On June 18, 2024, Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, approved Senate Bill 1600, also known as the MOBILE Act, to bring universal occupational license recognition to Florida. This bill passed unanimously in both chambers of the state legislature.
Senate Bill 1600, the MOBILE Act, simplifies the licensing process in Florida for individuals already licensed in similar professions in other US states or territories, according to a recent article from Americans for Tax Reform. For example, now the MOBILE Act requires the Department of Health to issue licenses within seven days if applicants meet criteria, and other provisions. By removing regulations it relieves the burden on professionals who want to move from one state to another and enables individuals to freely choose their place of work
According to a recent article in Forbes, in signing Senate Bill 1600 (MOBILE Act), Governor DeSantis made Florida the latest state to reduce barriers to employment by recognizing occupational licenses from other states. Forbes states that twenty states have already enacted similar legislation, commonly referred to as Universal License Recognition (ULR), but as the nation’s fastest growing state, Florida needed this reform more than any.
The MOBILE Act also mandates that regulatory boards or the DBPR evaluate the licensing requirements of other states to determine equivalency or sufficiency. If the basis license in another jurisdiction is found to be substantially equivalent to or more stringent than the requirements in Florida, the application for licensure by endorsement must be approved, unless other grounds for denial exist, according to a recent article from the Tampa Free Press.
By facilitating the transfer of professional licenses across state lines, the MOBILE Act allows skilled individuals to pursue career opportunities and expand their reach without obstacles. The increased mobility benefits both professionals and the economy.
Remember, your license is your livelihood.
Soreide Law Group, based in South Florida, defends all Florida professional licenses statewide in front of the appropriate board regarding licensing issues. For more information about professional licensing law please call Soreide Law Group for a no-cost consultation with an attorney at: (888) 760-6552.