Bill Text: FL S1884 | 2018 | Regular Session | Introduced
NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft
Bill Title: Military and Veterans Affairs
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 23-13-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-03-02 - Laid on Table, refer to CS/HB 29 [S1884 Detail]
Download: Florida-2018-S1884-Introduced.html
Bill Title: Military and Veterans Affairs
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 23-13-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2018-03-02 - Laid on Table, refer to CS/HB 29 [S1884 Detail]
Download: Florida-2018-S1884-Introduced.html
Florida Senate - 2018 SB 1884
By Senator Broxson
1-01587-18 20181884__
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 for a trade,
5 occupation, or profession of persons ordered into
6 active duty or state active duty; amending s. 446.041,
7 F.S.; providing duties of the Department of Education
8 with respect to veteran outreach efforts; amending s.
9 446.081, F.S.; providing construction; amending s.
10 455.02, F.S.; requiring the Department of Business and
11 Professional Regulation to waive certain fees for
12 certain individuals; amending s. 456.024, F.S.;
13 revising licensure eligibility requirements;
14 specifying conditions under which a spouse of a person
15 serving on active duty in the United States Armed
16 Forces has a defense to a citation and cause of action
17 brought due to the unlicensed practice of a health
18 care profession; 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 under specified circumstances;
22 revising formats for certain applications; amending
23 ss. 494.00312 and 494.00313, F.S.; requiring the
24 Office of Financial Regulation to waive certain fees
25 for loan originator licensure; amending s. 497.140,
26 F.S.; providing an exemption from the special
27 unlicensed activity fee; amending s. 497.141, F.S.;
28 conforming a provision to changes made by the act;
29 amending s. 497.142, F.S.; requiring the licensing
30 authority to waive fingerprinting requirements for
31 certain individuals seeking licensure under ch. 497,
32 F.S.; amending ss. 497.281, 497.368, 497.369, 497.370,
33 497.371, 497.373, 497.374, and 497.375, F.S.;
34 providing exemptions from certain fees; creating s.
35 497.393, F.S.; authorizing the licensing authority to
36 recognize certain military-issued credentials for
37 purposes of licensure; amending ss. 497.453, 497.466,
38 and 497.554, F.S.; providing exemptions from certain
39 fees; amending s. 497.602, F.S.; providing an
40 exemption from an application fee for direct
41 disposers; authorizing the licensing authority to
42 recognize certain military-issued credentials for
43 purposes of licensure; amending s. 501.015, F.S.;
44 requiring the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
45 Services to waive certain fees for specified health
46 studios; prescribing the format of the waiver
47 application; amending ss. 501.605, 501.607, 501.609,
48 and 507.03, F.S.; requiring the Department of
49 Agriculture and Consumer Services to waive certain
50 fees for certain licensees; prescribing the format of
51 the waiver application; amending s. 517.12, F.S.;
52 requiring the Office of Financial Regulation to waive
53 certain fees for certain individuals; amending ss.
54 527.02 and 539.001, F.S.; requiring the Department of
55 Agriculture and Consumer Services to waive certain
56 licensing fees regarding licensure for the sale of
57 liquefied petroleum gas and pawnbroking, respectively,
58 for certain individuals; amending ss. 559.904 and
59 559.928, F.S.; requiring the Department of Agriculture
60 and Consumer Services to waive certain registration
61 fees for motor vehicle repair shops and sellers of
62 travel, respectively, under certain circumstances;
63 amending ss. 626.025, 626.171, 626.172, 626.202,
64 626.292, and 626.321, F.S.; requiring the Department
65 of Financial Services to waive certain fingerprinting
66 requirements for certain individuals; amending ss.
67 626.732, 626.7355, 626.7851, 626.8311, and 626.8417,
68 F.S.; revising prelicensure course requirements for
69 certain applicants; amending ss. 626.8732 and
70 626.8734, F.S.; requiring the Department of Financial
71 Services to waive certain fingerprinting requirements
72 for certain applicants; amending ss. 626.927 and
73 626.9272; providing that prelicensure course
74 requirements do not apply to certain applicants;
75 amending s. 626.9912, F.S.; requiring the department
76 to waive certain fingerprinting requirements for
77 certain applicants for a viatical settlement provider
78 license; amending ss. 633.304 and 633.332, F.S.;
79 authorizing the Division of State Fire Marshal to
80 extend the period within which reexamination for
81 certain certifications is not required for certain
82 persons; amending s. 633.412, F.S.; requiring the
83 Department of Financial Services to waive
84 fingerprinting requirements for certain persons;
85 amending s. 633.414, F.S.; authorizing an extension
86 for firefighter certification renewal for certain
87 persons; amending s. 633.444, F.S.; requiring the
88 Division of State Fire Marshal to waive certain
89 expenses associated with attending the Florida State
90 Fire College for certain individuals; amending ss.
91 648.34 and 648.355, F.S.; requiring the Department of
92 Financial Services to waive certain fingerprinting
93 requirements for certain applicants; creating s.
94 683.147, F.S.; designating March 25 of each year as
95 “Medal of Honor Day”; authorizing the Governor to
96 issue a proclamation in recognizing such observance;
97 amending s. 1002.37, F.S.; revising the list of
98 students who must be given priority by the Florida
99 Virtual School; amending s. 1003.42, F.S.; providing
100 for a character development program that incorporates
101 the values of recipients of the Congressional Medal of
102 Honor; amending s. 1012.55, F.S.; requiring the
103 Department of Education to issue a temporary
104 certificate in educational leadership to certain
105 persons; revising certain exemptions from requirements
106 for teacher certification for certain individuals;
107 authorizing instructors of junior reserve officer
108 training to receive funding through the Florida
109 Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program; amending
110 s. 1012.56, F.S.; requiring the State Board of
111 Education to adopt certain rules; amending s. 1012.59,
112 F.S.; requiring the State Board of Education to waive
113 certain certification fees for certain individuals;
114 providing an effective date.
115
116 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
117
118 Section 1. Section 250.483, Florida Statutes, is created to
119 read:
120 250.483 Active duty; licensure or qualification.—
121 (1) If a member of the Florida National Guard or the United
122 States Armed Forces Reserves seeking licensure or qualification
123 for a trade, occupation, or profession is ordered into state
124 active duty or active duty as defined in this chapter, and his
125 or her period of training, study, apprenticeship, or practical
126 experience is interrupted or the start thereof is delayed, he or
127 she is entitled to licensure or qualification under the laws
128 covering his or her licensure or qualification at the time of
129 entrance into active duty pursuant to subsection (2).
130 (2) A board of examiners or other qualification board
131 regulated under general law shall accept periods of training and
132 practical experience in the Florida National Guard or the United
133 States Armed Forces Reserves in place of the interrupted or
134 delayed periods of training, study, apprenticeship, or practical
135 experience if the board finds the standard and type of work or
136 training performed in the Florida National Guard or the United
137 States Armed Forces Reserves to be substantially the same as the
138 standard and type required under the laws of this state.
139 (3) A member of the National Guard or the United States
140 Armed Forces Reserves must request licensure or qualification
141 pursuant to this section by the respective board of examiners or
142 other qualification board within 6 months after release from
143 active duty with the Florida National Guard or the United States
144 Armed Forces Reserves.
145 Section 2. Present subsections (7) through (12) of section
146 446.041, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (8)
147 through (13), respectively, and a new subsection (7) is added to
148 that section, to read:
149 446.041 Apprenticeship program, duties of the department.
150 The department shall:
151 (7) Lead and coordinate outreach efforts to educate
152 veterans about apprenticeship and career opportunities.
153 Section 3. Subsection (4) is added to section 446.081,
154 Florida Statutes, to read:
155 446.081 Limitation.—
156 (4) Nothing in ss. 446.011-446.092 or in any rules adopted
157 or contained in any approved apprentice agreement under such
158 sections invalidates any special provision for veterans,
159 minority persons, or women in the standards, qualifications, or
160 operation of the apprenticeship program which is not otherwise
161 prohibited by any applicable general law, rule, or regulation.
162 Section 4. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 455.02,
163 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
164 455.02 Licensure of members of the Armed Forces in good
165 standing and their spouses or surviving spouses with
166 administrative boards or programs.—
167 (1) Any member of the United States Armed Forces of the
168 United States now or hereafter on active duty who, at the time
169 of becoming such a member, was in good standing with any of the
170 boards or programs listed in s. 20.165 and was entitled to
171 practice or engage in his or her profession or occupation
172 vocation in the state shall be kept in good standing by the
173 applicable board or program, without registering, paying dues or
174 fees, or performing any other act on his or her part to be
175 performed, as long as he or she is a member of the United States
176 Armed Forces of the United States on active duty and for a
177 period of 2 years after discharge from active duty as a member
178 of the Armed Forces of the United States, if he or she is not
179 engaged in his or her licensed profession or vocation in the
180 private sector for profit. A member, during active duty and for
181 a period of 2 years after discharge from active duty, engaged in
182 his or her licensed profession or occupation in the private
183 sector for profit in this state must complete all license
184 renewal provisions except remitting the license renewal fee,
185 which shall be waived by the department.
186 (2) A spouse of a member of the Armed Services of the
187 United States Armed Forces who is married to a member during a
188 period of active duty, or a surviving spouse of a member who at
189 the time of death was serving on active duty, who is in good
190 standing with any of the boards or programs listed in s. 20.165
191 shall be kept in good standing by the applicable board or
192 program as described in subsection (1) and shall be exempt from
193 licensure renewal provisions, but only in cases of his or her
194 absence from the state because of his or her spouse’s duties
195 with the United States Armed Forces. The department or the
196 appropriate board or program shall waive any license renewal fee
197 for such spouse when he or she is present in this state because
198 of such member’s active duty and for a surviving spouse of a
199 member who at the time of death was serving on active duty and
200 died within the 2 years preceding the date of renewal.
201 Section 5. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (3) and
202 paragraph (j) of subsection (4) of section 456.024, Florida
203 Statutes, are amended, and subsection (5) is added to that
204 section, to read:
205 456.024 Members of Armed Forces in good standing with
206 administrative boards or the department; spouses; licensure.—
207 (3)(a) A person is eligible for licensure as a health care
208 practitioner in this state if he or she:
209 1. Serves or has served as a health care practitioner in
210 the United States Armed Forces, the United States Reserve
211 Forces, or the National Guard;
212 2. Serves or has served on active duty with the United
213 States Armed Forces as a health care practitioner in the United
214 States Public Health Service; or
215 3. Is a health care practitioner, other than a dentist, in
216 another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or
217 territory of the United States and is the spouse of a person
218 serving on active duty with the United States Armed Forces.
219
220 The department shall develop an application form, and each
221 board, or the department if there is no board, shall waive the
222 application fee, licensure fee, and unlicensed activity fee for
223 such applicants. For purposes of this subsection, “health care
224 practitioner” means a health care practitioner as defined in s.
225 456.001 and a person licensed under part III of chapter 401 or
226 part IV of chapter 468.
227 (b) The board, or the department if there is no board,
228 shall issue a license to practice in this state to a person who:
229 1. Submits a complete application.
230 2. If he or she is a member of the United States Armed
231 Forces, the United States Reserve Forces, or the National Guard,
232 submits proof that he or she has received an honorable discharge
233 within 6 months before, or will receive an honorable discharge
234 within 6 months after, the date of submission of the
235 application.
