Patti Morrow-IDPC: “Florida interior designer names to be expunged!”

“Interior Designer” names to be expunged! 

As you know, over the last several years hundreds of interior designers’ constitutional rights were violated by Florida’s ruthlessly prosecuted interior design law for alleged title violations which prohibited interior designers from truthfully using a title which accurately described the services they were legally performing. 

Hundreds of interior designers were disciplined and prosecuted, received Cease & Desist letters and/or fines, and their names were put on the Smith Thompson website where Google and other Internet search engines had a field day, resulting in lost business and damaged reputations.  

On February 4, 2010, Judge Robert Hinkle declared that the Florida restrictions on the title “interior designer” and other, unspecified “words to that effect” are unconstitutional and enjoined any enforcement of that provision. 

Subsequent to the judge’s decision, IDPC sent a letter to the DBPR requesting that they take prompt, corrective action in instructing the Board and the Smith Thompson law firm to remove the alleged title violation names from their website. 

Click here to read IDPC letter to DBPR: http://www.idpcinfo.org/DBPR-Liem_040210.pdf 

On April 15th, IDPC learned that the Board has agreed to REMOVE these names and has instructed Board prosecutor David Minacci of the Smith Thompson law firm to begin the process. 

 A HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS  FLORIDA INTERIOR DESIGNERS!  

 

AND ANOTHER NAIL IN THE IDAF’S COFFIN!  

However, we have not been supplied with a date for completion, and even though Mr. Minacci should have precious little to do for the Board now that he can’t prosecute people for using the title “interior designer” or for providing commercial decorating work (http://www.docstoc.com/docs/31809022/SPIN-CYCLE-Floridas-Interior-Design-Licensing-Cartel-Gets-Hung-Out-to-Dry), we have no reason to believe that he will grant this matter the urgency it deserves. 

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:  

1.  Send an email to Tony Spivey, the Executive Director of the Board of Architecture and Interior Design at Tony.Spivey@dbpr.state.fl.us and request that the names of alleged title violators be removed immediately! Their constitutional rights were violated — this is a very serious matter that deserves PROMPT action!  

• If you were the recipient of a Cease and Desist, state that up front in your email. 
• Even if you were not disciplined at all, as an outraged citizen and member of the Florida interior design community, you have a right to have your voice heard about a serious matter that impacts your profession and your state.

2.  Copy pmorrow@IDPCinfo.org on the email!  We want to keep track and a paper trail for all emails sent to the Board.  It would be nice if they were honest and up-front about your requests, but frankly, that’s not their M.O.  If they do nothing, IDPC will send a follow-up request on your behalf to the DBPR which will include copies of all your requests to Mr. Spivey.

3.  Forward this email to your colleagues – ESPECIALLY anyone you know who was disciplined for an alleged title violation.

4.  Please support  IDPC’s ongoing efforts to protect the Florida design community’s rights and livelihoods by becoming a member or by making a donation of your choice.  We are a team, and you support enables us to continue to fight on your behalf. Click here for new payment options: http://www.idpcinfo.org/Membership.html.

“The strength of the Constitution lies entirely in the determination of each citizen to defend it. Only if every single citizen feels duty bound to do his share in this defense are the constitutional rights secure.”    ~Albert Einstein
 

Best regards, 

Patti Morrow