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The Florida Senate

CS/CS/CS/HB 949 — Pest Control

by State Affairs Committee; Rulemaking & Regulation Subcommittee; Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee; and Reps. Smith and Williams (CS/CS/CS/SB 1290 by Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations, Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee, Agriculture Committee, and Senator Dean)

This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.

Prepared by: Agriculture Committee (AG)

This bill makes changes to the Florida Structural Pest Control Act. It authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (department) to issue a license to operate a customer contact center for the sole purpose of soliciting pest control business and to provide more efficient services to consumers for one or more business locations. The bill also provides that a person cannot operate a customer contact center for a pest control business that is not licensed by the department and establishes a licensing fee, biennial renewal fee, and authorizes a late filing fee.

The bill establishes a limited certification for a commercial wildlife management personnel category within the department authorizing persons to use nonchemical methods for controlling rodents. The certification process includes successful completion of an examination, an examination fee, annual recertification, late fees, continuing education classes and proof of a certificate of insurance for minimum financial responsibility. The bill specifies that persons licensed or certified by the department under ch. 482, F.S., and who practice accepted pest control methods are immune from liability under the animal cruelty provisions. Also, persons licensed or certified under ch. 482, F.S., must abide by the rules, regulations, or orders of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The bill increases the minimum requirements for insurance coverage to conduct pest control businesses. In addition, the bill expands the methods by which a pest control licensee may contact the department regarding the location where fumigation will be taking place to include notification by facsimile or other forms of electronic communication.

If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2011.
Vote:  Senate 38-0; House 116-1