reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.3101 - Licensure of Firms or Public Accounting Firms.

473.3101 Licensure of firms or public accounting firms.—
(1) The following must hold a license issued under this section:
(a) Any firm with an office in this state which performs services as defined in s. 473.302(8)(a);
(b) Any firm with an office in this state which uses the title “CPA,” “CPA firm,” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations, or device tending to indicate that it is a CPA firm. The board shall define by rule what constitutes a CPA firm; or
(c)1. Any firm that does not have an office in this state but performs the services described in s. 473.3141(4) for a client having its home office in this state, unless it:
a. Complies with the qualifications described in s. 473.309.
b. Is enrolled in a peer review program pursuant to s. 473.3125(4).
c. Performs services through an individual with practice privileges under s. 473.3141.
d. Lawfully performs services in a state where an individual with practice privileges granted under s. 473.3141 has his or her principal place of business.
2. The board shall define by rule what constitutes an office.
(2) An applicant for licensure under this section must file an application for licensure with the department and supply the information that the board requires. An application must be made upon the affidavit of a sole proprietor, general partner, shareholder, or member who is a certified public accountant.
(3) A firm that is not subject to the requirements of paragraph (1)(c) may perform other professional services while using the title “CPA,” “CPA firm,” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations, or device tending to indicate that the firm practices public accounting in this state without a license issued under this section only if:
(a) It performs such services through an individual with practice privileges granted under s. 473.3141; and
(b) It can lawfully do so in the state where the individual with practice privileges has his or her principal place of business.
(4) The board shall determine whether the firm or public accounting firm meets the requirements for practice and, pending that determination, may certify to the department the firm or public accounting firm for provisional licensure.
(5) Each license must be renewed every 2 years. Each firm or public accounting firm licensed under this section must notify the department within 1 month after any change in the information contained in the application on which its license is based.
History.—ss. 9, 25, ch. 79-202; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 17, ch. 93-110; s. 2, ch. 93-284; s. 6, ch. 98-340; s. 9, ch. 2009-54; s. 3, ch. 2015-174; s. 2, ch. 2017-148.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.311 - Renewal of License.

473.311 Renewal of license.—
(1)(a) The department shall renew a license issued under s. 473.308 upon receipt of the renewal application and fee and upon certification by the board that the Florida certified public accountant has satisfactorily completed the continuing education requirements of s. 473.312.
(b) A nonresident licensee seeking renewal of a license in this state shall be determined to have met the continuing education requirements in s. 473.312, except for the requirements in s. 473.312(1)(c), if the licensee has complied with the continuing education requirements applicable in the state in which his or her office is located. If the state in which the nonresident licensee’s office is located has no continuing education requirements for license renewals, the nonresident licensee must comply with the continuing education requirements in s. 473.312.
(2) The department shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for the biennial renewal of licenses issued pursuant to this section.
History.—ss. 11, 25, ch. 79-202; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 5, 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 220, ch. 94-119; s. 116, ch. 98-166; s. 177, ch. 2000-160; s. 2, ch. 2004-87; s. 10, ch. 2009-54; s. 3, ch. 2009-69; s. 14, ch. 2009-195; s. 2, ch. 2013-167; s. 2, ch. 2021-98.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.312 - Continuing Education.

473.312 Continuing education.—
(1)(a) As part of the license renewal procedure, the board shall by rule require Florida certified public accountants to submit proof satisfactory to the board that during the 2 years prior to application for renewal, they have successfully completed not less than 48 or more than 80 hours of continuing professional education programs in public accounting subjects approved by the board. The board may prescribe by rule additional continuing professional education hours, not to exceed 25 percent of the total hours required, for failure to complete the hours required for renewal by the end of the reestablishment period.
(b) Not less than 10 percent of the total hours required by the board shall be in accounting-related and auditing-related subjects, as distinguished from federal and local taxation matters and management services.
(c) Not less than 5 percent of the total hours required by the board shall be in ethics applicable to the practice of public accounting. This requirement shall be administered by providers approved by the board, and a majority of the hours shall include a review of the provisions of chapter 455 and this chapter and the related administrative rules.
(2) Programs of continuing professional education approved by the board shall be formal programs of learning which contribute directly to the professional competency of an individual following licensure to practice public accounting and may be any of the following:
(a) Professional development programs of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, state societies of certified public accountants, or other organizations.
(b) Technical sessions at meetings of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, state societies, chapters, or other organizations.
(c) University and college courses.
(d) Formal organized in-firm education programs.
(3) The board shall adopt rules establishing the continuing education requirements for Florida certified public accountants who are engaged in the audit of a governmental entity. The board shall approve subjects directly related to the governmental environment and to governmental auditing for purposes of satisfying the requirement of this subsection.
(4) For the purposes of maintaining proper continuing education requirements for renewal of licensure under this chapter, the board may appoint a Continuing Professional Education Advisory Committee, which shall be composed of one member of the board, one academician on the faculty of a university in this state, and six certified public accountants.
History.—ss. 10, 25, ch. 79-202; s. 345, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 6, 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 3, ch. 87-221; s. 2, ch. 89-87; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 7, ch. 98-340; s. 3, ch. 2004-87; s. 2, ch. 2007-139; s. 11, ch. 2009-54; s. 2, ch. 2019-89; s. 3, ch. 2021-98.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.3125 - Peer Review.

