Funeral directing; licensure as a funeral director by endorsement; licensure of a temporary funeral director.

(1) The licensing authority shall issue a license by endorsement to practice funeral directing to an applicant who has remitted a fee set by rule of the licensing authority not to exceed $200 and who:

(a) Has completed the application form and remitted a nonrefundable application fee set by rule of the licensing authority not to exceed $200. A member of the United States Armed Forces, such member’s spouse, and a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who separated from service within the 2 years preceding application for licensure are exempt from the nonrefundable application fee. To qualify for the exemption, an applicant must provide a copy of a military identification card, military dependent identification card, military service record, military personnel file, veteran record, discharge paper, or separation document that indicates such member is currently in good standing or such veteran was honorably discharged.

(b)1. Holds a valid license in good standing to practice funeral directing in another state of the United States and has engaged in the full-time, licensed practice of funeral directing in that state for at least 5 years; or

2. Meets the qualifications for licensure in s. 497.373, except that the applicant need not hold an associate degree or higher if the applicant holds a diploma or certificate from an accredited program of mortuary science, and has successfully completed a state, regional, or national examination in mortuary science or funeral service arts which, as determined by rule of the licensing authority, is substantially equivalent to or more stringent than the examination given by the licensing authority.

(c) Has submitted proof of completion of a licensing authority-approved course on communicable diseases.

(d) Has made disclosure of the applicant’s criminal records, if any, as required by s. 497.142. The applicant shall submit fingerprints in accordance with s. 497.142. The applicant may not be licensed under this section unless the licensing authority determines the applicant is of good character and has no demonstrated history of lack of trustworthiness or integrity in business or professional matters.

(2) The licensing authority shall not issue a license by endorsement or a temporary license to any applicant who is under investigation or prosecution in any jurisdiction for acts which would constitute a violation of this chapter until such time as the investigation or prosecution is complete.

(3) State, regional, or national examinations and requirements for licensure in another state shall be presumed to be substantially equivalent to or more stringent than the examination and requirements in this state unless found otherwise by rule of the licensing authority.

(4) Each applicant for licensure by endorsement shall pass the examination on local, state, and federal laws and rules relating to the disposition of dead human bodies required under s. 497.373 and which shall be given by the licensing authority. Licensure by endorsement under subparagraph (1)(b)1. does not require education or testing requirements other than those required in s. 497.373(2)(b).