236 3.a. Holds an active, unencumbered license issued by
237 another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or
238 territory of the United States and who has not had disciplinary
239 action taken against him or her in the 5 years preceding the
240 date of submission of the application;
241 b. Is a military health care practitioner in a profession
242 for which licensure in a state or jurisdiction is not required
243 to practice in the United States Armed Forces, if he or she
244 submits to the department evidence of military training or
245 experience substantially equivalent to the requirements for
246 licensure in this state in that profession and evidence that he
247 or she has obtained a passing score on the appropriate
248 examination of a national or regional standards organization if
249 required for licensure in this state; or
250 c. Is the spouse of a person serving on active duty in the
251 United States Armed Forces and is a health care practitioner in
252 a profession, excluding dentistry, for which licensure in
253 another state or jurisdiction is not required, if he or she
254 submits to the department evidence of training or experience
255 substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure in
256 this state in that profession and evidence that he or she has
257 obtained a passing score on the appropriate examination of a
258 national or regional standards organization if required for
259 licensure in this state.
260 4. Attests that he or she is not, at the time of submission
261 of the application, the subject of a disciplinary proceeding in
262 a jurisdiction in which he or she holds a license or by the
263 United States Department of Defense for reasons related to the
264 practice of the profession for which he or she is applying.
265 5. Actively practiced the profession for which he or she is
266 applying for the 3 years preceding the date of submission of the
267 application.
268 6. Submits a set of fingerprints for a background screening
269 pursuant to s. 456.0135, if required for the profession for
270 which he or she is applying.
271
272 The department shall verify information submitted by the
273 applicant under this subsection using the National Practitioner
274 Data Bank.
275 (4)
276 (j) An applicant who is issued a temporary professional
277 license to practice as a dentist pursuant to this section must
278 practice under the indirect supervision, as defined in s.
279 466.003, of a dentist licensed pursuant to chapter 466.
280 (5) The spouse of a person serving on active duty with the
281 United States Armed Forces has a defense to any citation and
282 related cause of action brought under s. 456.065 if the
283 following conditions are met:
284 (a) The spouse holds an active, unencumbered license issued
285 by another state or jurisdiction to provide health care services
286 for which there is no equivalent license in this state.
287 (b) The spouse is providing health care services within the
288 scope of practice of the out-of-state license.
289 (c) The training or experience required by the out-of-state
290 license is substantially similar to the license requirements to
291 practice a similar health care profession in this state.
292 Section 6. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
293 472.015, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
294 472.015 Licensure.—
295 (3)
296 (b) The department shall waive the initial license fee for
297 an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
298 Forces;, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran; a
299 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
300 on active duty or the spouse of such a member; the surviving
301 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces who died
302 while serving on active duty;, or a business entity that has a
303 majority ownership held by such a veteran, or spouse, or
304 surviving spouse, if the department receives an application, in
305 a format prescribed by the department. The application format
306 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
307 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
308 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
309 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
310 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
311 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
312 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
313 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
314 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
315 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
316 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
317 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
318 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
319 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
320 veteran at the time of discharge; or
321 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
322 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
323 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
324 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
325 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
326 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
327 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
328 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
329 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
330 Section 7. Section 472.016, Florida Statutes, is amended to
331 read:
332 472.016 Members of Armed Forces in good standing with the
333 board.—
334 (1) Any member of the United States Armed Forces of the
335 United States who is now or in the future on active duty and
336 who, at the time of becoming such a member of the United States
337 Armed Forces, was in good standing with the board and entitled
338 to practice or engage in surveying and mapping in the state
339 shall be kept in good standing by the board, without
340 registering, paying dues or fees, or performing any other act on
341 his or her part to be performed, as long as he or she is a
342 member of the United States Armed Forces of the United States on
343 active duty and for a period of 2 years 6 months after discharge
344 from active duty, provided that he or she is not engaged in the
345 practice of surveying or mapping in the private sector for
346 profit. A member, during active duty and for a period of 2 years
347 after discharge from active duty, engaged in the practice of
348 surveying or mapping in the private sector for profit in this
349 state must complete all licensure renewal provisions except
350 remitting the license renewal fee, which shall be waived by the
351 department.
352 (2) The board shall adopt rules exempting the spouses of
353 members of the United States Armed Forces of the United States
354 from licensure renewal provisions, but only in cases of absence
355 from the state because of their spouses’ duties with the United
356 States Armed Forces. The department or the appropriate board or
357 program shall waive any license renewal fee for the spouse of a
358 member of the United States Armed Forces when such member is
359 present in this state because of the member’s active duty with
360 the United States Armed Forces, and for the surviving spouse of
361 a member who at the time of death was serving on active duty and
362 died within the 2 years preceding the date of renewal.
363 Section 8. Subsection (1) of section 493.6105, Florida
364 Statutes, is amended to read:
365 493.6105 Initial application for license.—
366 (1) Each individual, partner, or principal officer in a
367 corporation, shall file with the department a complete
368 application accompanied by an application fee not to exceed $60,
369 except that an the applicant for a Class “D” or Class “G”
370 license is not required to submit an application fee. An
371 application fee is not required for an applicant who qualifies
372 for the fee waiver in s. 493.6107(6). The application fee is not
373 refundable.
374 (a) The application submitted by any individual, partner,
375 or corporate officer must be approved by the department before
376 the individual, partner, or corporate officer assumes his or her
377 duties.
378 (b) Individuals who invest in the ownership of a licensed
379 agency but do not participate in, direct, or control the
380 operations of the agency are not required to file an
381 application.
382 (c) The initial application fee for a veteran, as defined
383 in s. 1.01, shall be waived if he or she applies for a Class
384 “C,” Class “CC,” Class “DI,” Class “E,” Class “EE,” Class “K,”
385 Class “M,” Class “MA,” Class “MB,” Class “MR,” or Class “RI”
386 license within 24 months after being discharged from a branch of
387 the United States Armed Forces. An eligible veteran must include
388 a copy of his or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States
389 Department of Defense, or another acceptable form of
390 identification as specified by the Department of Veterans’
391 Affairs with his or her application in order to obtain a waiver.
392 Section 9. Subsection (6) of section 493.6107, Florida
393 Statutes, is amended to read:
394 493.6107 Fees.—
395 (6) The initial application license fee for a veteran, as
396 defined in s. 1.01, the spouse or surviving spouse of such
397 veteran, a member of the United States Armed Forces who has
398 served on active duty, or the spouse or surviving spouse of such
399 member who at the time of death was serving on active duty and
400 died within the 2 years preceding the initial application, must
401 shall be waived if he or she applies for a Class “C,” Class
402 “CC,” Class “DI,” Class “E,” Class “EE,” Class “K,” Class “M,”
403 Class “MA,” Class “MB,” Class “MR,” or Class “RI” license in a
404 format prescribed by the department. The application format must
405 include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and
406 supporting documentation Class “M” or Class “K” license within
407 24 months after being discharged from any branch of the United
408 States Armed Forces. An eligible veteran must include a copy of
409 his or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States
410 Department of Defense, or another acceptable form of
411 identification as specified by the Department of Veterans’
412 Affairs with his or her application in order to obtain a waiver.
413
414 A licensee seeking such a waiver must apply in a format
415 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
416 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
417 documentation.
418 Section 10. Subsection (7) is added to section 493.6113,
419 Florida Statutes, to read:
420 493.6113 Renewal application for licensure.—
421 (7) The department shall waive the respective fees for a
422 licensee who:
423 (a) Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
424 Forces or the spouse of such member;
425 (b) Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces
426 and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
427 expiration date of the license. A licensee who is a former
428 member of the United States Armed Forces who served on active
429 duty within the 2 years preceding the application must have
430 received an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge
431 from the United States Armed Forces; or
432 (c) Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
433 States Armed Forces who was serving on active duty at the time
434 of death and died within the 2 years preceding the expiration
435 date of the license.
436
437 A licensee seeking such a waiver must apply in a format
438 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
439 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
440 documentation.
441 Section 11. Subsection (8) is added to section 494.00312,
442 Florida Statutes, to read:
443 494.00312 Loan originator license.—
444 (8) The office shall waive the fees required by paragraph
445 (2)(e) for an applicant who:
446 (a) Is or was an active duty member of the United States
447 Armed Forces. To qualify for the fee waiver, an applicant who is
448 a former member of the United States Armed Forces must have
449 received an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge
450 from the United States Armed Forces;
451 (b) Is married to a current or former member of the United
452 States Armed Forces and is or was married to the member during
453 any period of active duty; or
454 (c) Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
455 States Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at
456 the time of death.
457
458 An applicant seeking such a fee waiver must submit proof, in a
459 form prescribed by commission rule, that the applicant meets one
460 of the qualifications in this subsection.
461 Section 12. Subsection (4) is added to section 494.00313,
462 Florida Statutes, to read:
463 494.00313 Loan originator license renewal.—
464 (4) The office shall waive the fees required by paragraph
465 (1)(b) for a loan originator who:
466 (a) Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
467 Forces or the spouse of such member;
468 (b) Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces
469 and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
470 expiration date of the license pursuant to s. 494.00312(7). To
471 qualify for the fee waiver, a loan originator who is a former
472 member of the United States Armed Forces who served on active
473 duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of the
474 license must have received an honorable discharge upon
475 separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
476 (c) Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
477 States Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at
478 the time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
479 surviving spouse’s license expiration date pursuant to s.
480 494.00312(7).
481
482 A loan originator seeking such a fee waiver must submit proof,
483 in a form prescribed by commission rule, that the loan
484 originator meets one of the qualifications in this subsection.
485 Section 13. Paragraph (a) of subsection (6) of section
486 497.140, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
487 497.140 Fees.—
488 (6)(a)1. The department shall impose, upon initial
489 licensure and each renewal thereof, a special unlicensed
490 activity fee of $5 per licensee, in addition to all other fees
491 provided for in this chapter. Such fee shall be used by the
492 department to fund efforts to identify and combat unlicensed
493 activity which violates this chapter. Such fee shall be in
494 addition to all other fees collected from each licensee and
495 shall be deposited in a separate account of the Regulatory Trust
496 Fund; however, the department is not limited to the funds in
497 such an account for combating improper unlicensed activity in
498 violation of this chapter.
499 2. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
500 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
501 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding the
502 application for licensure are exempt from the special unlicensed
503 activity fee associated with initial licensure. To qualify for
504 the fee exemption under this subparagraph, a licensee must
505 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
506 dependent identification card, military service record, military
507 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
508 document that indicates that such member is currently in good
509 standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
510 Section 14. Subsection (4) of section 497.141, Florida
511 Statutes, is amended to read:
512 497.141 Licensing; general application procedures.—
513 (4) Before the issuance of any license, the department
514 shall collect such initial fee as specified by this chapter or,
515 where authorized, by rule of the board, unless an applicant is
516 exempted as specified in this chapter. Upon receipt of a
517 completed application and the appropriate fee, and certification
518 by the board that the applicant meets the applicable
519 requirements of law and rules, the department shall issue the
520 license applied for. However, an applicant who is not otherwise
521 qualified for licensure is not entitled to licensure solely
522 based on a passing score on a required examination.
523 Section 15. Subsection (12) of section 497.142, Florida
524 Statutes, is amended to read:
525 497.142 Licensing; fingerprinting and criminal background
526 checks.—
527 (12) The licensing authority may by rule establish forms,
528 procedures, and fees for the submission and processing of
529 fingerprints required to be submitted in accordance with this
530 chapter. The licensing authority may by rule waive the
531 requirement for submission of fingerprints otherwise required by
532 this chapter if the person has within the preceding 24 months
533 submitted fingerprints to the licensing authority and the
534 licensing authority has obtained a criminal history report
535 utilizing those prior fingerprints. The cost for the fingerprint
536 processing shall be paid to the Department of Law Enforcement
537 and may be borne by the Department of Financial Services, the
538 employer, or the person subject to the background check. The
539 licensing authority shall waive fingerprint requirements if the
540 licensee is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States
541 Armed Forces and applies for licensure within 2 years after
542 discharge.
