprise to the
1891 United States economy.
1892 (s) A character-development program in the elementary
1893 schools, similar to Character First or Character Counts, which
1894 is secular in nature. Beginning in school year 2004-2005, the
1895 character-development program shall be required in kindergarten
1896 through grade 12. Each district school board shall develop or
1897 adopt a curriculum for the character-development program that
1898 shall be submitted to the department for approval. The
1899 character-development curriculum shall stress the qualities of
1900 patriotism; responsibility; citizenship; kindness; respect for
1901 authority, life, liberty, and personal property; honesty;
1902 charity; self-control; racial, ethnic, and religious tolerance;
1903 and cooperation. The character-development curriculum for grades
1904 9 through 12 shall, at a minimum, include instruction on
1905 developing leadership skills, interpersonal skills, organization
1906 skills, and research skills; creating a resume; developing and
1907 practicing the skills necessary for employment interviews;
1908 conflict resolution, workplace ethics, and workplace law;
1909 managing stress and expectations; and developing skills that
1910 enable students to become more resilient and self-motivated.
1911 (t) In order to encourage patriotism, the sacrifices that
1912 veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in serving our
1913 country and protecting democratic values worldwide. Such
1914 instruction must occur on or before Medal of Honor Day,
1915 Veterans’ Day, and Memorial Day. Members of the instructional
1916 staff are encouraged to use the assistance of local veterans and
1917 Medal of Honor recipients when practicable.
1918
1919 The State Board of Education is encouraged to adopt standards
1920 and pursue assessment of the requirements of this subsection. A
1921 character development program that incorporates the values of
1922 the recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and that is
1923 offered as part of a social studies, English Language Arts, or
1924 other schoolwide character building and veteran awareness
1925 initiative meets the requirements of paragraphs (s) and (t).
1926 Section 51. Subsection (4) of section 1012.55, Florida
1927 Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (e) is added to subsection
1928 (1) of that section, to read:
1929 1012.55 Positions for which certificates required.—
1930 (1)
1931 (e)1. The department shall issue a 3-year temporary
1932 certificate in educational leadership under s. 1012.56(7) to an
1933 individual who:
1934 a. Earned a passing score on the Florida Educational
1935 Leadership Examination.
1936 b. Served as a commissioned or noncommissioned military
1937 officer in the United States Armed Forces for at least 3 years.
1938 c. Was honorably discharged or has retired from the United
1939 States Armed Forces.
1940 d. Is employed full time in a position for which an
1941 educator certificate is required in a Florida public school,
1942 state-supported school, or nonpublic school that has a Level II
1943 program under s. 1012.562.
1944 2. A Level II program under s. 1012.562 must accept an
1945 applicant who holds a temporary certificate under subparagraph
1946 1. The department shall issue a permanent certification as a
1947 school principal to an individual who holds a temporary
1948 certificate under subparagraph 1. and successfully completes the
1949 Level II program.
1950 (4) A commissioned or noncommissioned military officer who
1951 is an instructor of junior reserve officer training shall be
1952 exempt from requirements for teacher certification, except for
1953 the background screening pursuant to s. 1012.32, if he or she
1954 meets the following qualifications:
1955 (a) Is retired from active military duty, pursuant to
1956 chapter 102 of Title 10 U.S.C.
1957 (b) Satisfies criteria established by the appropriate
1958 military service for certification by the service as a junior
1959 reserve officer training instructor.
1960 (c) Has an exemplary military record.
1961
1962 If such instructor is assigned instructional duties other than
1963 junior reserve officer training, he or she shall hold the
1964 certificate required by law and rules of the state board for the
1965 type of service rendered. An instructor of junior reserve
1966 officer training under this subsection may receive funding
1967 through the Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program
1968 under s. 1012.71.
1969 Section 52. Subsection (7) of section 1012.56, Florida
1970 Statutes, is amended to read:
1971 1012.56 Educator certification requirements.—
1972 (7) TYPES AND TERMS OF CERTIFICATION.—
1973 (a) The Department of Education shall issue a professional
1974 certificate for a period not to exceed 5 years to any applicant
1975 who fulfills one of the following:
1976 1. Meets all the requirements outlined in subsection (2).
