LEGISLATIVE ALERT UPDATE!!!
HB 6073 By Rep. Mariano - SB 1826 by Sen. Brandes
Last week was week 1 of 9 for the 2020 Legislative Session and it began in a very disturbing fashion for Surveyors and Mappers. Rep. Amber Mariano (R-Hudson) and Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) filed legislation eliminating all education requirements to take the exam for Florida Licensure (
HB 6073) (
SB 1826).
Senator Brandes has made it clear in the past that he supports deregulation so it is understandable that he would adopt the House version and file a Senate companion, but we are unclear as to the reasons Rep. Mariano decided to initiate her bill in the first place. She has indicated that she is attempting to help an out of state surveyor that doesn't meet the education requirements become licensed in Florida. It is hard to fathom that one such case could be the reason for gutting all education requirements for a profession. This is a deregulation bill!
We have requested a meeting with Rep. Mariano to inquire what problem she is trying to solve. In the meantime, we are working diligently to oppose.
On other deregulation bills that have been filed, Chapter 472 has not been included.
We are also continuing to pursue restoring funding for the Geomatics program at IFAS.
Our lobbyist David Daniel has been diligently working for us and below is his summary of Week 1 and my comments in parenthesis.
Deregulation of Surveyors (Oppose)
SB 1826 by Sen. Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) - HB 6073 by Rep. Mariano (R-Hudson)
This legislation eliminates the degree requirement for surveyors, the education requirement for a surveyor intern and reduces the continuing education requirement for 24 hours to 12 hours.
SB 1826 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. HB 6072 is awaiting consideration by the House Business and Professions Subcommittee.
Legislative Review of Occupational Regulation (We find this method of governing to be cumbersome and unnecessary. However, every trade and profession are included, and we do not feel we can be an exception. Oppose)
HB 707 by Rep. Renner (R-Palm Coast) - SB 1124 by Sen. Diaz (R-Miami)
This bill creates a systematic legislative review of the costs and benefits of the regulation of occupations in Florida. It authorizes the Legislature to review occupational regulation and then either renew the occupational regulation, renew the occupational regulation with modifications or simply allow the occupational regulation to expire. The bill preempts local regulation of the occupation if the Legislature sunsets its regulatory structure. This legislation includes Chapter 472 in the review/reenactment prior to July 1, 2024. HB 707 passed the House Commerce Committee by a vote of 22-1 and will now head to the House Health and Human Services Committee for consideration. SB 1124 is awaiting action by the Senate Government Oversight and Accountability Committee.
Florida Specific E-Verify (One more unnecessary regulation)
SB 1822 by Sen. Gruters (R-Sarasota) - HB 1265 by Rep. Byrd (R-Neptune Beach)
This is the compromise position being pushed by Governor DeSantis on a Florida Specific E-Verify requirement. It requires that by January 1, 2021 all public employers, their contractors and subcontractors register and use E-Verify for all new employees. If their contract is terminated for a violation, they would be prohibited from being awarded a public contract for a least 1 year. For private employers, the bill provides two options, use E-Verify or potential employee provide picture identification complying with REAL ID and a certified copy of one of five documents and creates a 3-year retention of those documents. It prohibits private employers from bidding or contracting with a public employer unless providing an affidavit stating they are registered and use E-Verify for all newly hired employees and they will continue to do so during the contract period. Violation is the termination of the public contract and a one-year ban on contracting with public entity.
SB 1822 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee. HB 1265 is awaiting consideration by the House Commerce Committee.
Acquisition of Certain Professional Services (CCNA - Cooperative Purchasing) (We do not oppose as written)
HB 257 by Rep. Antone (D-Orlando) - SB 1518 by Sen. Gruters (R-Sarasota)
This legislation amends 287.055 F.S. to authorize cooperative purchasing between government agencies for design professionals within certain criteria. This legislation is being driven by Orlando Utilities Commission.
HB 257 is awaiting consideration by the House Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee. SB 1518 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Community Affairs Committee.
Public Procurement of Services (Continuing Contracts) (We do not oppose as written)
SB 506 by Sen. Perry (R-Gainesville) - CS/HB441 by Rep. DeCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach)
This bill increases the maximum limit for a continuing contract under CCNA and for construction management/program management entities from $2 million to $5 million. The bill further increases the maximum limit for a study from $200,000 to $500,000. This bill is being driven by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida.
SB 506 is scheduled to be taken up by the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government during Week 2. HB 441 passed the House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee unanimous vote and is now awaiting action by the House State Affairs Committee.
Governors' Budget Recommendations - Division of State Lands (We support)
Governor DeSantis' budget recommendations include funding for tidal stations and benchmarks as well as vehicle replacements as recommended by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in their legislative budget request (LBR).
Line item 1574 - $192,000 vehicle replacements
Line item 1578 - $850,000 tidal stations and benchmarks
John M. Clyatt
Legislative Committee Chair
