Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Andrew J. Meyers
Department: County Attorney
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ENACT 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)
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Why Action is Necessary
A Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish notice of public hearing to consider enactment of the Ordinance is being considered by the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of September 10, 2020.
What Action Accomplishes
Permits the Board to consider enactment of 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
Fiscal Impact Statement by the Office of Management and Budget is attached as Exhibit 2.