Glass Facts. SEGA Chairman s Message. Make Your Vote Count!

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1 Glass Facts July September 2018 SEGA Chairman s Message The Ever Changing Contract Documents After existing in the glass business, and more specifically the Contract Glazing business, for more than forty years, I have experienced many changes within the profession. None bigger in my view than Contract Documents. In my early years back in the early 70s when I started in the business, you always had a complete set of contract documents (plans & specifications) to review, study and perform your material take offs. These documents were completely detailed clearly showing actual profiles of the specified glazing system and placement of the system into the buildings surrounding conditions. They were complete, and one could rely on them to fully show the architect s intent. Starting in the late 70s, however, things began to change as the nation was hit with high inflation with interest rates climbing into the high teens. As a result of the high inflation and rising cost of material, a new process was introduced called Fast Tracking to the construction industry. By implementing this process, certain portions of a project could be released and performed earlier than other portions. Typically, the first portion released was the Civil, foundation and structural documents. Next was the electrical, mechanical and plumbing documents, then after this group came the architectural. Prior to the implementation of the Fast Track process, architects were more detailed and precise with their details and were much more knowledgeable about tolerances of the products they were specifying and knew more about the disciplines of the building trades when compared to today. As we moved into the 80s, new named documents began to exist with names like; schematic development, design development and construction development documents. Today we even have conceptual documents that we are sometimes asked to submit pricing as well as design build documents. All of these processes and vehicles require a boat load of more time involved with these processes. Sometimes you prepare and submit a proposal on a project three or four times before, if you are lucky, receiving a contract. Another thing the design build process does is places you on the design team. Be careful, you may be assuming more liability for system performance of what will eventually be installed. You will be deemed the expert regarding the glazing system and could be liable if the system does not perform correctly. Pay special attention to placement and tolerances associated with the glazing system and perimeter conditions for example. Make sure you have the proper ratio of width to depth for the caulk joint when it comes to movement, etc. Understanding details and conditions is a big help in controlling cost when we are called into helping design these projects and working closely with an engineer as well as the architect is critical in avoiding costly mistakes that easily can become your responsibility. Make Your Vote Count! Until next time! Woody Watters SEGA Chairman Page 1

2 SEGA 2018 OFFICERS Chairman of the Board Woody Watters Pensacola Glass Company Vice Chairman Vacant Secretary/Treasurer Vacant SEGA 2018 DIRECTORS Dan Knowlton K & K Glass Thomas Lee, IV, Lee & Cates Glass Jeff Miller Lore L. Ltd. Bryan Yarborough Glass Doctor (JONALISA) SEGA CONSULTANT Roland Stoney Stonaker 6741 Hidden Creek Boulevard St. Augustine, FL Phone: (904) FAX: (904) E mail: stoneystonaker@yahoo.com SEGA OFFICE 231 West Bay Avenue Longwood, FL Phone: (407) FAX: (407) Website: SEGA STAFF R. Bruce Kershner, Executive Director E mail: rbkershner@att.net Julie A. Kershner, Assistant Executive Director E mail: juliepinto-kershner@att.net Please submit your news releases, articles and comments for this publication to the SEGA office, attention: Julie, 231 West Bay Avenue, Longwood, FL Advertising Space is also available. Please call the SEGA office at (407) for current rates and information. SOUTHEAST GLASS ASSOCIATION CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2018 November CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, Hilton Garden Inn Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens 2019 January CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, The Lodge & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach February CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, Plantation on Crystal River, Crystal River March CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, Sheraton Orlando North, Maitland April CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, Hampton Inn & Suites Bradenton Downtown, Bradenton, May CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, Marriott Resort Hutchinson Island, Stuart June CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, One Ocean Resort & Spa, Atlantic Beach July CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables August CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, One Ocean Resort & Spa, Atlantic Beach September CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, Marriott Resort Hutchinson Island, Stuart October CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, Hampton Inn & Suites Bradenton Downtown, Bradenton November CILB Board of Director s and Committee Meetings, The Shores Resort, Daytona Beach Page 2

3 Constitutional Amendments on the November Ballot Twelve proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution are on the November 6, 2018 ballot, eight more than appeared on the 2016 ballot. However, voters face more questions than is apparent. That s because Florida s Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), which convenes every 20 years, is allowed by law to bundle more than one issue into each question. This practice, also known as logrolling, is prohibited when amendments are placed on the ballot by citizen initiative or the Florida Legislature. Those amendments must contain just one distinct question. Of the 12 amendments on this year s ballot, eight were proposed by the CRC, three by the Florida Legislature and two by citizen initiative. To pass, each of them must receive at least 60% approval by voters. This is the first time that constitutional amendments proposed by a CRC have faced the 60% hurdle, which voters approved in Before then, amendments just needed a simple majority for approval. Unless otherwise indicated, changes to the Constitution take effect on January 8, The following is information on each of the amendments. Amendment 1 Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption Source: Florida Legislature Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to increase the homestead exemption by exempting the assessed valuation of homestead property greater than $100,000 and up to $125,000 for all levies other than school district levies. The amendment shall take effect January 1, Full summary: This proposed amendment was approved during the 2017 Legislative Session and scheduled to appear on the 2018 ballot. Amendment 1 would increase the state s homestead exemption by another $25,000. For many years, the exemption stood at $25,000, which meant if the property appraiser said your home was worth $125,000, you could deduct $25,000 off that value. That meant a smaller tax bill paid to local governments. In 2008, voters amended the state Constitution to exempt another $25,000 for homes valued at more than $50,000. The amendment on this year s ballot would add another $25,000 exemption, this one applying to the value of a home between $100,000 and $125,000. Those with homes valued at $125,000 and more would receive the full $25,000 exemption other than school taxes. Those homes valued between $100,000 and $125,000 would receive a pro rated benefit: $10,000 of home value would be exempt from property taxes other than school taxes for homes valued at $110,000. $15,000 of home value would be exempt from property taxes other than school taxes for homes valued at $115,000. Homes valued at $100,000 or less would not be affected. If voters approve the additional $25,000 exemption in this amendment, that will increase to $75,000 the total amount a homeowner can deduct for a home valued at $125,000 or more. This newest exemption, if passed, would not reduce the taxes homeowners pay to local school districts. The new exemption would take effect on January 1, A YES vote on Amendment 1 would: Allow homeowners to deduct up to another $25,000 from the taxable value of a home worth more than $10,000, starting on January 1, Exclude local school taxes from the new exemption. Most Florida s cities, counties and other taxing authorities estimate a loss of approximately $752.7 million annually, starting in 2019, according to the Florida Association of Counties. Likely result in cuts to services or higher local rates to make up for the revenue losses, or possibly both. Republicans in the state Legislature who put the measure on the ballot because they believe it would lower taxes for almost 60% of homesteaded properties. A NO vote on Amendment 1 would: Page 3

