CS/HB 7209

1
A bill to be entitled
2An act relating to the consumer services functions of the
3Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; amending
4s. 320.90, F.S.; transferring responsibility for
5distribution of a motor vehicle consumer's rights pamphlet
6from the department to the Department of Highway Safety
7and Motor Vehicles; amending s. 493.6105, F.S.; revising
8the application requirements and procedures for certain
9private investigator, private security, or repossession
10service; deleting a requirement that certain applicants
11submit photographs with their applications; revising the
12certifications that a person applying for a Class "K"
13firearms instructor license must possess; amending s.
14493.6106, F.S.; revising the citizenship or immigration
15requirements for licenses issued by the department;
16prohibiting the licensure of applicants for a Class "G"
17statewide firearm license or Class "K" firearms instructor
18license who are prohibited by law from purchasing or
19possessing firearms; requiring that private investigative,
20private security, and recovery agencies notify the
21department of changes to their branch office locations;
22making grammatical and technical changes; amending s.
23493.6107, F.S.; revising requirements for the method of
24payment of license fees for certain licensees; amending s.
25493.6108, F.S.; requiring the department to investigate
26the mental history and current mental and emotional
27fitness of applicants for a Class "K" firearms instructor
28license; amending s. 493.6111, F.S.; revising the validity
29period for Class "K" firearms instructor licenses;
30requiring a security officer school or recovery agent
31school to obtain written authorization from the department
32before operating under a fictitious name; specifying that
33a licensee may not operate under more than one fictitious
34name; amending s. 493.6113, F.S.; deleting a requirement
35that Class "A" private investigative agency licensees and
36Class "R" recovery agency licensees provide evidence of
37certain insurance coverage to renew a license; requiring a
38Class "K" firearms instructor licensee to submit proof of
39certification to provide firearms instruction; amending s.
40493.6115, F.S.; conforming cross-references; amending s.
41493.6118, F.S.; authorizing the department to take
42disciplinary action against a Class "G" statewide firearms
43licensee or applicant or a Class "K" firearms instructor
44licensee or applicant if the person is prohibited by law
45from purchasing or possessing a firearm; amending s.
46493.6121, F.S.; deleting a provision authorizing the
47department to have access to certain criminal history
48information of the purchaser of a firearm; amending s.
49493.6202, F.S.; revising requirements for the method of
50payment of examination and license fees for certain
51licensees; amending s. 493.6203, F.S.; providing that
52experience as a bodyguard does not qualify as experience
53or training for purposes of a Class "MA" or Class "C"
54license; requiring an initial applicant for a Class "CC"
55license to complete specified training courses; conforming
56a cross-reference; amending s. 493.6302, F.S.; revising
57requirements for the method of payment of license fees for
58certain licensees; amending s. 493.6303, F.S.; requiring
59an applicant for an initial Class "D" security officer
60license to complete specified training courses; amending
61s. 493.6304, F.S.; requiring an application for a security
62officer school or training facility to be verified under
63oath; amending ss. 493.6401 and 493.6402, F.S.; renaming
64repossessors as "recovery agents"; revising requirements
65for the method of payment of the license fees for certain
66licensees; amending s. 493.6406, F.S.; requiring recovery
67agent schools or instructors to be licensed by the
68department to offer training to Class "E" licensees and
69applicants; revising application requirements for recovery
70agent school and instructor licenses; amending s. 500.03,
71F.S.; providing and revising definitions for purposes of
72the Florida Food Safety Act; amending s. 500.121, F.S.;
73providing penalties for food safety violations committed
74by cottage food operations; creating s. 500.80, F.S.;
75exempting cottage food operations from food permitting
76requirements; limiting the annual gross sales of cottage
77food operations and the methods by which cottage food
78products may be sold or offered for sale; requiring
79certain packaging and labeling of cottage food products;
80limiting the sale of cottage food products to certain
81locations; providing for application; authorizing the
82Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to
83investigate complaints and enter into the premises of a
84cottage food operation; amending s. 501.145, F.S.;
85deleting authority for the department to bring actions for
86injunctive relief under the Bedding Label Act; deleting
87the definitions of certain terms to conform; amending s.
88501.160, F.S.; deleting authorization for the department
89to enforce certain prohibitions against unconscionable
90practices during a declared state of emergency; amending
91s. 525.01, F.S.; revising requirements for petroleum fuel
92affidavits; amending s. 526.06, F.S.; revising prohibited
93acts related to certain mixing, blending, compounding, or
94adulterating of liquid fuels; deleting certain provisions
95authorizing the sale of ethanol-blended fuels for use in
96motor vehicles; amending s. 539.001, F.S.; correcting a
97reference to a local business tax receipt; amending ss.
98681.102, 681.103, 681.108, 681.109, 681.1095, 681.1096,
99681.112, and 681.117, F.S.; transferring the duties of the
100Division of Consumer Services of the Department of
101Agriculture and Consumer Services for enforcement of the
102Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act and related to the
103Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board to the
104Department of Legal Affairs; conforming provisions;
105revising procedures and notice requirements for
106arbitration disputes; authorizing the Department of Legal
107Affairs to adopt rules; providing an effective date.
108
109Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
110
111     Section 1.  Section 320.90, Florida Statutes, is amended to
112read:
113     320.90  Notification of consumer's rights.-The department
114shall develop a motor vehicle consumer's rights pamphlet which
115shall be distributed free of charge by the Department of
116Agriculture and Consumer Services to the motor vehicle owner
117upon request. Such pamphlet must contain information relating to
118odometer fraud and provide a summary of the rights and remedies
119available to all purchasers of motor vehicles.
120     Section 2.  Section 493.6105, Florida Statutes, is amended
121to read:
122     493.6105  Initial application for license.-
123     (1)  Each individual, partner, or principal officer in a
124corporation, shall file with the department a complete
125application accompanied by an application fee not to exceed $60,
126except that the applicant for a Class "D" or Class "G" license
127is shall not be required to submit an application fee. The
128application fee is shall not be refundable.
129     (a)  The application submitted by any individual, partner,
130or corporate officer must shall be approved by the department
131before the prior to that individual, partner, or corporate
132officer assumes assuming his or her duties.
133     (b)  Individuals who invest in the ownership of a licensed
134agency, but do not participate in, direct, or control the
135operations of the agency are shall not be required to file an
136application.
137     (2)  Each application must shall be signed and verified by
138the individual under oath as provided in s. 92.525 and shall be
139notarized.
140     (3)  The application must shall contain the following
141information concerning the individual signing the application
142same:
143     (a)  Name and any aliases.
144     (b)  Age and date of birth.
145     (c)  Place of birth.
146     (d)  Social security number or alien registration number,
147whichever is applicable.
148     (e)  Current Present residence address and mailing address
149his or her residence addresses within the 5 years immediately
150preceding the submission of the application.
151     (f)  Occupations held presently and within the 5 years
152immediately preceding the submission of the application.
153     (f)(g)  A statement of all criminal convictions, findings
154of guilt, and pleas of guilty or nolo contendere, regardless of
155adjudication of guilt. An applicant for a Class "G" or Class "K"
156license who is younger than 24 years of age shall also include a
157statement regarding any finding of having committed a delinquent
158act in any state, territory, or country which would be a felony
159if committed by an adult and which is punishable by imprisonment
160for a term exceeding 1 year.
