PRESS RELEASES

TALLAHSSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) today released the Northwood Centre toxicity report, outlining the poor air quality, mold and bat feces found at that location. The report was prepared by Dr. David Krause, a nationally recognized toxicologist.

The assessment was conducted to determine if mold growth and other microbial amplification sources were present within HVAC systems (air handling units and ducts) and occupied areas of DBPR leased offices at the Northwood Centre. Based upon internal inspections and sampling of HVAC systems and carpet dust samples the following conclusions have been made. Additionally, air samples to evaluate air concentrations of PCBs in offices were taken.

• All twelve (100%) of the Suites evaluated (60, 90, 92, 93, 96, 14, 16, 25-26, 32, 40, 42, and 50) had air handling units and/or ducts that were supporting active mold growth;
• Twenty-two of the twenty-four (~92%) air handling units sampled were found to be supporting active mold growth. The extent and severity of mold growth ranged from one or more major components to complete and thorough involvement;
• Twenty-three of the thirty-three (70%) ducts sampled were found to be supporting active mold growth;
• Seven of the nine (78%) supply diffusers sampled were found to be supporting active mold growth.
• 85% (63/74) of all sites sampled for mold clearly demonstrated the presence of active mold growth within HVAC systems.
• Bacterial endotoxins were detected in carpet samples (11 of 11) taken throughout the DBPR leased office areas, with levels ranging from 2,128 to 4,753,000 EU/g. Values averaged 454,095 with a median value of 24,360 EU/g. Many of the areas were considered to be elevated.
• PCB concentrations were non-detectable in most office areas with the exception of Suite 26. In the single sample where PCB Aroclor 1242 was detected the level was far below health-based risk values.

To view the complete report online, please follow this link:

http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/os/documents/Northwood%20
Microbial%20Assessment_complete.pdf

The Northwood Centre was previously leased by the Department. DBPR’s Tallahassee branch employees relocated to two buildings in Tallahassee in response to poor air quality, ceiling leaks and bat feces in the Northwood Centre.

Secretary Lawson said, “The health and safety of DBPR employees is our number one priority. Given Dr. Krause’s findings, it’s clear that our leadership team made the right decision to move our employees out of the Northwood Centre as fast as possible. By moving to our new locations, we have ensured the safety and well-being of our employees, and will continue the department’s great work of licensing efficiently and regulating fairly.”

LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Division of Insurance Fraud (DIF) today announced eight arrests following a multi-agency undercover workers’ compensation sting in Polk County. These eight individuals advertised their ability to perform wide-ranging plumbing and electrical work without proper licenses or training, and without having workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees in the event of an accident or injury.

During the three-day operation, DIF detectives, accompanied by logistical and tactical support from multiple agencies, established an undercover sting in an effort to stop this illegal practice. Detectives responded to public advertisements created by the defendants, requesting that they perform services at a specified location in Lakeland.

“Operations like this pull back the curtain on fraud in Florida, showing that if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “Always ask questions, require all offers in writing and verify the credentials of every individual who may provide goods or services before any work begins.”

Those who were arrested include:

• Justin Cortes
• Greatlen Bozeman
• Herbert Vanegas
• Henricus Van Der Linden
• Stuart Rhodes
• Juan Carlos Diaz
• Raymond Figueroa-Garcia
• Raymond Perdue

When individuals knowingly neglect the law, they create a liability risk for property owners by performing sub-par work and by potentially leaving property owners responsible to cover medical costs if an uncovered worker is hurt on their property.

Multiple agencies played a vital role in securing the sting’s successful outcome, including the Lakeland Police Department, State Attorney’s Office, DFS’ Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Compliance, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

“We’re proud to have worked alongside strong state and local agencies to conduct the sting in Lakeland, and we will continue to be proactive in our efforts to protect Florida’s consumers and licensed professionals,” DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson said. “Unlicensed contractors lack the necessary training, qualifications and insurance to complete a job in compliance with building codes and often leave consumers responsible for additional costs to repair substandard work. At DBPR, we’re committed to bringing these unlicensed individuals into compliance with the law and mitigating the potential for consumer harm”.

Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens said, “We must be vigilant and continue to crack down on those who are contracting work illegally and working without a license. Unlicensed contractors place our citizens at risk and threaten the livelihood of our law-abiding contractors and their employees”.

Of the eight individuals arrested seven were booked into Polk County Jail on charges of workers’ compensation fraud and unlicensed contracting. Raymond Purdue carried adequate workers’ compensation coverage but failed to hold a business license. He was charged with unlicensed contracting and was also booked into Polk County Jail.

These cases will be prosecuted by the Office of State Attorney Jerry Hill, 10th Judicial Circuit. If convicted, all eight perpetrators face up to five years in prison, more if found to be a repeat offender.

Originally posted on the Florida DFS website.