Economists from the University of Minnesota and Princeton University, have previously estimated that occupational licensing schemes around the United States are keeping more than 2.8 million jobs out of the market.

And along with that loss, comes a cost to consumers that's estimated to be over $200 billion.

These days if you want to do something like braid hair, be a tour guide, organize flowers, make drinks, or do someone's makeup, you're going to need to first weave yourself through the regulatory web that's in place; before you can voluntarily serve your fellow man.

And what has all of the licensing achieved?...

Better results in the way of price and service? Unfortunately not. It contributes to fueling monopolies, by working to keep competition out of the market which could work to lower prices for consumers.

Economists admit that with these intense occupational licensing schemes, that consumers are being forced to pay more, but the service isn't improving.

In some cases, various lawsuits have been launched to try and challenge these licensing schemes and a few of them have been able to achieve some success.

Florida happens to have some of the worst occupational licensing restrictions in the country, but they've recently announced that they will be fast-tracking some reforms.

The Florida House just a few days ago, was successful in passing a bill (74-28) that would slash licensing requirements for jobs such as hair-braiders, geologists, boxing timekeepers, manicurists, and barbers.

The bill will be looking to lower the training hours that are required before getting licensed, as well as making exempt some of the specific skills that are now required before someone can serve in a certain industry in the market. Though it might be a slight step in the right direction, it still isn't enough.

When it comes to which state is the worst in the way of their licensing rules, Florida ranks in 5th place according to the Institute for Justice which tracks licensing requirements around the country.

These occupational licensing laws are a problem because they are preventing millions of people from finding work, or perhaps doing something they'd prefer to do or are naturally skilled at doing. And if someone out there is a great hair-braider, bartender, or manicurist, it seems uncivilized to prevent other people from making willing, voluntary exchanges with them doesn't it?

In the end, it isn't the people who these rules are helping, because they aren't promoting safety. They are helping to keep prices high, quality low, and keep many people living a lower standard of living than they could otherwise live, if they were allowed to make a voluntary exchange with those around them who were willing. Things would be much better off if they didn't first need to seek permission from the state before trying to serve others who were willing to accept their services.

Pics:
Pixabay

Sources:
https://www.investors.com/politics/commentary/a-government-permission-slip-to-work/
http://reason.com/blog/2018/01/16/florida-house-passes-licensing-reforms
http://ij.org/press-release/florida-house-passes-bill-reform-repeal-dozen-job-licenses-2/
http://orlando-politics.com/2018/01/12/week-ethics-transparency-16-bills-house-passed-week/
http://dailysignal.com/2018/01/19/will-florida-lead-the-way-in-job-creation-through-occupational-licensing-reform/
http://ij.org/press-release/new-website-shows-human-cost-occupational-licensing-laws/

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