161     (g)  One passport-type color photograph taken within the 6
162months immediately preceding submission of the application.
163     (h)  A statement whether he or she has ever been
164adjudicated incompetent under chapter 744.
165     (i)  A statement whether he or she has ever been committed
166to a mental institution under chapter 394.
167     (j)  A full set of fingerprints on a card provided by the
168department and a fingerprint fee to be established by rule of
169the department based upon costs determined by state and federal
170agency charges and department processing costs. An applicant who
171has, within the immediately preceding 6 months, submitted a
172fingerprint card and fee for licensing purposes under this
173chapter is shall not be required to submit another fingerprint
174card or fee.
175     (k)  A personal inquiry waiver that which allows the
176department to conduct necessary investigations to satisfy the
177requirements of this chapter.
178     (l)  Such further facts as may be required by the
179department to show that the individual signing the application
180is of good moral character and qualified by experience and
181training to satisfy the requirements of this chapter.
182     (4)  In addition to the application requirements outlined
183in subsection (3), the applicant for a Class "C," Class "CC,"
184Class "E," Class "EE," or Class "G" license shall submit two
185color photographs taken within the 6 months immediately
186preceding the submission of the application, which meet
187specifications prescribed by rule of the department. All other
188applicants shall submit one photograph taken within the 6 months
189immediately preceding the submission of the application.
190     (4)(5)  In addition to the application requirements
191outlined under subsection (3), the applicant for a Class "C,"
192Class "E," Class "M," Class "MA," Class "MB," or Class "MR"
193license must shall include a statement on a form provided by the
194department of the experience that which he or she believes will
195qualify him or her for such license.
196     (5)(6)  In addition to the requirements outlined in
197subsection (3), an applicant for a Class "G" license must shall
198satisfy minimum training criteria for firearms established by
199rule of the department, which training criteria includes shall
200include, but is not limited to, 28 hours of range and classroom
201training taught and administered by a Class "K" licensee;
202however, no more than 8 hours of such training shall consist of
203range training. If the applicant submits can show proof that he
204or she is an active law enforcement officer currently certified
205under the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission or
206has completed the training required for that certification
207within the last 12 months, or if the applicant submits one of
208the certificates specified in paragraph (6)(a) (7)(a), the
209department may waive the foregoing firearms training
210requirement.
211     (6)(7)  In addition to the requirements under subsection
212(3), an applicant for a Class "K" license must shall:
213     (a)  Submit one of the following certificates:
214     1.  The Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training
215Commission Instructor Firearms Instructor's Certificate and
216written confirmation by the commission that the applicant
217possesses an active firearms certification.
218     2.  The National Rifle Association Police Firearms
219Instructor's Certificate.
220     2.3.  The National Rifle Association Private Security
221Firearm Instructor Firearms Instructor's Certificate.
222     3.4.  A firearms instructor instructor's certificate issued
223by from a federal law enforcement agency, state, county, or
224municipal police academy in this state recognized as such by the
225Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission or by the
226Department of Education.
227     (b)  Pay the fee for and pass an examination administered
228by the department which shall be based upon, but is not
229necessarily limited to, a firearms instruction manual provided
230by the department.
231     (7)(8)  In addition to the application requirements for
232individuals, partners, or officers outlined under subsection
233(3), the application for an agency license must shall contain
234the following information:
235     (a)  The proposed name under which the agency intends to
236operate.
237     (b)  The street address, mailing address, and telephone
238numbers of the principal location at which business is to be
239conducted in this state.
240     (c)  The street address, mailing address, and telephone
241numbers of all branch offices within this state.
242     (d)  The names and titles of all partners or, in the case
243of a corporation, the names and titles of its principal
244officers.
245     (8)(9)  Upon submission of a complete application, a Class
246"CC," Class "C," Class "D," Class "EE," Class "E," Class "M,"
247Class "MA," Class "MB," or Class "MR" applicant may commence
248employment or appropriate duties for a licensed agency or branch
249office. However, the Class "C" or Class "E" applicant must work
250under the direction and control of a sponsoring licensee while
251his or her application is being processed. If the department
252denies application for licensure, the employment of the
253applicant must be terminated immediately, unless he or she
254performs only unregulated duties.
255     Section 3.  Paragraph (f) of subsection (1) and paragraph
256(a) of subsection (2) of section 493.6106, Florida Statutes, are
257amended, and paragraph (g) is added to subsection (1) of that
258section, to read:
259     493.6106  License requirements; posting.-
260     (1)  Each individual licensed by the department must:
261     (f)  Be a citizen or permanent legal resident alien of the
262United States or have appropriate been granted authorization
263issued to seek employment in this country by the United States
264Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services of the United
265States Department of Homeland Security.
266     1.  An applicant for a Class "C," Class "CC," Class "D,"
267Class "DI," Class "E," Class "EE," Class "M," Class "MA," Class
268"MB," Class "MR," or Class "RI" license who is not a United
269States citizen must submit proof of current employment
270authorization issued by the United States Citizenship and
271Immigration Services or proof that she or he is deemed a
272permanent legal resident alien by the United States Citizenship
273and Immigration Services.
274     2.  An applicant for a Class "G" or Class "K" license who
275is not a United States citizen must submit proof that she or he
276is deemed a permanent legal resident alien by the United States
277Citizenship and Immigration Services, together with additional
278documentation establishing that she or he has resided in the
279state of residence shown on the application for at least 90
280consecutive days before the date that the application is
281submitted.
282     3.  An applicant for an agency or school license who is not
283a United States citizen or permanent legal resident alien must
284submit documentation issued by the United States Citizenship and
285Immigration Services stating that she or he is lawfully in the
286United States and is authorized to own and operate the type of
287agency or school for which she or he is applying. An employment
288authorization card issued by the United States Citizenship and
289Immigration Services is not sufficient documentation.
290     (g)  Not be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a
291firearm by state or federal law if the individual is applying
292for a Class "G" license or a Class "K" license.
293     (2)  Each agency shall have a minimum of one physical
294location within this state from which the normal business of the
295agency is conducted, and this location shall be considered the
296primary office for that agency in this state.
297     (a)  If an agency or branch office desires to change the
298physical location of the business, as it appears on the agency
299license, the department must be notified within 10 days after of
300the change, and, except upon renewal, the fee prescribed in s.
301493.6107 must be submitted for each license requiring revision.
302Each license requiring revision must be returned with such
303notification.
304     Section 4.  Subsection (3) of section 493.6107, Florida
305Statutes, is amended to read:
306     493.6107  Fees.-
307     (3)  The fees set forth in this section must be paid by
308certified check or money order or, at the discretion of the
309department, by electronic funds transfer agency check at the
310time the application is approved, except that the applicant for
311a Class "G" or Class "M" license must pay the license fee at the
312time the application is made. If a license is revoked or denied
313or if the application is withdrawn, the license fee is
314nonrefundable shall not be refunded.
