Requirements for licensure by reciprocity.

(1) The department shall issue a license by reciprocity to any applicant who, at a minimum, meets all of the following requirements:

(a) Is a water treatment plant operator, water distribution system operator, or domestic wastewater treatment plant operator and holds an active and valid license from another state, the Federal Government, a territory or tribal government that has been designated as the primary agency by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or any unit thereof for which the licensure requirements, including education and operational experience, are comparable to or exceed the licensure requirements of s. 403.872.

(b) Has passed a licensure examination comparable to the licensure examination of the department, subject to approval by the department.

(c) Is not the subject of a disciplinary or enforcement action outside this state at the time of application for reciprocal licensure.

(d) Submits a completed application for reciprocal licensure and any required supporting documentation.

(e) Remits the application fee.

(2) The department shall issue a license by reciprocity to any applicant who has performed duties comparable to a water treatment plant operator, water distribution system operator, or domestic wastewater treatment plant operator while serving in the United States Armed Forces for which the requirements for performing the duties, including education and operational experience, are comparable to or exceed the licensure requirements of s. 403.872.

(a) Any person applying for a license by reciprocity under this subsection must, at a minimum, meet all of the following requirements:

1. Have passed a skill assessment or competency examination comparable to the licensure examination of the department, subject to approval by the department.

2. Not have been the subject of a disciplinary or enforcement action at the time of application for reciprocal licensure.

3. Submit a completed application for reciprocal licensure and any required supporting documentation.

4. Remit the application fee.

(b) If an applicant does not meet the requirements for licensure under subparagraphs (a)1. and 2., the department must award education and operational experience credits for licensure under s. 403.872.

(3) During a state of emergency declared pursuant to s. 252.36, the department:

(a) May issue a temporary water treatment plant operator license, water distribution system operator license, or domestic wastewater treatment plant operator license by reciprocity to any applicant who meets the requirements of subsection (1) or subsection (2).

(b) Shall waive the application fee for a temporary operator license under this subsection.

(4) The department shall adopt rules to implement this section.