Legislative Update

A Message From Your Lobbyist...

I am honored to represent the Professional Opticians of Florida as your lobbyist in Tallahassee. I’ve been involved in the Legislative process now for over 35 years. I served for nine years in the Florida House of Representatives and then 11 years in the Florida Senate, and, after the required two years of retirement from the Legislature, I’ve been back up in Tallahassee lobbying.

Working the Legislature is a year-round task. It’s easier to find time to meet with legislators before Session and Committee Meetings than during it. Members and Officers of the POF make contributions to our Political Committee, and we participate in fundraisers for the Legislative Leadership of both chambers and both parties. I believe that the POF has had better direct contact with Legislative Leadership recently than in the past. They may not always agree with us, but at least they know who we are.

In line with knowing who we are, POF is about to embark on an organized attempt to have our members meet with Legislators. You should be receiving an email shortly with preliminary details on how we would like to go about accomplishing this.

In the 2020 Legislative Session, bills were filed that would have “sunsetted” (deregulated) many professions, including opticianry. We were able to get promises from the bill sponsors that the language about opticians would be removed if they pursued the bills. Since that date, there have been no attempts to sunset the practice opticianry.

In the 2024 Legislative Session, there were several bills that were filed that mentioned Opticianry. None were specific towards us – All were general bills that affected all Medical Professions. One dealt with the ability to not perform certain medical treatment if the healthcare provider had a Religious objection. One dealt with reciprocity of licensure. One dealt with giving credit to Veterans for medical care that they provided to others while serving in the military. None came close to passing, but the important part was that we were mentioned along with all other health care licensees. I love it! I want us to be compared to those other licensed personnel.

I hope that POF members will continue to make political contributions to the Opticians for Better Vision Political Committee and will be available to write and email your legislators when we need your voices. I look forward to working with you again next year.

Steve Geller, Esq.

POF Lobbyist

Broward County Commissioner

Former Mayor, Broward County, FL

Former FL Senator

Geller Law Firm, PA

If you are not a member of the Professional Opticians of Florida, please join today. POF, membership with a purpose!! https://pof.org/Join-POF