473.3125 Peer review.—
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Licensee” means a licensed firm or public accounting firm as defined in s. 473.302(7) and engaged in the practice of public accounting as defined in s. 473.302(8)(a) that is required to be licensed under s. 473.3101.
(b) “Peer review” means the study, appraisal, or review by one or more independent certified public accountants of one or more aspects of the professional work of a licensee.
(2) The board shall adopt rules establishing minimum standards for peer review programs, including, but not limited to, standards for administering, performing, and reporting peer reviews. The board shall also adopt rules establishing minimum criteria for the board’s approval of one or more organizations that facilitate and administer peer review programs.
(3) For the purposes of maintaining oversight of the license renewal requirements of s. 473.311(2), the board may establish a peer review oversight committee, which shall be composed of at least three, but no more than five, members who are licensed under this chapter and whose firms are subject to s. 473.311(2) and have received a review rating of “pass” on the most recent peer review.
(4) Effective January 1, 2015, a licensed firm or public accounting firm as defined in s. 473.302(7) and licensed under s. 473.3101 and engaged in the practice of public accounting as defined in s. 473.302(8)(a), except for the performance of compilations and reviews as those terms are defined by the board, must be enrolled in a peer review program.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2013-167; s. 5, ch. 2015-174.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.313 - Inactive Status.

473.313 Inactive status.—
(1) A Florida certified public accountant may request that her or his license be placed in an inactive status by making application to the department. The board may prescribe by rule fees for placing a license on inactive status, renewal of inactive status, and reactivation of an inactive license.
(2) A license that has become inactive under subsection (1) or for failure to complete the requirements in s. 473.312 may be reactivated under s. 473.311 upon application to the department. The board may prescribe by rule continuing education requirements as a condition of reactivating a license. The maximum continuing education requirements for reactivating a license are 120 hours, including at least 30 hours in accounting-related and auditing-related subjects, not more than 30 hours in behavioral subjects, and a minimum of 8 hours in ethics subjects approved by the board, for the reactivation of a license that is inactive or delinquent.
(3) A license that is delinquent for failure to report completion of the requirements in s. 473.312 may be reactivated under s. 473.311 upon application to the department. Reactivation requires the payment of an application fee as determined by the board and certification by the Florida certified public accountant that the applicant satisfactorily completed the continuing education requirements set forth under s. 473.311. If the license is delinquent on January 1 because of failure to report completed continuing education requirements, the applicant must submit a complete application to the board by March 15 immediately after the delinquent period.
(4) Any Florida certified public accountant holding an inactive license may be permitted to reactivate such license in a conditional manner. The conditions of reactivation shall require the payment of fees and the completion of required continuing education.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 455.271, the board may, at its discretion, reinstate the license of an individual whose license has become null and void if the individual has made a good faith effort to comply with this section but has failed to comply because of illness or unusual hardship. The individual shall apply to the board for reinstatement in a manner prescribed by rules of the board and shall pay an application fee in an amount determined by rule of the board. The board shall require that the individual meet all continuing education requirements as provided in subsection (2), pay appropriate licensing fees, and otherwise be eligible for renewal of licensure under this chapter.
History.—ss. 12, 25, ch. 79-202; s. 346, ch. 81-259; ss. 17, 18, ch. 81-302; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 3, ch. 83-265; s. 53, ch. 83-329; ss. 7, 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 221, ch. 94-119; s. 348, ch. 97-103; s. 8, ch. 98-340; s. 5, ch. 2001-269; s. 12, ch. 2009-54; s. 4, ch. 2009-69; s. 15, ch. 2009-195; s. 2, ch. 2012-176; s. 4, ch. 2013-167; s. 2, ch. 2014-88; s. 3, ch. 2019-89.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.314 - Temporary License.

