Comments Requested: Strike-Everything Filed to HB 601–Division of Land Sales & Condominiums

State Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff has late-filed a strike-everything amendment to CS/HB 601. 

At your earliest convenience, please review the attached Bogdanoff amendment and provide your comments to Fred Karlinsky (fkarlinsky@cftlaw.com) or Katie Scott Webb (kscott@cftlaw.com).

The bill, which has been placed on the House Special Order Calendar for today, April 22, is scheduled to be heard by the entire House of Representatives, during which time the amendment is expected to be offered.

CS/HB 601, which relates to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (“DBPR”), changes name of Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums, and Mobile Homes to Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes.  The bill establishes the Division of Service Operations and provides for its responsibility for certain examination-related requirements.  CS/HB 601 repeals most of ch. 498, F.S., but transfers some provisions to, or incorporates some provisions in ch. 718, F.S., including language on trust funds, division of powers and duties, civil penalties, court costs, investigative powers, etc.. The bill also removes farm labor contractor filing of fingerprint requirement; authorizes DBPR to approve, close, and terminate certain professional license applications under certain conditions; provides for certain DBPR general provisions to apply to all boards and divisions; revises real estate broker licensure requirements; repeals requirement for real estate schools to submit rosters to DBPR; revises requirements for electrical and alarm system contractor exams and certifications; adds amateur mixed martial arts to amateur sports governed by Florida State Boxing Commission and removes prohibition of such matches. The bill also clarifies that timeshare plans include nonspecific multi-site timeshare plans. Effective Date: July 1, 2008.