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Unlike the other 49 states, Louisiana is the only state to license florists. To obtain a “retail florist license,” which allows the owner to arrange and sell floral designs as well as cut flowers, a Louisianan must pass a test and pay more than $200 in fees.
And if one simply wants to sell cut flowers, but under no circumstances arrange them, the fee is a downright bargain at only $90.
That’s what makes the outcome of Tuesday’s vote in the Louisiana Senate Agricultural Committee so disappointing. Despite the overwhelming lack of evidence of any health or safety risks related to arranging flowers, the committee voted down a proposal to repeal the license by a vote of 6-1.
Only state Sen. Barrow Peacock, R-Shreveport, voted in support of the proposal to repeal the requirement.
In the hearing, florists testified that they felt disrespected by the prospect of ending the florist license and removing the testing requirement to arrange flowers. That’s a wrong way to look at this. Instead of looking to the government for validation, florists should see their value in being able to successfully compete in a free and open market and provide an important service to their clients.
The argument we hear repeatedly from those who are lucky enough to have an occupational license usually has something to do with protecting the health and safety of consumers. This argument often carries the day because it’s the only one legislators hear.
But there is little proof all the florist requirements are necessary to protect consumer health and welfare. And the only winners from heavy-handed occupational license requirements are those who profit by keeping competitors out of the market.
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