The bill CS/CS/HB 991 introduces significant amendments to various sections of Florida Statutes, primarily focusing on enhancing economic development, particularly in rural communities, and streamlining regulatory processes across multiple professions. It establishes the Office of Rural Prosperity within the Department of Commerce, which will oversee initiatives such as the Renaissance Grants Program aimed at revitalizing economically distressed areas. The bill also mandates the identification of key business sectors for development, requires annual reporting on economic initiatives, and introduces provisions for reducing match requirements for federal funding in rural areas. Additionally, it emphasizes collaboration among local governments and state agencies to facilitate economic growth and improve infrastructure.
Furthermore, the bill shifts regulatory authority from various boards to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, streamlining the licensing processes for professions such as contractors, appraisers, and engineers. Key changes include the requirement for criminal background checks for applicants, the establishment of new fee structures, and the removal of outdated educational requirements. The bill also enhances consumer protection by clarifying the responsibilities of licensed professionals and introducing penalties for non-compliance. Overall, CS/CS/HB 991 aims to modernize Florida's regulatory framework, improve economic opportunities in rural areas, and ensure that professional standards are maintained across various sectors.
Statutes affected: H 991 Filed: 163.3755
H 991 c1: 163.3755
H 991 c2: 163.3755, 20.165, 212.08, 215.55871, 309.01, 310.0015, 310.002, 310.051, 310.061, 310.073, 310.075, 310.081, 310.111, 310.1115, 310.121, 310.131, 310.142, 310.183, 310.185, 319.28, 326.002, 376.303, 403.868, 403.9329, 440.02, 448.26, 468.382, 468.3852, 468.387, 468.392, 468.397, 468.398, 468.431, 468.4336, 468.435, 468.520, 468.522, 468.5245, 468.527, 468.5275, 468.531, 468.532, 468.603, 468.606, 468.607, 468.613, 468.629, 468.631, 468.8312, 468.8315, 468.8415, 468.8417, 469.004, 469.013, 471.003, 471.0035, 471.011, 471.013, 471.017, 471.023, 471.045, 472.003, 472.005, 473.3035, 473.304, 473.305, 473.311, 473.313, 473.319, 473.3205, 473.321, 474.202, 474.2065, 474.211, 474.213, 474.216, 474.217, 474.221, 476.034, 476.154, 476.155, 476.192, 476.214, 476.234, 477.016, 477.018, 477.0212, 477.026, 477.028, 481.207, 481.209, 481.211, 481.217, 481.222, 481.303, 481.306, 481.307, 481.309, 481.310, 481.311, 481.315, 481.317, 481.319, 481.323, 489.103, 489.108, 489.1131, 489.1136, 489.114, 489.118, 489.121, 489.126, 489.127, 489.132, 489.142, 489.1425, 489.1455, 489.146, 489.509, 489.510, 489.514, 489.516, 489.5161, 489.520, 489.523, 489.525, 489.5335, 489.552, 492.102, 492.104, 492.106, 492.107, 492.108, 492.1101, 492.111, 493.6105, 493.6106, 493.6113, 493.6120, 493.6123, 493.6201, 493.6202, 493.6203, 493.6302, 493.6304, 493.631, 493.6402, 493.6403, 493.6406, 514.0315, 514.075, 553.791, 553.998, 569.34, 627.192, 633.216, 713.01, 1006.12, 373.219, 455.213, 471.015, 473.308, 476.188, 499.0121, 499.041, 509.261, 569.006, 569.35, 215.971, 218.67, 288.007, 288.019, 288.065, 288.1226, 339.0801, 339.2817, 339.68, 420.9073, 420.9075, 163.3187, 212.205, 257.191, 257.193, 265.283, 443.191, 571.26, 571.265, 553.79, 475.175, 475.180, 475.182, 475.613, 475.25, 475.612, 475.614, 475.6145, 475.6147, 475.615, 475.617, 475.6171, 475.618, 475.619, 475.6222, 475.624, 475.6245, 475.625, 475.627, 475.628, 475.629, 475.630, 475.631