543 Section 16. Subsection (1) of section 497.281, Florida
544 Statutes, is amended to read:
545 497.281 Licensure of brokers of burial rights.—
546 (1)(a) No person shall receive compensation to act as a
547 third party to the sale or transfer of three or more burial
548 rights in a 12-month period unless the person pays a license fee
549 as determined by licensing authority rule but not to exceed $250
550 and is licensed with the department as a burial rights broker in
551 accordance with this section.
552 (b) A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
553 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
554 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
555 application for licensure are exempt from the initial license
556 fee. To qualify for the license fee exemption, an applicant must
557 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
558 dependent identification card, military service record, military
559 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
560 document that indicates such member is currently in good
561 standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
562 Section 17. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
563 (3) of section 497.368, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
564 497.368 Embalmers; licensure as an embalmer by examination;
565 provisional license.—
566 (1) Any person desiring to be licensed as an embalmer shall
567 apply to the licensing authority to take the licensure
568 examination. The licensing authority shall examine each
569 applicant who has remitted an examination fee set by rule of the
570 licensing authority not to exceed $200 plus the actual per
571 applicant cost to the licensing authority for portions of the
572 examination and who has:
573 (a) Completed the application form and remitted a
574 nonrefundable application fee set by the licensing authority not
575 to exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
576 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
577 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
578 application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
579 To qualify for the application fee exemption, an applicant must
580 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
581 dependent identification card, military service record, military
582 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
583 document that indicates such member is currently in good
584 standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
585 (3) Any applicant who has completed the required 1-year
586 internship and has been approved for examination as an embalmer
587 may qualify for a provisional license to work in a licensed
588 funeral establishment, under the direct supervision of a
589 licensed embalmer for a limited period of 6 months as provided
590 by rule of the licensing authority. The fee for provisional
591 licensure shall be set by rule of the licensing authority, but
592 may not exceed $200, and shall be nonrefundable and in addition
593 to the fee required in subsection (1). This provisional license
594 may be renewed no more than one time. A member of the United
595 States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the
596 United States Armed Forces who separated from service within the
597 2 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
598 initial provisional licensure fee. To qualify for the initial
599 provisional licensure fee exemption, an applicant must provide a
600 copy of a military identification card, military dependent
601 identification card, military service record, military personnel
602 file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation document
603 that indicates such member is currently in good standing or such
604 veteran was honorably discharged.
605 Section 18. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
606 (5) of section 497.369, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
607 497.369 Embalmers; licensure as an embalmer by endorsement;
608 licensure of a temporary embalmer.—
609 (1) The licensing authority shall issue a license by
610 endorsement to practice embalming to an applicant who has
611 remitted an examination fee set by rule of the licensing
612 authority not to exceed $200 and who the licensing authority
613 certifies:
614 (a) Has completed the application form and remitted a
615 nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing
616 authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States
617 Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
618 States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
619 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
620 application fee. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
621 an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
622 card, military dependent identification card, military service
623 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
624 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
625 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
626 discharged.
627 (5)(a) There may be adopted by the licensing authority
628 rules authorizing an applicant who has met the requirements of
629 paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and who is awaiting an opportunity to
630 take the examination required by subsection (4) to be licensed
631 as a temporary licensed embalmer. A temporary licensed embalmer
632 may work as an embalmer in a licensed funeral establishment
633 under the general supervision of a licensed embalmer. Such
634 temporary license shall expire 60 days after the date of the
635 next available examination required under subsection (4);
636 however, the temporary license may be renewed one time under the
637 same conditions as initial issuance. The fee for issuance or
638 renewal of an embalmer temporary license shall be set by rule of
639 the licensing authority but may not exceed $200. The fee
640 required in this subsection shall be nonrefundable and in
641 addition to the fee required in subsection (1).
642 (b) A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
643 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
644 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
645 application for licensure are exempt from the initial issuance
646 fee. To qualify for the initial issuance fee exemption, an
647 applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
648 military dependent identification card, military service record,
649 military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
650 separation document that indicates such member is currently in
651 good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
652 Section 19. Subsection (1) of section 497.370, Florida
653 Statutes, is amended to read:
654 497.370 Embalmers; licensure of an embalmer intern.—
655 (1)(a) Any person desiring to become an embalmer intern
656 shall make application to the licensing authority on forms
657 specified by rule, together with a nonrefundable fee determined
658 by rule of the licensing authority but not to exceed $200.
659 (b) A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
660 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
661 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
662 application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
663 To qualify for the application fee exemption under this
664 paragraph, an applicant must provide a copy of a military
665 identification card, military dependent identification card,
666 military service record, military personnel file, veteran
667 record, discharge paper, or separation document that indicates
668 such member is currently in good standing or such veteran was
669 honorably discharged.
670
671 The application shall indicate the name and address of the
672 licensed embalmer under whose supervision the intern will
673 receive training and the name of the licensed funeral
674 establishment or centralized embalming facility where such
675 training is to be conducted. The embalmer intern shall intern
676 under the direct supervision of a licensed embalmer who has an
677 active, valid license under s. 497.368 or s. 497.369.
678 Section 20. Section 497.371, Florida Statutes, is amended
679 to read:
680 497.371 Embalmers; establishment of embalmer apprentice
681 program.—
682 (1) The licensing authority adopts rules establishing an
683 embalmer apprentice program. An embalmer apprentice may perform
684 only those tasks, functions, and duties relating to embalming
685 which are performed under the direct supervision of an embalmer
686 who has an active, valid license under s. 497.368 or s. 497.369.
687 An embalmer apprentice is eligible to serve in an apprentice
688 capacity for a period not to exceed 3 years as may be determined
689 by licensing authority rule or for a period not to exceed 5
690 years if the apprentice is enrolled in and attending a course in
691 mortuary science or funeral service education at any mortuary
692 college or funeral service education college or school. An
693 embalmer apprentice shall be issued a license upon payment of a
694 licensure fee as determined by licensing authority rule but not
695 to exceed $200.
696 (2) 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 licensure fee. To
700 qualify for the licensure fee exemption under this subsection,
701 an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
702 card, military dependent identification card, military service
703 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
704 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
705 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
706 discharged.
707
708 An applicant for the embalmer apprentice program may not be
709 issued a license unless the licensing authority determines that
710 the applicant is of good character and has not demonstrated a
711 history of lack of trustworthiness or integrity in business or
712 professional matters.
713 Section 21. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
714 (3) of section 497.373, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
715 497.373 Funeral directing; licensure as a funeral director
716 by examination; provisional license.—
717 (1) Any person desiring to be licensed as a funeral
718 director shall apply to the licensing authority to take the
719 licensure examination. The licensing authority shall examine
720 each applicant who has remitted an examination fee set by rule
721 of the licensing authority not to exceed $200 plus the actual
722 per applicant cost to the licensing authority for portions of
723 the examination and who the licensing authority certifies has:
724 (a) Completed the application form and remitted a
725 nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing
726 authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States
727 Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
728 States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
729 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
730 application fee. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
731 an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
732 card, military dependent identification card, military service
733 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
734 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
735 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
736 discharged.
737 (3) Any applicant who has completed the required 1-year
738 internship and has been approved for examination as a funeral
739 director may qualify for a provisional license to work in a
740 licensed funeral establishment, under the direct supervision of
741 a licensed funeral director for 6 months as provided by rule of
742 the licensing authority. However, a provisional licensee may
743 work under the general supervision of a licensed funeral
744 director upon passage of the laws and rules examination required
745 under paragraph (2)(b). The fee for provisional licensure shall
746 be set by rule of the licensing authority but may not exceed
747 $200. The fee required in this subsection shall be nonrefundable
748 and in addition to the fee required by subsection (1). This
749 provisional license may be renewed no more than one time. A
750 member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse,
751 and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who separated
752 from service within the 2 years preceding application for
753 licensure are exempt from the initial provisional licensure fee.
754 To qualify for the initial provisional licensure fee exemption,
755 a licensee must provide a copy of a military identification
756 card, military dependent identification card, military service
757 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
758 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
759 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
760 discharged.
761 Section 22. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) and subsection
762 (5) of section 497.374, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
763 497.374 Funeral directing; licensure as a funeral director
764 by endorsement; licensure of a temporary funeral director.—
765 (1) The licensing authority shall issue a license by
766 endorsement to practice funeral directing to an applicant who
767 has remitted a fee set by rule of the licensing authority not to
768 exceed $200 and who:
769 (a) Has completed the application form and remitted a
770 nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing
771 authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States
772 Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
773 States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
774 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
775 nonrefundable application fee. To qualify for the exemption, an
776 applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
777 military dependent identification card, military service record,
778 military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
779 separation document that indicates such member is currently in
780 good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
781 (5) There may be adopted rules authorizing an applicant who
782 has met the requirements of paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) and who is
783 awaiting an opportunity to take the examination required by
784 subsection (4) to obtain a license as a temporary funeral
785 director. A licensed temporary funeral director may work as a
786 funeral director in a licensed funeral establishment under the
787 general supervision of a funeral director licensed under
788 subsection (1) or s. 497.373. Such license shall expire 60 days
789 after the date of the next available examination required under
790 subsection (4); however, the temporary license may be renewed
791 one time under the same conditions as initial issuance. The fee
792 for initial issuance or renewal of a temporary license under
793 this subsection shall be set by rule of the licensing authority
794 but may not exceed $200. The fee required in this subsection
795 shall be nonrefundable and in addition to the fee required in
796 subsection (1). A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
797 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
798 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
799 application for licensure are exempt from the initial issuance
800 fee. To qualify for the initial issuance fee exemption, an
801 applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card,
802 military dependent identification card, military service record,
803 military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or
804 separation document that indicates such member is currently in
805 good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
806 Section 23. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
807 497.375, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
808 497.375 Funeral directing; licensure of a funeral director
809 intern.—
810 (1)(a) Any person desiring to become a funeral director
811 intern must apply to the licensing authority on forms prescribed
812 by rule of the licensing authority, together with a
813 nonrefundable fee set by rule of the licensing authority not to
814 exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such
815 member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces
816 who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
817 application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
818 To qualify for the application fee exemption, an applicant must
819 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
820 dependent identification card, military service record, military
821 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
822 document that indicates such member is currently in good
823 standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
824 Section 24. Section 497.393, Florida Statutes, is created
825 to read:
826 497.393 Licensure; military-issued credentials for
827 licensure.—The licensing authority shall recognize military
828 issued credentials relating to funeral and cemetery services for
829 purposes of licensure as a funeral director or embalmer.
830 Section 25. Paragraph (n) of subsection (1) of section
831 497.453, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
832 497.453 Application for preneed license, procedures and
833 criteria; renewal; reports.—
834 (1) PRENEED LICENSE APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—
835 (n) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable
836 fee as determined by licensing authority rule but not to exceed
837 $500. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s
838 spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who
839 separated from service within the 2 years preceding application
840 for licensure are exempt from the application fee. To qualify
841 for the application fee exemption, an applicant must provide a
842 copy of a military identification card, military dependent
843 identification card, military service record, military personnel
844 file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation document
845 that indicates such member is currently in good standing or such
846 veteran was honorably discharged.
847 Section 26. Paragraph (h) of subsection (2) of section
848 497.466, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
849 497.466 Preneed sales agents, license required; application
850 procedures and criteria; appointment of agents; responsibility
851 of preneed licensee.—
852 (2) PRENEED SALES AGENT LICENSE; APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—
853 (h) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable
854 fee of $150 if made through the department’s online licensing
855 system or $175 if made using paper forms. Payment of either fee
856 shall entitle the applicant to one initial appointment without
857 payment of further fees by the preneed sales agent or the
858 appointing preneed licensee if a preneed sales agent license is
859 issued. The licensing authority may from time to time increase
860 such fees but not to exceed $300. A member of the United States
861 Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United
862 States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2
863 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the
864 application fee. To qualify for the application fee exemption,
865 an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification
866 card, military dependent identification card, military service
867 record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge
868 paper, or separation document that indicates such member is
869 currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably
870 discharged.
