Florida law requires licensure from specific professionals and businesses operating within state jurisdiction. Different agencies are responsible for regulating and licensing individuals and entities in distinct industries and market segments.Ā
How to identify if a Florida business license is still valid? Read on to find out.Ā Ā
License Expiration Dates & Renewals ā The Fundamentals
Licensing is fundamental to guarantee that only skilled professionals are providing certain services and protecting customers from potential hazards. The main regulatory agency in Florida is the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).Ā
Other important regulatory agencies include the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Each license issued by a relevant department, division, or commission of the state government has an expiration date.
No license lasts forever, as licensees must apply to renew their licensing rights. Currently, the most convenient method to obtain a renewal is by applying online. This alternative allows licensees to save time and use the most convenient payment means to pay the applicable fees.Ā Ā
Please note that the due date for renewal does not change whether the applicant files online or by mail.
Depending on the type of license, Florida law has specific continuing education requirements that licensees must meet before obtaining a renewal. For example, the DBPR has a dedicated staff to monitor the continuing education activities of licensees.
If a licensee fails to meet the required continuing education criteria or does not submit proof of continuing education before the renewal of the license, the DBPR will deny the renewal application.
How Do I Know If My Florida Business License is Still Valid? ā Attention to Detail
Different professions or businesses have different rules when it comes to renewal periods. It is not hard to identify whether a business license is still valid in Florida, as the document has a specific expiration date printed on it.Ā Ā
Additionally, licensees must pay attention to renewal periods. At the beginning of each renewal period, the state agency responsible for regulating and issuing the license will mail out a renewal notice to the licensee’s current address on file.
This notice indicates that the license’s expiration date is getting closer and you must file for renewal to avoid losing the right to operate or work in your regulated business. The licensee will also be notified of relevant continuing education requirements.
After completing the steps required to apply with the relevant licensing agency, a licensee must submit an online renewal for processing. Once the renewal application is processed, the agency will provide a confirmation page.
Successfully renewing a business license will update its expiration date. Subsequently, the licensing agency will mail the licensee a new license with the updated expiration date, which generally happens within one to two weeks.
Do You Want to Protect Your Licensing Rights in Florida? ā Immediately Seek Expert Legal Guidance
Whether you are already a Florida licensee or want to obtain a license for a specific business, Attorney Romy B. Jurado willingly wants to help you succeed. Contact us by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] to find the best license protection strategy for your case.