For many, the challenge of enacting positive change is stifled by the belief “I can’t.” However, the savior of this mindset is technology. Technology is allowing the world to evolve by connecting with each other and providing resources across all digital platforms. Whilst society is rapidly progressing toward a future of success amid global challenges, there are still benchmarks which delay an individual or business from succeeding due to circumstances caused by legalities. Legally, if you have been convicted of a crime, your opportunities can seem slim. But law doesn’t mean denying opportunity. Law should be seen as a route to overcome challenges, rather than a barrier itself. The key to this is positivity. As I often say to my clients: instead of asking why you can’t do something, ask why can you? For light on this subject, let’s first delve into the myths surrounding felons and business licenses. Unfortunately, many people falsely believe that they aren’t legally allowed to partake in business ownership upon being released from prison. This is simply not the case. First-off, Section 129.73 of the Florida Statutes provides that a licensed business owned by a felon operates lawfully. A person shall not be prohibited from operating a business or occupation because of his or her professional or occupational license. Additionally, when you obtain a license for your business, you have to go through a detailed process where the authorities collect your biographical data and medical and academic records to vet your qualifications fully. In a nutshell, if you come out clear from this process, you will have no issue owning a business. Even so, the question of how someone who has prior history of imprisonment can gain a business license is often asked when trying to get their own business. Well, obtaining a business license is possible. In fact, if the business is in a regulated field like medical or engineering, and if it’s essential to obtain a license to operate, the process will differ. To own a business in these fields, only certain crimes will disqualify an applicant. For instance, if the applicant was imprisoned due to a felony that has no connection with the business they intend to operate, this is unlikely to affect their chances of getting a license for a business in these fields. Moreover, most cases require only a seven (7) year wait period after release from imprisonment to get a certificate of rehabilitation. After this time, the individual can receive the certification regardless of the felony that has landed them in prison. That being said, a license may be denied to those whose offense had a direct connection with the field in which they want to apply for a license, such as: On a different note, here’s some enlightening statistical information found in a recent report published by the United States Small Business Association Office of Advocacy (2015) regarding business ownership and criminal records: Based on the above statistics, we can conclude that 5.5 – 6.5% of adults in the US have criminal records. If you consider the positive impact of laws allowing can a felon get a business license to become entrepreneurs, the economy is destined to flourish. It is not surprising that pro-entrepreneurship policies like these are prevalent across the globe, as the corresponding economic advancement is proven. When you connect legal advisors and technology, possibilities and outcomes progress. Technology is also proving to be a great driver for responsible business solutions. For example, SaverOne has developed an innovative technology solution to prevent potential fatality and severe injury when people use their devices on roads, not only protecting our loved ones but also allowing the opportunity for entrepreneurship to flourish through technology. It is always about finding ways and solutions, not excuses. Although my role is to assist clients who have been felons for reasons of drug abuse or simple recklessness, it’s rewarding to see the progress many of them are making by becoming business owners. Even though they have a distinct felony on their record, know that it will soon be a thing of the past.
For more information on the legal aspects of business ownership for felons, you can visit the U.S. Small Business Administration.
