The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and its members oppose two proposed committee bills (PCBs) passed by the Florida House of Representatives Subcommittee on House Business & Consumer Affairs on March 15, 2011. The first PCB (PCB BCAS 11-01), deregulates certain professions and occupations, while the second bill (PCB BCAS 11-02) reduces current regulations.
Under the proposed legislation, more than 50 industries that currently require licensing could be effected, removing safeguards designed to protect the consumer from the purview of the Business & Consumer Affairs laws in Florida. This impacts nearly two million licenses, registrations or permits that serve to protect consumers in the marketplace.
"It is urgent given the current economic climate in Florida, that we preserve regulatory reforms that protect the public in these difficult economic times," said ASID Director of Government and Public Affairs Don Davis. "Wholesale deregulation of these industries will only create opportunities for fraud and will harm consumers in the states. Without these protections, consumers, particularly the elderly, are at risk of being taken advantage of by unlicensed professionals and unscrupulous business practices."
ASID posits that this legislation will disrupt small business and remove key safeguards vital to keeping the economy on track by eliminating regulatory programs that provide stability for business and certainty in the marketplace.
Both bills are scheduled to undergo full debate on the House floor. No date is currently scheduled.