871 Section 27. Paragraph (e) of subsection (2) of section
872 497.554, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
873 497.554 Monument establishment sales representatives.—
874 (2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—Licensure as a monument
875 establishment sales agent shall be by submission of an
876 application for licensure to the department on a form prescribed
877 by rule.
878 (e) The monument establishment sales agent application
879 shall be accompanied by a fee of $50. The licensing authority
880 may from time to time increase the application fee by rule but
881 not to exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces,
882 such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed
883 Forces who separated from service within the 2 years preceding
884 application for licensure are exempt from the application fee.
885 To qualify for the application fee exemption, an applicant must
886 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
887 dependent identification card, military service record, military
888 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
889 document that indicates such member is currently in good
890 standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.
891 Section 28. Paragraph (i) of subsection (2) and subsection
892 (4) of section 497.602, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
893 497.602 Direct disposers, license required; licensing
894 procedures and criteria; regulation.—
895 (2) APPLICATION PROCEDURES.—
896 (i) The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable
897 fee of $300. The licensing authority may from time to time
898 increase the fee by rule but not to exceed more than $500. A
899 member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse,
900 and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who separated
901 from service within the 2 years preceding application for
902 licensure are exempt from the application fee. To qualify for
903 the application fee exemption, an applicant must provide a copy
904 of a military identification card, military dependent
905 identification card, military service record, military personnel
906 file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation document
907 that indicates such member is currently in good standing or such
908 veteran was honorably discharged.
909 (4) ISSUANCE OF LICENSE.—Upon approval of the application
910 by the licensing authority, the license shall be issued. The
911 licensing authority shall recognize military-issued credentials
912 relating to funeral and cemetery services for purposes of
913 licensure as a direct disposer.
914 Section 29. Subsection (2) of section 501.015, Florida
915 Statutes, is amended to read:
916 501.015 Health studios; registration requirements and
917 fees.—Each health studio shall:
918 (2) Remit an annual registration fee of $300 to the
919 department at the time of registration for each of the health
920 studio’s business locations.
921 (a) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
922 for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
923 Forces;, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran; a
924 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
925 on active duty; the spouse of such a member; the surviving
926 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
927 member died while serving on active duty;, or a business entity
928 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran, or spouse,
929 or surviving spouse, if the department receives an application,
930 in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
931 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
932 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
933 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
934 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
935 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
936 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
937 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
938 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
939 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
940 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
941 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
942 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
943 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
944 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
945 veteran at the time of discharge; or
946 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
947 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
948 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
949 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
950 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
951 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
952 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
953 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
954 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
955 (b) The department shall waive the registration renewal fee
956 for a registrant who:
957 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
958 Forces or the spouse of such member;
959 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
960 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
961 date. To qualify for the fee waiver, a registrant who is a
962 former member of the United States Armed Forces who served on
963 active duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of
964 the registration must have received an honorable discharge upon
965 separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
966 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
967 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
968 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the date of
969 renewal.
970
971 A registrant seeking such a waiver must apply in a format
972 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
973 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
974 documentation.
975 Section 30. Paragraph (b) of subsection (5) of section
976 501.605, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
977 501.605 Licensure of commercial telephone sellers and
978 entities providing substance abuse marketing services.—
979 (5) An application filed pursuant to this part must be
980 verified and accompanied by:
981 (b) A fee for licensing in the amount of $1,500. The fee
982 shall be deposited into the General Inspection Trust Fund. The
983 department shall waive the initial license fee for an honorably
984 discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces;, the
985 spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran; a current member
986 of the United States Armed Forces who has served on active duty;
987 the spouse of such a member; the surviving spouse of a member of
988 the United States Armed Forces if such member died while serving
989 on active duty;, or a business entity that has a majority
990 ownership held by such a veteran, or spouse, or surviving
991 spouse, if the department receives an application, in a format
992 prescribed by the department. The application format must
993 include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and
994 supporting documentation, within 60 months after the date of the
995 veteran’s discharge from any branch of the United States Armed
996 Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
997 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
998 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
999 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1000 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1001 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1002 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1003 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1004 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1005 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1006 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1007 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1008 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1009 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1010 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1011 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1012 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1013 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1014 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1015 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1016 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1017 Section 31. Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section
1018 501.607, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1019 501.607 Licensure of salespersons.—
1020 (2) An application filed pursuant to this section must be
1021 verified and be accompanied by:
1022 (b) A fee for licensing in the amount of $50 per
1023 salesperson. The fee shall be deposited into the General
1024 Inspection Trust Fund. The fee for licensing may be paid after
1025 the application is filed, but must be paid within 14 days after
1026 the applicant begins work as a salesperson. The department shall
1027 waive the initial license fee for an honorably discharged
1028 veteran of the United States Armed Forces;, the spouse or
1029 surviving spouse of such a veteran; a current member of the
1030 United States Armed Forces who has served on active duty; the
1031 spouse of such a member; the surviving spouse of a member of the
1032 United States Armed Forces if the member died while serving on
1033 active duty;, or a business entity that has a majority ownership
1034 held by such a veteran, or spouse, or surviving spouse, if the
1035 department receives an application, in a format prescribed by
1036 the department. The application format must include the
1037 applicant’s signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1038 documentation, within 60 months after the date of the veteran’s
1039 discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces. To
1040 qualify for the waiver:,
1041 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1042 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1043 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1044 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1045 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1046 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1047 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1048 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1049 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1050 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1051 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1052 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1053 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1054 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1055 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1056 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1057 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1058 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1059 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1060 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1061 Section 32. Subsection (5) is added to section 501.609,
1062 Florida Statutes, to read:
1063 501.609 License renewal.—
1064 (5) The department shall waive the annual fee to renew for
1065 a licensee who:
1066 (a) Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1067 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1068 (b) Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces
1069 and served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
1070 renewal date. To qualify for the fee waiver, a licensee who is a
1071 former member of the United States Armed Forces who served on
1072 active duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of
1073 the registration must have received an honorable discharge upon
1074 separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
1075 (c) Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United
1076 States Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at
1077 the time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
1078 renewal.
1079
1080 A licensee seeking such a waiver must apply in a format
1081 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
1082 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1083 documentation.
1084 Section 33. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
1085 507.03, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is added
1086 to that subsection, to read:
1087 507.03 Registration.—
1088 (3)
1089 (b) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
1090 for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1091 Forces;, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran; a
1092 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
1093 on active duty; the spouse of such a member; the surviving
1094 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
1095 member died while serving on active duty;, or a business entity
1096 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran, or spouse,
1097 or surviving spouse, if the department receives an application,
1098 in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
1099 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
1100 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
1101 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
1102 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1103 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1104 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1105 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1106 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1107 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1108 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1109 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1110 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1111 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1112 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1113 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1114 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1115 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1116 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1117 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1118 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1119 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1120 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1121 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1122 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1123 (c) The department shall waive the biennial fee to renew
1124 for a registrant who:
1125 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1126 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1127 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1128 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
1129 expiration date. To qualify for the fee waiver, a registrant who
1130 is a former member of the United States Armed Forces who served
1131 on active duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date
1132 of the registration must have received an honorable discharge
1133 upon separation or discharge from the United States Armed
1134 Forces; or
1135 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1136 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1137 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
1138
1139 A registrant seeking such a waiver must apply in a format
1140 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
1141 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1142 documentation.
1143 Section 34. Subsections (10) and (11) of section 517.12,
1144 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1145 517.12 Registration of dealers, associated persons,
1146 intermediaries, and investment advisers.—
1147 (10)(a) An applicant for registration shall pay an
1148 assessment fee of $200, in the case of a dealer or investment
1149 adviser, or $50, in the case of an associated person. An
1150 associated person may be assessed an additional fee to cover the
1151 cost for the fingerprints to be processed by the office. Such
1152 fee shall be determined by rule of the commission. Such fees
1153 become the revenue of the state, except for those assessments
1154 provided for under s. 517.131(1) until such time as the
1155 Securities Guaranty Fund satisfies the statutory limits, and are
1156 not returnable in the event that registration is withdrawn or
1157 not granted.
1158 (b) The office shall waive the $50 assessment fee required
1159 by paragraph (a) of an associated person for an applicant who:
1160 1. Is or was an active duty member of the United States
1161 Armed Forces. To qualify for the fee waiver, an applicant who is
1162 a former member of the United States Armed Forces must have
1163 received an honorable discharge upon separation or discharge
1164 from the United States Armed Forces;
1165 2. Is married to a current or former member of the United
1166 States Armed Forces and is or was married to the member during
1167 any period of active duty; or
1168 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1169 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1170 time of death.
1171
1172 An applicant seeking such a fee waiver must submit proof, in a
1173 form prescribed by commission rule, that the applicant meets one
1174 of the qualifications in this paragraph.
1175 (11)(a) If the office finds that the applicant is of good
1176 repute and character and has complied with the provisions of
1177 this chapter and the rules made pursuant hereto, it shall
1178 register the applicant. The registration of each dealer,
1179 investment adviser, and associated person expires on December 31
1180 of the year the registration became effective unless the
1181 registrant has renewed his or her registration on or before that
1182 date. Registration may be renewed by furnishing such information
1183 as the commission may require, together with payment of the fee
1184 required in paragraph (10)(a) subsection (10) for dealers,
1185 investment advisers, or associated persons and the payment of
1186 any amount lawfully due and owing to the office pursuant to any
1187 order of the office or pursuant to any agreement with the
1188 office. Any dealer, investment adviser, or associated person who
1189 has not renewed a registration by the time the current
1190 registration expires may request reinstatement of such
1191 registration by filing with the office, on or before January 31
1192 of the year following the year of expiration, such information
1193 as may be required by the commission, together with payment of
1194 the fee required in paragraph (10)(a) subsection (10) for
1195 dealers, investment advisers, or associated persons and a late
1196 fee equal to the amount of such fee. Any reinstatement of
1197 registration granted by the office during the month of January
1198 shall be deemed effective retroactive to January 1 of that year.
1199 (b) The office shall waive the $50 assessment fee required
1200 by paragraph (10)(a) of an associated person for a registrant
1201 renewing his or her registration who:
1202 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1203 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1204 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1205 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the
1206 expiration date of the registration pursuant to paragraph (a).
1207 To qualify for the fee waiver, a registrant who is a former
1208 member of the United States Armed Forces who served on active
1209 duty within the 2 years preceding the expiration date of the
1210 registration must have received an honorable discharge upon
1211 separation or discharge from the United States Armed Forces; or
1212 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1213 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1214 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
1215 surviving spouse’s registration expiration date pursuant to
1216 paragraph (a).
1217
1218 A registrant seeking such a fee waiver must submit proof, in a
1219 form prescribed by commission rule, that the registrant meets
1220 one of the qualifications in this paragraph.
1221 Section 35. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
1222 527.02, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is added
1223 to that subsection, to read:
1224 527.02 License; penalty; fees.—
1225 (3)
1226 (b) The department shall waive the initial license fee for
1227 an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1228 Forces;, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran; a
1229 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
1230 on active duty; the spouse of such a member; the surviving
1231 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
1232 member died while serving on active duty;, or a business entity
1233 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran, or spouse
1234 , or surviving spouse, if the department receives an
1235 application, in a format prescribed by the department. The
1236 application format must include the applicant’s signature, under
1237 penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60
1238 months after the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch
1239 of the United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1240 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1241 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1242 Defense or another acceptable form of identification as
1243 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1244 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1245 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1246 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1247 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1248 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1249 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1250 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1251 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1252 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1253 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1254 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1255 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1256 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1257 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1258 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1259 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1260 (c) The department shall waive license renewal fees for a
1261 licensee who:
1262 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1263 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1264 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1265 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
1266 date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
1267 licensee who is a former member of the United States Armed
1268 Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
1269 the annual renewal date must have received an honorable
1270 discharge upon separation or discharge from the United States
1271 Armed Forces; or
1272 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1273 Armed Forces if such member was serving on active duty at the
1274 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the
1275 surviving spouse’s renewal.