473.314 Temporary license.—
(1) The board shall adopt rules providing for the issuance of temporary licenses to certified public accountants or firms of other states who do not meet the requirements of s. 473.3141, for the purpose of enabling them or their employees to perform specific engagements involving the practice of public accountancy in this state. No temporary license shall be valid for more than 90 days after its issuance, and no license shall cover more than one engagement. After the expiration of 90 days, a new license shall be required.
(2) Each application for a temporary license shall state the names of all persons who are to enter this state and shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount established by the board not to exceed $400.
(3) A temporary license shall not be required of certified public accountants or firms entering this state solely for the purpose of preparing federal tax returns or advising as to federal tax matters if they do not use the title “CPA,” “CPA firm,” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations, or device tending to indicate that the certified public accountants or firms are authorized to practice public accounting. To use such terms in this state, certified public accountants or firms from other states must comply with the provisions of this section or s. 473.3141.
(4) Upon certification of the applicant by the board, the department shall issue a temporary license to the applicant.
(5) The application for a temporary license shall constitute the appointment of the Department of State as an agent of the applicant for service of process in any action or proceeding against the applicant arising out of any transaction or operation connected with, or incidental to, the practice of public accounting for which the temporary license was issued.
History.—ss. 13, 25, ch. 79-202; s. 347, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 24, ch. 91-137; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 13, ch. 2009-54.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.315 - Independence, Technical Standards.

473.315 Independence, technical standards.—
(1) A certified public accountant shall not express an opinion on the financial statements of an enterprise unless she or he and her or his firm are independent with respect to such enterprise.
(2) A certified public accountant shall not undertake any engagement in the practice of public accounting which she or he or her or his firm cannot reasonably expect to complete with professional competence.
(3) The board shall adopt rules establishing the standards of practice of public accounting, including, but not limited to, independence, competence, and technical standards.
(4) Attorneys who are admitted to practice law by the Supreme Court of Florida are exempt from the standards of practice of public accounting as defined in s. 473.302(8)(b) and (c) when such standards conflict with the rules of The Florida Bar or orders of the Florida Supreme Court.
History.—ss. 14, 25, ch. 79-202; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 349, ch. 97-103; s. 9, ch. 98-340; s. 107, ch. 2010-5.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.318 - Ownership of Working Papers.

473.318 Ownership of working papers.—All statements, records, schedules, working papers, and memoranda made by a certified public accountant or firm or her or his employee incident to, or in the course of, professional services to a client, except the reports submitted by the certified public accountant or firm to the client and except for records which are part of the client’s records, shall be and remain the property of the certified public accountant or firm in the absence of an express agreement between the certified public accountant or firm and the client to the contrary.
History.—ss. 17, 25, ch. 79-202; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 351, ch. 97-103; s. 16, ch. 2009-54.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.319 - Contingent Fees.

473.319 Contingent fees.—Public accounting services as defined in s. 473.302(8)(a) and (c), and those that include tax filings with federal, state, or local government, shall not be offered or rendered for a fee contingent upon the findings or results of such service. This section does not apply to services involving federal, state, or other taxes in which the findings are those of the tax authorities and not those of the certified public accountant or firm. Fees to be fixed by courts or other public authorities, which are of an indeterminate amount at the time a public accounting service is undertaken, shall not be regarded as contingent fees for purposes of this section.
History.—ss. 18, 25, ch. 79-202; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 2, ch. 97-35; s. 10, ch. 98-340; ss. 17, 18, ch. 2009-54.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.3205 - Commissions or Referral Fees.

