March 2, 2017

The Honorable Kathleen Passidomo

State Senator, District 28

The Capitol

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

DearSenator Passidomo,

The Florida Association of Professional Geologists (FAPG) strongly opposes SB 802 (2017) Regulated Professions and Occupationswhich proposes to eliminate the requirement for Geology Business Licenses from F.S. 492.104. A similar bill was introduced by the Department of Professional Regulation (DBPR) last legislative session and was successfully amended out. FAPG met with the Department this past November to emphasize the importance of retaining geology business licensure and to keep an open line of communication with professional geologists, unfortunately,it seems, without result. Essentially, if passed, this bill would weaken the foundation of the practice of professional geology and itsadministration for the following reasons:

  1. The Board of Professional Geologists (BOPG) isresponsible for licensing and regulating the practice of professional geologyin the State of Florida. Professional geologist (PG) licenses ensure that all efforts are being taken to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public. PG and geology business licensure supports the principals of professional responsibility, public service and ethical conduct in the field of professional geological service.
  1. The BOPG is funded in part through revenues collected from geology business license (certificate of authority) fees. Adequate funding is required to ensurethat the licensing and practice of geology meets state statutes to protect the health, safety and welfare of Florida’s citizens.
  1. Licensure cost is a minor expenditure to ensure professional reliability. Businesses have and continue to benefit from a zero increase in the $350 biannual licensure cost in the over 20 years that the Board of Professional Geologists has been existence.
  1. The BOPGcannot afford to reduce revenues to its already strained operating budget. Eliminating geology business license feesis not conducive to efficient and effective governance.
  1. It is of the utmost importance to maintain parity between geology and other professions in the state (e.g., engineering) so that qualified PG’sare signing and sealing geology-related documents appropriately.

FAPG asks that you support the removal of lines 168-178 of the Senate Bill (SB 802) as follows:

amending s. 492.111, 171 F.S.; revising requirements for the practice of, or 172 offer to practice, professional geology; deleting a 173 requirement that a firm, corporation, or partnership 174 be issued a specified certificate of authorization; 175 conforming provisions to changes made by the act; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; 176 amending ss. 492.104, 492.113, and 492.115, F.S.; 177 conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 548.017, F.S.

Should you have any questions or if I can provide additional information please contact me at or (772) 223-7975.

Sincerely yours,

Anne M. Murray PG, CPG 11645

FAPG-AIPG President

PO Box 9000

Stuart, Florida 34995