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Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Florida DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears Applauds Governor’s 2019 State of the State Address

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Highlights Department Efforts to Pursue Governor’s Vision of Reasonable
Deregulation That Broadens Access to Professional Careers for Floridians

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears today applauded Governor Ron DeSantis on delivery of the 2019 State of the State address, which emphasized the Governor’s bold commitment to pursuing appropriate deregulation of businesses and professions as a priority of his administration. [Read more…] about Florida DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears Applauds Governor’s 2019 State of the State Address

Gov. Scott Directs DBPR to Eliminate Licensing Fees for Puerto Ricans Displaced by Hurricane Maria

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Governor Rick Scott today directed Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Jonathan Zachem to issue an Emergency Order suspending all fees required for occupational license applications for residents of Puerto Rico who were impacted by Hurricane Maria and are now in Florida. This includes over 50 different individual professional license types, such as barbers and realtors. By suspending fees, residents from Puerto Rico will be able to obtain a license from the state more quickly and continue their careers in Florida.
Governor Scott said, “As families from Puerto Rico relocate to Florida following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, it is crucial that we continue to do all we can to make it easier for these individuals to rebuild their lives and provide for their families. Today, I have directed the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to take immediate action to suspend licensing fees that would hinder or delay recovery efforts so these families can get back on their feet and continue successful careers in our state.”
DBPR Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “Following Hurricane Maria, the Department is working to provide necessary resources to help families and individuals recover and get to work more quickly. We appreciate the leadership of Governor Scott in helping these families, and hope that by eliminating burdensome fees, residents from Puerto Rico will be able to continue their livelihood here in Florida.”
To view the Emergency Order, click HERE.

Gov. Scott Directs DBPR to Make it Easier for Floridians to Rebuild Following Hurricane Irma

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Governor Rick Scott directed Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Secretary Jonathan Zachem to suspend certain regulations and fees that may prevent, hinder or delay necessary response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Irma. This order applies to all counties identified in the Major Disaster Declaration and will help Floridians more quickly repair and rebuild their homes and businesses. To view the Emergency Order, click HERE.
Governor Scott said, “Right now, families across the state are beginning the challenging process of repairing and rebuilding their homes and businesses after the impact of this massive storm. It is incredibly important that we do all we can to make it easier for these families to quickly and safely recover, which is why I have directed DBPR to take immediate action to suspend certain regulations that would hinder or delay recovery efforts. We will continue to work closely with our communities across the state to make sure they have all they need to help Florida fully rebuild and recover from Hurricane Irma.”
Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “Many Floridians have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Irma. Under Governor Scott’s leadership, the Department is working to suspend burdensome regulations and provide the resources needed during this difficult time to help quickly repair and rebuild.”
The Emergency Order allows licensed general, building, and residential contractors to perform roofing repair and installation and also permits local governments to authorize local and specialty contracting licenses for individuals and businesses that are already licensed in jurisdictions throughout Florida so they can perform roofing repair and installation in impacted areas. This will allow areas of the state most affected by Hurricane Irma to be flexible and assist Floridians with immediate restoration during this difficult time. Florida’s high building standards and safety requirements will not be affected. Lastly, the order waives all Department fees for occupational or professional businesses who must relocate or reopen because of damage caused by Irma and its effects.
The Emergency Order will correspond with the effective dates of Governor Scott’s Executive Order 17-235 and any extensions thereof.

DBPR Secretary to Host Virtual Town Hall

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Monday, September 18th, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Secretary Jonathan Zachem will host a virtual town hall to discuss unlicensed activity awareness and the department’s efforts following Hurricane Irma.
WHAT: DBPR Virtual Town Hall
WHEN: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
NOTE: Please register for the Town Hall Meeting here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

