So basically everyone in the industry in any capacity has to buy a copy of NFPA780

Sweeeeet! ... if you are NFPA

Is there any design or performance specifics in the Florida code?

BTW when will Veeck apply to other NFPA documents?

ALL NFPA documents are free to view online, so purchase really isn't necessary. Also, many building departments have NFPA subscriptions and will provide contractors / homeowners (permit holders) exerpts of the code upon request. I do all the time...

The only design criteria outlined in the FBC is compliance with the NFPA 780.

In addition the the FBC requirement for hospitals, AHCA has specific design and performance criteria for lightning protection and the SREF manual outlines specific lightning protection for public school facilities.

My Take on it:

1) No, there are no provisions in 489 for licensing of this work. Nor are lightning systems listed in Ch. 1 of the items requiring permits or inspections.

2) The building code does require lightning systems(references UL 780) for Hospitals and Nursing Homes and a risk assessment is required for schools. Article 4.18.1 of UL 780 requires "surge protection systems installed external to the facility electrical, CATV, alarm, data, or other electrical systems hardware" What does "external to" mean? Further, 4.18.2.5 Allows for not requiring them "where under engineering supervision, it is determined that surge threat is negligible or the lines are equivalently protected or where installation compromises safety. Sounds like a big out for contractors.
But should the surge protectors be required, I would expect them to be put in by the electrical contractor on the job and it has been my experience that they have been included in the scope and specs. for the EC on projects I have seen.

3) In my experience, I have never seem an LPS permitted or inspected by the AHJ. The ones I have installed (several) were all Master Labeled by UL at the completion of the project.

I am also aware that the ECLB has included UL 780 on the Certified Electrical Contractor Exam even though there are no licensing provisions for these LPS's. I don't see how that can but I am never surprised at what one of these state boards do.