315     Section 5.  Subsections (1) and (3) of section 493.6108,
316Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
317     493.6108  Investigation of applicants by Department of
318Agriculture and Consumer Services.-
319     (1)  Except as otherwise provided, prior to the issuance of
320a license under this chapter, the department must investigate an
321shall make an investigation of the applicant for a license under
322this chapter before it may issue the license. The investigation
323must shall include:
324     (a)1.  An examination of fingerprint records and police
325records. If When a criminal history record check analysis of any
326applicant under this chapter is performed by means of
327fingerprint card identification, the time limitations prescribed
328by s. 120.60(1) shall be tolled during the time the applicant's
329fingerprint card is under review by the Department of Law
330Enforcement or the United States Department of Justice, Federal
331Bureau of Investigation.
332     2.  If a legible set of fingerprints, as determined by the
333Department of Law Enforcement or the Federal Bureau of
334Investigation, cannot be obtained after two attempts, the
335Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may determine
336the applicant's eligibility based upon a criminal history record
337check under the applicant's name conducted by the Department of
338Law Enforcement if the and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
339A set of fingerprints are taken by a law enforcement agency or
340the department and the applicant submits a written statement
341signed by the fingerprint technician or a licensed physician
342stating that there is a physical condition that precludes
343obtaining a legible set of fingerprints or that the fingerprints
344taken are the best that can be obtained is sufficient to meet
345this requirement.
346     (b)  An inquiry to determine if the applicant has been
347adjudicated incompetent under chapter 744 or has been committed
348to a mental institution under chapter 394.
349     (c)  Such other investigation of the individual as the
350department may deem necessary.
351     (3)  The department must shall also investigate the mental
352history and current mental and emotional fitness of any Class
353"G" or Class "K" applicant, and may deny a Class "G" or Class
354"K" license to anyone who has a history of mental illness or
355drug or alcohol abuse.
356     Section 6.  Subsections (2) and (4) of section 493.6111,
357Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
358     493.6111  License; contents; identification card.-
359     (2)  Licenses shall be valid for a period of 2 years,
360except for Class "A," Class "B," Class "AB," Class "K," Class
361"R," and branch agency licenses, which shall be valid for a
362period of 3 years.
363     (4)  Notwithstanding the existence of a valid Florida
364corporate registration, an no agency or school licensee may not
365conduct activities regulated under this chapter under any
366fictitious name without prior written authorization from the
367department to use that name in the conduct of activities
368regulated under this chapter. The department may not authorize
369the use of a name that which is so similar to that of a public
370officer or agency, or of that used by another licensee, that the
371public may be confused or misled thereby. The authorization for
372the use of a fictitious name must shall require, as a condition
373precedent to the use of such name, the filing of a certificate
374of engaging in business under a fictitious name under s. 865.09.
375A No licensee may not shall be permitted to conduct business
376under more than one name except as separately licensed nor shall
377the license be valid to protect any licensee who is engaged in
378the business under any name other than that specified in the
379license. An agency desiring to change its licensed name must
380shall notify the department and, except upon renewal, pay a fee
381not to exceed $30 for each license requiring revision including
382those of all licensed employees except Class "D" or Class "G"
383licensees. Upon the return of such licenses to the department,
384revised licenses shall be provided.
385     Section 7.  Subsections (2) and (3) of section 493.6113,
386Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
387     493.6113  Renewal application for licensure.-
388     (2)  At least No less than 90 days before prior to the
389expiration date of the license, the department shall mail a
390written notice to the last known mailing residence address of
391the licensee for individual licensees and to the last known
392agency address for agencies.
393     (3)  Each licensee is shall be responsible for renewing his
394or her license on or before its expiration by filing with the
395department an application for renewal accompanied by payment of
396the prescribed license fee.
397     (a)  Each Class "B" Class "A," Class "B," or Class "R"
398licensee shall additionally submit on a form prescribed by the
399department a certification of insurance that which evidences
400that the licensee maintains coverage as required under s.
401493.6110.
402     (b)  Each Class "G" licensee shall additionally submit
403proof that he or she has received during each year of the
404license period a minimum of 4 hours of firearms recertification
405training taught by a Class "K" licensee and has complied with
406such other health and training requirements which the department
407may adopt by rule. If proof of a minimum of 4 hours of annual
408firearms recertification training cannot be provided, the
409renewal applicant shall complete the minimum number of hours of
410range and classroom training required at the time of initial
411licensure.
412     (c)  Each Class "DS" or Class "RS" licensee shall
413additionally submit the current curriculum, examination, and
414list of instructors.
415     (d)  Each Class "K" licensee shall additionally submit one
416of the certificates specified under s. 493.6105(6) as proof that
417he or she remains certified to provide firearms instruction.
418     Section 8.  Subsection (8), paragraph (d) of subsection
419(12), and subsection (16) of section 493.6115, Florida Statutes,
420are amended to read:
421     493.6115  Weapons and firearms.-
422     (8)  A Class "G" applicant must satisfy the minimum
423training criteria as set forth in s. 493.6105(5) 493.6105(6) and
424as established by rule of the department.
425     (12)  The department may issue a temporary Class "G"
426license, on a case-by-case basis, if:
427     (d)  The applicant has received approval from the
428department subsequent to its conduct of a criminal history
429record check as authorized in s. 493.6108(1) 493.6121(6).
430     (16)  If the criminal history record check program
431referenced in s. 493.6108(1) 493.6121(6) is inoperable, the
432department may issue a temporary "G" license on a case-by-case
433basis, provided that the applicant has met all statutory
434requirements for the issuance of a temporary "G" license as
435specified in subsection (12), excepting the criminal history
436record check stipulated there; provided, that the department
437requires that the licensed employer of the applicant conduct a
438criminal history record check of the applicant pursuant to
439standards set forth in rule by the department, and provide to
440the department an affidavit containing such information and
441statements as required by the department, including a statement
442that the criminal history record check did not indicate the
443existence of any criminal history that would prohibit licensure.
444Failure to properly conduct such a check, or knowingly providing
445incorrect or misleading information or statements in the
446affidavit constitutes shall constitute grounds for disciplinary
447action against the licensed agency, including revocation of
448license.
449     Section 9.  Present paragraph (u) of subsection (1) of
450section 493.6118, Florida Statutes, is redesignated as paragraph
451(v), and a new paragraph (u) is added to that subsection to
452read:
453     493.6118  Grounds for disciplinary action.-
454     (1)  The following constitute grounds for which
455disciplinary action specified in subsection (2) may be taken by
456the department against any licensee, agency, or applicant
457regulated by this chapter, or any unlicensed person engaged in
458activities regulated under this chapter.
459     (u)  For a Class "G" or a Class "K" applicant or licensee,
460being prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm by
461state or federal law.
462     Section 10.  Present subsections (7) and (8) of section
463493.6121, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (6)
464and (7), respectively, and subsection (6) of that section is
465amended, to read:
466     493.6121  Enforcement; investigation.-
467     (6)  The department shall be provided access to the program
468that is operated by the Department of Law Enforcement, pursuant
469to s. 790.065, for providing criminal history record information
470to licensed gun dealers, manufacturers, and exporters. The
471department may make inquiries, and shall receive responses in
472the same fashion as provided under s. 790.065. The department
473shall be responsible for payment to the Department of Law
474Enforcement of the same fees as charged to others afforded
475access to the program.
