TAMPA, FL – Today, Senator Jay Collins of Tampa, in conjunction with Representative Traci Koster of Tampa, has filed legislation (SB 1364 and HB 1333) establishing Florida as a leader in the country on occupational licensing reform. Specifically, this bill ensures that people coming to Florida will be able to keep their license to practice in their fields as long as they are in good standing in their respective state. This bill also ensures that those exiting the military can keep and apply their military certifications and licenses to their field in the public or private sector. This legislation is monumental and truly first of its kind, and will ensure that Florida remains a trailblazer in innovation to address the workforce shortage that is decimating our economy.
“In the Free State of Florida, we welcome all Americans who come here to live, work, and play,” said Senator Jay Collins. “In that same spirit, if you’re licensed where you came from, you can keep your license and continue that work here. I had the honor of serving in the U.S. Army for 23 years, many of those were as a Special Forces combat medic. I delivered babies, performed life-saving medical operations, among my other duties on the battlefield. When I exited service, like many other veterans, that training, those skills and certifications, just did not transfer to the private sector. This legislation will remedy that. As the most veteran-friendly state in the country, this bill will ensure that those exiting the military will be welcomed to enter into our growing workforce.”
“I’m happy to introduce this important piece of legislation with Senator Collins,” said Representative Traci Koster. “This bill will allow new residents of Florida to use their pre-existing skills, enter the workforce unimpeded, and help our businesses expand to meet the growing demand for labor. As Floridians, we are proud of our Governor and our State for leading the nation. This legislation is yet another major step for Florida to lead the country and remain a beacon of economic freedom.”
Since being elected to the State Legislature, retired U.S. Army Green Beret Jay Collins has been hard at work to deliver results for Tampa and for Florida. Tampa has been hard hit with labor shortages, crippling inflation, and supply chain crisis after crisis. This legislation will allow supply to meet demand and take some of the burden off of our small business owners, who need all the help they can get.
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