2018 Florida Legislative Session Recap

Reports compiled by FSMS lobbyist David Daniel


Week 9 of 9 

The 2018 Legislative Session concluded the majority of their work late Friday evening.  They did extended session until Sunday to give them the required time to pass the state budget and included the tax relief package in the extension, otherwise all other bills died last night.  

It was a challenging session to say the least.   What began without a whole lot needing to be accomplished turned into a roller coaster ride.  Opioids, hurricane impact and recovery, sexual harassment, and the tragedy at Parkland were a few of the big issues that occupied legislators energy during the 2018 Legislative Session. 

Now we move to the election season.  With races for Governor, Attorney General, CFO and the Commissioner of Agriculture along with the State Senate and House of Representatives, there will be opportunities for us to strengthen our relationships with Florida’s elected leaders in support of our profession.   

DSL Funding – state budget

HB 5001 – State Budget

Both House and Senate spending plans include $500,000 to the Division of State Lands for restoration of corners under line item 1543 on contracted services. 

This finding has been included in the state budget.

Licensure Fees for Veterans and Surviving Spouses (includes changes to 472)

HB 29 by Rep. Ponder (R-Destin) and Sen. Broxson (R-Pensacola)

This legislation changes requirements in specific professions for veterans and surviving spouses.  Section 9 and Section 10 of this legislation opens Chapter 472.015 & 472.016 to waive initial license fees for surviving spouses, current members of armed forces or their spouses or a surviving spouse of a veteran who died in active duty.

HB 29 passed the House by a vote of 115-0 and the State Senate by a vote of 38-0 and will now head to Governor Scott for consideration.

Did Not Pass Into Law

UF/IFAS Geomatics Education – state budget

HB 5001 – State Budget

HB 5001 included $636,120 in nonrecurring state funds to the UF/IFAS Geomatics Education Program.

Deregulation Legislation

HB 15 by Rep. Beshears (R-Monticello) – SB 526 by Sen. Brandes (R-St. Petersburg); SB 1114 by Sen. Brandes on Professional Regulation

The bill removes hair braiders, hair wrappers, body wrappers, nail polishers, makeup applicators, boxing announcers, and boxing timekeepers from DBPR regulation.  Additionally, the bill reduces some licensing, training and scope of practice for specified professions.  The bill does NOT include surveying and mapping.  Section 34 of the bill does open up Ch. 287.055 to a conforming change. 

Statewide Procurement Efficiency Task Force 

SB 368 by Sen. Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) – HB 111 by Rep. Albritton (R-Wauchula) 

The bill would create a 14-member Statewide Procurement Efficiency Task Force to evaluate the effectiveness and value of state and local procurement laws and policies.  Members are to be appointed by July 31, 2018 with a final report to the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker by July 1, 2019.  The Task Force would terminate December 31, 2019.    

Veterans Identification (includes changes to 472) 

HB 107 by Rep. Williamson (R-Pace) – SB 328 by Sen. Baxley (R-Ocala) 

This legislation would create a veteran identification card to be used as proof of veteran status.   Section 2 of this bill makes changes to Chapter 472.015 on licensure to allow for use of a veteran identification card.