Author: Richard Elzey

Florida is Eliminating ALL Professional Boards

No more, Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, NO ELECTRICAL Board, no engineers, they’re all gone. Florida is the NEW WILD WEST! Do whatever you like! LOL

Go look for yourself… HB 1461

In April 2025, the Florida House of Representatives filed a substantial committee amendment to House Bill 1461 (HB 1461), titled “Department of Business and Professional Regulation.” This amendment proposes significant changes to Florida’s approach to occupational and professional licensure, including the elimination of nearly all boards and commissions that regulate professions under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). This change would notably affect the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), which oversees the real estate profession in the state.

Valentine’s Day Again

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but it hasn’t always been the love-filled, card-exchanging, chocolate-sharing holiday we recognize today. Here’s a look at the fascinating history of this cherished celebration of love.

For some, Valentine’s is a romantic and sweet occasion; for others, it’s a not-so-subtle reminder of singlehood or simply a product of consumerism. No matter how you view it, this holiday has been marked in various ways for centuries.

While today we toast to love over wine, spaghetti, and roses, the ancient Romans honored the day with a very different vibe—through a fertility festival featuring animal sacrifices and raucous revelry.

So, let’s dive into the indulgent and wild origins of the holiday that eventually gave us conversation hearts with messages like “Cutie” and “Bae.”

Crimes relating to Florida contracting

In Florida, the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) oversees licensing and regulation for various construction professionals. For the purpose of maintaining a license, certain crimes may be considered irrelevant to contracting, meaning they may not directly impact a contractor’s ability to hold or maintain a license.

Here are examples of crimes that generally do not relate to contracting:

  1. Traffic Violations: Minor offenses such as speeding tickets or parking violations typically do not affect licensing status.
  2. Theft of Non-Construction Related Items: Crimes like shoplifting or petty theft that don’t pertain to construction materials or tools may not be relevant.
  3. Drug Offenses (Non-Related to the Construction Site): Drug offenses that do not involve construction sites or business operations may not be directly relevant. However, drug-related crimes can sometimes impact licensing depending on the specifics.
  4. Public Disorder Crimes: Offenses such as disorderly conduct or public intoxication that are unrelated to the professional conduct of contracting are usually not considered.
  5. Certain White-Collar Crimes: Some financial crimes like embezzlement or fraud, unless they directly relate to contracting activities or involve construction funds, may not directly impact licensing.

However, it’s essential to note that even if a crime doesn’t directly relate to contracting, the CILB can still consider the nature and circumstances of the crime when evaluating an applicant’s or licensee’s fitness for holding a license. Major offenses or patterns of criminal behavior may raise concerns about the individual’s suitability for a professional license, even if the crimes are not directly related to contracting activities. For the most accurate and specific guidance, reviewing the Florida statutes or consulting with a legal expert or licensing authority would be advisable.