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By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 28, 2001
BROOKSVILLE -- Fortunetellers and clairvoyants no longer must vote in Hernando County in order to make their prognostications here.
Advised that its ordinance might be unconstitutional, the Hernando County Commission on Tuesday changed the rule to allow any Florida resident to get a fortuneteller's occupational license in the county.
The commission also amended the law with regard to references, so any five "reputable persons" can attest to the applicant's "moral character." Before, five Hernando County residents had to speak on behalf of the fortuneteller.
The matter came to the commission earlier this year when Jeannette Johns, a Zephyrhills resident, sought to open a shop on Cortez Road. She complained when she learned of the restrictions, and the county Legal Department advised the commission that her complaints were valid.
"It went in my direction and I appreciate that ...," Johns said. "Now it's a matter of going downstairs, considering this has been approved, to see when I can get my license."