This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, particularly focusing on the Division of Professions. Key changes include designating the Division of Professions as the overseeing body for yacht and ship brokers, with all related fees redirected to the Professional Regulation Trust Fund. The bill also revises elevator accessibility requirements for ambulance stretchers, updates licensure processes for Armed Forces members and their families, and modifies criteria for professional boards, including those for engineers, accountants, and cosmetologists. Significant deletions include the removal of certain criminal record review requirements for cosmetologists and the elimination of term limits for the Barbers Board.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions such as requiring mobile barbershops to maintain a permanent business address and file a monthly itinerary with the department. It establishes the Clay Ford Scholarship Program, now known as the Certified Public Accountant Education Opportunity Assistance Advisory Council, which provides scholarships to accounting students while modifying eligibility criteria. The bill also streamlines the licensure process for architects and interior designers, allowing endorsements from other jurisdictions and requiring a class on wind mitigation techniques for out-of-state applicants. Furthermore, it updates regulations for wholesale distributors, including the removal of certain requirements for designated representatives, and outlines a process for individuals to petition local governments regarding regulations affecting their interests. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1666 Filed: 326.002, 399.035, 455.02, 471.015, 473.3065, 475.628, 476.034, 476.054, 476.064, 476.184, 476.188, 489.107, 489.111, 489.115, 489.511, 499.0121, 499.041, 499.0661, 499.067, 509.2015, 553.73, 553.791