Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday a first step he believes will ensure a brighter future for Florida’s economy. DeSantis recently wrote to the members of Florida’s 23 professional licensing boards, calling on them to join him, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Halsey Beshears on Thursday, Jan. 31 at Valencia College in Orlando for a one-day event he has called “Florida Deregathon.”

The purpose, DeSantis said, is to find solutions to harmful regulations facing Floridians.

During Florida Deregathon, there will be no official vote or action taken by the respective boards. Each board will work to identify and recommend unnecessary regulations that can be immediately eliminated.

“Florida is one of the most attractive states in the nation to do business, but unnecessary government regulations create a burden upon our businesses, both small and large,” he explained. “Aggressive and appropriate deregulation is a top priority of my administration. Aside from hurting our businesses, harmful regulations are costly, stifle competition and limit our labor pool. I look forward to working with the boards to see what can be done to keep Florida on a trajectory toward continued prosperity.”

Added Nuñez, “Having served for eight years in the Florida House of Representatives, I understand all too well the impact harmful regulations have on individuals and businesses alike. It is our duty to foster an environment conducive to economic growth and success for all Floridians. To that end, we ask that the licensing boards come up with sound, pertinent solutions to the regulatory challenges facing our great state.”

“As a business owner and entrepreneur, I know from experience that needless regulations act as a damper on Florida’s economy and disproportionately affect small businesses,” said Beshears. “I look forward to hearing ... about ways we can eliminate burdensome requirements and craft a common-sense approach to regulating business in the state of Florida.”

A PDF copy of the letter DeSantis wrote to the members of Florida’s 23 professional licensing boards can be found by clicking here.