476     Section 11.  Subsection (3) of section 493.6202, Florida
477Statutes, is amended to read:
478     493.6202  Fees.-
479     (3)  The fees set forth in this section must be paid by
480certified check or money order or, at the discretion of the
481department, by electronic funds transfer agency check at the
482time the application is approved, except that the applicant for
483a Class "G," Class "C," Class "CC," Class "M," or Class "MA"
484license must pay the license fee at the time the application is
485made. If a license is revoked or denied or if the application is
486withdrawn, the license fee is nonrefundable shall not be
487refunded.
488     Section 12.  Subsections (2), (4), and (6) of section
489493.6203, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
490     493.6203  License requirements.-In addition to the license
491requirements set forth elsewhere in this chapter, each
492individual or agency shall comply with the following additional
493requirements:
494     (2)  An applicant for a Class "MA" license must shall have
4952 years of lawfully gained, verifiable, full-time experience, or
496training in:
497     (a)  Private investigative work or related fields of work
498that provided equivalent experience or training;
499     (b)  Work as a Class "CC" licensed intern;
500     (c)  Any combination of paragraphs (a) and (b);
501     (d)  Experience described in paragraph (a) for 1 year and
502experience described in paragraph (e) for 1 year;
503     (e)  No more than 1 year using:
504     1.  College coursework related to criminal justice,
505criminology, or law enforcement administration; or
506     2.  Successfully completed law enforcement-related training
507received from any federal, state, county, or municipal agency;
508or
509     (f)  Experience described in paragraph (a) for 1 year and
510work in a managerial or supervisory capacity for 1 year.
511
512However, experience in performing bodyguard services is not
513creditable toward the requirements of this subsection.
514     (4)  An applicant for a Class "C" license shall have 2
515years of lawfully gained, verifiable, full-time experience, or
516training in one, or a combination of more than one, of the
517following:
518     (a)  Private investigative work or related fields of work
519that provided equivalent experience or training.
520     (b)  College coursework related to criminal justice,
521criminology, or law enforcement administration, or successful
522completion of any law enforcement-related training received from
523any federal, state, county, or municipal agency, except that no
524more than 1 year may be used from this category.
525     (c)  Work as a Class "CC" licensed intern.
526
527However, experience in performing bodyguard services is not
528creditable toward the requirements of this subsection.
529     (6)(a)  A Class "CC" licensee must shall serve an
530internship under the direction and control of a designated
531sponsor, who is a Class "C," Class "MA," or Class "M" licensee.
532     (b)  Effective January 1, 2012 September 1, 2008, before
533submission of an application to the department, the an applicant
534for a Class "CC" license must have completed a minimum of 40 at
535least 24 hours of professional training a 40-hour course
536pertaining to general investigative techniques and this chapter,
537which course is offered by a state university or by a school,
538community college, college, or university under the purview of
539the Department of Education, and the applicant must pass an
540examination. The training must be provided in two parts, one 24-
541hour course and one 16-hour course. The certificate evidencing
542satisfactory completion of the 40 at least 24 hours of
543professional training a 40-hour course must be submitted with
544the application for a Class "CC" license. The remaining 16 hours
545must be completed and an examination passed within 180 days. If
546documentation of completion of the required training is not
547submitted within the specified timeframe, the individual's
548license is automatically suspended or his or her authority to
549work as a Class "CC" pursuant to s. 493.6105(9) is rescinded
550until such time as proof of certificate of completion is
551provided to the department. The training course specified in
552this paragraph may be provided by face-to-face presentation,
553online technology, or a home study course in accordance with
554rules and procedures of the Department of Education. The
555administrator of the examination must verify the identity of
556each applicant taking the examination.
557     1.  Upon an applicant's successful completion of each part
558of the approved training course and passage of any required
559examination, the school, community college, college, or
560university shall issue a certificate of completion to the
561applicant. The certificates must be on a form established by
562rule of the department.
563     2.  The department shall establish by rule the general
564content of the professional training course and the examination
565criteria.
566     3.  If the license of an applicant for relicensure is has
567been invalid for more than 1 year, the applicant must complete
568the required training and pass any required examination.
569     (c)  An individual who submits an application for a Class
570"CC" license on or after September 1, 2008, through December 31,
5712011, who has not completed the 16-hour course must submit proof
572of successful completion of the course within 180 days after the
573date the application is submitted. If documentation of
574completion of the required training is not submitted by that
575date, the individual's license shall be automatically suspended
576until proof of the required training is submitted to the
577department. An individual licensed on or before August 31, 2008,
578is not required to complete additional training hours in order
579to renew an active license beyond the total required hours, and
580the timeframe for completion in effect at the time he or she was
581licensed applies.
582     Section 13.  Subsection (3) of section 493.6302, Florida
583Statutes, is amended to read:
584     493.6302  Fees.-
585     (3)  The fees set forth in this section must be paid by
586certified check or money order or, at the discretion of the
587department, by electronic funds transfer agency check at the
588time the application is approved, except that the applicant for
589a Class "D," Class "G," Class "M," or Class "MB" license must
590pay the license fee at the time the application is made. If a
591license is revoked or denied or if the application is withdrawn,
592the license fee is nonrefundable shall not be refunded.
593     Section 14.  Subsection (4) of section 493.6303, Florida
594Statutes, is amended to read:
595     493.6303  License requirements.-In addition to the license
596requirements set forth elsewhere in this chapter, each
597individual or agency must shall comply with the following
598additional requirements:
599     (4)(a)  Effective January 1, 2012, an applicant for a Class
600"D" license must submit proof of successful completion of
601complete a minimum of 40 hours of professional training at a
602school or training facility licensed by the department. The
603training must be provided in two parts, one 24-hour course and
604one 16-hour course. The department shall by rule establish the
605general content and number of hours of each subject area to be
606taught.
607     (b)  An individual who submits an application for a Class
608"D" license on or after January 1, 2007, through December 31,
6092011, who has not completed the 16-hour course must submit proof
610of successful completion of the course within 180 days after the
611date the application is submitted. If documentation of
612completion of the required training is not submitted by that
613date, the individual's license shall be automatically suspended
614until proof of the required training is submitted to the
615department. A person licensed before January 1, 2007, is not
616required to complete additional training hours in order to renew
617an active license beyond the total required hours, and the
618timeframe for completion in effect at the time he or she was
619licensed applies. An applicant may fulfill the training
620requirement prescribed in paragraph (a) by submitting proof of:
621     1.  Successful completion of the total number of required
622hours of training before initial application for a Class "D"
623license; or
624     2.  Successful completion of 24 hours of training before
625initial application for a Class "D" license and successful
626completion of the remaining 16 hours of training within 180 days
627after the date that the application is submitted. If
628documentation of completion of the required training is not
629submitted within the specified timeframe, the individual's
630license is automatically suspended until such time as proof of
631the required training is provided to the department.
632     (c)  An individual However, any person whose license is
633suspended or has been revoked, suspended pursuant to paragraph
634(b) subparagraph 2., or is expired for at least 1 year, or
635longer is considered, upon reapplication for a license, an
636initial applicant and must submit proof of successful completion
637of 40 hours of professional training at a school or training
638facility licensed by the department as provided prescribed in
639paragraph (a) before a license is will be issued. Any person
640whose license was issued before January 1, 2007, and whose
641license has been expired for less than 1 year must, upon
642reapplication for a license, submit documentation of completion
643of the total number of hours of training prescribed by law at
644the time her or his initial license was issued before another
645license will be issued. This subsection does not require an
646individual licensed before January 1, 2007, to complete
647additional training hours in order to renew an active license,
648beyond the required total amount of training within the
649timeframe prescribed by law at the time she or he was licensed.
