While the jam-packed 2021 legislative session in Florida has long since passed, the Americans for Prosperity has recently released their scorecard of the best legislation seen in Tallahassee this year. Giving an endorsement of the pro-business HB 403.
Americans for Prosperity-Florida (AFP-FL) is dedicated to the belief that every person has a unique set of gifts and the ability to contribute to society in their own way, an idea that has inspired progress since our country’s founding. Driven by this belief, Americans for Prosperity engages in broad-based grassroots outreach to advocate for long-term solutions to the country’s biggest problems that prevent people from realizing their incredible potential — unsustainable government spending and debt, a broken immigration system, a rigged economy, and a host of other issues you can explore.
The organization today released its 2021 Legislative Scorecard, ranking Florida lawmakers based on their support of policies backed by the grassroots organization. As part of the annual report, AFP-FL announced a digital and direct mail campaign highlighting the 76 lawmakers who earned an A+ ranking. Lawmakers are scored based on their voting record on more than three dozen bills.
AFP-FL State Director, Skylar Zander released a statement on the disclosure of 2021 legislation:
“The legislative session brought numerous wins for Florida, including more educational opportunities for families and students, greater access to quality, affordable health care, and more work options to help our economy recover from the pandemic. With the help of these lawmakers, Floridians have more freedom and opportunity to pursue their dreams and succeed.”
The press release mentioned many bills including HB 403. AFP claims that this bill "standardizes requirements for occupational licensing and removes additional barriers placed at the local level for contractors," adding that "30 percent of Florida’s workforce is required to seek a government permission slip—or occupational license—to provide for their families in their chosen career path. This creates a substantial barrier for those seeking opportunities in a variety of industries, and disproportionately impacts low-income individuals who are forced to pay for licensing fees and requirements before holding down a job in their chosen profession."
Since its passing in both chambers of the legislature, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has signed this bill into law. The law officially went into effect on the first of July, 2021.