473.3205 Commissions or referral fees.—A certified public accountant or firm may not accept or pay a commission or referral fee in connection with the sale or referral of public accounting services as defined in s. 473.302(8)(a) and (c). Any certified public accountant or firm that is engaged in the practice of public accounting and that accepts a commission for the sale of a product or service to a client must disclose that fact to the client in writing in accordance with rules adopted by the board. However, this section shall not prohibit:
(1) Payments for the purchase of an accounting practice;
(2) Retirement payments to individuals formerly engaged in the practice of public accounting or payments to their heirs or estates; or
(3) Payment of fees to a referring certified public accountant or firm for public accounting services to the successor certified public accountant or firm or the client in connection with an engagement.
History.—ss. 3, 5, ch. 89-87; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 3, ch. 97-35; s. 352, ch. 97-103; s. 11, ch. 98-340; s. 19, ch. 2009-54.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.321 - Fictitious Names.

473.321 Fictitious names.—
(1) A certified public accountant, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company may not practice public accountancy in this state under any name that is misleading or deceptive as to the legal form; as to persons who are partners, officers, shareholders, or members of the firm; or as to any other matter. However, a firm name may include the names of retired or deceased persons who were active partners, shareholders, or members of the firm.
(2) This section does not prohibit any certified public accountant or firm from practicing public accounting under a fictitious name that is not misleading or deceptive as to the persons who are partners, officers, shareholders, or members.
(3) The board shall adopt rules for interpretation of this section.
History.—ss. 19, 25, ch. 79-202; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 18, ch. 93-110; s. 3, ch. 93-284; s. 20, ch. 2009-54.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 473 - Public Accountancy › 473.322 - Prohibitions; Penalties.

473.322 Prohibitions; penalties.—
(1) A person may not knowingly:
(a) Practice public accounting unless the person is a certified public accountant or a public accountant;
(b) Assume or use the titles or designations “certified public accountant” or “public accountant” or the abbreviation “C.P.A.” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviations, sign, card, or device tending to indicate that the person holds a license to practice public accounting under this chapter or the laws of any other state, territory, or foreign jurisdiction, unless the person holds an active license under this chapter or has the practice privileges pursuant to s. 473.3141;
(c) Perform or offer to perform any services described in s. 473.302(8)(a) or (d) unless such person holds an active license under this chapter and is a licensed firm, provides such services through a licensed firm, or complies with ss. 473.3101 and 473.3141. This paragraph does not prohibit the performance by persons other than certified public accountants of other services involving the use of accounting skills, including the preparation of tax returns and the preparation of financial statements without expression of opinion thereon;
(d) Present as her or his own the license of another;
(e) Give false or forged evidence to the board or a member thereof;
(f) Use or attempt to use a public accounting license that has been suspended, revoked, or placed on inactive or delinquent status;
(g) Employ unlicensed persons to practice public accounting; or
(h) Conceal information relative to violations of this chapter.
(2) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—ss. 20, 25, ch. 79-202; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 11, ch. 85-9; s. 104, ch. 91-224; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 222, ch. 94-119; s. 2, ch. 94-151; s. 2, ch. 96-261; s. 1116, ch. 97-103; s. 12, ch. 98-340; s. 3, ch. 2000-114; s. 21, ch. 2009-54; s. 6, ch. 2015-174; s. 4, ch. 2019-89.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.201 - Purpose.

474.201 Purpose.—The Legislature finds that the practice of veterinary medicine is potentially dangerous to the public health and safety if conducted by incompetent and unlicensed practitioners. The legislative purpose in enacting this chapter is to ensure that every veterinarian practicing in this state meet minimum requirements for safe practice. It is the legislative intent that veterinarians who are not normally competent or who otherwise present a danger to the public shall be disciplined or prohibited from practicing in this state.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-228; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 15, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 4, ch. 91-429.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.204 - Board of Veterinary Medicine.

474.204 Board of Veterinary Medicine.—
(1) To carry out the provisions of this chapter, there is created within the department the Board of Veterinary Medicine consisting of seven members, who shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
(2) Five members of the board shall be licensed veterinarians. Two members of the board shall be laypersons who are not and have never been veterinarians or members of any closely related profession or occupation.
(3) All provisions of chapter 455 relating to activities of regulatory boards shall apply.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-228; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 15, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 158, ch. 94-218; s. 118, ch. 98-166; s. 179, ch. 2000-160.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.205 - Headquarters.

474.205 Headquarters.—The board shall maintain its official headquarters in the City of Tallahassee.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-228; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 15, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 4, ch. 91-429.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.206 - Authority to Make Rules.