1276
1277 A licensee seeking such a waiver must apply in a format
1278 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
1279 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1280 documentation.
1281 Section 36. Paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of section
1282 539.001, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (g) is
1283 added to that subsection, to read:
1284 539.001 The Florida Pawnbroking Act.—
1285 (3) LICENSE REQUIRED.—
1286 (c) Each license is valid for a period of 1 year unless it
1287 is earlier relinquished, suspended, or revoked. Each license
1288 shall be renewed annually, and each licensee shall, initially
1289 and annually thereafter, pay to the agency a license fee of $300
1290 for each license held. The agency shall waive the initial
1291 license fee for an honorably discharged veteran of the United
1292 States Armed Forces;, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a
1293 veteran; a current member of the United States Armed Forces who
1294 has served on active duty; the spouse of such a member; the
1295 surviving spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces
1296 if the member died while serving on active duty;, or a business
1297 entity that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran, or
1298 spouse, or surviving spouse, if the agency receives an
1299 application, in a format prescribed by the agency. The
1300 application format must include the applicant’s signature, under
1301 penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60
1302 months after the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch
1303 of the United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1304 1. A veteran must provide to the agency a copy of his or
1305 her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1306 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1307 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1308 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1309 to the agency a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by
1310 the United States Department of Defense, or another acceptable
1311 form of identification as specified by the Department of
1312 Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1313 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1314 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1315 3. A business entity must provide to the agency proof that
1316 a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran holds a
1317 majority ownership in the business, a copy of the veteran’s DD
1318 Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of Defense,
1319 or another acceptable form of identification as specified by the
1320 Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if applicable, a copy of a
1321 valid marriage license or certificate verifying that the spouse
1322 or surviving spouse of the veteran was lawfully married to the
1323 veteran at the time of discharge.
1324 (g) The agency shall waive license renewal fees for a
1325 licensee who:
1326 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1327 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1328 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1329 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
1330 date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
1331 licensee who is a former member of the United States Armed
1332 Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
1333 the annual renewal date must have received an honorable
1334 discharge upon separation or discharge from the United States
1335 Armed Forces; or
1336 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1337 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1338 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
1339
1340 A licensee seeking such a waiver must apply in a format
1341 prescribed by the agency, including the applicant’s signature,
1342 under penalty of perjury, and supporting documentation.
1343 Section 37. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
1344 559.904, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (c) is
1345 added to that subsection, to read:
1346 559.904 Motor vehicle repair shop registration;
1347 application; exemption.—
1348 (3)
1349 (b) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
1350 for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1351 Forces;, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran; a
1352 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
1353 on active duty; the spouse of such a member; the surviving
1354 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
1355 member died while serving on active duty;, or a business entity
1356 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran, or spouse,
1357 or surviving spouse, if the department receives an application,
1358 in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
1359 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
1360 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
1361 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
1362 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1363 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1364 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1365 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1366 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1367 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1368 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1369 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1370 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1371 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1372 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1373 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1374 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1375 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1376 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1377 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1378 of Defense or another acceptable form of identification as
1379 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1380 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1381 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1382 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1383 (c) The department shall waive registration renewal fees
1384 for a registrant who:
1385 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1386 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1387 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1388 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
1389 date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
1390 registrant who is a former member of the United States Armed
1391 Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
1392 the biennial renewal date must have received an honorable
1393 discharge upon separation or discharge from the United States
1394 Armed Forces; or
1395 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1396 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1397 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
1398
1399 A registrant seeking such a waiver must apply in a format
1400 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
1401 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1402 documentation.
1403 Section 38. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
1404 559.928, Florida Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (d) is
1405 added to that subsection, to read:
1406 559.928 Registration.—
1407 (2)
1408 (c) The department shall waive the initial registration fee
1409 for an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1410 Forces;, the spouse or surviving spouse of such a veteran; a
1411 current member of the United States Armed Forces who has served
1412 on active duty; the spouse of such a member; the surviving
1413 spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces if the
1414 member died while serving on active duty;, or a business entity
1415 that has a majority ownership held by such a veteran, or spouse,
1416 or surviving spouse, if the department receives an application,
1417 in a format prescribed by the department. The application format
1418 must include the applicant’s signature, under penalty of
1419 perjury, and supporting documentation, within 60 months after
1420 the date of the veteran’s discharge from any branch of the
1421 United States Armed Forces. To qualify for the waiver:,
1422 1. A veteran must provide to the department a copy of his
1423 or her DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department of
1424 Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1425 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
1426 2. The spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran must provide
1427 to the department a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued
1428 by the United States Department of Defense, or another
1429 acceptable form of identification as specified by the Department
1430 of Veterans’ Affairs, and a copy of a valid marriage license or
1431 certificate verifying that he or she was lawfully married to the
1432 veteran at the time of discharge; or
1433 3. A business entity must provide to the department proof
1434 that a veteran or the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran
1435 holds a majority ownership in the business, a copy of the
1436 veteran’s DD Form 214, as issued by the United States Department
1437 of Defense, or another acceptable form of identification as
1438 specified by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and, if
1439 applicable, a copy of a valid marriage license or certificate
1440 verifying that the spouse or surviving spouse of the veteran was
1441 lawfully married to the veteran at the time of discharge.
1442 (d) The department shall waive the registration renewal fee
1443 for a registrant who:
1444 1. Is an active duty member of the United States Armed
1445 Forces or the spouse of such member;
1446 2. Is or was a member of the United States Armed Forces and
1447 served on active duty within the 2 years preceding the renewal
1448 date. To qualify for the fee waiver under this subparagraph, a
1449 registrant who is a former member of the United States Armed
1450 Forces who served on active duty within the 2 years preceding
1451 the annual registration renewal date must have received an
1452 honorable discharge upon separation or discharge from the United
1453 States Armed Forces; or
1454 3. Is the surviving spouse of a member of the United States
1455 Armed Forces if the member was serving on active duty at the
1456 time of death and died within the 2 years preceding the renewal.
1457
1458 A registrant seeking such a waiver must apply in a format
1459 prescribed by the department, including the applicant’s
1460 signature, under penalty of perjury, and supporting
1461 documentation.
1462 Section 39. Subsection (2) of section 626.025, Florida
1463 Statutes, is amended to read:
1464 626.025 Consumer protections.—To transact insurance, agents
1465 shall comply with consumer protection laws, including the
1466 following, as applicable:
1467 (2) Fingerprinting requirements for resident and
1468 nonresident agents, as required under s. 626.171 or s. 626.202.
1469 The department shall waive the fingerprinting requirement for an
1470 agent who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United
1471 States Armed Forces and applies for licensure within 2 years
1472 after discharge.
1473 Section 40. Subsections (4) and (6) of section 626.171,
1474 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1475 626.171 Application for license as an agent, customer
1476 representative, adjuster, service representative, managing
1477 general agent, or reinsurance intermediary.—
1478 (4) An applicant for a license as an agent, customer
1479 representative, adjuster, service representative, managing
1480 general agent, or reinsurance intermediary must submit a set of
1481 the individual applicant’s fingerprints, or, if the applicant is
1482 not an individual, a set of the fingerprints of the sole
1483 proprietor, majority owner, partners, officers, and directors,
1484 to the department and must pay the fingerprint processing fee
1485 set forth in s. 624.501. Fingerprints shall be used to
1486 investigate the applicant’s qualifications pursuant to s.
1487 626.201. The fingerprints shall be taken by a law enforcement
1488 agency, designated examination center, or other department
1489 approved entity. The department shall require all designated
1490 examination centers to have fingerprinting equipment and to take
1491 fingerprints from any applicant or prospective applicant who
1492 pays the applicable fee. The department may not approve an
1493 application for licensure as an agent, customer service
1494 representative, adjuster, service representative, managing
1495 general agent, or reinsurance intermediary if fingerprints have
1496 not been submitted. The department shall waive fingerprint
1497 requirements for an applicant who is an honorably discharged
1498 veteran of the United States Armed Forces and applies for
1499 licensure within 2 years after discharge.
1500 (6) Members of the United States Armed Forces and their
1501 spouses, and veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have
1502 separated from service retired within 24 months before
1503 application for licensure, are exempt from the application
1504 filing fee prescribed in s. 624.501. Qualified individuals must
1505 provide a copy of a military identification card, military
1506 dependent identification card, military service record, military
1507 personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation
1508 document, or a separation document that indicates such members
1509 of the United States Armed Forces are currently in good standing
1510 or such veterans were honorably discharged.
1511 Section 41. Paragraph (f) of subsection (2) of section
1512 626.172, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1513 626.172 Application for insurance agency license.—
1514 (2) An application for an insurance agency license must be
1515 signed by an individual required to be listed in the application
1516 under paragraph (a). An insurance agency may permit a third
1517 party to complete, submit, and sign an application on the
1518 insurance agency’s behalf; however, the insurance agency is
1519 responsible for ensuring that the information on the application
1520 is true and correct and is accountable for any misstatements or
1521 misrepresentations. The application for an insurance agency
1522 license must include:
1523 (f) The fingerprints of each of the following:
1524 1. A sole proprietor;
1525 2. Each individual required to be listed in the application
1526 under paragraph (a); and
1527 3. Each individual who directs or participates in the
1528 management or control of an incorporated agency whose shares are
1529 not traded on a securities exchange.
1530
1531 Fingerprints must be taken by a law enforcement agency or other
1532 entity approved by the department and must be accompanied by the
1533 fingerprint processing fee specified in s. 624.501. Fingerprints
1534 must be processed in accordance with s. 624.34. However,
1535 fingerprints need not be filed for an individual who is
1536 currently licensed and appointed under this chapter. The
1537 department shall waive fingerprint requirements for an applicant
1538 who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States
1539 Armed Forces and applies for licensure within 2 years after
1540 discharge. This paragraph does not apply to corporations whose
1541 voting shares are traded on a securities exchange.
1542 Section 42. Section 626.202, Florida Statutes, is amended
1543 to read:
1544 626.202 Fingerprinting requirements.—If there is a change
1545 in ownership or control of any entity licensed under this
1546 chapter, or if a new partner, officer, or director is employed
1547 or appointed, a set of fingerprints of the new owner, partner,
1548 officer, or director must be filed with the department or office
1549 within 30 days after the change. The acquisition of 10 percent
1550 or more of the voting securities of a licensed entity is
1551 considered a change of ownership or control. The fingerprints
1552 must be taken by a law enforcement agency or other department
1553 approved entity and be accompanied by the fingerprint processing
1554 fee in s. 624.501. The department shall waive the fingerprinting
1555 requirement if the owner, partner, officer, or director is an
1556 honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces
1557 and is employed or appointed within 2 years after discharge.
1558 Section 43. Paragraph (c) of subsection (2) of section
1559 626.292, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1560 626.292 Transfer of license from another state.—
1561 (2) To qualify for a license transfer, an individual
1562 applicant must meet the following requirements:
1563 (c) The individual must submit a completed application for
1564 this state which is received by the department within 90 days
1565 after the date the individual became a resident of this state,
1566 along with payment of the applicable fees set forth in s.