650     Section 15.  Subsection (2) of section 493.6304, Florida
651Statutes, is amended to read:
652     493.6304  Security officer school or training facility.-
653     (2)  The application shall be signed and verified by the
654applicant under oath as provided in s. 92.525 notarized and must
655shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:
656     (a)  The name and address of the school or training
657facility and, if the applicant is an individual, her or his
658name, address, and social security or alien registration number.
659     (b)  The street address of the place at which the training
660is to be conducted.
661     (c)  A copy of the training curriculum and final
662examination to be administered.
663     Section 16.  Subsections (7) and (8) of section 493.6401,
664Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
665     493.6401  Classes of licenses.-
666     (7)  Any person who operates a recovery agent repossessor
667school or training facility or who conducts an Internet-based
668training course or a correspondence training course must have a
669Class "RS" license.
670     (8)  Any individual who teaches or instructs at a Class
671"RS" recovery agent repossessor school or training facility
672shall have a Class "RI" license.
673     Section 17.  Subsections (1) and (3) of section 493.6402,
674Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
675     493.6402  Fees.-
676     (1)  The department shall establish by rule biennial
677license fees that which shall not exceed the following:
678     (a)  Class "R" license-recovery agency: $450.
679     (b)  Class "RR" license-branch office: $125.
680     (c)  Class "MR" license-recovery agency manager: $75.
681     (d)  Class "E" license-recovery agent: $75.
682     (e)  Class "EE" license-recovery agent intern: $60.
683     (f)  Class "RS" license-recovery agent license-repossessor
684school or training facility: $60.
685     (g)  Class "RI" license-recovery agent license-repossessor
686school or training facility instructor: $60.
687     (3)  The fees set forth in this section must be paid by
688certified check or money order, or, at the discretion of the
689department, by or electronic funds transfer agency check at the
690time the application is approved, except that the applicant for
691a Class "E," Class "EE," or Class "MR" license must pay the
692license fee at the time the application is made. If a license is
693revoked or denied, or if an application is withdrawn, the
694license fee is nonrefundable shall not be refunded.
695     Section 18.  Section 493.6406, Florida Statutes, is amended
696to read:
697     493.6406  Recovery agent Repossession services school or
698training facility.-
699     (1)  Any school, training facility, or instructor who
700offers the training outlined in s. 493.6403(2) for Class "E" or
701Class "EE" applicants shall, before licensure of such school,
702training facility, or instructor, file with the department an
703application accompanied by an application fee in an amount to be
704determined by rule, not to exceed $60. The fee shall not be
705refundable. This training may be offered as face-to-face
706training, Internet-based training, or correspondence training.
707     (2)  The application must shall be signed and verified by
708the applicant under oath as provided in s. 92.525 notarized and
709shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:
710     (a)  The name and address of the school or training
711facility and, if the applicant is an individual, his or her
712name, address, and social security or alien registration number.
713     (b)  The street address of the place at which the training
714is to be conducted or the street address of the Class "RS"
715school offering Internet-based or correspondence training.
716     (c)  A copy of the training curriculum and final
717examination to be administered.
718     (3)  The department shall adopt rules establishing the
719criteria for approval of schools, training facilities, and
720instructors.
721     Section 19.  Paragraphs (j) through (z) of subsection (1)
722of section 500.03, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as
723paragraphs (l) through (bb), respectively, present paragraphs
724(n) and (p) are amended, and new paragraphs (j) and (k) are
725added to that subsection, to read:
726     500.03  Definitions; construction; applicability.-
727     (1)  For the purpose of this chapter, the term:
728     (j)  "Cottage food operation" means a natural person who
729produces or packages cottage food products at his or her
730residence and sells such products in accordance with s. 500.80.
731     (k)  "Cottage food product" means food that is not a
732potentially hazardous food as defined by department rule which
733is sold by a cottage food operation in accordance with s.
734500.80.
735     (p)(n)  "Food establishment" means any factory, food
736outlet, or any other facility manufacturing, processing,
737packing, holding, or preparing food or selling food at wholesale
738or retail. The term does not include any business or activity
739that is regulated under s. 500.80, chapter 509, or chapter 601.
740The term includes tomato packinghouses and repackers but does
741not include any other establishments that pack fruits and
742vegetables in their raw or natural states, including those
743fruits or vegetables that are washed, colored, or otherwise
744treated in their unpeeled, natural form before they are
745marketed.
746     (r)(p)  "Food service establishment" means any place where
747food is prepared and intended for individual portion service,
748and includes the site at which individual portions are provided.
749The term includes any such place regardless of whether
750consumption is on or off the premises and regardless of whether
751there is a charge for the food. The term includes delicatessens
752that offer prepared food in individual service portions. The
753term does not include schools, institutions, fraternal
754organizations, private homes where food is prepared or served
755for individual family consumption, retail food stores, the
756location of food vending machines, cottage food operations, and
757supply vehicles, nor does the term include a research and
758development test kitchen limited to the use of employees and
759which is not open to the general public.
760     Section 20.  Subsection (1) of section 500.121, Florida
761Statutes, is amended to read:
762     500.121  Disciplinary procedures.-
763     (1)  In addition to the suspension procedures provided in
764s. 500.12, if applicable, the department may impose a fine not
765to exceed exceeding $5,000 against any retail food store, or
766food establishment, or cottage food operation that violates has
767violated this chapter, which fine, when imposed and paid, shall
768be deposited by the department into the General Inspection Trust
769Fund. The department may revoke or suspend the permit of any
770such retail food store or food establishment if it is satisfied
771that the retail food store or food establishment has:
772     (a)  Violated any of the provisions of this chapter.
773     (b)  Violated or aided or abetted in the violation of any
774law of this state governing or applicable to retail food stores
775or food establishments or any lawful rules of the department.
776     (c)  Knowingly committed, or been a party to, any material
777fraud, misrepresentation, conspiracy, collusion, trick, scheme,
778or device whereby any other person, lawfully relying upon the
779word, representation, or conduct of a retail food store or food
780establishment, acts to her or his injury or damage.
781     (d)  Committed any act or conduct of the same or different
782character than that enumerated which constitutes fraudulent or
783dishonest dealing.
784     Section 21.  Section 500.80, Florida Statutes, is created
785to read:
786     500.80  Cottage food operations.-
787     (1)(a)  A cottage food operation must comply with the
788applicable requirements of this chapter but is exempt from the
789permitting requirements of s. 500.12 if the cottage food
790operation complies with this section and has annual gross sales
791of cottage food products that do not exceed $15,000.
792     (b)  For purposes of this subsection, a cottage food
793operation's annual gross sales include all sales of cottage food
794products at any location, regardless of the types of products
795sold or the number of persons involved in the operation. A
796cottage food operation must provide the department, upon
797request, with written documentation to verify the operation's
798annual gross sales.
799     (2)  A cottage food operation may not sell or offer for
800sale cottage food products over the Internet, by mail order, or
801at wholesale.
