FL S0450

Redefines "telephonic sales call" to include both telephone calls and text messages made to consumers for soliciting sales, extensions of credit, or information for direct solicitation purposes.

Prohibits telephone solicitors from initiating outbound calls or text messages to consumers who have previously requested not to receive such communications from that solicitor or on behalf of that seller/charitable organization.

Reorders and amends definitions in section 501.059, Florida Statutes, including clarifications to terms such as "consumer goods or services," "telephone solicitor," "doing business in this state," and other related terminology.

Appropriates $54,908 in recurring funds and $8,773 in nonrecurring funds from the General Inspection Trust Fund to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for implementation, with authorization for one full-time equivalent position at a salary rate of $32,386.

Effective date is July 1, 2014.