4 Retain the current homestead tax exemptions, which total $50,000. Have no effect on the amount of tax revenue collected by city and county governments. League of Women Voters of Florida; Florida Policy Institute; Florida League of Cities; Progress Florida; Florida Education Association; Florida Association of Counties; Florida City and County Management Association; Southern Poverty Law Center. Groups that advocate for local governments such as the Florida Association of Counties. Cities, counties and special districts across the state would lose an estimated $752.7 million in their budgets in the first year (school districts would not be impacted). Amendment 2 Limitations on Property Tax Assessments Source: Florida Legislature Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to permanently retain provisions currently in effect, which limit property tax assessment increases on specified nonhomestead real property, except for school district taxes, to 10 percent each year. If approved, the amendment removes the scheduled repeal of such provisions in 2019 and shall take effect January 1, Makes permanent what currently is a temporary cap of 10% on annual property value increases for vacation homes, apartments and commercial property, effectively limiting increases on tax bills. Full Summary: In 2008, Florida voters amended the state Constitution to provide a 10% cap on annual property value increases for non homestead property. This includes vacation homes, apartment buildings, vacant land, shopping centers and office buildings. The amendment excluded limits on assessments for school taxes. The amendment gave those properties some measure of tax protection from fast rising property values, something homeowners get under the state s Save Our Homes amendment, which limits property value increases for a primary residence to 3% each year. Property value matters because it determines how much you pay in property taxes. However, the 2008 amendment on non homestead property value limits is scheduled to automatically repeal on January 1, Amendment 2, placed on the ballot by the Florida Legislature, would make the 10% limit on property value permanent (a legislative analysis of the proposal is here). Like the 2008 amendment, Amendment 2 would exclude local school district taxes from the property value limits. The limits also do not apply if the property changes hands or if it undergoes substantial improvements. In other words, if a store is built on a piece of vacant land, the property value increase would not be protected by the 10% limit. If approved by voters, this amendment would take effect on January 1, A YES vote on Amendment 2 would: Make permanent the 10% limit on increases in tax value for non homestead property, thus reducing tax bills. Continue to deny local governments (excluding school districts) tax revenue they would otherwise collect from rising property values. Florida Association of Realtors; Florida TaxWatch; Florida Chamber of Commerce; small businesses. A NO vote on Amendment 2 would: End the practice of limiting tax increases on non homestead property by limiting property value increases to 10%. Possibly lead to higher tax bills for non homestead property, resulting in additional revenue to local governments of about $700 million, according to the state Revenue Estimating Conference. League of Women Voters of Florida Amendment 3 Voter Control of Gambling in Florida Source: Citizen initiative This amendment ensures that Florida voters shall have the exclusive right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling by requiring that in order for casino gambling to be authorized under Florida law, it must be approved by Florida voters pursuant to Article XI, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution. Affects articles X and XI. Defines casino gambling and clarifies that this amendment does not Page 4

5 conflict with federal law regarding state/ tribal compacts. The amendment s impact on state and local government revenues and costs, if any, cannot be determined at this time because of its unknown effect on gambling operations that have not been approved by voters through a constitutional amendment proposed by a citizens initiative petition process. Requires approval of any new casino gambling through a citizen initiative constitutional amendment, effectively barring the Legislature from making those gambling decisions by passing laws. Full Summary: This amendment would require a constitutional amendment, through a citizen initiative only, for any new casino gambling in Florida. A citizen initiative is the process where signatures are gathered to place an amendment on the ballot. Amendment 3 would effectively stop the Legislature from either passing laws to allow casino gambling or placing its own casino amendments on the ballot. It also would preclude the CRC, which meets every 20 years, from putting casino amendments on the ballot. If this amendment is approved, for example, a gambling company that wanted to open new casinos in Florida would have to get hundreds of thousands of petition signatures, then mount an expensive statewide campaign and get approval from 60% of voters. Amendment 3 defines casino gambling as games such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and keno, as well as an array of electronic and video games of chance. Under current law, the Legislature could vote to approve new casinos with a simple majority, although such legislative efforts in recent years including this year have mostly failed. The amendment doesn t change the Legislature s authority over dog and horse racing, the Lottery or fantasy sports. Nor does it affect casinos owned and operated by Native American tribes. It also doesn t hinder the state from taxing or regulating any type of gambling, including casinos. Various iterations of constitutional amendments to approve casinos appeared on the ballot in 1978, 1986 and 1994, each of them defeated. In 2004, voters narrowly approved an amendment allowing slot machines at pari mutuel facilities dog and horse racing tracks in Miami Dade and Broward counties. If the casino amendment on November s ballot is approved, it will take effect immediately. A YES vote on Amendment 3 would: Require that voters approve a constitutional amendment through citizen initiative to authorize any new casino gambling in Florida, essentially stripping that authority from the Legislature. Preclude constitutional approval of casinos through other means, including amendments offered by the Legislature or by the CRC. Continue to allow the Legislature to approve other types of non casino gambling, such as poker rooms, bingo, lotteries and fantasy sports. Allow the Legislature to oversee, regulate and tax any casino type gambling that voters approve through a constitutional amendment. Not affect the state s ability to negotiate casino agreements with Native American Disney Worldwide Services; Seminole Tribe of Florida; No Casinos Inc.; Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association; League of Women Voters of Florida; Florida Chamber of Commerce. Seminole Tribe of Florida and Disney have spent nearly $40 million campaigning for Amendment 3 because the amendment would make it harder to expand gambling. A NO vote on Amendment 3 would: Continue to allow casino gambling either through new laws passed by the Legislature or through various types of constitutional amendments. Owners of dog and horse tracks because they would need statewide voter approval to add casino gambling at each track. Amendment 4 Voting Restoration Amendment Source: Citizen initiative This amendment restores the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation. The amendment would not apply to those convicted of murder or sexual offenses, Page 5

