CS/CS/CS/HB 995 Summary

• Waives initial license fees for honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, or veteran-majority-owned businesses across multiple professional licenses (land surveying, health studios, pawnbroker, motor vehicle repair, and others) if application submitted within 60 months of discharge

• Requires fingerprint processing and retention fees for private investigative, security, and repossession service license applicants; establishes fingerprint retention in state biometric system and national arrest notification program

• Creates Florida veteran identification card program beginning January 1, 2016, with $15 application fee and eligibility based on veteran status and state residency

• Modifies amusement ride safety standards to exempt water-related rides at lodging/food service establishments and private membership facilities; allows alternate record-keeping forms for employee training and inspections

• Increases concealed weapon or firearm license fees (initial $60-$70, renewal $50-$60) and requires renewal affidavits under oath; permits first-class mail or email notice of license suspension/revocation; authorizes tax collectors to print and deliver renewal licenses

• Prohibits recreational firearm discharge in residential areas with one or more dwelling units per acre, making violation a first-degree misdemeanor