FL H0397

Convictions more than 5 years old cannot be used to deny professional licenses for barbers, cosmetologists, and various construction contractors (air-conditioning, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, etc.)

Individuals may apply for professional licenses while still incarcerated or under supervision, with no additional fees charged; boards cannot deny applications solely based on current confinement status

Licensing boards must publish annually updated lists on their websites identifying which crimes do and do not affect license eligibility, including crimes used as basis for denial in the past 2 years

Construction Industry Licensing Board membership reduced from 18 to 10 members, eliminating consumer member positions and one building official position while retaining contractor representatives

Effective date: October 1, 2019