802     (3)  A cottage food operation may only sell cottage food
803products which are prepackaged with a label affixed that
804contains the following information:
805     (a)  The name and address of the cottage food operation.
806     (b)  The name of the cottage food product.
807     (c)  The ingredients of the cottage food product, in
808descending order of predominance by weight.
809     (d)  The net weight or net volume of the cottage food
810product.
811     (e)  Allergen information as specified by federal labeling
812requirements.
813     (f)  If any nutritional claim is made, appropriate
814nutritional information as specified by federal labeling
815requirements.
816     (g)  The following statement printed in at least 10-point
817type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background
818of the label: "Made in a cottage food operation that is not
819subject to Florida's food safety regulations."
820     (4)  A cottage food operation may only sell cottage food
821products that it stores on the premises of the cottage food
822operation.
823     (5)  This section does not exempt a cottage food operation
824from any state or federal tax law, rule, regulation, or
825certificate that applies to all cottage food operations.
826     (6)  A cottage food operation must comply with all
827applicable county and municipal laws and ordinances regulating
828the preparation, processing, storage, and sale of cottage food
829products by a cottage food operation or from a person's
830residence.
831     (7)(a)  The department may investigate any complaint which
832alleges that a cottage food operation has violated an applicable
833provision of this chapter or rule adopted under this chapter.
834     (b)  Only upon receipt of a complaint, the department's
835authorized officer or employee may enter and inspect the
836premises of a cottage food operation to determine compliance
837with this chapter and department rules, as applicable. A cottage
838food operation's refusal to permit the department's authorized
839officer or employee entry to the premises or to conduct the
840inspection is grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to s.
841500.121.
842     (8)  This section does not apply to a person operating
843under a food permit issued pursuant to s. 500.12.
844     Section 22.  Subsections (2) and (4) of section 501.145,
845Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
846     501.145  Bedding Label Act.-
847     (2)  DEFINITIONS.-For the purpose of this section, the
848term:
849     (a)  "Bedding" means any mattress, box spring, pillow, or
850cushion made of leather or any other material which is or can be
851stuffed or filled in whole or in part with any substance or
852material, which can be used by any human being for sleeping or
853reclining purposes.
854     (b)  "Department" means the Department of Agriculture and
855Consumer Services.
856     (c)  "Enforcing authority" means the Department of
857Agriculture and Consumer Services or the Department of Legal
858Affairs.
859     (4)  PENALTIES.-The department enforcing authority may
860bring an action for injunctive relief against any person who
861violates the provisions of this section. Any person who
862knowingly sells bedding which contains used material that is not
863labeled in accordance with this section commits a misdemeanor of
864the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.
865775.083.
866     Section 23.  Paragraph (b) of subsection (1) and subsection
867(8) of section 501.160, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
868     501.160  Rental or sale of essential commodities during a
869declared state of emergency; prohibition against unconscionable
870prices.-
871     (1)  As used in this section:
872     (b)  It is prima facie evidence that a price is
873unconscionable if:
874     1.  The amount charged represents a gross disparity between
875the price of the commodity or rental or lease of any dwelling
876unit or self-storage facility that is the subject of the offer
877or transaction and the average price at which that commodity or
878dwelling unit or self-storage facility was rented, leased, sold,
879or offered for rent or sale in the usual course of business
880during the 30 days immediately prior to a declaration of a state
881of emergency, unless and the increase in the amount charged is
882not attributable to additional costs incurred in connection with
883the rental or sale of the commodity or rental or lease of any
884dwelling unit or self-storage facility, or regional, national or
885international market trends; or
886     2.  The amount charged grossly exceeds the average price at
887which the same or similar commodity was readily obtainable in
888the trade area during the 30 days immediately prior to a
889declaration of a state of emergency, unless and the increase in
890the amount charged is not attributable to additional costs
891incurred in connection with the rental or sale of the commodity
892or rental or lease of any dwelling unit or self-storage
893facility, or regional, national or international market trends.
894     (8)  Any violation of this section may be enforced by the
895Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the office of
896the state attorney, or the Department of Legal Affairs.
897     Section 24.  Subsection (2) of section 525.01, Florida
898Statutes, is amended to read:
899     525.01  Gasoline and oil to be inspected.-
900     (2)  All petroleum fuels are shall be subject to inspection
901and analysis by the department. Before selling or offering for
902sale in this state any petroleum fuel, all manufacturers,
903terminal suppliers, wholesalers, and importers as defined in s.
904206.01 jobbers shall file with the department:
905     (a)  An affidavit stating that they desire to do business
906in this state, and the name and address of the manufacturer of
907the petroleum fuel.
908     (b)  An affidavit stating that the petroleum fuel is in
909conformity with the standards prescribed by department rule.
910     Section 25.  Section 526.06, Florida Statutes, is amended
911to read:
912     526.06  Mixing, blending, compounding, or adulteration of
913liquid fuels of same manufacturer prohibited; sale of gasoline
914blended with ethanol.-A It is unlawful for any person may not to
915mix, blend, compound, or adulterate the liquid fuel, lubricating
916oil, grease, or similar product of a manufacturer or distributor
917with a liquid fuel, lubricating oil, grease, or similar product
918of the same manufacturer or distributor of a character or nature
919different from the character or nature of the liquid fuel,
920lubricating oil, grease, or similar product so mixed, blended,
921compounded, or adulterated, and expose for sale, offer for sale,
922or sell the same as the unadulterated product of such
923manufacturer or distributor or as the unadulterated product of
924any other manufacturer or distributor. However, nothing in this
925chapter does not shall be construed to prevent the lawful owner
926of such products from applying his, her, or its own trademark,
927trade name, or symbol to any product or material. Ethanol-
928blended fuels which contain unleaded gasoline and up to 10
929percent denatured ethanol by volume may be sold at retail
930service stations for use in motor vehicles. To provide retail
931service stations flexibility during the transition period to
932ethanol-blended fuels, the T50 and TV/L specifications for
933gasoline containing between 9 and 10 percent ethanol shall be
934applied to all gasoline containing between 1 and 10 percent
935ethanol by volume provided the last three or fewer deliveries
936contained between 9 and 10 percent ethanol by volume. If there
937is no reasonable availability of ethanol or the price of ethanol
938exceeds the price of gasoline, the T50 and TV/L specifications
939for gasoline containing between 9 and 10 percent ethanol shall
940be applicable for gasoline containing between 1 and 10 percent
941ethanol for up to three deliveries of fuel.
942     Section 26.  Paragraph (f) of subsection (3) of section
943539.001, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
944     539.001  The Florida Pawnbroking Act.-
945     (3)  LICENSE REQUIRED.-
946     (f)  Any person applying for or renewing a local
947occupational license to engage in business as a pawnbroker must
948exhibit a current license from the agency before the local
949business tax receipt occupational license may be issued or
950reissued.