6 who would continue to be permanently barred from voting unless the Governor and Cabinet vote to restore their voting rights on a case by case basis. The precise effect of this amendment on state and local government costs cannot be determined, but the operation of current voter registration laws, combined with an increased number of felons registering to vote, will produce higher overall costs relative to the processes in place today. The impact, if any, on state and local government revenues cannot be determined. The fiscal impact of any future legislation that implements a different process cannot be reasonably determined. The amendment would allow those who have completed their entire sentence to earn the right to vote back except for those convicted of murder or felony sex offenses. Full Summary: Florida is one of four states that bar felons from voting after they ve completed their sentences. The restriction on felon voting goes back to Florida s post Civil War 1868 Constitution, which included several measures designed to ensure Florida s freed slaves could not exercise their right to vote. The ex felon provision was largely re enacted in the state s 1968 Constitution, and in the 1970s the courts affirmed the power of the governor and Cabinet to restore voting rights. Former Governor Charlie Crist streamlined the rights restoration process and during his four year term more than 150,000 felons were given the right to vote. However, in 2011, newly elected Governor Rick Scott, with the assent of the Cabinet, enacted strict new rules that included mandatory waits of five to seven years before ex felons could apply to have their rights restored after serving out their sentences. Felons whose applications were rejected by the Cabinet are forced to wait two more years before reapplying. As of 2017, six years after Scott imposed the new rules, about 30,000 ex felons applied to have their rights restored. Of those, about 3,000 ex felons had their rights restored by the Cabinet. About 10,000 applications for rights restoration are pending, and the Clemency Board the governor and Cabinet hear about 50 cases each quarter. Today, some 1.6 million Floridians are disenfranchised. That s the highest number in the nation, and it accounts for nearly 10% of the total adult population in Florida. This amendment would change the Constitution so that most ex felons who have completed their full sentences, including paying fines, paying restitution, doing their prison time and completing parole or probation would be granted the right to vote. It would not grant any other rights that ex felons lose, including the ability to sit on a jury, hold public office or possess a firearm. A YES vote on Amendment 4 would: Grant people convicted of felonies excluding those convicted of murder or felony sex crimes eligibility to vote after completing all the terms of their sentence. The Governor s Clemency Board studies have shown that recidivism rates drop about 30% if a person has their voting rights restored. Another study shows that with a lower recidivism rate, costs of incarceration go down, employment goes up and that the positive impact on the Florida economy is $365 million per year. Florida Rights Restoration Coalition; Floridians for a Fair Democracy; American Civil Liberties Union; League of Women Voters of Florida; Progress Florida; Florida Policy Institute; Florida Education Association; Florida National Organization for Women. Southern Poverty Law Center. The more than 799,000 voters whose signatures were certified on a petition by the group Floridians for Fair Democracy to place Amendment 4 on the ballot; the conservative group Koch Brothers and ice cream company Ben & Jerry s. Singer John Legend recently visited Evans High School in Orlando to throw his support behind Amendment 4. A NO vote on Amendment 4 would: Continue the current requirement that people convicted of felonies wait a minimum of five years before applying to have their eligibility to vote restored, and then appear before the governor and Cabinet to appeal for those rights. Continue allowing the governor and Cabinet sole authority to determine whether a person convicted of a felony is allowed to vote again. Page 6

7 Floridians for a Sensible Voting Rights Policy; Criminal defense attorneys, who fear giving victims a role in court proceedings would create an emotional rather than a legal process, and the League of Women Voters of Florida because the amendment would remove a provision that victims rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused. Amendment 5 Supermajority Vote Required to Impose, Authorize, or Raise State Taxes or Fees Source: Florida Legislature Prohibits the legislature from imposing, authorizing, or raising a state tax or fee except through legislation approved by a two thirds vote of each house of the legislature in a bill containing no other subject. This proposal does not authorize a state tax or fee otherwise prohibited by the Constitution and does not apply to fees or taxes imposed or authorized to be imposed by a county, municipality, school board, or special district. Requires a two thirds vote of the Legislature to approve any new or increased taxes or fees, rather than a simple majority. Full Summary: This proposed amendment would require that all increases in taxes or fees, or the creation of any new taxes or fees, must pass both chambers of the Florida Legislature by a two thirds vote, or 67%. Under current law, nearly every bill related to taxes or fees must pass the state House and Senate by a simple majority. (The state has a few exceptions, including increases in the corporate tax beyond 5%, which requires a three fifths approval.) This amendment would dramatically expand those supermajority requirements to include taxes on sales, gasoline, alcohol and unemployment, as well as fees for fishing, drivers licenses and concealed firearms licenses, to name a few (a legislative analysis of the proposal is here). In the Florida House, that means 80 of its 120 members would have to vote in favor of raising taxes or fees. In the Senate, it would take a vote of 27 of that body s 40 members. While bills in the Legislature often contain multiple provisions, this amendment requires that any tax or fee increase must stand by itself in a separate bill. Amendment 5 does not place any limits on tax or fee increases by local governments, such as cities and school boards. The amendment does not include a provision that would allow for tax or fee increases during times of emergency. If the amendment passes, Florida will join about a dozen other states that require supermajority votes to raise taxes. The last attempt to limit government revenue or spending was in 2012, when the Legislature placed on the ballot an amendment that tied the amount of money the state can collect in taxes and fees to population changes and inflation. That amendment, known by the acronym TABOR, for taxpayer bill of rights, was defeated. Florida already is ranked by the Tax Foundation as the fourth most business friendly state in the nation when it comes to taxes, and Wallethub ranks Florida as the 47th overall lowest tax burden in the nation. A YES vote on Amendment 5 would: Require a two thirds vote by the state House and Senate to increase existing taxes and fees or impose new ones. Require that any new or increased taxes or fees be voted on in stand alone bills. Exclude local governments from any supermajority requirements if they choose to raise taxes or fees. Florida TaxWatch; Florida Chamber of Commerce. A NO vote on Amendment 5 would: Allow the Legislature to continue approving increased or new taxes and fees through a simple majority vote. Allow the Legislature to continue bundling tax and fee increases with bills that include other measures. The Florida Policy Institute, Progress Florida, League of Women Voters of Florida and Florida Education Association. Amendment 6 Rights of Crime Victims; Judges Source: Constitution Revision Commission Creates constitutional rights for victims of crime; requires courts to facilitate victims Page 7

