It has been a very busy few months for the GAC on Local, State and Federal levels. Locally, the Gulf Coast Chapter held a Bagels and Brokers meeting at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club on June 10th. This was a special meeting as it brought the current legislation at hand to the forefront. In attendance at this meeting (in addition to the 125+ members/ attendees) were Florida Senator Mike Fasano, and State Representatives Peter Nehr and Bill Heller. After some brief words by the guests of honor, the floor was opened up for lively discussion regarding the changes taking place (particularly to FS 494) that effect each and every person reading this.
The revisions to FS 494 have been signed by Governor Crist and begin to take effect January 1, 2010 which is actually right around the corner. If you are not aware of how these changes affect you, you may want to contact your chapter board to get further information. Some of the alterations could result in very costly results if not acted upon quickly.
In additions to the changes in place, your FAMB is working hard to amend some of the revisions already, before they have a negative affect on our ability to run our businesses. The "hot topic" for discussion is the public rendering of every broker's personal credit file. While this may be a fight with the ACLU, most would think the battle is well-deserved.
On the State level and in conjunction with the State Trade Show in Orlando, the State and Federal Government Affairs Committee met to discuss and strategize about items currently working their ways through the legislative processes
.
On the Federal level, we continue to monitor HR3044, HR3126 and HR1728. And we need your support in addressing these items. HR3044 addresses continuing changes in the appraisal process. I am confident all of us are affected by the processes currently in place. HR1728 is addressing a ban on YSP- this is our livelihood and legislators are attempting to control how we survive. And finally, HR3126, which is slated legislation that is attempting to create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, which could potentially have powers far-reaching that of the Florida OFR.
As you can see, it has been a busy few months. The battles are not yet over. While the FAMB, the Gulf Coast Chapter and this committee are all charged with protecting our rights and while we do all that we can to make changes that positively affect our occupation, we still need the support of each and every industry member. We need to stand united and allow our voices to be heard. Join us!
