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 34 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 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. When legislatures refiled the bills for the 2021 Session, they were refiled without sunsetting opticianry at all.

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

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