FLORIDA, June 30, 2020 — Today we applaud Governor Ron DeSantis for signing House Bill 813, providing protection for vulnerable investors. The Florida Securities Dealers Association [FSDA] has tirelessly worked with key lawmakers, regulators and industry stakeholders to help  bring this legislation to fruition. Through the passing of this bill, Florida joins the majority of states that now provide a tool to help broker dealers and investments advisors to protect their at risk clients from being targeted and robbed of their hard earned savings and investments. Florida will become the 30th state to adopt senior investor protection either by law (29 states) or regulation (Vermont). The new law will go into effect July 1.

“This is a fantastic bill that will save the Florida investing public millions of dollars, allowing the private sector to better partner with regulators and law enforcement to stop financial exploitation of our most vulnerable citizens,” stated FSDA’s current president, Katherine C. “Kacy” Donlon.

Dan Newman, FSDA’s Vice President and chair of the FSDA legislative committee, added “This legislation sends a clear message to everyone trying to exploit our seniors in Florida: your days are numbered.”

After several years of hard work on legislation to better protect senior and vulnerable investors,the FSDA is proud to have worked collaboratively with the Florida Office of Financial  Regulation, the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar, and other industry stakeholders to get this legislation over the finish line. We also applaud State Representative Lawrence McClure (R-Tampa), State Representative Byron Donalds (R-Naples), and State Senator Doug Broxson for their tireless efforts to champion this cause for our state’s vulnerable investor population.

With members from every area of the state and all aspects of the industry, the FSDA is continually expanding its advocacy efforts, providing education opportunities for its members and Florida's investing public while improving the business climate for the industry in Florida.

Since 1933, FSDA has been the voice of the securities industry in Florida.

If you would like more information about the Florida Securities Dealers Association [FSDA], please contact Marie Silvani at [561-371-4517] or visit FSDA.org

For the latest updates on Florida COVID-19 State and local action click on the link below:

Florida State and Local Action on COVID19 June 24 9pm.pdf

As case numbers have increased across the state, municipalities have reverted to issuing emergency orders or passing ordinances requiring face masks in public. This Florida Politics list of cities/counties with face mask requirements is a comprehensive list and is continually being updated.

For the latest updates on Florida COVID-19 State and local action click on the link below:
Florida State and Local Action on COVID19 June 11 11pm.pdf

On June 11th the Governor released recommendations for reopening K-12 and postsecondary schools this fall and shared funding priorities for the state’s portion of the CARES Act education funds. Read the press release here or the full recommendations here.

For the latest updates on Florida COVID-19 State and local action click on the link below:
Florida State and Local Action on COVID19 June 10 9pm.pdf

The Governor announced CARES Act funding for counties under 500,000 people will soon be distributed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Additionally, the Commissioner of Education announced changes to Bright Futures Scholarships for this year’s seniors, pushing back the qualifying deadline from June 30 to July 31.

For the latest updates on Florida COVID-19 State and local action click on the link below:
Florida State and Local Action on COVID19 June 3 9pm.pdf

On June 3rd Governor DeSantis announced Phase 2 of Reopening, which includes the following:

• Bars are now open, along with entertainment businesses such as movie theaters and concert venues, and personal services such as massage and tattoo parlors--all may operate at 50% capacity. NOTE: Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties must seek approval before they can move forward with these provisions.
• Pari-mutuel facilities may obtain permission to reopen from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation at the request of the county.
• Travel restrictions from states with substantial community spread (such as New York or Louisiana) are still in effect with certain exceptions, like student internships or sports training.
• Additionally, EO 20-69 is extended relating to local government public meetings.

For the latest updates on Florida COVID-19 State and local action  along with  Executive Order on extension of mortgage foreclosure and eviction relief click on the links below:
Florida State and Local Action on COVID19 June 1 10pm.pdf

EO 20-137 re extension of mortgage foreclosure and eviction relief.pdf

For the latest updates on Florida COVID-19 State and local action click on the link below:
Florida State and Local Action on COVID19 May 29 10pm.pdf

For the latest updates on Florida COVID-19 State and local action click on the link below:
Florida State and Local Action on COVID19 May 27 9pm.docx

The Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) released its monthly revenue report yesterday, revealing that Florida revenue was $878 million short of expectations. In addition to tourism, the report attributes losses to hospitality-related industries and car sales. Read a summary from Florida Politics here.

For the latest updates on Florida COVID-19 State and local action click on the link below:
Florida State and Local Action on COVID19 May 26 9pm.pdf

For the latest updates on Florida COVID-19 State and local action click on the link below:
Florida State and Local Action on COVID19 May 22 8pm.pdf