Legislative Issues

Bills Signed into Law by Governor Scott:

AIRBOAT OPERATOR REGULATIONS “Ellies Law” requires a commercial airboat operator to carry a photo ID, proof of completion of an approved boater education course or possess a captain’s license issued by the United States Coast Guard. Operators must also successfully complete a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid.

 

RESIGN TO RUN This bill requires current office holders to resign before running for a federal office. The effective date of such resignation would be the day before the federal office they seek would start.

WRITE-IN CANDIDATES Sponsored by Representative Joe Geller (D-Dania Beach) and Senator Kevin Rader (D-Boca Raton), the bill repeals provisions relating to write-in candidate residency requirement. Earlier this year, a judge ruled Florida’s residency requirement unconstitutional.

VETERAN FEE ABATEMENT   The law expands fee waivers for professional licensure, such as real estate brokerage licenses, and requirements for veterans and their spouses to make it easier to acquire such licenses. It also provides educational and career counseling programs.

TAX INCREASE AMENDMENT The Legislature passed a joint resolution to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot this November that would require no state tax or fee may be imposed or raised by the Legislature except through legislation approved by two-thirds of the membership of each house.