8 rights; authorizes victims to enforce their rights throughout criminal and juvenile justice processes. Requires judges and hearing officers to independently interpret statutes and rules rather than deferring to government agency s interpretation. Raises mandatory retirement age of state justices and judges from seventy to seventy five years; deletes authorization to complete judicial term if one half of term has been served by retirement age. Vastly expands the scope of victims rights under the state Constitution; increases the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75; forces courts and judges to interpret laws and rules for themselves rather than rely on interpretations by government agencies. Full Summary: This question has three parts: 1. The first part is about victims rights. It borrows many of the elements of what are known as Marsy s laws that voters have approved in a half dozen states. Florida is one of five additional states with some version of a Marsy s law on the ballot this fall. These existing and proposed laws are named for Marsy Nicholas, a California college student murdered in Shortly after her death, Marsy s brother, who founded a technology company, encountered his sister s accused killer in a grocery store, unaware he had been granted bail. Many of the rights outlined in the proposed amendment already are found in Florida statutes, and the state Constitution has a victims rights provision. But this measure would dramatically expand, and outline in deep detail, those constitutional provisions to include victims rights to due process; freedom from intimidation and abuse; protection from the accused; protections for victims if bail is granted; and protections from disclosing victims information. The proposal also allows victims to request a broad array of additional rights, such as access to and notification of all proceedings; the ability to speak at proceedings that involve sentencing or pre trial release; access to prosecutors to discuss various facets of the case; input into pre sentencing investigations; and access to sentencing reports. Other elements of the victims rights portion address restitution and the return of property. The proposal also sets deadlines to complete any state appeals: two years for a non capital case and five years for a capital case, with limited exceptions. The amendment would require that all of these rights be distributed to victims on some type of card. Finally, the proposed amendment eliminates an existing constitutional provision that victims rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused. 2. The second part of this proposal raises the mandatory retirement age of Florida judges, including Supreme Court justices, from 70 to 75. It also deletes a provision that lets judges complete a term on the bench past retirement age if they were halfway through that term. According to Ballotpedia, Florida is one of 18 states that sets retirement at 70. Other states either have a higher retirement age or none. The new retirement age would take effect on July 1, The third part of this proposal relates to how courts interpret state laws. When a new law or rule is passed, it s often up to a state government agency to interpret the law when deciding how to implement it. When those laws or rules are challenged, state courts and administrative judges generally defer to an administrative agency s interpretation of a statute or rule, according to an analysis by the CRC. Under this proposed change to the Constitution, courts and judges would be prohibited from deferring to a state agency s interpretation and decide on their own if the law was interpreted correctly. While this issue may seem arcane, it essentially forces courts and judges, before deciding on a case, to first decide if a state agency interpreted the law correctly. A YES vote on Amendment 6 would: Enshrine in the state Constitution an array of victims rights, many of which are currently in state law. Place new time limits on filing appeals. Require that victims receive some type of written notification of their rights. Eliminate an existing constitutional provision that ensures victims rights don t infringe on the rights of accused criminals. Raise the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court justices and judges from 70 to 75. Prohibit courts and judges from deferring to an administrative agency s interpretation of state laws or rules when deciding cases. 37 Florida sheriffs; Florida Smart Justice; Marsy s Law for Florida. Many Florida sheriffs and victim advocacy groups believe that courts have gone too far defending the Page 8

9 rights of the accused. A NO vote on Amendment 6 would: Retain existing victims rights in the Constitution and in state law. Keep the mandatory retirement ages for justices and judges at 70. Continue allowing courts and judges to rely on state agencies interpretation of state laws and rules when deciding cases. Florida Public Defender Association; ACLU of Florida; League of Women Voters of Florida; Southern Poverty Law Center Criminal defense attorneys fear giving victims a role in court proceedings could create an emotional rather than a legal process. The League of Women Voters of Florida believe the amendment would remove a provision that victims rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused. Amendment 7 First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges and Universities Source: Constitution Revision Commission Grants mandatory payment of death benefits and waiver of certain educational expenses to qualifying survivors of certain first responders and military members who die performing official duties. Requires supermajority votes by university trustees and state university system board of governors to raise or impose all legislatively authorized fees if law requires approval by those bodies. Establishes existing state college system as constitutional entity; provides governance structure. Creates a supermajority requirement for universities to impose new or increase existing student fees; enshrines in the Constitution guidelines for the State College System; mandates that employers or the state pay a death benefit to first responders and members of the military killed in the line of duty. Full Summary: This question has three parts. 1. The first issue is a new requirement for supermajority votes when universities want to increase student fees or impose new ones. Currently, a board of trustees overseeing a university needs a simple majority of its 13 members to increase student fees or add new ones. That request then needs approval from a majority of the state s 17 member Board of Governors. Under this proposal, nine of the university s 13 trustees must vote in favor, and 12 of the 17 members of the Board of Governors must approve the university s request. This proposal does not address tuition, just fees such as those universities charge students to pay for athletics, health and transportation. 2. The second part of this question would add a new section to the Constitution addressing the State College System, which includes Florida s 28 institutions formerly known as community colleges. While the Constitution currently addresses the responsibilities of school districts and universities, it is silent on state colleges. The additional language proposed in this section of the amendment includes a broad statement of purpose for the colleges, including offering bachelor s degrees, as well as the role of each school s board of trustees and the state Board of Education, which oversees the state college system. 3. The final part of this question creates a constitutional requirement for governments to pay death benefits when first responders they employ, or members of the military, are killed in the course of their duties. Florida law already provides those benefits to survivors of law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters and members of the National Guard. Those benefits include monetary payments to survivors, as well as waivers for educational costs. This amendment would provide a new constitutional guarantee of those benefits and would add paramedics, emergency medical technicians and members of the U.S. military who are residents of Florida or stationed here. The amount of the payments will be determined by the state Legislature. An analysis by the state Department of Management Services could not determine how much the additional military benefits would cost but noted that Florida has more than 90,000 men and women on active duty or in the reserves. If the amendment is approved, this part would take effect on July 1, A YES vote on Amendment 7 would: Force universities boards of trustees and the state Board of Governors to get supermajority approval from their members to increase student fees or impose new ones. Make the governing framework for state colleges a Page 9

