(1) The department may grant an exemption from disqualification to any person disqualified from licensure or certification by the Division of State Fire Marshal under this chapter because of a criminal record or dishonorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces if the applicant has paid in full any fee, fine, fund, lien, civil judgment, restitution, cost of prosecution, or trust contribution imposed by the court as part of the judgment and sentence for any disqualifying offense and:(a) At least 5 years have elapsed since the applicant completed or has been lawfully released from confinement, supervision, or nonmonetary condition imposed by the court for a disqualifying offense; or
(b) At least 5 years have elapsed since the applicant was dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
(2) For the department to grant an exemption, the applicant must clearly and convincingly demonstrate that he or she would not pose a risk to persons or property if permitted to be licensed or certified under this chapter, evidence of which must include, but need not be limited to, facts and circumstances surrounding the disqualifying offense, the time that has elapsed since the offense, the nature of the offense and harm caused to the victim, the applicant’s history before and after the offense, and any other evidence or circumstances indicating that the applicant will not present a danger if permitted to be licensed or certified.
(3) The department has discretion whether to grant or deny an exemption. The department shall provide its decision in writing which, if the exemption is denied, must state with particularity the reasons for denial. The department’s decision is subject to proceedings under chapter 120, except that a formal proceeding under s. 120.57(1) is available only if there are disputed issues of material fact that the department relied upon in reaching its decision. (4) An applicant may request an exemption, notwithstanding the time limitations of paragraphs (1)(a) and (b), if by executive clemency his or her civil rights are restored, or he or she receives a pardon, from the disqualifying offense. The fact that the applicant receives executive clemency does not alleviate his or her obligation to comply with subsection (2) or in itself require the department to award the exemption.
(5) The division may adopt rules to administer this section.
