When I was looking into this as far back as 1996, if you charged to install low voltage/data/telcom you were required to have a LV specialty license (according to DBPR). I understood the only exception was for regulated utilities at that time. Now that these guys are hiring "contractors" I am not sure how they get away with it.

You bet ya.
Coming from working for progress energy.
I think the problem is:
1. the utility is regulated by the PSC.
2. The psc mandates that they adhere to the NESC
3. The utility is not required to adhere to the Florida building code. Only the PSC.

So a disconnect is the culprit.

That is a tough question to answer. Dealing with investor owned utilities.
The reason being that they are governed by the PSC.
So the first item by the PSC is:
Is it a approved program ,if it is then the PSC rules.

If the PSC rules then they don't abide by the NEC but the NESC.
Also they don't go by any local jurisdiction to govern them. But the PSC.
So then the missing part shows.
The NESC does not cover parts that the NEC would nor does the FBC. Since the FBC is a not adopted by the PSC or the NESC.
So it becomes a real mess. And it has been for many years.

PS.
I hope I got all the terms correct-PSC,nec,nesc,fbc,etc.
All clear as mud.