10 part of the Constitution. Create a constitutional requirement for state and local governments to pay death benefits to first responders. Expand the definition of first responders under state law to include paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Require the state to provide death benefits to members of the U.S. military who are either residents of Florida or who are stationed in the state. Create an undetermined financial burden on local and state government from paying death benefits to a larger group of first responders and members of the military. The amendment does not specify a funding source for those payments. Association of Florida Colleges; First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges and Universities. The Association of Florida Colleges believes that the Constitution already recognizes state colleges, formerly called community colleges. A NO vote on Amendment 7 would: Continue allowing universities to increase student fees or impose new ones with a simple majority of votes from governing bodies. Exclude a governing framework for state colleges from the Constitution, while keeping it in state law. Continue providing death benefits for first responders through state law rather than making it part of the Constitution. Maintain the current definition of first responders eligible for death benefits, which excludes paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Continue providing death benefits to the families of National Guardsmen who are killed in the line of duty, but not extend those benefits to the families of U.S. service members who live in Florida. League of Women Voters of Florida; Florida Education Association. The Florida League of Women Voters of Florida opposes a supermajority vote to raise fees and taxes, and feels members of the military who die in the line of service are already compensated through the federal government. Amendment 9 Prohibits Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces Source: Constitution Revision Commission Prohibits drilling for the exploration or extraction of oil and natural gas beneath all state owned waters between the mean high water line and the state s outermost territorial boundaries. Adds use of vapor generating electronic devices to current prohibition of tobacco smoking in enclosed indoor workplaces with exceptions; permits more restrictive local vapor ordinances. Prohibits oil drilling beneath waters controlled by Florida; prohibits the use of e cigarettes, also known as vaping, at indoor workplaces. Full Summary: This question has two parts. 1. The first part would prohibit oil and gas drilling off Florida s coast. Former Governor Charlie Crist and several legislators tried but failed to place a similar question on the 2010 ballot after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and spill. The proposal on November s ballot would fall under a section of the Constitution titled Natural resources and scenic beauty. If approved, this addition to the Constitution would prohibit drilling beneath state waters, which are defined as about nine miles off the western and southern coastlines and at least three miles off the eastern coastline. State waters also means bays, estuaries and other waters under Florida s jurisdiction. The proposed prohibition applies to drilling for both exploration and extraction of oil and gas. Florida law has prohibited offshore oil and gas drilling since 1988, but a constitutional amendment would give the ban more permanence. The proposed amendment would not affect shipping oil and gas products on state waters. The amendment also does not apply to federally controlled waters that extend beyond state boundaries. This proposal comes against a backdrop of moves by the Trump administration to loosen restrictions on offshore drilling and seismic testing in federal waters off U.S. coasts. 2. The amendment s second part addresses vaping, which is the act of inhaling and exhaling a nicotine containing aerosol produced by various devices. These so called e cigarettes were not on the market in 2002 when voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional Page 10

11 amendment that banned smoking tobacco in indoor workplaces. Vaping has since become an increasingly popular way for people to consume tobacco products without smoking. However, the long term health consequences of vaping are not fully understood, and the vapor contains chemicals and compounds that bystanders might inhale. The vaping part of this amendment would add the term vapor generating electronic devices to the current constitutional restrictions on enclosed indoor workplace smoking. As with the tobacco limits, this addition would exclude a private residence unless it s being used for child care, adult care or health care. And as with tobacco smoking, the amendment would allow tobacco vaping in other situations, including in bars, at retailers where vaping products are sold, and in hotel rooms designated for vaping. The proposed amendment also specifies that local governments are free to pass more restrictive regulations of vapor generating electronic devices. This part of the amendment instructs the lawmakers to pass vaping restrictions at their next session and to make that law effective on July 1, A YES vote on Amendment 9 would: Enshrine in the Constitution a ban on oil and gas drilling beneath Florida state waters. Exempt shipments of oil and gas on Florida s waters. Possibly signal to the federal government Floridians opposition to offshore drilling. Apply constitutional restrictions to drilling only to waters under state control, not to waters under federal control. Add new restrictions to the Constitution on the use of electronic vaping devices, largely mirroring current constitutional restrictions on indoor workplace smoking. Create exceptions to the vaping restrictions in homes, bars, vaping retailers and hotel rooms designated for vaping. Allow local governments to pass stricter regulations on the use of vaping devices. Florida Wildlife Federation; Gulf Restoration Network; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; League of Women Voters of Florida; Florida Policy Institute; Progress Florida; SACE, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Many Florida environmental groups and The League of Women Voters support the amendment based on the offshore drilling protections. A NO vote on Amendment 9 would: Keep a drilling ban out of the state Constitution but would not alter existing state laws that ban drilling. Allow Florida legislators to change the current law that bans offshore drilling in state controlled waters. Possibly signal to the federal government Floridians openness to offshore drilling. Keep restrictions on vaping and the use of vaping devices out of the state Constitution. Leave any such vaping restrictions to the discretion of the state Legislature. Florida Petroleum Council; Associated Industries of Florida; Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives Association; Florida Chamber of Commerce. Among opponents is the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which suggests these issues can be addressed by the Legislature. A former Florida Supreme Court justice is among those legally challenging the bundling of this and other amendments. The case is on appeal. Amendment 10 State and Local Government Structure and Operation Source: Constitution Revision Commission Requires legislature to retain department of veterans affairs. Ensures election of sheriffs, property appraisers, supervisors of elections, tax collectors, and clerks of court in all counties; removes county charters ability to abolish, change term, transfer duties, or eliminate election of these offices. Changes annual legislative session commencement date in even numbered years from March to January; removes legislature s authorization to fix another date. Creates office of domestic security and counterterrorism within department of law enforcement. Requires the Legislature to hold its session in early January on even numbered years; creates an Office of Domestic Security and Counterterrorism within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; mandates the existence of a state Department of Veterans Affairs; forces all counties to elect a sheriff, tax Page 11

