FL S0658

Creates the Board of Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, consisting of 11 members appointed by the Governor including interpreters, deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals, and an interpreting agency representative

Requires all interpreters for the deaf or hard of hearing to obtain a license or permit by May 1, 2016, with different credential levels including generalist licenses, educational licenses, and various permits based on qualifications and certifications

Mandates 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years for license/permit renewal, with at least 30 hours related to the interpreting profession

Establishes fees for initial licenses/permits (up to $400), renewals (up to $400), and applications (up to $200), with all moneys deposited into the Professional Regulation Trust Fund

Exempts from licensure requirements: students/interns under supervision, interpreters for foreign sign languages without national certification exams, religious service interpreters, family/friends in informal settings, and emergency situations when licensed interpreters are unavailable within 60 miles