FL S1124

Establishes new criteria for state agencies denying licenses, permits, or certifications based on criminal history: crime must be a forcible felony, or a felony/first-degree misdemeanor committed less than 3 years before application review, and must directly relate to the position with clear and convincing evidence the applicant has not been rehabilitated.

Requires state agencies to consider 12 specific rehabilitation factors including age at time of crime, time elapsed, employment history, education, family responsibilities, probation/parole officer reports, and completion of drug/alcohol programs when evaluating criminal records.

Mandates agencies provide applicants 30 days written notice before denial, allow informal meetings with opportunity to present evidence and character witnesses, and issue final written decisions within 60 days specifying clear and convincing evidence for any denial.

Allows persons with criminal records to petition state agencies at any time (including while incarcerated) for advance determination of whether their criminal record disqualifies them; agency decisions are binding on future license applications unless information is inaccurate or material adverse changes occur.

Prohibits state agencies from using vague terms like "good moral character," "moral turpitude," or "character and fitness" in denial decisions, and requires annual reporting to the Governor and Legislature on criminal history application decisions broken down by offense type.