Unleashing Potential, The Burdens of Occupational Licensing and How It Can Be Reformed in Puerto Rico

This report presents a diagnosis of the dysfunctions of occupational licenses, with an emphasis on service quality, labor force participation, personal mobility, restrictions for individuals with criminal backgrounds, and public well-being. Occupational licenses in Puerto Rico and their requirements are discussed, with comparisons made to licenses in the United States. Additionally, reforms implemented in various states and the District of Columbia are considered, and five key elements are proposed for occupational regulation reform in Puerto Rico: the elimination of occupational licenses, the adoption of universal recognition, the easing of restrictions based on criminal backgrounds, and the establishment of sunrise reviews and sunset reviews.