Business Law Section Newsletter
March 31, 2022
Financial Literacy Education Finally a Reality 

On March 22, 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law the “The Dorothy L. Hukill Financial Literacy Act” (SB 1054 – Hutson and HB 1115 – Busatta Cabrera). The new law requires all high school students to take a mandatory one-half credit of instruction in personal financial literacy and money management to graduate from high school. The new legislation becomes effective on July 1, 2022, and made applicable as a high school graduation requirement for those students entering high school in the 2023-24 school year. The Section has been working on this issue for almost a decade, spearheaded by the efforts of Judges Isicoff, Specie and McEwen and the Financial Literacy Task Force, formed by Judge Jay Brown when he was chair. The Task Force was initially led by Amanda Finley and recently chaired by Carlos Sardi. The Section thanks all those involved, especially those who wrote letters of support for the legislation to various legislators and the Governor. Stay tuned for how you and the Section may be involved in the implementation of this legislation. 
Legislative Update
The Section’s Legislation Committee, chaired by Stephanie Lieb, had an industrious agenda for this year’s legislative session. The Section is proud to announce that four of its initiatives have passed out of the House and Senate. Financial Literacy (mentioned above) has already been signed by the Governor. These other bills are awaiting their turn at the Governor’s desk: 

Service of Process – SB 1062 by Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) revises provisions to the procedures for service on various kinds of business entities as well as for service outside the State of Florida and in foreign countries. Further, the bill amends procedures related to the filing of a presuit notice for medical negligence.  If approved, it will take effect 1/1/23.

Pick Your Partner - SB 336 by Sen. Lori Berman (D-Lantana) reflects updates recently made to Article 9 of the model Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). The amendments clarify that certain overrides of restrictions on transferability do not apply to an ownership interest in a general partnership, limited partnership, or LLC.

Legislation to rectify issues raised in the Kearney case - SB 406 by Sen. Lori Berman (D-Lantana) provides that language referring only to the type of collateral is insufficient to waive constitutional and statutory protections that prevent creditors from obtaining a judgment against certain assets, allowing the individual to pledge such assets as collateral. The bill was filed in response to a federal court case which held that mere contractual reference to “all assets” included certain property previously understood to be excluded from such an agreement. If approved, the legislation would apply to all security interests retroactively and will take effect upon becoming law.

In addition to proactive legislation authored or supported by the Section, the Section takes an active role in reviewing proposed legislation that may impact our clients as well as offering technical advice on certain legislation. This year was no different on this front. The Section provided input on the following issues during this session: Money Services Businesses; Digital Currency; Data Privacy; Restrictive Covenants; Chapter 517; and Mergers & Acquisitions.

Thanks so much to our legislative consultants Aimee Diaz Lyon and Doug Bell for their amazing energy and perseverance on behalf of the Section. Also, thank you to Stephanie Lieb and Vice-Chairs Peter Valori and Robert Barron and all the members of the Legislation Committee who have been so committed to the work of the Section this legislative session. 
Takeaway from Spring Retreat
Kacy Donlon, Chair
Our Section Retreat to Ireland was truly magical. But rather than provide a travelogue, I wanted to provide a takeaway from the journey. I understand that not everyone can get away for a week in the spring for various reasons, but one of the best parts of the trip was getting to know other Section members better. Our Section meetings are busy times and, especially during COVID, have not offered much of an opportunity for networking and comradery. However, I would really encourage you to look for opportunities to get to know your fellow Section members. If you find yourself at a hearing or deposition in another part of the state, why not look up a fellow member in that locale? Work with a study group, task force, or smaller committee that meets more regularly between our in- person meetings. Reach out to local Section members for a cup of coffee or a happy hour. Volunteer to act as a mentor to a younger Section member or Fellow. This Section has amazing members. I encourage you to get to know each other.  
Now Accepting Applications for BLS Fellows, Class of 2022-2024
The Fellowship Program is designed to assist a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers in becoming better leaders within our profession and the Section, while enhancing their leadership skills. To learn more or to apply, visit our website.
2022 - The Year of a Florida Data Privacy Law?
April 5, 2022
12th Annual Intellectual Property Symposium
April 28-29, 2022
View from the Bench
May 12, 2022 Tampa
May 13, 2022 Miami
New dates! If you previously registered for either program, you do not need to do anything, your registration will automatically be moved to the new date.