951     Section 27.  Subsection (7) of section 681.102, Florida
952Statutes, is amended, and present subsections (8) through (23)
953of that section are renumbered as subsections (7) through (22),
954respectively, to read:
955     681.102  Definitions.-As used in this chapter, the term:
956     (7)  "Division" means the Division of Consumer Services of
957the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
958     Section 28.  Subsection (3) of section 681.103, Florida
959Statutes, is amended to read:
960     681.103  Duty of manufacturer to conform a motor vehicle to
961the warranty.-
962     (3)  At the time of acquisition, the manufacturer shall
963inform the consumer clearly and conspicuously in writing how and
964where to file a claim with a certified procedure if such
965procedure has been established by the manufacturer pursuant to
966s. 681.108. The nameplate manufacturer of a recreational vehicle
967shall, at the time of vehicle acquisition, inform the consumer
968clearly and conspicuously in writing how and where to file a
969claim with a program pursuant to s. 681.1096. The manufacturer
970shall provide to the dealer and, at the time of acquisition, the
971dealer shall provide to the consumer a written statement that
972explains the consumer's rights under this chapter. The written
973statement shall be prepared by the Department of Legal Affairs
974and shall contain a toll-free number for the department which
975division that the consumer can contact to obtain information
976regarding the consumer's rights and obligations under this
977chapter or to commence arbitration. If the manufacturer obtains
978a signed receipt for timely delivery of sufficient quantities of
979this written statement to meet the dealer's vehicle sales
980requirements, it shall constitute prima facie evidence of
981compliance with this subsection by the manufacturer. The
982consumer's signed acknowledgment of receipt of materials
983required under this subsection shall constitute prima facie
984evidence of compliance by the manufacturer and dealer. The form
985of the acknowledgments shall be approved by the Department of
986Legal Affairs, and the dealer shall maintain the consumer's
987signed acknowledgment for 3 years.
988     Section 29.  Section 681.108, Florida Statutes, is amended
989to read:
990     681.108  Dispute-settlement procedures.-
991     (1)  If a manufacturer has established a procedure that,
992which the department division has certified as substantially
993complying with the provisions of 16 C.F.R. part 703, in effect
994October 1, 1983, and with the provisions of this chapter and the
995rules adopted under this chapter, and has informed the consumer
996how and where to file a claim with such procedure pursuant to s.
997681.103(3), the provisions of s. 681.104(2) apply to the
998consumer only if the consumer has first resorted to such
999procedure. The decisionmakers for a certified procedure shall,
1000in rendering decisions, take into account all legal and
1001equitable factors germane to a fair and just decision,
1002including, but not limited to, the warranty; the rights and
1003remedies conferred under 16 C.F.R. part 703, in effect October
10041, 1983; the provisions of this chapter; and any other equitable
1005considerations appropriate under the circumstances.
1006Decisionmakers and staff of a procedure shall be trained in the
1007provisions of this chapter and in 16 C.F.R. part 703, in effect
1008October 1, 1983. In an action brought by a consumer concerning
1009an alleged nonconformity, the decision that results from a
1010certified procedure is admissible in evidence.
1011     (2)  A manufacturer may apply to the department division
1012for certification of its procedure. After receipt and evaluation
1013of the application, the department division shall certify the
1014procedure or notify the manufacturer of any deficiencies in the
1015application or the procedure.
1016     (3)  A certified procedure or a procedure of an applicant
1017seeking certification shall submit to the department division a
1018copy of each settlement approved by the procedure or decision
1019made by a decisionmaker within 30 days after the settlement is
1020reached or the decision is rendered. The decision or settlement
1021must contain at a minimum the:
1022     (a)  Name and address of the consumer;
1023     (b)  Name of the manufacturer and address of the dealership
1024from which the motor vehicle was purchased;
1025     (c)  Date the claim was received and the location of the
1026procedure office that handled the claim;
1027     (d)  Relief requested by the consumer;
1028     (e)  Name of each decisionmaker rendering the decision or
1029person approving the settlement;
1030     (f)  Statement of the terms of the settlement or decision;
1031     (g)  Date of the settlement or decision; and
1032     (h)  Statement of whether the decision was accepted or
1033rejected by the consumer.
1034     (4)  Any manufacturer establishing or applying to establish
1035a certified procedure must file with the department division a
1036copy of the annual audit required under the provisions of 16
1037C.F.R. part 703, in effect October 1, 1983, together with any
1038additional information required for purposes of certification,
1039including the number of refunds and replacements made in this
1040state pursuant to the provisions of this chapter by the
1041manufacturer during the period audited.
1042     (5)  The department division shall review each certified
1043procedure at least annually, prepare an annual report evaluating
1044the operation of certified procedures established by motor
1045vehicle manufacturers and procedures of applicants seeking
1046certification, and, for a period not to exceed 1 year, shall
1047grant certification to, or renew certification for, those
1048manufacturers whose procedures substantially comply with the
1049provisions of 16 C.F.R. part 703, in effect October 1, 1983, and
1050with the provisions of this chapter and rules adopted under this
1051chapter. If certification is revoked or denied, the department
1052division shall state the reasons for such action. The reports
1053and records of actions taken with respect to certification shall
1054be public records.
1055     (6)  A manufacturer whose certification is denied or
1056revoked is entitled to a hearing pursuant to chapter 120.
1057     (7)  If federal preemption of state authority to regulate
1058procedures occurs, the provisions of subsection (1) concerning
1059prior resort do not apply.
1060     (8)  The department may division shall adopt rules to
1061administer implement this section.
1062     Section 30.  Section 681.109, Florida Statutes, is amended
1063to read:
1064     681.109  Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board;
1065dispute eligibility.-
1066     (1)  If a manufacturer has a certified procedure, a
1067consumer claim arising during the Lemon Law rights period must
1068be filed with the certified procedure no later than 60 days
1069after the expiration of the Lemon Law rights period. If a
1070decision is not rendered by the certified procedure within 40
1071days after of filing, the consumer may apply to the department
1072division to have the dispute removed to the board for
1073arbitration.
1074     (2)  If a manufacturer has a certified procedure, a
1075consumer claim arising during the Lemon Law rights period must
1076be filed with the certified procedure no later than 60 days
1077after the expiration of the Lemon Law rights period. If a
1078consumer is not satisfied with the decision or the
1079manufacturer's compliance therewith, the consumer may apply to
1080the department division to have the dispute submitted to the
1081board for arbitration. A manufacturer may not seek review of a
1082decision made under its procedure.
1083     (3)  If a manufacturer does not have a has no certified
1084procedure or if the a certified procedure does not have
1085jurisdiction to resolve the dispute, a consumer may apply
1086directly to the department division to have the dispute
1087submitted to the board for arbitration.
1088     (4)  A consumer must request arbitration before the board
1089with respect to a claim arising during the Lemon Law rights
1090period no later than 60 days after the expiration of the Lemon
1091Law rights period, or within 30 days after the final action of a
1092certified procedure, whichever date occurs later.
1093     (5)  The department division shall screen all requests for
1094arbitration before the board to determine eligibility. The
1095consumer's request for arbitration before the board shall be
1096made on a form prescribed by the department. The department
1097division shall forward to the board all disputes that the
1098department division determines are potentially entitled to
1099relief under this chapter.