1977 2. For a professional certificate covering grades 6 through
1978 12:
1979 a. Meets the requirements of paragraphs (2)(a)-(h).
1980 b. Holds a master’s or higher degree in the area of
1981 science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
1982 c. Teaches a high school course in the subject of the
1983 advanced degree.
1984 d. Is rated highly effective as determined by the teacher’s
1985 performance evaluation under s. 1012.34, based in part on
1986 student performance as measured by a statewide, standardized
1987 assessment or an Advanced Placement, Advanced International
1988 Certificate of Education, or International Baccalaureate
1989 examination.
1990 e. Achieves a passing score on the Florida professional
1991 education competency examination required by state board rule.
1992 3. Meets the requirements of paragraphs (2)(a)-(h) and
1993 completes a professional preparation and education competence
1994 program approved by the department pursuant to paragraph (8)(c).
1995 An applicant who completes the program and is rated highly
1996 effective as determined by his or her performance evaluation
1997 under s. 1012.34 is not required to take or achieve a passing
1998 score on the professional education competency examination in
1999 order to be awarded a professional certificate.
2000 (b) The department shall issue a temporary certificate to
2001 any applicant who completes the requirements outlined in
2002 paragraphs (2)(a)-(f) and completes the subject area content
2003 requirements specified in state board rule or demonstrates
2004 mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to subsection (5) and
2005 holds an accredited degree or a degree approved by the
2006 Department of Education at the level required for the subject
2007 area specialization in state board rule.
2008 (c) The department shall issue one nonrenewable 2-year
2009 temporary certificate and one nonrenewable 5-year professional
2010 certificate to a qualified applicant who holds a bachelor’s
2011 degree in the area of speech-language impairment to allow for
2012 completion of a master’s degree program in speech-language
2013 impairment.
2014
2015 Each temporary certificate is valid for 3 school fiscal years
2016 and is nonrenewable. However, the requirement in paragraph
2017 (2)(g) must be met within 1 calendar year of the date of
2018 employment under the temporary certificate. Individuals who are
2019 employed under contract at the end of the 1 calendar year time
2020 period may continue to be employed through the end of the school
2021 year in which they have been contracted. A school district shall
2022 not employ, or continue the employment of, an individual in a
2023 position for which a temporary certificate is required beyond
2024 this time period if the individual has not met the requirement
2025 of paragraph (2)(g). At least 1 year before an individual’s
2026 temporary certificate is set to expire, the department shall
2027 electronically notify the individual of the date on which his or
2028 her certificate will expire and provide a list of each method by
2029 which the qualifications for a professional certificate can be
2030 completed. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to
2031 allow the department to extend the validity period of a
2032 temporary certificate for 2 years when the requirements for the
2033 professional certificate, not including the requirement in
2034 paragraph (2)(g), were not completed due to the serious illness
2035 or injury of the applicant, the military service of an
2036 applicant’s spouse, or other extraordinary extenuating
2037 circumstances. The rules must authorize the department to extend
2038 the validity period of a temporary certificate or for 1 year if
2039 the temporary certificateholder is rated effective or highly
2040 effective based solely on a student learning growth formula
2041 approved by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to s.
2042 1012.34(8). The department shall reissue the temporary
2043 certificate for 2 additional years upon approval by the
2044 Commissioner of Education. A written request for reissuance of
2045 the certificate shall be submitted by the district school
2046 superintendent, the governing authority of a university lab
2047 school, the governing authority of a state-supported school, or
2048 the governing authority of a private school.
2049 Section 53. Subsection (3) is added to section 1012.59,
2050 Florida Statutes, to read:
2051 1012.59 Certification fees.—
2052 (3) The State Board of Education shall waive initial
2053 general knowledge, professional education, and subject area
2054 examination fees and certification fees for:
2055 (a) A member of the United States Armed Forces or a reserve
2056 component thereof who is serving or has served on active duty or
2057 the spouse of such a member.
2058 (b) The surviving spouse of a member of the United States
2059 Armed Forces or a reserve component thereof who was serving on
2060 active duty at the time of death.
2061 (c) An honorably discharged veteran of the United States
2062 Armed Forces or a veteran of a reserve component thereof who
2063 served on active duty and the spouse or surviving spouse of such
2064 a veteran.
2065 Section 54. This act shall take effect July 1, 2018.