DBPR Unveils Business Information Portal

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The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) unveiled the state’s new Business Information Portal, designed to help Floridians set up and run a business in the Sunshine State. Using the new site, prospective business owners are taken step-by-step through everything from licensing a new food truck to opening the doors at a new salon or barbershop. The new site, which launched on Friday, June 30, also helps with state tax registration, licensure applications and other documentation.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is the best place in the world to start a business, and DBPR’s new Business Information Portal makes it easier than ever for businesses to start and grow. The Business Information Portal gives every Floridian the guidance they need to start their company at the click of a button, empowering every entrepreneur to become a successful job creator. Over the past six years, we have worked every day to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation. I am proud that, working with our agencies and DBPR, we’ve been able to eliminate more than 4,800 burdensome regulations and help Florida’s business owners succeed.”
DBPR Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “This new Business Information Portal will give prospective entrepreneurs an easy checklist for crafting their business, meeting licensing requirements and then opening the doors to their new venture. The information and assistance needed to get a business up and running in Florida is now a click away. There’s never been a better time to start your business in the Sunshine State.”
By entering a search term, the portal generates a step-by-step checklist to help prospective business owners understand local, state and federal requirements for the selected business category. The portal also features an eGuide that provides a basic overview to all the tools, tips and resources needed to open a business in Florida. The first section of the eGuide includes best practices and general information regarding different aspects of starting and operating a business in Florida. A quick reference guide is also included to walk you through the state requirements that fit most businesses. The final section contains information about state regulatory agencies and provides additional resources for entrepreneurs.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Director Cissy Proctor said, “Florida is making it easier for businesses to succeed and grow in our state by cutting taxes, reducing regulations and enhancing our business-friendly climate. The Business Information Portal is another great resource that proves our commitment to Florida businesses and the hardworking people who are investing in our communities.”
DBPR worked closely with the following state agencies and stakeholders to develop the Florida Business Information Portal: Agency for Health Care Administration, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Citrus, Department of Economic Opportunity, Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Financial Services, Department of Health, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Department of Management Services, Department of Revenue, Department of State, Division of Emergency Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Lottery, Office of Financial Regulation, Office of Insurance Regulation, and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network.
The new portal can be reached at www.OpenMyFloridaBusiness.gov.

Gov. Scott Announces Appointment of Secretary of the Fla Department of Business and Professional Regulation

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Jonathan Zachem as secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Matilde Miller has been serving as interim secretary of DBPR since January and she has accepted the role of Vice President of Compliance with VISIT FLORIDA.
Governor Scott said, “DBPR is often on the frontlines of supporting new and existing businesses across our state. With his leadership experience at DBPR, Jonathan understands the importance of reducing burdensome regulations while helping our job creators and families. I know that Jonathan will be a great leader as we continue to work together to make Florida the most business-friendly state in the nation. I appreciate Matilde Miller’s service to the State of Florida and her dedication to our mission of growing jobs for our families.”
Jonathan Zachem currently serves as the deputy secretary for DBPR and previously served as chief attorney and then director of DBPR’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.Prior to that, Zachem served in the Prosecution Services Unit (PSU) for the Florida Department of Health. Zachem received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, his master’s degree from the University of South Florida and his law degree from the Barry University School of Law.

DBPR Hosts 6th Annual Women’s History Month Event In Tallahassee

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3.20.2017 celebrating women in business

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced today that it will be hosting its 6th annual “Celebrating Women In Business” event on Friday, March 24th. The event will consist of a panel of top female business leaders from the Tallahassee area and offers networking opportunities for attendees as the panel shares their career advice and entrepreneurial experiences. 

DBPR Interim Secretary Matilde Miller said: “It’s exciting to welcome our annual ‘Celebrating Women in Business’ panel back to the Capital City. As a Tallahassee resident for many years, I’ve seen first-hand how the community and its businesses have grown, and this city’s businesswomen have been at the forefront of commerce and development in Florida. This event will be a valuable experience for any entrepreneur looking to advance their career or grow their business in the Sunshine State.” 

This year’s featured panelists are:

Marva Johnson
VP, Charter Communications

Gloria Pugh
CEO, AMWAT Moving, Warehouse and Storage

Alia Faraj-Johnson
Senior VP, Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Cristina Paredes
Deputy Director, Office of Economic Vitality

Lauren Boes
Senior Transportation Engineer, Atkins

Christy Daly
Secretary, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

Hettie Spooner
Owner, Hill Spooner & Elliot Real Estate

Audra Pittman
Executive Director, COCA

Katie Wright
Owner, Dream State Salon

Ana Melendez
CEO, A+E Wholesale of North Florida

The event is free to attend and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged to ensure event space is properly prepared. Event details are below: 

6th Annual “Celebrating Women in Business” Panel Discussion
Friday, March 24, 2017, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florida State Conference Center
555 West Pensacola Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306
RSVP: maegen.wynn@myfloridalicense.com

Each year, DBPR’s “Celebrating Women in Business” panel discussion is hosted in a different part of the state. Since the annual panel discussion began in 2012, the event has taken place in Tampa, Gainesville, Orlando and Jacksonville to celebrate strong female business leaders in each area.