474.206 Authority to make rules.—The board has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter conferring duties upon it.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-228; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 15, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 145, ch. 98-200.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.2065 - Fees.

474.2065 Fees.—The board, by rule, shall establish fees for application and examination, reexamination, license renewal, inactive status, renewal of inactive status, license reactivation, periodic inspection of veterinary establishments, and duplicate copies of licenses, certificates, and permits. The fee for the initial application and examination may not exceed $650 plus the actual per applicant cost to the department for purchase of portions of the examination from the Professional Examination Service for the American Veterinary Medical Association or a similar national organization. The fee for licensure by endorsement may not exceed $500. The fee for temporary licensure may not exceed $200. The board shall establish fees that are adequate to ensure its continued operation and to fund the proportionate expenses incurred by the department which are allocated to the regulation of veterinarians. Fees shall be based on departmental estimates of the revenue required to administer this chapter and the provisions relating to the regulation of veterinarians.
History.—ss. 10, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 23, ch. 88-205; s. 49, ch. 89-162; s. 3, ch. 91-176; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 128, ch. 94-119.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.211 - Renewal of License.

474.211 Renewal of license.—
(1) The department shall renew a license upon receipt of the renewal application and fee and an affidavit of compliance with continuing education requirements set by rule of the board.
(2) The department shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for the biennial renewal of licenses.
(3) The board may by rule prescribe continuing education, not to exceed 30 hours biennially, as a condition for renewal of a license or certificate. The criteria for such programs, providers, and courses shall be approved by the board.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-228; s. 3, ch. 80-291; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 15, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 5, ch. 91-176; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 225, ch. 94-119; s. 45, ch. 2000-356.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.2125 - Temporary License.

474.2125 Temporary license.—
(1) The board shall adopt rules providing for the issuance of a temporary license to a licensed veterinarian of another state for the purpose of enabling her or him to provide veterinary medical services in this state for the animals of a specific owner or, as may be needed in an emergency as defined in s. 252.34(4), for the animals of multiple owners, provided the applicant would qualify for licensure by endorsement under s. 474.217. No temporary license shall be valid for more than 30 days after its issuance, and no license shall cover more than the treatment of the animals of one owner except in an emergency as defined in s. 252.34(4). After the expiration of 30 days, a new license is required.
(2) Each application for a temporary license shall state the names of all persons who are to enter this state and shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount established by the board.
(3) Upon certification of the applicant by the board, the department shall issue a temporary license to the applicant.
(4) The application for a temporary license shall constitute the appointment of the Department of State as an agent of the applicant for service of process in any action or proceeding against the applicant arising out of any transaction or operation connected with, or incidental to, the practice of veterinary medicine for which the temporary license was issued.
History.—ss. 11, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 130, ch. 94-119; s. 356, ch. 97-103; s. 65, ch. 2012-5; s. 4, ch. 2016-198.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.213 - Prohibitions; Penalties.

474.213 Prohibitions; penalties.—
(1) No person shall:
(a) Lead the public to believe that such person is licensed as a veterinarian, or is engaged in the licensed practice of veterinary medicine, without such person holding a valid, active license pursuant to this chapter;
(b) Use the name or title “veterinarian” when the person has not been licensed pursuant to this chapter;
(c) Present as her or his own the license of another;
(d) Give false or forged evidence to the board or a member thereof for the purpose of obtaining a license;
(e) Use or attempt to use a veterinarian’s license which has been suspended or revoked;
(f) Knowingly employ unlicensed persons in the practice of veterinary medicine;
(g) Knowingly conceal information relative to violations of this chapter;
(h) Obtain or attempt to obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine by fraudulent representation;
(i) Practice veterinary medicine in this state, unless the person holds a valid, active license to practice veterinary medicine pursuant to this chapter;
(j) Sell or offer to sell a diploma conferring a degree from a veterinary school or college, or a license issued pursuant to this chapter, or procure such diploma or license with the intent that it shall be used as evidence of that which the document stands for by a person other than the one upon whom it was conferred or to whom it was granted; or
(k) Knowingly operate a veterinary establishment or premises without having a premise permit issued under s. 474.215.
(2) A person who violates any provision of this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-228; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 4, 5, 15, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 7, ch. 91-176; s. 105, ch. 91-224; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 131, ch. 94-119; s. 63, ch. 95-144; s. 357, ch. 97-103.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.2145 - Subpoena of Certain Records.

