Pollutant storage systems specialty contractors; definitions; certification; restrictions.

(1) As used in this part:

(a) “Registered internal pollutant storage tank lining applicator” means any person who has registered with the department pursuant to subsection (3). This registration is exempt from the provisions of prior municipality, county, or development district registration, as required under s. 489.117, and is on a statewide basis.

(b) “Registered precision tank tester” means any person who has registered with the department pursuant to subsection (2).

(2) The board shall adopt rules providing standards for registration of precision tank testers who precision test a pollutant storage tank. The Department of Environmental Protection shall approve the methodology, procedures, and equipment used and shall approve the applicant as being eligible for registration as a registered precision tank tester. A registered precision tank tester is subject to the provisions of ss. 489.129 and 489.132 and is considered a contractor operating as a primary qualifying agent for the business entity employing him or her, which is considered a contracting firm for the purposes of ss. 489.129 and 489.132. A person who registers under this subsection is exempt from municipal, county, or development district registration under s. 489.117 and may operate as a precision tank tester statewide.

(3) The board shall adopt rules providing standards for registration of internal pollutant storage tank lining applicators who internally line pollutant storage tanks as a method of upgrading or repairing pollutant storage tanks to prevent discharge of pollutants. The Department of Environmental Protection shall approve the methodology, procedures, and equipment used and shall approve the applicant as being eligible for registration as a registered internal pollutant storage tank lining applicator. A registered internal pollutant storage tank lining applicator is subject to the provisions of ss. 489.129 and 489.132, and shall be considered a contractor operating as a primary qualifying agent for the business entity employing him or her, which entity shall be considered a contracting firm for the purposes of ss. 489.129 and 489.132.

(4) The board shall adopt rules providing standards for certification of pollutant storage systems specialty contractors, including persons who remove such systems. The board shall provide the proposed rules to the Department of Environmental Protection for review and comment prior to adoption. The rules shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Standards for operating as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor.

(b) Requirements for certification as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor.

(c) Requirements for certification without examination of pollutant storage systems specialty contractors for any person who has passed a local licensure examination, a licensure examination in another state, or a licensure examination of a national organization, which is at least as stringent as the examination adopted by the board.

(5)(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this part to the contrary, no person shall engage in contracting as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor unless such person is certified as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor pursuant to this part, nor shall any official authorized to issue building or other related permits issue a permit or permits for the installation or removal of a pollutant storage tank unless such official ascertains that the applicant for such permit or permits is certified as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor.

(b) Any person installing a pollutant storage tank shall perform such installation in accordance with the standards adopted pursuant to s. 376.303.

(6) Any person who operates as a pollutant storage systems specialty contractor, precision tank tester, or internal pollutant storage tank lining applicator in violation of this section or any person who violates subsection (5) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.