Florida News Straight From the Source
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.
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.
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.
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: [email protected]
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.