1567 624.501 and submission of the following documents:
1568 1. A certification issued by the appropriate official of
1569 the applicant’s home state identifying the type of license and
1570 lines of authority under the license and stating that, at the
1571 time the license from the home state was canceled, the applicant
1572 was in good standing in that state or that the state’s Producer
1573 Database records, maintained by the National Association of
1574 Insurance Commissioners, its affiliates, or subsidiaries,
1575 indicate that the agent or all-lines adjuster is or was licensed
1576 in good standing for the line of authority requested.
1577 2. A set of the applicant’s fingerprints in accordance with
1578 s. 626.171(4). The department shall waive the fingerprinting
1579 requirement for an applicant who is an honorably discharged
1580 veteran of the United States Armed Forces and applies for a
1581 license transfer within 2 years after discharge.
1582 Section 44. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section
1583 626.321, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1584 626.321 Limited licenses.—
1585 (1) The department shall issue to a qualified applicant a
1586 license as agent authorized to transact a limited class of
1587 business in any of the following categories of limited lines
1588 insurance:
1589 (c) Travel insurance.—License covering only policies and
1590 certificates of travel insurance which are subject to review by
1591 the office. Policies and certificates of travel insurance may
1592 provide coverage for risks incidental to travel, planned travel,
1593 or accommodations while traveling, including, but not limited
1594 to, accidental death and dismemberment of a traveler; trip or
1595 event cancellation, interruption, or delay; loss of or damage to
1596 personal effects or travel documents; damages to travel
1597 accommodations; baggage delay; emergency medical travel or
1598 evacuation of a traveler; or medical, surgical, and hospital
1599 expenses related to an illness or emergency of a traveler. Such
1600 policy or certificate may be issued for terms longer than 90
1601 days, but, other than a policy or certificate providing coverage
1602 for air ambulatory services only, each policy or certificate
1603 must be limited to coverage for travel or use of accommodations
1604 of no longer than 90 days. The license may be issued only:
1605 1. To a full-time salaried employee of a common carrier or
1606 a full-time salaried employee or owner of a transportation
1607 ticket agency and may authorize the sale of such ticket policies
1608 only in connection with the sale of transportation tickets, or
1609 to the full-time salaried employee of such an agent. Such policy
1610 may not be for more than 48 hours or more than the duration of a
1611 specified one-way trip or round trip.
1612 2. To an entity or individual that is:
1613 a. The developer of a timeshare plan that is the subject of
1614 an approved public offering statement under chapter 721;
1615 b. An exchange company operating an exchange program
1616 approved under chapter 721;
1617 c. A managing entity operating a timeshare plan approved
1618 under chapter 721;
1619 d. A seller of travel as defined in chapter 559; or
1620 e. A subsidiary or affiliate of any of the entities
1621 described in sub-subparagraphs a.-d.
1622 3. To a full-time salaried employee of a licensed general
1623 lines agent or a business entity that offers travel planning
1624 services if insurance sales activities authorized by the license
1625 are in connection with, and incidental to, travel.
1626 a. A license issued to a business entity that offers travel
1627 planning services must encompass each office, branch office, or
1628 place of business making use of the entity’s business name in
1629 order to offer, solicit, and sell insurance pursuant to this
1630 paragraph.
1631 b. The application for licensure must list the name,
1632 address, and phone number for each office, branch office, or
1633 place of business that is to be covered by the license. The
1634 licensee shall notify the department of the name, address, and
1635 phone number of any new location that is to be covered by the
1636 license before the new office, branch office, or place of
1637 business engages in the sale of insurance pursuant to this
1638 paragraph. The licensee shall notify the department within 30
1639 days after the closing or terminating of an office, branch
1640 office, or place of business. Upon receipt of the notice, the
1641 department shall delete the office, branch office, or place of
1642 business from the license.
1643 c. A licensed and appointed entity is directly responsible
1644 and accountable for all acts of the licensee’s employees and
1645 parties with whom the licensee has entered into a contractual
1646 agreement to offer travel insurance.
1647
1648 A licensee shall require each individual who offers policies or
1649 certificates under subparagraph 2. or subparagraph 3. to receive
1650 initial training from a general lines agent or an insurer
1651 authorized under chapter 624 to transact insurance within this
1652 state. For an entity applying for a license as a travel
1653 insurance agent, the fingerprinting requirement of this section
1654 applies only to the president, secretary, and treasurer and to
1655 any other officer or person who directs or controls the travel
1656 insurance operations of the entity. The department shall waive
1657 the fingerprinting requirement for an individual who is an
1658 honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces
1659 who has been discharged within the previous 2 years.
1660 Section 45. Subsection (6) of section 626.732, Florida
1661 Statutes, is renumbered as subsection (7), and a new subsection
1662 (6) is added to that section, to read:
1663 626.732 Requirement as to knowledge, experience, or
1664 instruction.—
1665 (6) Prelicensure coursework is not required for an
1666 applicant who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United
1667 States Armed Forces or the spouse of such a veteran.
1668 Section 46. Subsection (13) is added to section 626.7355,
1669 Florida Statutes, to read:
1670 626.7355 Temporary license as customer representative
1671 pending examination.—
1672 (13) Evidence of prelicensure customer representative
1673 educational course enrollment is not required for an applicant
1674 who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States
1675 Armed Forces or the spouse of such a veteran.
1676 Section 47. Section 626.7851, Florida Statutes, is amended
1677 to read:
1678 626.7851 Requirement as to knowledge, experience, or
1679 instruction.—An applicant for a license as a life agent, except
1680 for a chartered life underwriter (CLU), shall not be qualified
1681 or licensed unless within the 4 years immediately preceding the
1682 date the application for a license is filed with the department
1683 he or she has:
1684 (1) Successfully completed 40 hours of coursework in life
1685 insurance, annuities, and variable contracts approved by the
1686 department, 3 hours of which shall be on the subject matter of
1687 ethics. Courses must include instruction on the subject matter
1688 of unauthorized entities engaging in the business of insurance;
1689 (2) Successfully completed a minimum of 60 hours of
1690 coursework in multiple areas of insurance, which included life
1691 insurance, annuities, and variable contracts, approved by the
1692 department, 3 hours of which shall be on the subject matter of
1693 ethics. Courses must include instruction on the subject matter
1694 of unauthorized entities engaging in the business of insurance;
1695 (3) Earned or maintained an active designation as Chartered
1696 Financial Consultant (ChFC) from the American College of
1697 Financial Services; or Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI)
1698 from the Life Management Institute;
1699 (4) Held an active license in life insurance in another
1700 state. This provision may not be used unless the other state
1701 grants reciprocal treatment to licensees formerly licensed in
1702 the state; or
1703 (5) Been employed by the department or office for at least
1704 1 year, full time in life insurance regulatory matters and who
1705 was not terminated for cause, and application for examination is
1706 made within 4 years after the date of termination of his or her
1707 employment with the department or office.
1708
1709 The successful completion of prelicensure coursework required by
1710 subsection (1) is not required for an applicant who is an
1711 honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces
1712 or the spouse of such a veteran.
1713 Section 48. Section 626.8311, Florida Statutes, is amended
1714 to read:
1715 626.8311 Requirement as to knowledge, experience, or
1716 instruction.—An applicant for a license as a health agent,
1717 except for a chartered life underwriter (CLU), shall not be
1718 qualified or licensed unless within the 4 years immediately
1719 preceding the date the application for license is filed with the
1720 department he or she has:
1721 (1) Successfully completed 40 hours of coursework in health
1722 insurance, approved by the department, 3 hours of which shall be
1723 on the subject matter of ethics. Courses must include
1724 instruction on the subject matter of unauthorized entities
1725 engaging in the business of insurance, to include the Florida
1726 Nonprofit Multiple-Employer Welfare Arrangement Act and the
1727 Employee Retirement Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. ss. 1001 et
1728 seq., as it relates to the provision of health insurance by
1729 employers to their employees and the regulation thereof;
1730 (2) Successfully completed a minimum of 60 hours of
1731 coursework in multiple areas of insurance, which included health
1732 insurance, approved by the department, 3 hours of which shall be
1733 on the subject matter of ethics. Courses must include
1734 instruction on the subject matter of unauthorized entities
1735 engaging in the business of insurance;
1736 (3) Earned or maintained an active designation as a
1737 Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Chartered Healthcare
1738 Consultant (ChHC), or Registered Employee Benefits Consultant
1739 (REBC) from the American College of Financial Services;
1740 Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) from the Wharton
1741 School of the University of Pennsylvania; or Health Insurance
1742 Associate (HIA) from America’s Health Insurance Plans;
1743 (4) Held an active license in health insurance in another
1744 state. This provision may not be utilized unless the other state
1745 grants reciprocal treatment to licensees formerly licensed in
1746 Florida; or
1747 (5) Been employed by the department or office for at least
1748 1 year, full time in health insurance regulatory matters and who
1749 was not terminated for cause, and application for examination is
1750 made within 4 years after the date of termination of his or her
1751 employment with the department or office.
1752
1753 The successful completion of prelicensure coursework required by
1754 subsection (1) is not required for an applicant who is an
1755 honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces
1756 or the spouse of such a veteran.
1757 Section 49. Subsection (7) is added to section 626.8417,
1758 Florida Statutes, to read:
1759 626.8417 Title insurance agent licensure; exemptions.—
1760 (7) The successful completion of prelicensure coursework
1761 required by paragraph (3)(a) is not required for an applicant
1762 who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States
1763 Armed Forces or the spouse of such a veteran.
1764 Section 50. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
1765 626.8732, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1766 626.8732 Nonresident public adjuster’s qualifications,
1767 bond.—
1768 (2) The applicant shall furnish the following with his or
1769 her application:
1770 (a) A complete set of his or her fingerprints. The
1771 applicant’s fingerprints must be certified by an authorized law
1772 enforcement officer. The department may not authorize an
1773 applicant to take the required examination or issue a
1774 nonresident public adjuster’s license to the applicant until the
1775 department has received a report from the Florida Department of
1776 Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation relative
1777 to the existence or nonexistence of a criminal history report
1778 based on the applicant’s fingerprints. The department shall
1779 waive the fingerprinting requirement for an applicant who is an
1780 honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces
1781 and applies for licensure within 2 years after discharge.
1782 Section 51. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section
1783 626.8734, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1784 626.8734 Nonresident all-lines adjuster license
1785 qualifications.—
1786 (2) The applicant must furnish the following with his or
1787 her application:
1788 (a) A complete set of his or her fingerprints. The
1789 applicant’s fingerprints must be certified by an authorized law
1790 enforcement officer. The department shall waive the
1791 fingerprinting requirement for an applicant who is an honorably
1792 discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces and applies
1793 for licensure within 2 years after discharge.
1794 Section 52. Subsection (7) is added to section 626.927,
1795 Florida Statutes, to read:
1796 626.927 Licensing of surplus lines agent.—
1797 (7) Successful completion of prelicensure coursework is not
1798 required for an individual who is an honorably discharged
1799 veteran of the United States Armed Forces or the spouse of such
1800 a veteran.
1801 Section 53. Subsection (7) is added to section 626.9272,
1802 Florida Statutes, to read:
1803 626.9272 Licensing of nonresident surplus lines agents.—
1804 (7) Successful completion of prelicensure coursework is not
1805 required for an applicant who is an honorably discharged veteran
1806 of the United States Armed Forces or the spouse of such a
1807 veteran.
1808 Section 54. Paragraph (e) of subsection (3) of section
1809 626.9912, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1810 626.9912 Viatical settlement provider license required;
1811 application for license.—
1812 (3) In the application, the applicant must provide all of
1813 the following:
1814 (e) With respect to each individual identified under
1815 paragraph (d):
1816 1. A sworn biographical statement on forms adopted by the
1817 commission and supplied by the office.
