Authorities In Florida Threaten Health Blogger With Jail Time And Fines
A holistic health coach in Florida has been hit with fines and threatened with jail time if she doesn't stop giving out unlicensed diet advice to people. The blogger, Heather Kokesch Del Castillo, has been offering her nutritional advice and health coach services for years to people who have been willing to pay her in exchange for those services.
She used to reside in California, where there is allegedly no license required for her to engage in holistic health coaching. But then because of her family's military responsibilities, they ended up moving to Florida and in that state there are different rules and there were new restrictions.
State authorities weren't pleased with her actions, after a competitor of Heather allegedly decided to report her. They issued her a cease and desist warning, alleging that they see her as being an unlicensed dietitian. And they've already fined her over $750 to start with, she could face more fines and potential jail time--up to 1 year in jail--if she doesn't stop giving out her advice.
If she wants to submit to their requirements, she's going to need to complete a bachelors degree and that would be in addition to the Masters and Bachelors degrees that she already holds. Along with that new degree she would also need to complete hundreds of hours of supervised practice (internship), complete a test on the subject matter, and meet fee payments.
Heather has already admitted that such an option is too lengthy and too costly for her and her family to endure.
In an effort to try and fight for a resolution, Heather has now partnered with the Institute for Justice and has launched a First Amendment lawsuit in response to the incident. They say that the advice that people are seeking from Heather should be considered constitutionally-protected free speech.
The occupational licensing scheme has been criticized by many and said to establish a monopoly in the market, nowadays frequently acting as a special interest censor. And these strict requirements have prevented many people who need to better their lives from being able to work for themselves and provide for their family.
Florida is alleged to have some of the most strict rules surrounding occupational licensing in the country and there have been many attempts to have those rules drastically changed; seeking to deregulate many occupations and professions. The Institute for Justice has been a valuable resource for those fighting back against these restrictions not only in Florida but in many other states as well.
Pics:
Pixabay
IJ
Pixabay
Sources:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=59884&SessionId=86
http://floridapolitics.com/archives/246429-afp-fl-lauds-house-bill-slash-occupational-license-regulations
http://reason.com/blog/2017/10/09/florida-threatens-woman-with-fines-jail
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/452463/florida-woman-threatened-jail-time-unlicensed-diet-tips
http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2017/10/03/health-coach-claims-florida-licensing-laws-violate-first-amendment/728030001/
http://floridapolitics.com/archives/tag/heather-kokesch-del-castillo
http://ij.org/case/florida-diet-coaching/
Pharmaceutical companies don't like that, you have to buy their vitamins, calcium, proteins and etc. Holistic health coach? Nah!! Buy their processed bullsh*t.
Pharmaceutical brand supplements are notoriously low quality since they have not incentive to make a good product. They want people on poor supplements so that studies show that supplementation isn't effective. Thats why it is a good idea to get your supplements from a company that is independent of pharmaceutical ownership.
Of course, it's all about the money, it really makes me sick to my stomach, how the whole pharmaceutical companies work.
Yeah, Florida doesn't tolerate that quest for health, so well. Now if she had been selling deep-fried Snickers, topped with Marshmallow Creme, and a cup of lard, on the street corner, she would have been fine. Diabetes for everyone.
Well said, my friend. Isn't this the truth, it makes me sick. What happened to the freedom of speech?
True!
She should come to Steemit and give her advice here, I'd upvote her.
I think there is a pattern here developing by reading stories of Florida. Don't move there if you have a choice. Or just don't try to live freely if you do or the state will come after you.
what a crazy world
America - Everything is possible :)
... not only in America :)
But America is a specialist for law suits everybody else laughs about ;) I stayed there one year, it is really amazing how afraid everybody is because of this. It seems that there always is a fear of being sued active in the background.
Resteemd i hope she wins
I thought the UK was bad but that is harsh although I sure they'd find a way to nail you here. I'd just move if I were her don't give in if there is an option :)_
Honestly... this is a ridlicious action by the law. They want to generate income back to them somehow . What is she doing wrong , she's not harming anyone .
Great Post!