FL S1304

Creates Part XVII of Chapter 468, Florida Statutes to regulate interpreters for persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind, effective October 1, 2014.

Establishes the Board of Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing with 11 members (6 sign language interpreters including at least one educational, video, and deaf interpreter; 3 deaf/hard of hearing consumers; 1 interpreting agency owner; 1 hearing member) appointed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to 4-year terms.

Requires all interpreters to obtain a license or permit from the department, with qualifications determined by the board; allows reciprocal licensure for interpreters licensed in other states with equivalent or reciprocal standards.

Sets fees with application fees not exceeding $100, initial license/permit fees not exceeding $300, and biennial renewal fees not exceeding $300; requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years for license renewal.

Prohibits interpreting agencies from employing unlicensed interpreters and bars use of public funds for unlicensed interpreters; establishes criminal penalties (first-degree misdemeanor for first offense, third-degree felony for subsequent violations) for false representation or unauthorized practice.