FL S1398

Creates section 553.5141, Florida Statutes, to establish a registry system for certifications of conformity and remediation plans related to Americans with Disabilities Act Title III compliance.

Authorizes owners of places of public accommodation to submit certifications of conformity (valid for 3 years) or remediation plans (with up to 10 years to complete) prepared by qualified experts, including licensed engineers, architects, contractors, building inspectors, and persons with prior federal court approval for ADA remediation work.

Requires the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to develop and maintain a public website with an electronic registry of all filed certifications and remediation plans.

Directs courts in Title III ADA violation actions to consider filed certifications of conformity or remediation plans when determining whether complaints were filed in good faith and whether plaintiffs are entitled to attorney fees and costs.

Appropriates $5,000 in recurring funds and $155,000 in nonrecurring funds from the Professional Regulation Trust Fund to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for implementation, effective July 1, 2017.