Ken Lawson will remain as Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Gov. Rick Scott announced Tuesday. Lawson, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, joined the Scott administration in 2011 and the governor praised his streamlining the permitting process and reducing regulations.
“Under his leadership at DPBR, we have cut professional license wait times from 41 days to an average of two days,” said Scott. “Ken has played an integral role in creating a business climate conducive to growth and expansion.”
DPBR licenses and regulates a wide range of businesses from cosmetologists, real estate agents and pari-mutuel wagering facilities. The announcement he will remain for Scott’s second term was quickly endorsed by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.
“We are thrilled to see Secretary Lawson continue in this role and under Gov. Scott’s direction,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the FRLA. “Secretary Lawson is a true partner in our efforts and his commitment to excellence will help maintain Florida’s reputation as a wonderful place to live, work and play.”
DPBR licenses more than a million businesses and professionals and Lawson implemented with zeal Scott’s mandate to repeal unnecessary regulations and rules that made it difficult to start a business.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to continue my work with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation,” said Lawson. “Our department is committed to creating an environment for all businesses to succeed.”
Also Tuesday, Scott announced the appointment of Chad Poppell as Secretary of the Department of Management Services. Poppell has been Chief of Staff for the Department of Economic Opportunity for the past two years. From 2011 to 2013 he worked as the Director of Employee Services for JEA, Jacksonville’s electric, water and sewer provider.