1818 2. A set of fingerprints on forms prescribed by the
1819 commission, certified by a law enforcement officer, and
1820 accompanied by the fingerprinting fee specified in s. 624.501.
1821 The department shall waive the fingerprinting requirement for an
1822 applicant who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United
1823 States Armed Forces and applies for licensure within 2 years
1824 after discharge.
1825 3. Authority for release of information relating to the
1826 investigation of the individual’s background.
1827 Section 55. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of section
1828 633.304, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1829 633.304 Fire suppression equipment; license to install or
1830 maintain.—
1831 (4)
1832 (a) Such licenses and permits shall be issued by the
1833 division for 2 years beginning January 1, 2000, and each 2-year
1834 period thereafter and expiring December 31 of the second year.
1835 All licenses or permits issued will expire on December 31 of
1836 each odd-numbered year. The failure to renew a license or permit
1837 by December 31 of the second year will cause the license or
1838 permit to become inoperative. The holder of an inoperative
1839 license or permit may not engage in any activities for which a
1840 license or permit is required by this section. A license or
1841 permit which is inoperative because of the failure to renew it
1842 shall be restored upon payment of the applicable fee plus a
1843 penalty equal to the applicable fee, if the application for
1844 renewal is filed no later than the following March 31. If the
1845 application for restoration is not made before the March 31st
1846 deadline, the fee for restoration shall be equal to the original
1847 application fee and the penalty provided for herein, and, in
1848 addition, the State Fire Marshal shall require reexamination of
1849 the applicant. The period within which reexamination is not
1850 required may, in the discretion of the department, be extended
1851 to 12 months after discharge from military service if the
1852 military service does not exceed 3 years, but not more than 6
1853 years from the date of issue or renewal, if applicable, for
1854 licenses or permits held by an honorably discharged veteran of
1855 the United States Armed Forces or the spouse of such a veteran.
1856 A qualifying veteran and the spouse of such veteran are not
1857 subject to the penalty fee. The fee for a license or permit
1858 issued for 1 year or less shall be prorated at 50 percent of the
1859 applicable fee for a biennial license or permit.
1860 Section 56. Subsection (1) of section 633.332, Florida
1861 Statutes, is amended to read:
1862 633.332 Certificate; expiration; renewal; inactive
1863 certificate; continuing education.—
1864 (1) Certificates shall expire every 2 years at midnight on
1865 June 30. All certificates must be renewed every 2 years. The
1866 failure to renew a certificate before June 30 shall cause the
1867 certificate to become inoperative, and it is unlawful thereafter
1868 for a person to engage, offer to engage, or hold herself or
1869 himself out as engaging in contracting under the certificate
1870 unless the certificate is restored or reissued. A certificate
1871 which is inoperative because of failure to renew shall be
1872 restored on payment of the proper renewal fee if the application
1873 for restoration is made within 90 days after June 30. If the
1874 application for restoration is not made within the 90-day
1875 period, the fee for restoration must be equal to the original
1876 application fee, and, in addition, the State Fire Marshal must
1877 require examination or reexamination of the applicant. The
1878 period within which reexamination is not required may, in the
1879 discretion of the department, be extended to 12 months after
1880 discharge from military service if the military service does not
1881 exceed 3 years, but not more than 6 years from the date of issue
1882 or renewal, if applicable, for certificates held by an honorably
1883 discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces or the
1884 spouse of such a veteran.
1885 Section 57. Subsection (3) of section 633.412, Florida
1886 Statutes, is amended to read:
1887 633.412 Firefighters; qualifications for certification.—A
1888 person applying for certification as a firefighter must:
1889 (3) Submit a set of fingerprints to the division with a
1890 current processing fee. The fingerprints will be forwarded to
1891 the Department of Law Enforcement for state processing and
1892 forwarded by the Department of Law Enforcement to the Federal
1893 Bureau of Investigation for national processing. The department
1894 shall waive the fingerprinting requirement for an applicant who
1895 is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Armed
1896 Forces and applies for certification within 2 years after
1897 discharge.
1898 Section 58. Section 633.414, Florida Statutes, is amended
1899 to read:
1900 633.414 Retention of firefighter and volunteer firefighter
1901 certifications.—
1902 (1) In order for a firefighter to retain her or his
1903 Firefighter Certificate of Compliance, every 4 years he or she
1904 must meet the requirements for renewal provided in this chapter
1905 and by rule, which must include at least one of the following:
1906 (a) Be active as a firefighter.
1907 (b) Maintain a current and valid fire service instructor
1908 certificate, instruct at least 40 hours during the 4-year
1909 period, and provide proof of such instruction to the division,
1910 which proof must be registered in an electronic database
1911 designated by the division.
1912 (c) Within 6 months before the 4-year period expires,
1913 successfully complete a Firefighter Retention Refresher Course
1914 consisting of a minimum of 40 hours of training to be prescribed
1915 by rule.
1916 (d) Within 6 months before the 4-year period expires,
1917 successfully retake and pass the Minimum Standards Course
1918 examination pursuant to s. 633.408.
1919 (2) In order for a volunteer firefighter to retain her or
1920 his Volunteer Firefighter Certificate of Completion, every 4
1921 years he or she must:
1922 (a) Be active as a volunteer firefighter; or
1923 (b) Successfully complete a refresher course consisting of
1924 a minimum of 40 hours of training to be prescribed by rule.
1925 (3) Subsection (1) does not apply to state-certified
1926 firefighters who are certified and employed full-time, as
1927 determined by the fire service provider, as firesafety
1928 inspectors or fire investigators, regardless of their employment
1929 status as firefighters or volunteer firefighters.
1930 (4) For the purposes of this section, the term “active”
1931 means being employed as a firefighter or providing service as a
1932 volunteer firefighter for a cumulative period of 6 months within
1933 a 4-year period.
1934 (5) The 4-year period begins upon issuance of the
1935 certificate or separation from employment.
1936 (6) A certificate for a firefighter or volunteer
1937 firefighter expires if he or she fails to meet the requirements
1938 of this section.
1939 (7) The State Fire Marshal may deny, refuse to renew,
1940 suspend, or revoke the certificate of a firefighter or volunteer
1941 firefighter if the State Fire Marshal finds that any of the
1942 following grounds exists:
1943 (a) Any cause for which issuance of a certificate could
1944 have been denied if it had then existed and had been known to
1945 the division.
1946 (b) A violation of any provision of this chapter or any
1947 rule or order of the State Fire Marshal.
1948 (c) Falsification of a record relating to any certificate
1949 issued by the division.
1950
1951 The 4-year period may, in the discretion of the department, be
1952 extended for an honorably discharged veteran of the United
1953 States Armed Forces or the spouse of such a veteran to 12 months
1954 after discharge from military service if the military service
1955 does not exceed 3 years, but in no event more than 6 years from
1956 the date of issue or renewal, if applicable.
1957 Section 59. Subsection (3) is added to section 633.444,
1958 Florida Statutes, to read:
1959 633.444 Division powers and duties; Florida State Fire
1960 College.—
1961 (3) The division shall waive all living and incidental
1962 expenses associated with attending the Florida State Fire
1963 College for an active duty member of the United States Armed
1964 Forces, the spouse of such a member who was serving on active
1965 duty at the time of death and died within the 2 years preceding
1966 the spouse attending the college, an honorably discharged
1967 veteran of the United States Armed Forces, or the spouse or
1968 surviving spouse of such a veteran.
1969 Section 60. Subsection (4) of section 648.34, Florida
1970 Statutes, is amended to read:
1971 648.34 Bail bond agents; qualifications.—
1972 (4) The applicant shall furnish, with his or her
1973 application, a complete set of his or her fingerprints and a
1974 recent credential-sized, fullface photograph of the applicant.
1975 The applicant’s fingerprints shall be certified by an authorized
1976 law enforcement officer. The department shall not authorize an
1977 applicant to take the required examination until the department
1978 has received a report from the Department of Law Enforcement and
1979 the Federal Bureau of Investigation relative to the existence or
1980 nonexistence of a criminal history report based on the
1981 applicant’s fingerprints. The department shall waive the
1982 fingerprinting requirement for an applicant who is an honorably
1983 discharged veteran of the United States Armed Forces and applies
1984 for licensure within 2 years after discharge.
1985 Section 61. Subsection (4) of section 648.355, Florida
1986 Statutes, is amended to read:
1987 648.355 Temporary limited license as limited surety agent
1988 or professional bail bond agent; pending examination.—
1989 (4) The applicant shall furnish, with the application for
1990 temporary license, a complete set of the applicant’s
1991 fingerprints and a recent credential-sized, fullface photograph
1992 of the applicant. The applicant’s fingerprints shall be
1993 certified by an authorized law enforcement officer. The
1994 department shall not issue a temporary license under this
1995 section until the department has received a report from the
1996 Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of
1997 Investigation relative to the existence or nonexistence of a
1998 criminal history report based on the applicant’s fingerprints.
1999 The department shall waive the fingerprinting requirement for an
2000 applicant who is an honorably discharged veteran of the United
2001 States Armed Forces and applies for licensure within 2 years
2002 after discharge.
2003 Section 62. Section 683.147, Florida Statutes, is created
2004 to read:
2005 683.147 Medal of Honor Day.—
2006 (1) March 25 of each year is designated as “Medal of Honor
2007 Day.”
2008 (2) The Governor may annually issue a proclamation
2009 designating March 25 as “Medal of Honor Day” and calling upon
2010 public officials, schools, private organizations, and all
2011 residents of the state to commemorate Medal of Honor Day and
2012 honor recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor who
2013 distinguished themselves through their conspicuous bravery and
2014 gallantry during wartime, at considerable risk to their own
2015 lives, while serving as members of the United States Armed
2016 Forces.
2017 Section 63. Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section
2018 1002.37, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
2019 1002.37 The Florida Virtual School.—
2020 (1)
2021 (b) The mission of the Florida Virtual School is to provide
2022 students with technology-based educational opportunities to gain
2023 the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. The school shall
2024 serve any student in the state who meets the profile for success
2025 in this educational delivery context and shall give priority to:
2026 1. Students who need expanded access to courses in order to
2027 meet their educational goals, such as home education students
2028 and students in inner-city and rural high schools who do not
2029 have access to higher-level courses.
2030 2. Students seeking accelerated access in order to obtain a
2031 high school diploma at least one semester early.
2032 3. Students who are children of an active duty member of
2033 the United States Armed Forces who is not stationed in this
2034 state whose home of record or state of legal residence is
2035 Florida.
2036
2037 The board of trustees of the Florida Virtual School shall
2038 identify appropriate performance measures and standards based on
2039 student achievement that reflect the school’s statutory mission
2040 and priorities, and shall implement an accountability system for
2041 the school that includes assessment of its effectiveness and
2042 efficiency in providing quality services that encourage high
2043 student achievement, seamless articulation, and maximum access.
2044 Section 64. Subsection (2) of section 1003.42, Florida
2045 Statutes, is amended to read:
2046 1003.42 Required instruction.—
2047 (2) Members of the instructional staff of the public
2048 schools, subject to the rules of the State Board of Education
2049 and the district school board, shall teach efficiently and
2050 faithfully, using the books and materials required that meet the
2051 highest standards for professionalism and historical accuracy,
2052 following the prescribed courses of study, and employing
2053 approved methods of instruction, the following:
2054 (a) The history and content of the Declaration of
2055 Independence, including national sovereignty, natural law, self
2056 evident truth, equality of all persons, limited government,
2057 popular sovereignty, and inalienable rights of life, liberty,
2058 and property, and how they form the philosophical foundation of
2059 our government.
2060 (b) The history, meaning, significance, and effect of the
2061 provisions of the Constitution of the United States and
2062 amendments thereto, with emphasis on each of the 10 amendments
2063 that make up the Bill of Rights and how the constitution
2064 provides the structure of our government.
