February 17, 2021
LEGISLATIVE ALERT!!!

YOUR PROFESSION IS IN DANGER OF BEING ELIMINATED!!
 
Senate Bill 1342 has been filed by Senator Perry. House Bill 821 has been filed by Representative Mariano.These bills, in summation, remove ALL educational requirements for Surveying and Mapping licensure; and reduces the experience requirements; and reduces Continuing Education requirements. Florida has always been a national leader in surveying standards and professionalism, and if this legislation passes, we are reduced to less-than-trade level, with not even a High School Diploma required.

The documents are linked here:
 

I URGE YOU TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS TO EXPRESS YOUR ADAMANT OPPOSITION TO HB 821 AND SB 1342. If you do not know who your local legislators are, you can find that information at http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/Find 
 
Our strong unified message is as follows:
 
SAFETY OF FLORIDA’S RESIDENTS AND VISITORS DEPEND ON EDUCATED PROFESSIONALS – Surveying and Mapping is the foundation of all public works projects, water boundaries, natural resources projects and property/title issues.  Eliminating the degree requirement will lead to costly and dangerous errors in both the public and private sectors. This is a huge step backwards for a state like Florida, with an economic engine that is driven by growth.
 
THE EVER-INCREASING COMPLEXITY OF TECHNOLOGY REQUIRES A DEGREE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education is at the forefront of our national economy, and graduates are critical for our nation to remain competitive.  There is NO model promoting elimination of education requirements for STEM careers. This legislation is contrary to common sense.
 
OUT OF STEP? EVERY neighboring state has similar degree and education requirements.  Why would we want Florida to move backwards?
 
ACT NOW! The Florida Surveying and Mapping Society Board, Legislative Committee and Lobbyist are in daily communication working diligently to defeat this terrible legislation.  This is the time for YOU to take action. It is also time to consider the need for our PAC and make a contribution.

Florida Surveying & Mapping Society
1689-A Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
   Phone: (850) 942-1900