Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Participates in National Effort to Fight Unlicensed Activity, Warns Floridians of Unlicensed Contracting Scams

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Participates in National Effort to Fight Unlicensed Activity, Warns Floridians of Unlicensed Contracting Scams

June 29, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Last week, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) concluded a nationally-coordinated enforcement effort alongside 11 National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) members to fight unlicensed activity.

“Keeping Floridians safe from unlicensed, unregulated activity is one of DBPR’s biggest priorities,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “The DBPR Division of Regulation is proud to partner with NASCLA to promote public protection while deterring illegal construction activity.”

From June 5-23, 2023, the DBPR Division of Regulation conducted a coordinated statewide sweep, targeting unlicensed construction and electrical contractors scamming Floridians out of their hard-earned money. The sweeps were performed by Fort Myers, Miami, Margate, West Palm Beach, Tallahassee, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville regional field offices and resulted in a total of 416 unannounced site visits with more than 650 license checks of construction and electrical contractors.

Additionally, the DBPR Division of Regulation’s Tampa field office performed stings where individuals were provided the opportunity to offer services that require a license. These individuals often provide a bid, proposal or performance of the service to an undercover investigator and/or law enforcement personnel. Once confirmed that the individuals are unlicensed to provide such services, cases are initiated against them.

As a result of all sweeps and enforcement operations, 97 unlicensed activity cases were initiated.

DBPR licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million Florida businesses and professionals, from real estate agents and veterinarians, to contractors and cosmetologists. DBPR regularly performs “sweeps” of regulated businesses and professionals to ensure they are working within the constraints of their licenses.

If residents suspect they or their neighbors may be a victim of an unlicensed activity scam, report it to DBPR by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440, emailing ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com or filing a complaint at MyFloridaLicense.com.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com. Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.

June 29, 2023 /  
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Celebrates Bureau of Law Enforcement’s 90th Anniversary

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Celebrates Bureau of Law Enforcement’s 90th Anniversary

June 20, 2023

DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin unveiled a commemorative 90-year badge that each of ABT’s 105 sworn law enforcement officers will wear this year in honor of the anniversary.

FT. MYERS, Fla. – Today, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Melanie S. Griffin was joined by Senator Jonathan Martin, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Fort Myers Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tracy Maurer, and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Major Thomas Pikul in Fort Myers to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the DBPR Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco’s (ABT) Bureau of Law Enforcement.

“It is with great pride and gratitude that DBPR celebrates the 90th anniversary of ABT’s Bureau of Law Enforcement and recognizes the tireless service of our law enforcement officers,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “As the second oldest law enforcement agency in the state, ABT has led the way when it comes to protecting Florida residents and visitors.”

“Partnerships between agencies have never been more important than they are today and FDLE’s work with ABT allows our agents to tap into their expertise on a variety of crimes including economic and fraud investigations,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Congratulations on 90 years of keeping Florida safe.”

FDLE and ABT Law Enforcement have a strong partnership that includes collaboration on background checks and fingerprinting to ensure the integrity of licensees manufacturing, distributing and selling alcoholic beverages and tobacco in the state, as well as investigations to protect Floridians from human trafficking and fraudulent activity.

“The Florida Highway Patrol has appreciated the longstanding collaboration with ABT’s Bureau of Law Enforcement,” said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. “Their ICARE program actively prevents and deters the underage use of alcoholic beverages, which reduces the number of impaired drivers on Florida’s roadways, saving untold lives each year. Congratulations on your 90th anniversary.”

The ABT Bureau of Law Enforcement collaborates with the Florida Highway Patrol to respond to car accidents involving alcohol, including when drivers are underage. Together, ABT, FHP and other state and local law enforcement partners administer the public safety initiative “ICARE,” which stands for Identifying Contributors to Alcohol Related Events, and ensures those who illegally provide alcohol to minors are held accountable under Florida law.

The Florida Legislature first created ABT in 1933, then known as the “Malt and Vinous Beverage Department.” It was joined two years later by the “State Beverage Department” to oversee the important business of regulating moonshine. Alcohol improperly made, a practice bad actors attempt to this day, can potentially have lethal effects or cause serious bodily injury. Throughout the decades, ABT officers have conducted undercover operations to detect and stop unlawful alcohol production as part of DBPR’s continued efforts to protect the public and enforce safe and responsible operation of alcoholic beverage sales.

ABT officers have also served as first responders and assisted recovery efforts for every hurricane that has impacted the state over the last 30+ years. This includes hurricanes Michael and Ian, where these brave officers provided security for businesses to protect them from potential looting and fulfilled additional missions to assist residents in the impacted areas during their time of greatest need.

Additionally, under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, DBPR provides statewide assistance to protect Americans from human trafficking. To combat this evolving crime, ABT Law Enforcement actively investigates the nexus between DBPR licensees and human trafficking. The Bureau has been a vital part of several federal human trafficking cases in recent months, identifying and saving hundreds of potential human trafficking victims.

In the past year alone, ABT Law Enforcement has:

  • Planned and executed more than 9,800 stings;
    • More than 5,600 for alcohol-related incidents,
    • Nearly 4,000 for tobacco-related incidents, and
    • Almost 250 for nicotine-related incidents.
  • Identified nearly 60 violations for illegally selling alcohol without a license;
  • Reported more than 280 violations for selling a tobacco product to a person under the age of 21; and
  • Uncovered nearly 900 violations for the sale of alcohol to a person under 21.

