CS/HB 771 - Secondary Metals Recyclers

• Transfers administration of secondary metals recycler regulations (Florida Statutes Chapter 538, Part II) from the Department of Revenue to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, effective July 1, 2014

• Requires secondary metals recycler applicants to submit fingerprints and pay fingerprint processing fees; fingerprints will be retained and enrolled in the FBI's national arrest notification program with background screening

• Reduces registration fees from $350 annually to $6 per location at registration plus $6 annual renewal fee; establishes $200 per violation administrative fines (up to $5,000 per inspection) for regulatory violations

• Prohibits secondary metals recyclers from purchasing regulated metals on Sundays and restricts purchases of specific restricted metals (utility infrastructure, railroad equipment, catalytic converters, shopping carts, brass valves, stainless steel beer kegs, etc.) without proof of ownership

• Requires secondary metals recyclers to maintain workers' compensation and general liability insurance; failure to maintain insurance allows immediate department suspension of registration