12 collector, property appraiser, supervisor of elections and Clerk of Circuit Court. Full Summary: This question has four parts. 1. The Constitution requires the Legislature to begin its 60 day lawmaking session on the first Tuesday in March in odd numbered years but allows the Legislature to set a date for even numbered years. This part of the amendment would force the Legislature to begin its session on the second Tuesday in January during even numbered years. In recent years, lawmakers have opted for January sessions, saying it allows them to spend spring break with their children. An earlier session in even numbered years also allows politicians to get an earlier start campaigning for re election. 2. State law already designates the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as the lead agency in coordinating efforts to prevent acts of terrorism and respond to them. Other laws outline various responsibilities for combatting terrorism. This part of the amendment creates an Office of Domestic Security and Counterterrorism within the FDLE and mandates that the office will support other agencies involved with investigation and prosecution related to terrorism. According to an analysis, the proposal designates the FDLE is the lead domestic security and counter terrorism agency in Florida. 3. The Constitution currently authorizes the Legislature to create a Department of Veterans Affairs. In other words, it s optional. Although the state has created such a department, this part of Amendment 10 makes a Veterans Department mandatory, not optional. This part also places the governor and Cabinet in charge of the department, which it already is under current state law. 4. Florida s counties are divided into charter and non charter counties. County charters are voter approved documents that act much like local constitutions in that they outline how the county is governed. Twenty of the state s counties, including its largest Miami Dade, Broward, Pinellas, Orange and Duval, to name a few operate under charters. Some of those counties have stopped holding elections for offices such as tax collector, instead transferring those duties to county departments. In other instances those offices are elected but some of their duties have been removed or altered. This part of the amendment would apply to those 20 charter counties by requiring them to let voters elect someone to all five of the county offices in the state Constitution sheriff, property appraiser, tax collector, supervisor of elections and clerk of circuit court. According to a CRC analysis, voters in eight counties have approved charters that changed or eliminated at least one constitutional office. Miami Dade, for example, does not elect a sheriff. Volusia and Broward counties don t have elected tax collectors. These offices would have to be restored if this amendment passes, and voters allowed to elect someone to those offices every four years. The amendment is silent on whether charter counties could make those races non partisan, as Orange County voters have attempted to do, and it s not clear whether those counties could impose term limits. For most counties, this amendment would take effect on January 5, 2021, if it passes, but counties would be required to hold elections for those offices in For Miami Dade and Broward counties, it takes effect on January 2, 2025, but those two counties have to hold elections for the constitutional offices in A YES vote on Amendment 10 would: Fix the date for state legislative sessions in even numbered years as the second Tuesday in January. Create an Office of Domestic Security and Counterterrorism within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and establish it as the lead agency in terrorism investigations and responses. Force the Legislature to always have a Department of Veterans Affairs. Force all of Florida s counties, even those with a charter, to hold elections for all five local constitutional offices found in the state Constitution sheriff, property appraiser, supervisor of elections, tax collector and clerk of the circuit court. Florida s 66 elected Sheriffs, and Florida s elected Tax Collectors, Clerks of the Courts, and the Property Appraisers. A NO vote on Amendment 10 would: Continue allowing the Legislature to set a start date for its lawmaking session in even numbered years. Reject a constitutionally mandated Office of Security and Counterterrorism under the FDLE. Reject a constitutionally mandated Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing the Legislature Page 12

13 to determine if Florida should have such a department (which it currently does). Allow Florida s charter counties to continue determining the duties of five county offices identified in the state Constitution, and whether those offices should be elected posts. League of Women Voters of Florida feel most provisions already are current practices, so it s a veiled attack on home rule based on the election requirement. Amendment 11 Property Rights; Removal of Obsolete Provision; Criminal Statutes Source: Constitution Revision Commission Removes discriminatory language related to real property rights. Removes obsolete language repealed by voters. Deletes provision that amendment of a criminal statute will not affect prosecution or penalties for a crime committed before the amendment; retains current provision allowing prosecution of a crime committed before the repeal of a criminal statute. Repeals the state s ability to prohibit non citizens from buying, owning and selling property; deletes a provision that forces the state to prosecute criminal suspects under the law they were originally charged under, even if the Legislature changes that law; deletes obsolete language having to do with high speed rail in Florida. Full Summary: This question has three parts. 1. Florida s Constitution currently has a clause that allows the Florida Legislature to pass laws restricting the property rights of aliens ineligible for citizenship. In other words, the Legislature has the authority to prevent non citizens from owning, inheriting, buying or selling property. Known as Alien Land Laws, these restrictions swept the nation in the early 20th century, largely out of fear of the Japanese. Florida s land ownership amendment was approved by voters in 1926, but the state currently has no laws on the books restricting the property rights of non citizens. In 2008, Florida voters rejected an amendment that would have done away with the ownership restrictions, partly because of confusion over its meaning and anti immigrant sentiment. Amendment 11 is a second attempt to repeal these property rights restrictions (a CRC analysis of this proposal is here). 2. This part of the amendment would affect criminal defendants (a CRC analysis of this proposal is here). Currently, if someone is arrested for a crime, they ll be prosecuted under the statute that is in effect when the alleged crime was committed. Say a person is arrested on June 30 for a drug crime. Even if a new law took effect the following day that reduced the sentence for the crime, the defendant would be subject to the stricter sentence under the old law. This amendment would ensure that criminal defendants are prosecuted under the most current laws on the books. However, this question does not alter the Constitution s mandate that if a law is repealed altogether, a person arrested before that repeal could still face prosecution for the crime. 3. The third part of this amendment deletes language about high speed transportation (a CRC analysis of this proposal is here). In 2000, Floridians approved an amendment that mandated building some type of high speed ground transportation. Four years later, voters overturned that amendment but the language about high speed transportation wasn t removed from the Constitution. This amendment would do that. A YES vote on Amendment 11 would: Repeal a nearly century old provision that allows the Legislature to restrict the property rights of non citizens. Deletes language that requires criminal suspects to be prosecuted under the provisions of the law they re accused of breaking, even if that law is changed by the Legislature. Keeps language that requires prosecution if the law is repealed. Deletes a section of the Constitution concerning high speed transportation that was repealed by voters in The language, however, was not removed. Florida Chamber of Commerce; Southern Poverty Law Center. The Florida Chamber of Commerce and Asian American groups pushed to repeal alien land laws enacted in the 1910s and 1920s to prevent Asian immigrants from owning property. Gun rights groups support repealing the Savings Clause in hopes that will make retroactive a change to the stand your ground law that put the burden of proof on the prosecution instead of defendants in pre trial hearings. Page 13