474.2145 Subpoena of certain records.—Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the department may issue subpoenas duces tecum requiring the names and addresses of some or all the clients of a licensed veterinarian against whom a complaint has been filed pursuant to s. 455.225 when the information has been deemed necessary and relevant to the investigation as determined by the secretary of the department.
History.—ss. 13, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 120, ch. 98-166.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.216 - License and Premises Permit to Be Displayed.

474.216 License and premises permit to be displayed.—Each person to whom a license or premises permit is issued shall keep such document conspicuously displayed in her or his office, place of business, or place of employment, whether a permanent or mobile veterinary establishment or clinic, and shall, whenever required, exhibit said document to any member or authorized representative of the board.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-228; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 7, 15, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 10, ch. 91-176; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 359, ch. 97-103.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.2167 - Confidentiality of Animal Medical Records.

474.2167 Confidentiality of animal medical records.—
(1) The following records held by any state college of veterinary medicine that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution:
(a) A medical record generated which relates to diagnosing the medical condition of an animal; prescribing, dispensing, or administering drugs, medicine, appliances, applications, or treatment of whatever nature for the prevention, cure, or relief of a wound, fracture, bodily injury, or disease of an animal; or performing a manual procedure for the diagnosis of or treatment for pregnancy, fertility, or infertility of an animal; and
(b) A medical record described in paragraph (a) which is transferred by a previous record owner in connection with the transaction of official business by a state college of veterinary medicine that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.
(2) A record made confidential and exempt under subsection (1) may be disclosed to another governmental entity in the performance of its duties and responsibilities and may be disclosed pursuant to s. 474.2165.
(3) The exemption from public records requirements under subsection (1) applies to animal medical records held before, on, or after the effective date of this exemption.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2015-62; s. 1, ch. 2020-171.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.217 - Licensure by Endorsement.

474.217 Licensure by endorsement.—
(1) The department shall issue a license by endorsement to any applicant who, upon applying to the department and remitting a fee set by the board, demonstrates to the board that she or he:
(a) Has demonstrated, in a manner designated by rule of the board, knowledge of the laws and rules governing the practice of veterinary medicine in this state; and
(b)1. Holds, and has held for the 3 years immediately preceding the application for licensure, a valid, active license to practice veterinary medicine in another state of the United States, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States, provided that the applicant has successfully completed a state, regional, national, or other examination that is equivalent to or more stringent than the examination required by the board; or
2. Meets the qualifications of s. 474.207(2)(b) and has successfully completed a state, regional, national, or other examination which is equivalent to or more stringent than the examination given by the department and has passed the board’s clinical competency examination or another clinical competency examination specified by rule of the board.
(2) The department shall not issue a license by endorsement to any applicant who is under investigation in any state, territory, or the District of Columbia for an act which would constitute a violation of this chapter until the investigation is complete and disciplinary proceedings have been terminated, at which time the provisions of s. 474.214 shall apply.
History.—ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-228; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 8, 15, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 59, ch. 87-225; s. 3, ch. 87-333; s. 11, ch. 91-176; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 146, ch. 92-149; s. 360, ch. 97-103; s. 48, ch. 2000-356; s. 28, ch. 2020-160.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.2185 - Veterinarians Consent; Handwriting Samples; Mental or Physical Examinations.

474.2185 Veterinarians consent; handwriting samples; mental or physical examinations.—A veterinarian who accepts a license to practice veterinary medicine in this state shall, by so accepting the license or by making and filing a renewal of licensure to practice in this state, be deemed to have given her or his consent, during a lawful investigation of a complaint or of an application for licensure and when the information has been deemed necessary and relevant to the investigation as determined by the secretary of the department, to the following:
(1) To render a handwriting sample to an agent of the department and, further, to have waived any objections to its use as evidence against her or him.
(2) To waive the confidentiality and authorize the preparation and release of medical reports pertaining to the mental or physical condition of the licensee when the department has reason to believe that a violation of this chapter has occurred and when the department issues an order, based on the need for additional information, to produce such medical reports for the time period relevant to the complaint. As used in this section, “medical reports” means a compilation of medical treatment of the licensee which shall include symptoms, diagnosis, treatment prescribed, relevant history, and progress.
(3) To waive any objection to the admissibility of the reports as constituting privileged communications. Such material maintained by the department is confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) until probable cause is found and an administrative complaint is issued.
History.—ss. 14, 16, ch. 85-291; s. 28, ch. 91-140; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 321, ch. 96-406; s. 1117, ch. 97-103.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 474 - Veterinary Medical Practice › 474.221 - Impaired Practitioner Provisions; Applicability.

