FL Class III Permit?

I had my FL class III permit to sell reptiles for 2 years a few years ago, then stopped breeding (ball pythons) for the past few years because I was busy trying to finish my degree. I still kept my collection, but I let the permit lapse because I wasn't selling anything any more and the permit is to sell reptiles not own them. Now I'm done with school and have more time to dedicate to my snakes, so I sent in the stuff for my permit last week (this time under a business name, which I registered).

I was just told by someone on another forum that I will have to pay for the years I didn't have the permit in order to get it back. Just wondering if anyone knows if this is true? This seems like an unfair rule...basically that would mean that they can make you pay for a permit for years you didn't even have snakes if you got out of the hobby and back in....although I will pay if I have to since I have to have the permit...

I'm gonna try to get in touch with someone @ FL FWCC today, but in the past I've found that it's not always easy to talk to the right person...

Any input is appreciated.