1100     (6)  The department division may reject a dispute that it
1101determines to be fraudulent or outside the scope of the board's
1102authority. Any dispute deemed by the department division to be
1103ineligible for arbitration by the board due to insufficient
1104evidence may be reconsidered upon the submission of new
1105information regarding the dispute. Following a second review,
1106The department, after a second review, division may reject a
1107dispute if the evidence is clearly insufficient to qualify for
1108relief. If the department rejects a dispute, it must provide
1109notice of the rejection and a brief explanation of the reason
1110for rejection Any dispute rejected by the division shall be
1111forwarded to the department and a copy shall be sent by
1112registered mail to the consumer and to the manufacturer,
1113containing a brief explanation as to the reason for rejection.
1114     (7)  If the department division rejects a dispute, the
1115consumer may file a lawsuit to enforce the remedies provided
1116under this chapter. In any civil action arising under this
1117chapter and relating to a matter considered by the department
1118division, any determination made to reject a dispute is
1119admissible in evidence.
1120     (8)  The department may shall have the authority to adopt
1121reasonable rules to administer carry out the provisions of this
1122section.
1123     Section 31.  Subsections (2), (3), (4), (5), (9), (11), and
1124(12) of section 681.1095, Florida Statutes, are amended, and
1125subsection (17) is added to that section, to read:
1126     681.1095  Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board;
1127creation and function.-
1128     (2)  The board boards shall hear cases in various locations
1129throughout the state so that any consumer whose dispute is
1130approved for arbitration by the department division may attend
1131an arbitration hearing at a reasonably convenient location and
1132present a dispute orally. Hearings shall be conducted by panels
1133of three board members assigned by the department. A majority
1134vote of the three-member board panel shall be required to render
1135a decision. Arbitration proceedings under this section shall be
1136open to the public on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms.
1137     (3)  Each region of the board shall consist of up to eight
1138members. The members of the board shall construe and apply the
1139provisions of this chapter, and rules adopted thereunder, in
1140making their decisions. An administrator and a secretary shall
1141be assigned to each region of the board by the Department of
1142Legal Affairs. At least one member of the each board in each
1143region must have be a person with expertise in motor vehicle
1144mechanics. A member may must not be employed by a manufacturer
1145or a franchised motor vehicle dealer or be a staff member, a
1146decisionmaker, or a consultant for a procedure. Board members
1147shall be trained in the application of this chapter and any
1148rules adopted under this chapter. Members of the board, shall be
1149reimbursed for travel expenses pursuant to s. 112.061, and shall
1150be compensated at a rate or wage prescribed by the Attorney
1151General and are entitled to reimbursement for per diem and
1152travel expenses pursuant to s. 112.061.
1153     (4)  Before filing a civil action on a matter subject to s.
1154681.104, the consumer must first submit the dispute to the
1155department division, and to the board if such dispute is deemed
1156eligible for arbitration.
1157     (5)  Manufacturers shall submit to arbitration conducted by
1158the board if such arbitration is requested by a consumer and the
1159dispute is deemed eligible for arbitration by the department
1160division pursuant to s. 681.109.
1161     (9)  The decision of the board shall be sent by any method
1162providing a delivery confirmation registered mail to the
1163consumer and the manufacturer, and shall contain written
1164findings of fact and rationale for the decision. If the decision
1165is in favor of the consumer, the manufacturer must, within 40
1166days after receipt of the decision, comply with the terms of the
1167decision. Compliance occurs on the date the consumer receives
1168delivery of an acceptable replacement motor vehicle or the
1169refund specified in the arbitration award. In any civil action
1170arising under this chapter and relating to a dispute arbitrated
1171before the board, any decision by the board is admissible in
1172evidence.
1173     (11)  All provisions in This section and s. 681.109
1174pertaining to compulsory arbitration before the board, the
1175dispute eligibility screening by the department division, the
1176proceedings and decisions of the board, and any appeals thereof,
1177are exempt from the provisions of chapter 120.
1178     (12)  An appeal of a decision by the board to the circuit
1179court by a consumer or a manufacturer shall be by trial de novo.
1180In a written petition to appeal a decision by the board, the
1181appealing party must state the action requested and the grounds
1182relied upon for appeal. Within 15 30 days after of final
1183disposition of the appeal, the appealing party shall furnish the
1184department with notice of such disposition and, upon request,
1185shall furnish the department with a copy of the settlement or
1186the order or judgment of the court.
1187     (17)  The department may adopt rules to administer this
1188section.
1189     Section 32.  Subsections (2) and (4) of section 681.1096,
1190Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1191     681.1096  RV Mediation and Arbitration Program; creation
1192and qualifications.-
1193     (2)  Each manufacturer of a recreational vehicle involved
1194in a dispute that is determined eligible under this chapter,
1195including chassis and component manufacturers that which
1196separately warrant the chassis and components and that which
1197otherwise meet the definition of manufacturer set forth in s.
1198681.102(13) 681.102(14), shall participate in a mediation and
1199arbitration program that is deemed qualified by the department.
1200     (4)  The department shall monitor the program for
1201compliance with this chapter. If the program is determined not
1202qualified or if qualification is revoked, then disputes shall be
1203subject to the provisions of ss. 681.109 and 681.1095. If the
1204program is determined not qualified or if qualification is
1205revoked as to a manufacturer, all those manufacturers
1206potentially involved in the eligible consumer dispute shall be
1207required to submit to arbitration conducted by the board if such
1208arbitration is requested by a consumer and the dispute is deemed
1209eligible for arbitration by the department division pursuant to
1210s. 681.109. A consumer having a dispute involving one or more
1211manufacturers for which the program has been determined not
1212qualified, or for which qualification has been revoked, is not
1213required to submit the dispute to the program irrespective of
1214whether the program may be qualified as to some of the
1215manufacturers potentially involved in the dispute.
1216     Section 33.  Subsection (2) of section 681.112, Florida
1217Statutes, is amended to read:
1218     681.112  Consumer remedies.-
1219     (2)  An action brought under this chapter must be commenced
1220within 1 year after the expiration of the Lemon Law rights
1221period, or, if a consumer resorts to an informal dispute-
1222settlement procedure or submits a dispute to the department
1223division or board, within 1 year after the final action of the
1224procedure, department division, or board.
1225     Section 34.  Subsection (1) of section 681.117, Florida
1226Statutes, is amended to read:
1227     681.117  Fee.-
1228     (1)  A $2 fee shall be collected by a motor vehicle dealer,
1229or by a person engaged in the business of leasing motor
1230vehicles, from the consumer at the consummation of the sale of a
1231motor vehicle or at the time of entry into a lease agreement for
1232a motor vehicle. Such fees shall be remitted to the county tax
1233collector or private tag agency acting as agent for the
1234Department of Revenue. If the purchaser or lessee removes the
1235motor vehicle from the state for titling and registration
1236outside this state, the fee shall be remitted to the Department
1237of Revenue. All fees, less the cost of administration, shall be
1238transferred monthly to the Department of Legal Affairs for
1239deposit into the Motor Vehicle Warranty Trust Fund. The
1240Department of Legal Affairs shall distribute monthly an amount
1241not exceeding one-fourth of the fees received to the Division of
1242Consumer Services of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
1243Services to carry out the provisions of ss. 681.108 and 681.109.
1244The Department of Legal Affairs shall contract with the Division
1245of Consumer Services for payment of services performed by the
1246division pursuant to ss. 681.108 and 681.109.
1247     Section 35.  This act shall take effect July 1, 2011.


CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.