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Department of Business and Professional Regulation Sends Strong Message to Unlicensed Individuals
07/21/09 - 09:49 AM

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

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When the fiscal year 2008/2009 began last July, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Regulation intended to send a strong message that unlicensed activity would not be tolerated, and investigators hit the streets to stop it.  Division investigators aimed to decrease unlicensed activity through increased proactive enforcement efforts.  They did more than meet their goal; they far exceeded it by performing 64 percent more operations than the previous year.

“I believe that this great increase in proactive enforcement efforts illustrates the department’s commitment to protect the public and provide an even playing field for our licensees,” said Secretary Charles W. Drago.  “This fiscal year, we encourage our licensees and Florida’s consumers to be our partners in this effort by reporting unlicensed activity to DBPR.”

What many may not know is that unlicensed activity can literally leave victims without a roof overhead.  Last week, Division of Regulation investigators in Jacksonville executed a sting operation to arrest unlicensed individuals who left a victim out of money and without a roof over her head.  The story paints a clear picture of the dangers of unlicensed activity.

The division proactively combats unlicensed activity through sweeps, which consists of checking licenses to ensure compliance with state laws, and stings, which consist of undercover operations where known or suspected unlicensed individuals are targeted.  Both operations may result in the arrest of unlicensed persons.  In the past three years, the division has made a commitment to increase these efforts, which is demonstrated in the data below.

Number of Proactive Enforcement Operations
Fiscal Year 2008/2009—505
Fiscal Year 2007/2008—327
Fiscal Year 2006/2007—147
Penalties for unlicensed activity can include a fine of up to $5,000 per incident. Persons engaging in unlicensed activity can be charged with a first degree misdemeanor for a first offense. In addition, any person who acts as an unlicensed contractor during a Governor-declared state of emergency commits a third degree felony.

“The department’s stepped-up enforcement efforts are providing greater protection from unscrupulous activity and helping to ensure that law-abiding, licensed contractors can meet Florida’s building needs,” said Jay Carlson, President of the Florida Home Builders Association and a home builder from Punta Gorda, Fla. “We sincerely appreciate the great work of Secretary Drago and the many law enforcement organizations that have helped crack down on unlicensed activity.”

There are measures consumers can take to protect themselves.  Always check licenses by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com.  Unlicensed activity should be reported to the department via the Web site or by calling, toll-free, 1-866-532-1440.  When hiring a contractor, consumers should:

Always ask to see the contractor’s license.

Note the license number and verify that the license is current and in good standing. To check a license, call 850-487-1395 or visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

Get a Release of Lien covering all workers and materials. This removes your property from the threat of lien. 

Ask any potential contractor for references and check each one.

Beware of scams when contractors ask for all the money up front or will only accept cash.

Beware of contractors who arrive in unmarked vehicles, possibly from out-of-state.

Be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.

Get everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date and the total cost.

Request from the contractor a list of all subcontractors and suppliers who have a contract with the contractor to provide services or materials. 

Don’t sign the certificate of completion until you are satisfied with the work done.

Additionally, licensed contractors are reminded to hire licensed subcontractors when required for work such as plumbing and electrical. 

The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.  For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.