14 A No vote on Amendment 11 would: Continue to allow the Legislature to pass laws restricting the property rights of non citizens. Continue to mandate that criminal suspects prosecuted under the law they re accused of breaking even if the state changes that law. Retain a section of the Constitution about high speed transportation even though voters repealed that section in A lawsuit filed by former Supreme Court Justice Harry Anstead claims Amendment 11 violates voters First Amendment rights by bundling three unrelated issues and that the measure is misleading. A Leon County judge ruled in September the measure be struck from the ballot, and the state has appealed it. Amendment 12 Lobbying and Abuse of Office by Public Officers Source: Constitution Revision Commission Expands current restrictions on lobbying for compensation by former public officers; creates restrictions on lobbying for compensation by serving public officers and former justices and judges; provides exceptions; prohibits abuse of a public position by public officers and employees to obtain a personal benefit. Expands ethics rules for elected officials and government employees, notably by expanding from two to six years the time that many officials would have to wait before they could lobby state government. Full Summary: This proposed amendment would make sweeping changes to the state Constitution s ethics in government provisions, following a failed attempt by the Legislature in 2018 to reform lobbying practices. It s also one of the most complex questions on the ballot, with a number of different elements for voters to consider. The proposal that generates the most headlines is a six year ban preventing legislators and other elected officials from lobbying the Legislature or any other part of state government, which has been widely described as the longest such ban in the nation. The current ban on lobbying after leaving office is two years, and the prohibition applies to the government body or agency that person belonged to. In other words, under current law a state legislator who leaves office must wait two years before he or she could make money by lobbying the Legislature. Under this proposal, that senator couldn t lobby any part of state government until six years after leaving office. The proposed amendment also expands the range of governments that a sitting legislator may not lobby. The current prohibition applies to state government, but the proposed amendment would add federal and local governments, and the new prohibition would include statewide officeholders, such as Cabinet members. In addition to those changes, the proposed amendment would add some new provisions, including a six year lobbying ban for state agency department heads who leave their jobs; a total ban on paid lobbying by local elected officials while they re in office, along with a six year ban on lobbying their former governing body after they leave; and a ban on judges lobbying state government for six years after they leave the bench. The lobbying changes in this amendment would take effect on December 31, Amendment 12 includes a new prohibition against officeholders and public employees using their positions to gain a disproportionate benefit for themselves or their families. The amendment leaves it to the Florida Commission on Ethics to define a disproportionate benefit and determine penalties for violators by October 1, 2019, and this part of the amendment would take effect on December 31, The Ethics Commission has nine members, five appointed by the governor and two each by the House speaker and the Senate president. The commission has the power to investigate ethics and lobbying complaints but does not have the power to initiate investigations on its own. According to its annual report, the commission fielded 180 complaints in 2017, the lowest number since Of those, 70 were dismissed, 87 were investigated and 23 were pending. A YES vote on Amendment 12 would: Extend the ban on state lobbying by legislators and statewide elected officials from two to six years. Prohibit legislators and statewide elected officials from lobbying federal and local government agencies while in office. Page 14

15 Prohibit top state agency employees from any lobbying while working for the state and from lobbying state government for six years after leaving their job. Prohibit local elected officials from getting paid to lobby anyone while in office and from lobbying their own governing body for six years after leaving office. Prohibit judges from lobbying any branch of state government for six years after leaving the bench. Prohibit any elected official or public employee from using his or her position to gain a disproportionate benefit, a term to be defined by the state Ethics Commission. Integrity Florida; Common Cause; Florida Policy Institute; and other ethics organizations. A NO vote on Amendment 12 would: Keep in place the current constitutional restrictions on lobbying by sitting and former government officials. Florida Chamber of Commerce claims these issues should be addressed through the legislative process. Amendment 13 Dog Racing Source: Constitution Revision Commission Phases out commercial dog racing in connection with wagering by Other gaming activities are not affected. Bans wagering on any type of dog racing, notably greyhounds, as of December 31, 2020, while continuing to allow dog tracks to continue offering other types of gambling, including poker rooms. Full Summary: This amendment would ban wagering on dog racing in Florida. Dog racing usually greyhounds is one of several pari mutuel wagering sports in Florida. Others include horse racing and jai alai. Florida has 12 of the nation s 18 dog racing tracks. Under Amendment 13, dog tracks would be allowed to use their permits to host other pari mutuel sports. Also, the amendment waives a state requirement that tracks hold greyhound races in order to continue operating poker rooms or slot machines as part of their pari mutuel licenses. The amendment requires the Legislature to set criminal and civil penalties for violating the dog racing ban. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which regulates pari mutuels, estimated an annual loss of $1 million in tax revenue if voters approve the ban. If approved, the amendment takes effect immediately but allows greyhound racing to continue until December 31, A YES vote on Amendment 13 would: Ban all dog racing in Florida by December 31, 2020, while allowing tracks to continue operating card rooms and slot machines. Result in a loss of about $1 million in taxes and fees. Grey2K USA; League of Women Voters of Florida. GREY2K USA Worldwide, a greyhound welfare group, pushed the Constitution Revision Commission to add Amendment 13 to the ballot. The group says racing causes a high number of dog injuries and deaths and points to dogs that have tested positive for drugs such as cocaine. A NO vote on Amendment 13 would: Continue to allow wagering on dog racing in Florida. Florida Greyhound Association; Florida Chamber of Commerce The Florida Greyhound Association represents the state s 12 track owners. The group filed a lawsuit attempting to remove the amendment from the ballot, saying the ballot language is misleading because it hides the fact the amendment would allow tracks to continue to offer the other types of gaming. The Florida Supreme Court, however, ruled the measure must remain on the ballot. Breeders and people who depend on the industry also oppose it. Page 15

16 Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Goes to Paperless Licensing The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has announced a major change in how they license construction contractors in the State of Florida. DBPR has implemented a way to expedite the licensing process for construction contractors: they will no longer be mailing licenses upon issuance, as licensees can now print their licenses by logging into their secure online account through the DBPR website. This change to electronic licensing will allow new licensees to enter the work force at least seven to 10 business days earlier than in the past where they would have to wait for their license to arrive in the mail. In addition to new licenses, this process will allow current license holders to renew their licenses online and print the license at their convenience, as well as print duplicate licenses as needed without paying a fee. To set up your online account with DBPR, go to myfloridalicense.com and click on Online Services in the top menu bar. Arrests for Unlicensed Contracting in Florida Working with the Florida Division of Insurance Fraud and the Florida DBPR, the Sarasota County Sheriff s Office has arrested twelve people during an investigation to find contractors working without the required licenses. Called Operation Freelancer, the sheriff s office contacted individuals advertising home repair services that require a license to perform. As the individuals arrived at the residence, officials checked the state DBPR database to determine if the individual was licensed, registered as a contractor, and whether the individual had the proper workers compensation coverage. In all, Operation Freelancer resulted in 12 felony charges. The sheriff s office assigns detectives to investigate claims against people who engage in contracting work without proper licenses, permits, or certification. A first offense can result in a civil citation, but repeat violations lead to misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. Workers Compensation Rate Decrease of 13.4% Proposed for 2019 According to many industry representatives, the glass iflorida businesses will most likely see their workers compensation rates decrease in calendar year The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has informed the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation that, because there were fewer on the job accidents in the last couple of years, workers compensation rates should be decreased by an average of 13.4%. We will know the exact amount of the rate decrease after the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation holds a public hearing in October to discuss NCCI s rate request and the Insurance Commissioner then issues his formal decision. If the proposed rate decrease is approved, it will take effect January 1, 2019 and will apply to workers compensation policies as they are issued or renewed on or after that date. Please note: The 13.4% decrease is an average rate decrease across all industry types. The rate change for your specific workers compensation policy may be different. The average proposed rate decrease by industry group is: Manufacturing 13.1% Contracting 14.2% Office & Clerical 15.4% Page 16

