Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday named Julie Imanuel Brown to be the next Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation [DBPR].
Her predecessor, Halsey Beshears, resigned Jan. 29, citing health reasons. The former state representative, a Monticello Republican, was appointed by DeSantis to lead the agency in charge of professional licensing in 2018.
Previous coverage:Halsey Beshears stepping down as Florida's Business and Professional Regulation head
Brown has served on the Florida Public Service Commission [PSC] since 2011 and was the Commission’s chair for two years, 2016-18. The panel regulates the state’s investor-owned utilities, such as electric, natural gas, telephone and water companies.
“Julie brings a unique blend of experience in the private and public sectors, as well as the legal field,” DeSantis said in a statement.
“I’m confident she will do a great job in our continued fight to cut red tape and ease regulation on our businesses and hard-working Floridians.”
Deregulate it? Florida lawmakers aim to boost employment by cutting licensing requirements
In addition to the PSC, Brown has worked as legal counsel for the First American Corp., a financial services company that provides title insurance and settlement services for the real estate and mortgage industries.
Brown has also worked as a corporate attorney for Shumaker and Kendrick in Tampa and as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Tampa.
She received a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Florida, where she is a past recipient of the Dean’s Cup from the College of Journalism and Communications. She is a member of the Florida Bar and Leadership Florida Class XXXIII.
Brown’s appointment as DBPR Secretary becomes effective Monday. She resigned from the PSC effective Friday, according to an email she sent fellow commissioners.
James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at . Follow on him Twitter: @CallTallahassee
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The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation [DBPR] is the government agency responsible for licensing businesses and professionals within state jurisdiction. Currently, the DBPR is charged with licensing more than 1.4 million regulated professionals and companies.
Does my business require a DBPR License in Florida? Read on to find out.
What Is The Florida DBPR? – Explaining The Agency’s Work
Florida law provides an extensive list of regulated professions and activities. For example, you cannot sell liquor, provide cosmetology services, work as an engineer, or sign engage in construction contracting without a proper license.
The licensing process is required to protect customers and set a high-quality standard that businesses must attain to operate legally.
The DBPR is the enforcement authority for the professional boards and programs responsible for overseeing and regulating the different professional categories existing in Florida.
One of the fundamental tasks performed by the DBPR is to receive complaints from Florida residents, investigate the existence of wrongdoing, and use disciplinary actions to ensure full legal compliance.
Examples of disciplinary actions include notices of noncompliance, citations, mandatory inspections, and suspension or revocation of a license.
Who Needs A Florida DBPR License? – In Detail
As of 2022, the DBPR is responsible for licensing and regulating 35 business segments, which are:
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
- Architecture and interior design
- Asbestos contractors and consultants
- Athlete agents
- Auctioneers
- Barbers
- Boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts
- Building code administrators and inspectors
- Certified public accounting
- Child labor
- Community association managers and firms
- Condominiums and cooperatives
- Construction industry
- Cosmetology
- Drugs, devices, and cosmetics
- Electrical contractors
- Elevator safety
- Employee leasing companies
- Engineers
- Farm labor
- Geologists
- Harbor pilots
- Home inspectors
- Hotels and restaurants
- Labor organizations
- Landscape architecture
- Mobile homes
- Mold-related services
- Pari-mutuel wagering
- Real estate
- Real estate appraisers
- Talent agencies
- Timeshare
- Veterinary medicine
- Yacht and ships
Each category has distinct boards and commissions to oversee other subcategories. For example, the DBPR includes the Construction Industry Licensing Board [CILB], which is the main regulatory and licensing board for the construction industry in Florida.
Another example of specific commissions subordinated to the DBPR is the Florida Real Estate Commission [FREC], the main regulatory body responsible for administering and enforcing real estate licensing laws across the state.
Even though the DBPR is the main licensing agency in Florida, not all professions and business activities are under the department’s regulatory responsibility. For example, there are several activities regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services [FDACS] and the Florida Department of Health.
How To Apply For A License With Florida DBPR – An Overview
Considering the overwhelming number of categories and subcategories governed by the DBPR, there are several ways in which you can file for a license in Florida. In most cases, applicants are filing for a new license or renewal.
If a person does not have a professional license for a specific occupation or business, the application process involves an exam and qualification process.
The best approach for applicants is to work with an expert licensing attorney in Florida to ensure a seamless experience when applying for a license with the DBPR.
Do You Want To Obtain A Professional License In Florida? – Immediately Contact Jurado & Associates, P.A.
A well-versed licensing attorney from Jurado & Associates, P.A. is willing to help you succeed. Call us today at [305] 921-0976 or email to schedule a consultation.
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