Florida Career and Vocational School Licensing Lawyers

Post-secondary career schools, colleges and vocational institutions in the State of Florida are strictly regulated by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE). Operating a non-exempt school without first obtaining licensure is prohibited by Florida law and actually constitutes a misdemeanor. These regulations are strictly enforced by the CIE. Our attorneys have extensive experience and a long history of working with the CIE to obtain licensure for career/vocational schools and colleges, or exemption from regulation.

The Florida licensure process is very complicated and difficult to navigate, and the on-going compliance requirements imposed by Florida law are particularly hard to follow. Sometimes, creative structuring of the school's curriculum and course offerings can minimize the cost of obtaining licensure and ease the burden of complying with the licensure requirements. In addition, the CIE's required refund policies and the ever-evolving nature of the CIE guidelines warrant special, on-going attention to ensure compliance.

Dunlap, Grubb & Weaver can effectively assist school owners obtain licensure to operate in Florida, because we understand and are very familiar with the rules and regulations that apply to Florida schools, and the licensure process in general. Jeff Weaver, who heads our firm's Private School and Career Colleges practice, is licensed to practice in Florida. Our Florida clients engage us to monitor their school for on-going compliance after licensure, since the CIE is allowed to, and regularly does, make unannounced inspection visits. If an inspector finds deficiencies during such a visit, penalties will be imposed upon the school ranging from a demand to correct the deficiencies to revocation of the school's license, depending on the nature of the violation.

Whether you are considering applying for licensure in Florida, in the middle of the process, or whether your school is already licensed, our firm can provide valuable assistance with maintaining or obtaining a license to operate in Florida.

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