Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2020-477 directing the County Administrator to publish Notice of Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., in Room 422 of the Governmental Center to consider enactment of a proposed Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, CREATING THE “BROWARD COUNTY LOCKSMITH ACT”; CREATING DIVISION 8 OF ARTICLE VII OF CHAPTER 20 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES (“CODE”); PROVIDING FOR LICENSING OF LOCKSMITHS AND REGISTRATION OF LOCKSMITH BUSINESSES; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES; AMENDING SECTION 8½-16 OF THE CODE RELATING TO FINES FOR VIOLATIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by Commissioner Mark D. Bogen)
body
Why Action is Necessary
The proposed Ordinance was prepared by the Office of the County Attorney at the direction of the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of June 16, 2020.
What Action Accomplishes
Enables the setting of a public hearing during which the Board may consider enacting an Ordinance creating Division 8 of Article VII of the Broward County Code of Ordinances and providing for the licensing of locksmiths and registration of locksmith businesses.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
Locksmiths have access to the homes, businesses, and vehicles of residents and visitors of Broward County, including access to their children and personal and business possessions. Currently, Broward County does not regulate or license locksmiths. Other counties in Florida, including Miami-Dade County, have a comprehensive locksmith business registration and locksmith licensing program.
The proposed Ordinance, if enacted, would create a comprehensive regulatory program for locksmiths and locksmith businesses. Locksmiths would be required to obtain a locksmith license; apprentice locksmiths would be required to obtain an apprentice locksmith license; and locksmith businesses would be required to register the locksmith business. The regulatory scheme would afford needed protection to customers seeking locksmith services, including by requiring background checks for locksmiths, minimum insurance coverage for locksmith businesses, and the customer’s written approval of the quoted price prior to the locksmith commencing work. The proposed Ordinance also requires the locksmith obtain adequate assurance that the customer has authority over the home, vehicle, or other object at issue prior to commencing work.
Source of Additional Information
René D. Harrod, Deputy County Attorney, 954-357-7600
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
The Fiscal Impact Statement by the Office of Management and Budget will be provided at the time of the public hearing, in compliance with Section 18.5(e)(7) of the Broward County Administrative Code.