2017 Florida Legislative Session

Week 8 of 8

The pace has picked up considerably during Week 8.  The Legislature is focused on addressing the tragic shooting in Parkland and protecting Florida’s students.  The House, Senate and Governor’s Office each have a plan but finding consensus on several controversial parts has been difficult for them, particularly in the last pressure filled three weeks of the 2018 Legislative Session. 

The framework for an budget agreement and allocations were agreed to this week by the presiding officers.  Budget conference committees have met most of the week and the Florida Legislature is currently on track for a timely close of session on March 9^th, or it could all implode this weekend.

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.

The House of Representatives continues to hold to their position of full funding this item while the Senate has moved off of no funding and are offering $250,000  This issue will be resolved in budget conference committee. 

  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.

This funding has been agreed to by both House and Senate. 

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 has been substituted for the SB 1884 and is awaiting final passage in the Senate. 

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.