474.221 Impaired practitioner provisions; applicability.—Notwithstanding the transfer of the Division of Medical Quality Assurance to the Department of Health or any other provision of law to the contrary, veterinarians licensed under this chapter shall be governed by the impaired practitioner program provisions of s. 456.076 as if they were under the jurisdiction of the Division of Medical Quality Assurance, except that for veterinarians the Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall, at its option, exercise any of the powers granted to the Department of Health by that section, and “board” shall mean board as defined in this chapter.
History.—s. 51, ch. 2000-356; s. 21, ch. 2017-41.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 475 - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, Schools, and Appraisers › Part I - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, and Schools (Ss. 475.001-475.5018) › 475.001 - Purpose.

475.001 Purpose.—The Legislature deems it necessary in the interest of the public welfare to regulate real estate brokers, sales associates, and schools in this state.
History.—ss. 1, 42, ch. 79-239; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 10, ch. 91-89; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 1, ch. 93-261; s. 13, ch. 2000-332; s. 21, ch. 2003-164.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 475 - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, Schools, and Appraisers › Part I - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, and Schools (Ss. 475.001-475.5018) › 475.02 - Florida Real Estate Commission.

475.02 Florida Real Estate Commission.—
(1) There is created within the department the Florida Real Estate Commission. The commission shall consist of seven members who shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Four members must be licensed brokers, each of whom has held an active license for the 5 years preceding appointment; one member must be a licensed broker or a licensed sales associate who has held an active license for the 2 years preceding appointment; and two members must be persons who are not, and have never been, brokers or sales associates. At least one member of the commission must be 60 years of age or older. The current members may complete their present terms unless removed for cause.
(2) Members shall be appointed for 4-year terms.
(3) Notwithstanding s. 112.313, any member of the commission who is a licensed real estate broker or sales associate and who holds an active real estate school permit, school instructor permit, or any combination of such permits issued by the department, to the extent authorized pursuant to such permit, may offer, conduct, or teach any course prescribed or approved by the commission or the department.
History.—ss. 2, 3, ch. 12223, 1927; CGL 4063, 4064; ss. 30, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 4, 42, 43, ch. 79-239; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 6, 38, ch. 82-1; s. 22, ch. 87-172; ss. 3, 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 10, ch. 91-89; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 4, ch. 93-261; s. 160, ch. 94-218; s. 24, ch. 2003-164; s. 35, ch. 2010-106; s. 9, ch. 2012-208.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 475 - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, Schools, and Appraisers › Part I - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, and Schools (Ss. 475.001-475.5018) › 475.021 - Division of Real Estate.

475.021 Division of Real Estate.—
(1) All services concerning this chapter, including, but not limited to, recordkeeping services, examination services, legal services, and investigative services, and those services in chapter 455 necessary to perform the duties of this chapter shall be provided by the Division of Real Estate. The commission may, by majority vote, delegate a duty or duties to the appropriate division within the department. The commission may, by majority vote, rescind any such delegation of duties at any time.
(2) The Division of Real Estate shall be funded by fees and assessments of the commission, and funds collected by the commission shall be used only to fund real estate regulation.
History.—s. 1, ch. 82-1; s. 2, ch. 87-50; ss. 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 121, ch. 98-166; s. 181, ch. 2000-160.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 475 - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, Schools, and Appraisers › Part I - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, and Schools (Ss. 475.001-475.5018) › 475.03 - Delegation of powers and duties; legal services.

475.03 Delegation of powers and duties; legal services.—
(1) Any of the duties and powers of the commission, except disciplinary powers and the power to adopt rules, may be delegated, by resolution, to any member; but the chair may exercise such duties and powers without such resolution.
(2) Subject to the prior approval of the Attorney General, the commission may retain independent legal counsel to provide legal advice to the commission on a specific matter.
(3) No attorney employed or utilized by the commission shall prosecute a matter and provide legal services to the commission with respect to the same matter.
History.—s. 4, ch. 12223, 1927; CGL 4065; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 5, 42, 43, ch. 79-239; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 7, 38, ch. 82-1; ss. 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 363, ch. 97-103.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 475 - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, Schools, and Appraisers › Part I - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, and Schools (Ss. 475.001-475.5018) › 475.04 - Duty of commission to educate members of profession.

