What's This Lawsuit Really About?
The intent is to eliminate the unreasonable legislation surrounding Interior Design licensing and restore the right to earn an honest living free from anti-competetive and arbitrary government regulation.
"Florida's suit promises to be the biggest fight yet in the battle against the interior design cartel, and may finally put an end to restrictive interior design laws nationwide." -The Institute for Justice
The Latest Information
On August 10th 2009 Federal District Judge Robert Hinkle entered a preliminary injunction order in our case ordering the State Board (and its employees, agents, etc. -- meaning the Smith Thompson law firm as well) to stop enforcing the title provisions of Florida's interior design law.
- Anyone who is lawfully performing interior design services in Florida may now use the terms "interior designer," "interior design," "space planning," etc. to describe themselves and their work. There is no requirement to preface those terms with the word "residential."
- While the order is en effect, the State Board may not proceed with any enforcement action that has already been initiated.
- Technically, this is not a final order, and it could be withdrawn by the judge at a later date. Given the particular facts of this case, however, Clark Neily, the attorney for our side, considers that extremely unlikely, nor would it happen overnight -- we would get plenty of warning in advance and an opportunity to argue against withdrawing the order.
- The order does not affect the practice-related restrictions of Florida's interior design law, which means that non-licensees are still limited to performing residential interior design services only.
Read the preliminary injunction
This is super exciting news folks. Please spread the word and thank you for your continued support.
How You can Help
- Email this link. You can be a great help simply by spreading the word. Email this link to anyone you know that might be interested in what's happening.
- Help with the lawsuit. The lawsuit being filed by the Institute for Justice could use potential witnesses who may have been affected adversely by the design laws or know people who have. To participate contact Jennifer Perkins or Clark Neily
- Voice your opinion. There are lots of blogs on the subject out there (some links provided to the right). Speak your mind and learn more about the issue.
- Please join IDPC. The only national organization exclusively dedicated to protecting designers' rights and livelihoods. Join Now
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