2065 (c) The arguments in support of adopting our republican
2066 form of government, as they are embodied in the most important
2067 of the Federalist Papers.
2068 (d) Flag education, including proper flag display and flag
2069 salute.
2070 (e) The elements of civil government, including the primary
2071 functions of and interrelationships between the Federal
2072 Government, the state, and its counties, municipalities, school
2073 districts, and special districts.
2074 (f) The history of the United States, including the period
2075 of discovery, early colonies, the War for Independence, the
2076 Civil War, the expansion of the United States to its present
2077 boundaries, the world wars, and the civil rights movement to the
2078 present. American history shall be viewed as factual, not as
2079 constructed, shall be viewed as knowable, teachable, and
2080 testable, and shall be defined as the creation of a new nation
2081 based largely on the universal principles stated in the
2082 Declaration of Independence.
2083 (g) The history of the Holocaust (1933-1945), the
2084 systematic, planned annihilation of European Jews and other
2085 groups by Nazi Germany, a watershed event in the history of
2086 humanity, to be taught in a manner that leads to an
2087 investigation of human behavior, an understanding of the
2088 ramifications of prejudice, racism, and stereotyping, and an
2089 examination of what it means to be a responsible and respectful
2090 person, for the purposes of encouraging tolerance of diversity
2091 in a pluralistic society and for nurturing and protecting
2092 democratic values and institutions.
2093 (h) The history of African Americans, including the history
2094 of African peoples before the political conflicts that led to
2095 the development of slavery, the passage to America, the
2096 enslavement experience, abolition, and the contributions of
2097 African Americans to society. Instructional materials shall
2098 include the contributions of African Americans to American
2099 society.
2100 (i) The elementary principles of agriculture.
2101 (j) The true effects of all alcoholic and intoxicating
2102 liquors and beverages and narcotics upon the human body and
2103 mind.
2104 (k) Kindness to animals.
2105 (l) The history of the state.
2106 (m) The conservation of natural resources.
2107 (n) Comprehensive health education that addresses concepts
2108 of community health; consumer health; environmental health;
2109 family life, including an awareness of the benefits of sexual
2110 abstinence as the expected standard and the consequences of
2111 teenage pregnancy; mental and emotional health; injury
2112 prevention and safety; Internet safety; nutrition; personal
2113 health; prevention and control of disease; and substance use and
2114 abuse. The health education curriculum for students in grades 7
2115 through 12 shall include a teen dating violence and abuse
2116 component that includes, but is not limited to, the definition
2117 of dating violence and abuse, the warning signs of dating
2118 violence and abusive behavior, the characteristics of healthy
2119 relationships, measures to prevent and stop dating violence and
2120 abuse, and community resources available to victims of dating
2121 violence and abuse.
2122 (o) Such additional materials, subjects, courses, or fields
2123 in such grades as are prescribed by law or by rules of the State
2124 Board of Education and the district school board in fulfilling
2125 the requirements of law.
2126 (p) The study of Hispanic contributions to the United
2127 States.
2128 (q) The study of women’s contributions to the United
2129 States.
2130 (r) The nature and importance of free enterprise to the
2131 United States economy.
2132 (s) A character-development program in the elementary
2133 schools, similar to Character First or Character Counts, which
2134 is secular in nature. Beginning in school year 2004-2005, the
2135 character-development program shall be required in kindergarten
2136 through grade 12. Each district school board shall develop or
2137 adopt a curriculum for the character-development program that
2138 shall be submitted to the department for approval. The
2139 character-development curriculum shall stress the qualities of
2140 patriotism; responsibility; citizenship; kindness; respect for
2141 authority, life, liberty, and personal property; honesty;
2142 charity; self-control; racial, ethnic, and religious tolerance;
2143 and cooperation. The character-development curriculum for grades
2144 9 through 12 shall, at a minimum, include instruction on
2145 developing leadership skills, interpersonal skills, organization
2146 skills, and research skills; creating a resume; developing and
2147 practicing the skills necessary for employment interviews;
2148 conflict resolution, workplace ethics, and workplace law;
2149 managing stress and expectations; and developing skills that
2150 enable students to become more resilient and self-motivated.
2151 (t) In order to encourage patriotism, the sacrifices that
2152 veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in serving our
2153 country and protecting democratic values worldwide. Such
2154 instruction must occur on or before Medal of Honor Day,
2155 Veterans’ Day, and Memorial Day. Members of the instructional
2156 staff are encouraged to use the assistance of local veterans and
2157 Medal of Honor recipients when practicable.
2158
2159 The State Board of Education is encouraged to adopt standards
2160 and pursue assessment of the requirements of this subsection. A
2161 character development program that incorporates the values of
2162 the recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and that is
2163 offered as part of a social studies, English Language Arts, or
2164 other schoolwide character-building and veteran awareness
2165 initiative meets the requirements of paragraphs (s) and (t).
2166 Section 65. Subsection (4) of section 1012.55, Florida
2167 Statutes, is amended, and paragraph (e) is added to subsection
2168 (1) of that section, to read:
2169 1012.55 Positions for which certificates required.—
2170 (1)
2171 (e)1. The department shall issue a 3-year temporary
2172 certificate in educational leadership under s. 1012.56(7) to an
2173 individual who:
2174 a. Earned a passing score on the Florida Educational
2175 Leadership Examination;
2176 b. Served as a commissioned or noncommissioned military
2177 officer in the United States Armed Forces for at least 3 years;
2178 c. Was honorably discharged or has retired from the United
2179 States Armed Forces; and
2180 d. Is employed full time in a position for which an
2181 educator certificate is required in a Florida public school,
2182 state-supported school, or nonpublic school that has a Level II
2183 program approved under s. 1012.562.
2184 2. A Level II program approved under s. 1012.562 must
2185 accept an applicant who holds a temporary certificate as
2186 required under subparagraph 1. The department shall issue a
2187 permanent certification as a school principal to an individual
2188 who holds a temporary certificate issued under subparagraph 1.
2189 and successfully completes the Level II program.
2190 (4) A commissioned or noncommissioned military officer who
2191 is an instructor of junior reserve officer training shall be
2192 exempt from requirements for teacher certification, except for
2193 the background screening pursuant to s. 1012.32, if he or she
2194 meets the following qualifications:
2195 (a) Is retired from active military duty, pursuant to
2196 chapter 102 of Title 10 U.S.C.
2197 (b) Satisfies criteria established by the appropriate
2198 military service for certification by the service as a junior
2199 reserve officer training instructor.
2200 (c) Has an exemplary military record.
2201
2202 If such instructor is assigned instructional duties other than
2203 junior reserve officer training, he or she shall hold the
2204 certificate required by law and rules of the state board for the
2205 type of service rendered. An instructor of junior reserve
2206 officer training under this subsection may receive funding
2207 through the Florida Teachers Classroom Supply Assistance Program
2208 established in s. 1012.71.
2209 Section 66. Subsection (7) of section 1012.56, Florida
2210 Statutes, is amended to read:
2211 1012.56 Educator certification requirements.—
2212 (7) TYPES AND TERMS OF CERTIFICATION.—
2213 (a) The Department of Education shall issue a professional
2214 certificate for a period not to exceed 5 years to any applicant
2215 who fulfills one of the following:
2216 1. Meets all the requirements outlined in subsection (2).
2217 2. For a professional certificate covering grades 6 through
2218 12:
2219 a. Meets the requirements of paragraphs (2)(a)-(h).
2220 b. Holds a master’s or higher degree in the area of
2221 science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
2222 c. Teaches a high school course in the subject of the
2223 advanced degree.
2224 d. Is rated highly effective as determined by the teacher’s
2225 performance evaluation under s. 1012.34, based in part on
2226 student performance as measured by a statewide, standardized
2227 assessment or an Advanced Placement, Advanced International
2228 Certificate of Education, or International Baccalaureate
2229 examination.
2230 e. Achieves a passing score on the Florida professional
2231 education competency examination required by state board rule.
2232 3. Meets the requirements of paragraphs (2)(a)-(h) and
2233 completes a professional preparation and education competence
2234 program approved by the department pursuant to paragraph (8)(c).
2235 An applicant who completes the program and is rated highly
2236 effective as determined by his or her performance evaluation
2237 under s. 1012.34 is not required to take or achieve a passing
2238 score on the professional education competency examination in
2239 order to be awarded a professional certificate.
2240 (b) The department shall issue a temporary certificate to
2241 any applicant who completes the requirements outlined in
2242 paragraphs (2)(a)-(f) and completes the subject area content
2243 requirements specified in state board rule or demonstrates
2244 mastery of subject area knowledge pursuant to subsection (5) and
2245 holds an accredited degree or a degree approved by the
2246 Department of Education at the level required for the subject
2247 area specialization in state board rule.
2248 (c) The department shall issue one nonrenewable 2-year
2249 temporary certificate and one nonrenewable 5-year professional
2250 certificate to a qualified applicant who holds a bachelor’s
2251 degree in the area of speech-language impairment to allow for
2252 completion of a master’s degree program in speech-language
2253 impairment.
2254
2255 Each temporary certificate is valid for 3 school fiscal years
2256 and is nonrenewable. However, the requirement in paragraph
2257 (2)(g) must be met within 1 calendar year of the date of
2258 employment under the temporary certificate. Individuals who are
2259 employed under contract at the end of the 1 calendar year time
2260 period may continue to be employed through the end of the school
2261 year in which they have been contracted. A school district shall
2262 not employ, or continue the employment of, an individual in a
2263 position for which a temporary certificate is required beyond
2264 this time period if the individual has not met the requirement
2265 of paragraph (2)(g). At least 1 year before an individual’s
2266 temporary certificate is set to expire, the department shall
2267 electronically notify the individual of the date on which his or
2268 her certificate will expire and provide a list of each method by
2269 which the qualifications for a professional certificate can be
2270 completed. The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to
2271 allow the department to extend the validity period of a
2272 temporary certificate for 2 years when the requirements for the
2273 professional certificate, not including the requirement in
2274 paragraph (2)(g), were not completed due to the serious illness
2275 or injury of the applicant, the military service of an
2276 applicant’s spouse, or other extraordinary extenuating
2277 circumstances. The rules must authorize the department to extend
2278 the validity period of a temporary certificate or for 1 year if
2279 the temporary certificateholder is rated effective or highly
2280 effective based solely on a student learning growth formula
2281 approved by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to s.
2282 1012.34(8). The department shall reissue the temporary
2283 certificate for 2 additional years upon approval by the
2284 Commissioner of Education. A written request for reissuance of
2285 the certificate shall be submitted by the district school
2286 superintendent, the governing authority of a university lab
2287 school, the governing authority of a state-supported school, or
2288 the governing authority of a private school.
2289 Section 67. Subsection (3) is added to section 1012.59,
2290 Florida Statutes, to read:
2291 1012.59 Certification fees.—
2292 (3) The State Board of Education shall waive initial
2293 general knowledge, professional education, and subject area
2294 examination fees and certification and certification renewal
2295 fees for:
2296 (a) A member of the United States Armed Forces or a reserve
2297 component thereof who is serving or has served on active duty or
2298 the spouse of such a member.
2299 (b) The surviving spouse of a member of the United States
2300 Armed Forces or a reserve component thereof who was serving on
2301 active duty at the time of death and died within the 2 years
2302 preceding the spouse’s application for certification or
2303 certification renewal or registration for an examination.
2304 (c) An honorably discharged veteran of the United States
2305 Armed Forces or a veteran of a reserve component thereof who
2306 served on active duty and the spouse or surviving spouse of such
2307 a veteran.
2308 Section 68. This act shall take effect July 1, 2018.