17 Federal Tax Changes on Business Expense Deductions for Meals and Entertainment The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a new federal law passed by Congress late last year which changed the amount of entertainment expenses that a business can deduct for tax purposes. Prior to this change, a business could deduct up to 50% of entertainment expenses directly related to the conduct of their business or trade if it occurred or if the entertainment happened immediately before or after a bona fide business discussion. Entertainment is taking business associates to sporting events, on trips, or out for drinks to discuss business. An example is taking a client to a baseball game. Starting in 2018, however, businesses can no longer take a deduction for 50% of the cost of business related entertainment. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated the deduction for any expenses that are considered entertainment, amusement, or recreation. The costs of sporting event tickets used for business entertainment, for example, are no longer a deductible expense. The tax deduction for business meal expenses is still allowable. Businesses may still deduct 50% of the cost of business meals if an employee of the business is present; if the food/beverages provided are not considered lavish or extravagant; and if the food/ beverages are provided to a current or potential business customer, client, consultant, or similar business contact. Prices Rasing Due to Tariff in China In September, President Donald Trump hit China with tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. This was the first time that consumer goods had been directly impacted by Trump s tariffs. China retaliated by announcing tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods sent to China. Trump imposed tariffs on manufacturing goods earlier in the year. He said import taxes are meant to help U.S. manufacturers by making foreign products more expensive. Several companies have either already raised their prices or say they plan to as a result of the tariffs. President Donald Trump s tariffs are leading to higher import costs for U.S. based companies, and it s American consumers who are likely to bear the burden. In September, Trump hit China with a 10% tax on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. This was the first time consumer goods had been directly impacted by Trump s tariffs. While the White House has pointed to national security issues as justification for the tariffs, there s also a practical economic component to Trump s duties. The tariffs on foreign imports are designed to make foreign goods more expensive, and therefore, U.S. manufacturers and products more appealing. The latest tariffs, along with previous rounds on $50 billion of Chinese goods and metal imports, will mean that more than half of all Chinese goods coming into the US will be subject to the import taxes. The new tariffs are bad news for the retail sector, especially as the latest round seems to extend the tax to a vast array of consumer goods. Many retailers will now be faced with a difficult choice of whether to pass the cost increases across to consumers or to take a hit on their margins. Since Trump s tariffs have been in place, several U.S. companies including Pepsi, Coca Cola, and Winnebago have said they have been forced to raise prices on the consumer s side. Others are threatening to follow suit. Division of Workers Compensation Offers Free Classes The Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers Compensation, is offering free classes regarding Florida s workers compensation laws and workplace safety to business owners, licensed contractors and Page 17

18 employers. Workers compensation topics covered include: Review of Key Statutory Definitions Contractor Responsibilities Exemptions Insurance Coverage Requirements Enforcement Provisions Workplace safety topics presented by OSHA (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration) include: Direct and Indirect Costs Inspections Florida Fatalities The following is a list of dates and times for future sessions. October 17, :00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. EST Workers Compensation WEB Based class October 18, :00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. EST Workplace Safety WEB Based class October 18, 2018 Jacksonville 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon Jacksonville Regional Service Center 921 North Davis Street, Building B, Suite 301 Jacksonville, FL November 8, 2018 Miami 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon State of Florida Rhode Building 401 N.W. 2nd Avenue, South Tower, Room N 106 Miami, FL November 14, :00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. EST Workers Compensation WEB Based class November 15, :00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. EST Workplace Safety WEB Based class November 20, 2018 Tampa 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon State of Florida Park Trammel Building 1313 North Tampa Street, Suite 605 Tampa, FL December 11, 2018 Tallahassee 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon Division of Workers Compensation 2012 Capital Circle, S.E., Hartman Building, Room 102 Tallahassee, FL December 19, 2018 Orlando 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon State Office Florida Hurston Building 400 West Robinson Street, North Tower, N 101 Orlando, FL December 19, :00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. EST Workers Compensation WEB Based class December 20, :00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. EST Workplace Safety WEB Based class The Division of Workers Compensation is an authorized provider (Provider Number: ) for continuing education purposes through the CILB. Course Number: one hour satisfies the workers compensation requirement and Course Number: one hour satisfies the workplace safety requirement. Advanced registration is required. The form is available on the Division s website at com/division/wc. For additional information, e mail bocseminars@myfloridacfo.com, or call (813) Registered Contractor License Renewal Reminder Just a reminder that the Registered Contractor licenses issued by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are up for renewal on August 31, Page 18

19 Current law requires licenseholders to obtain 14 hours of continuing education with at least one hour in workplace safety, one hour in workers compensation, one hour in business practices, one hour in the advance building code module, one hour in laws and rules (Chapter 489) and one hour in wind mitigation (this requirement only affects general, residential, building, roofing and glass and glazing contractors). CILB Update ADVERTISING: Signs to Social Media, License Numbers Required! Advertising is important to Florida contractors and can make the difference between a great business year and just making ends meet. Florida contractors have many new ways of promoting their businesses with the increased use of internet websites and the advent of social media technologies. As advertising evolves, it is important for Florida contractors to remember that their license number must be included in all offers of service, bids, business proposals, contracts or advertisements, regardless of the medium. Pursuant to Rule 61G ,F.A.C., advertisements include any electronic media including Internet sites. So please remember to include your license number on your websites, social media pages and other advertisements. If you have any questions regarding advertising requirements please review the Construction Industry Licensing Board s FAQs or you may contact the DBPR s Customer Contact Center at (850) Not a Member of SEGA? Are you receiving the Glass Facts but are not a member of SEGA? Need help with the glass and glazing licensing process? Join SEGA today for as low as $ per year. SEGA is now offering half year dues. To take advantage of this pricing today and join the southeast s premier glass and glazing trade association, please click here for a SEGA Membership Application or contact the association office at (407) and request a membership application. Page 19