On September 29, 2024, under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) filed Emergency Order 2024-08 to streamline Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and remove barriers for businesses affected by the storm.
The emergency order includes several provisions aimed at easing restrictions on contractors. It suspends certain sections of Florida Statutes to allow certified or registered general contractors, building contractors, or residential contractors to subcontract roofing work. Additionally, it allows registered contractors and electrical and alarm system contractors to work outside their usual geographic scope limitations when providing services during the emergency period. The installation of non-permanent, emergency tarps is also included within statutory exemptions.
License renewals have been extended until October 31, 2024, for various categories including hotels and restaurants, real estate professionals, alcoholic beverages and tobacco vendors, drugs devices and cosmetics licenses, as well as condominium association manager licenses.
Provisions related to hotel, restaurant, and elevator safety have also been amended. These include temporary changes regarding food service events and kitchens as well as waivers for elevator installation fees. Time requirements for licensees filing monthly reports in the alcoholic beverages and tobacco sectors have been suspended until October 31, 2024.
For veterinarians from out-of-state aiding in hurricane relief efforts, the $200 fee for a temporary license has been suspended. Fees related to mobile homes and educational certifications for condominium directors have also been deferred until October 31.
Other waived fees include relocation fees for barbershops, cosmetology salons, veterinary premises permits among others. Additionally, all final orders reflecting agency action are suspended until October 31.
"Suspends certain provisions of section 489.113(3), Florida Statutes," "Extends renewal deadlines from September 30 and October 1," "Waives the $250 fee required by section 399.03(2)," "Suspends the $200 fee for the issuance of a temporary license," were some key highlights mentioned in DBPR Emergency Order 2024-08.
For more information on this order or other related orders concerning Hurricane Helene recovery efforts visit DBPR's Emergency Webpage.
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