To learn more about ABT’s Bureau of Law Enforcement, visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com. Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.

June 20, 2023 /  
Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget Invests in Florida’s Small Business and Professional Communities

Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget Invests in Florida’s Small Business and Professional Communities

June 16, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Framework for Freedom Budget, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing Florida’s business climate and ensuring public safety through protection of residents and visitors from financial crimes.

“Governor DeSantis understands the importance of supporting our state’s small businesses and streamlining pathways for Floridians to start meaningful and successful professional careers,” said Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “Through the Framework for Freedom Budget, the Department will be able to make important improvements to better serve our growing number of licensees and protect Floridians from fraudulent activity.”

Funding for DBPR initiatives include:

  • $4.3 million for customer-centric technological improvements to modernize the licensee portal, streamline the licensure process and get Floridians into the workforce faster.
  • $3.5 million for identify verification software to protect consumers against business and professional license fraud, ensuring those doing business in Florida are both legally qualified and skilled for the job.
  • $1 million for an in-state tourism marketing campaign to encourage Floridians to explore the state and boost small businesses year-round.
  • More than $165,000 to enhance law enforcement training and equipment necessary to more efficiently enforce the state’s alcoholic beverage and tobacco laws.

For budget highlights, click here.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com. Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.

June 16, 2023 /  
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Support Small Businesses and Enhance Florida’s Pro-Business Climate

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Support Small Businesses and Enhance Florida’s Pro-Business Climate

June 9, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 869 into law, which provides sweeping updates that allow the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to streamline processes for Florida’s valuable licensed professionals and businesses.

“With the Governor’s leadership and the investment of the Florida Legislature, Florida’s business and professional community will continue to grow and thrive in the Free State of Florida,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “These important updates will enable DBPR to better serve our more than 1.6 million licensees.”

HB 869, DBPR’s agency bill, allows enhancements to operational efficiencies, clarifies regulatory requirements and improves licensure and renewal options for agency stakeholders throughout the state. Updates include:

Licensing

  • Qualified, eligible professionals who have held a valid mold-related or asbestos license from another state or territory may obtain their professional license in Florida by endorsement.
  • The application deadline under the state’s grandfathering provision has been eliminated for eligible locally registered electrical, alarm system and specialty contractors seeking to obtain licensure as statewide certified contractors.
  • Package stores licensed to sell beer, wine and liquor for consumption off the premises will now be able to sell nicotine products.
  • All restaurant and lodging establishment licensees must now provide an email address to the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants to serve as the primary point of contact for matters related to their license.
  • DBPR may now issue a hardship exemption to allow applicants and licensees to opt-out of the online account requirement.
  • Transient lodging establishments are undergoing modernizations by allowing guests to register electronically and eliminating requirements for individual guest signatures.

Florida Building Code

  • If energy code compliance software is not approved by the Florida Building Commission at least three months before the updated Building Code’s effective date, the Building Commission may delay the effective date of the energy provisions of the Building Code for up to three additional months.

Florida Vacation Plan and Timesharing Act

  • Certain requirements for the offering of incidental benefits in the sale of a timeshare plan have been eliminated.
  • The period for voiding a contract for which the closing unlawfully occurred before the cancellation period’s expiration is now extended from one year to five years, and retains the one-year right for a purchaser to void a contract if he or she knowingly or unknowingly waived their right to cancel the contract within the 10-day cancellation period.
  • The public offering statement has been revised to allow the developer’s description of each component site for a multisite timeshare plan to be provided to the purchaser electronically.

Florida Athletic Commission

  • Participants in exhibition matches are no longer subject to the maximum participant weight differential requirement for all exhibition matches, allowing any exhibition to include participants that weigh more or less than 12 pounds from their opponent.

For more information, view the bill summary highlights or the full bill text.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com. Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.

June 9, 2023 /  
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Celebrates World Food Safety Day 2023

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Celebrates World Food Safety Day 2023

June 7, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) proudly celebrates World Food Safety Day, which brings awareness and support to manage foodborne risks, and helps to improve human health.

“Ensuring the safety of food for our residents and visitors is an important public health priority, and DBPR continuously improves our inspection processes to catch risk factors for foodborne illnesses before people get sick,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “Thanks to the high quality and detailed inspection practices of the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, the state has seen a reduction of more than 80% in suspected or confirmed foodborne illness outbreaks over the past 25 years.”

The DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants licenses more than 63,000 public food service establishments in Florida including food trucks, vending machines, hot dog carts, caterers, culinary education programs, theme park food carts and restaurants.

Each public food service establishment regulated by DBPR is required to have between one and four unannounced inspections each year to ensure compliance with all state sanitation and safety laws.

Since the beginning of the 2022-23 fiscal year, DBPR has:

  • Conducted more than 117,900 inspections at public food service establishments across the state;
  • Cited approximately 642,700 observed food safety or sanitation violations; and
  • Investigated more than 13,800 complaints regarding public food service establishments.

To verify a public food service establishment’s DBPR license, view an establishment’s inspection history or to file a consumer or foodborne illness complaint, visit the DBPR website at MyFloridaLicense.com.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than 1.6 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com. Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida’s business and professional licensing.

June 7, 2023 /