2017 Florida Legislative Session 

Week 6 of 9

Week 6 was a slower week as the presiding officers hash out budget details behind the scenes.  This budget process should have been made a little easier when late last week the Revenue Estimating Conference increased their budget estimates for FY 18-19 by nearly $500 million in primarily non-recurring dollars.  The House Ways and Means Committee also debated and passed a $400 million tax relief package.  We are in the final few weeks of regularly scheduled committee meetings so legislators are scrambling to get their bills through committee and in a position to pass. 

UF/IFAS Geomatics Education - state budget

HB 5001 - not included in Senate budget

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

A big hurdle we will have to overcome is not just getting this funded in the state budget for FY 18-19 but also overcoming a potential veto since these funds were vetoed by Governor Scott last year.  I met with the deputy chief of staff for Governor Scott this week and expressed our support for this program and its funding.  They have asked if we would encourage surveyors across Florida to  communicate support for this program to the Governor's Office.   

DSL Funding - state budget

HB 5001 - SB 2500

Both House and Senate spending plans include $500,000 for restoration of corners under line item 1543 on contracted services

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

HB 29 by Rep. Ponder (R-Destin) - SB 1884 by Sen. Broxson (R-Pensacola)

This legislation changes requirements in specific professions for veterans and surviving spouses.  Section 6 and Section 7 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.  SB 1884 passed the Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee by unanimous vote and will now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. 

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.