475.04 Duty of commission to educate members of profession.—
(1) The commission shall foster the education of brokers, broker associates, sales associates, and instructors concerning the ethical, legal, and business principles which should govern their conduct.
(2) For the purpose of performing its duty under subsection (1) to educate persons holding a license or permit, the commission may conduct, offer, sponsor, prescribe, or approve real estate educational courses for all persons licensed or permitted by the department as brokers, broker associates, sales associates, or instructors; and the cost and expense of such courses shall be paid as provided in s. 475.125.
(3) The commission may also publish and sell, at a reasonable price intended to cover costs, a handbook on this chapter and other publications intended to be textbooks or guidelines for study and guidance of students, applicants, licensees, certificateholders, and permitholders, and members of the general public, copyright of which shall be the property of the state.
History.—s. 5, ch. 12223, 1927; CGL 4066; s. 1, ch. 59-200; s. 1, ch. 75-184; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 6, 42, 43, ch. 79-239; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 8, 38, ch. 82-1; ss. 4, 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 11, ch. 90-228; s. 11, ch. 90-341; s. 14, ch. 90-345; s. 4, ch. 91-89; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 25, ch. 2003-164.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 475 - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, Schools, and Appraisers › Part I - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, and Schools (Ss. 475.001-475.5018) › 475.05 - Power of commission to enact bylaws and rules and decide questions of practice.

475.05 Power of commission to enact bylaws and rules and decide questions of practice.—The commission may enact bylaws for its own government and adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of law conferring powers or duties upon it. The commission may decide questions of practice arising in the proceedings before it, having regard to this chapter and the rules then in force. Printed copies of rules, or written copies under the seal of the commission, shall be prima facie evidence of their existence and substance, and the courts shall judicially notice such rules.
History.—s. 6, ch. 12223, 1927; CGL 4067; s. 2, ch. 59-199; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 7, 42, 43, ch. 79-239; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 9, 38, ch. 82-1; ss. 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 146, ch. 98-200; s. 4, ch. 2002-9.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 475 - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, Schools, and Appraisers › Part I - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, and Schools (Ss. 475.001-475.5018) › 475.10 - Seal.

475.10 Seal.—The commission shall adopt a seal by which it shall authenticate its proceedings. Copies of the proceedings, records, and acts of the commission, and certificates purporting to relate the facts concerning such proceedings, records, and acts, signed by the chair, the custodian of such records, or another person authorized to make such certification and authenticated by such seal, shall be prima facie evidence thereof in all the courts of this state.
History.—s. 11, ch. 12223, 1927; CGL 4072; s. 3, ch. 76-168; s. 1, ch. 77-457; ss. 8, 42, 43, ch. 79-239; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 38, ch. 82-1; ss. 19, 45, ch. 82-179; s. 92, ch. 83-218; ss. 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 364, ch. 97-103.
2023 Florida Statutes › Title XXXII - Regulation of Professions and Occupations › Chapter 475 - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, Schools, and Appraisers › Part I - Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, and Schools (Ss. 475.001-475.5018) › 475.125 - Fees.

475.125 Fees.—
(1) The commission by rule may establish fees to be paid for application, examination, reexamination, licensing and renewal, certification and recertification, reinstatement, and recordmaking and recordkeeping. The fee for initial application and examination may not exceed $100. The initial license fee and the license renewal fee may not exceed $50 for each year of the duration of the license. The commission may also establish by rule a late renewal penalty. The commission shall establish fees which are adequate to ensure its continued operation. Fees shall be based on estimates made by the department of the revenue required to implement this chapter and other provisions of law relating to the regulation of real estate practitioners.
(2) Application and license fees shall be refunded upon a determination by the commission that the state is not entitled to the fees or that only a portion of the resources have been expended in the processing of the application, or if for any other reason the application is not completely processed. The commission shall implement this provision by rule.
History.—ss. 9, 42, ch. 79-239; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 11, 38, ch. 82-1; s. 56, ch. 83-329; ss. 6, 28, 30, ch. 88-20; s. 4, ch. 91-429.