DBPR Releases Northwood Centre Toxicity Report

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.”

July 14, 2016 /  
DBPR Participates in the 2016 “Build Your Bucket” Event

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) partnered with local and state agencies, as well as the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to participate in the “Build Your Bucket” event on Saturday, June 18, 2016.

The event provided 250 local residents with natural disaster buckets and information to help them prepare in case of a natural disaster.

Two representatives from DBPR’s Division of Regulation attended the event to inform consumers of the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors to do work on a home or business after suffering storm damage. Over 500 people visited the DBPR table to learn how to protect themselves against unlicensed individuals. DBPR provided informational flyers in each bucket with tips on how to avoid unlicensed contractors in the event of a natural disaster and how to report suspected unlicensed activity.

Unlicensed activity is against the law and occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards.

DBPR offers several informational resources for Florida consumers:

  • The 2016 Natural Disaster Guide provides steps to prevent consumers from becoming victims of unlicensed activity after a natural disaster.
  • The Unlicensed Activity Resources page has useful information such as unlicensed activity FAQs, tips for hiring licensed professionals, printable informational materials…and more!
  • Consumers can verify professional licenses with DBPR online at DBPR Online Services, by calling (850) 487-1395 or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app through iTunes or the Google Play app store.
  • Floridians should report any suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com, calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440 or using the DBPR Mobile app.

The “Build Your Bucket” event directly followed DBPR’s 2016 Unlicensed Activity Awareness Week (June 13-17) in which the agency partnered with the Florida Better Business Bureau to inform consumers of the dangers of unlicensed activity.

June 22, 2016 /  
Eight Arrested in Polk County Workers’ Compensation Fraud Bust

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.

June 21, 2016 /  
BBB & DBPR Team Up Again to Combat Unlicensed Activity in Florida

Don’t fall victim to unlicensed activity; research professionals and businesses prior to hiring.

Clearwater, FL – With Unlicensed Activity Awareness Week occurring June 13 – 17, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are teaming up again to remind Floridians to thoroughly research professionals and businesses prior to hiring and to report any suspected unlicensed activity. Unlicensed activity is against the law. BBB and DBPR take unlicensed activity very seriously because it threatens the safety of Florida consumers and takes away business from properly licensed professionals throughout the state.

“BBB has the tools to help consumers find licensed professionals they can trust,” said Karen Nalven, President of BBB Serving West Florida. “Remember to look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal when choosing a contractor to know they are properly licensed and have been vetted against BBB’s Standards for Trust including a commitment to be responsive, advertise honestly and honor their promises.”

“Unlicensed activity threatens the livelihood of honest, hardworking professionals and can result in substantial physical or financial burdens to Florida consumers,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “DBPR strives to ensure Florida consumers receive services from people and businesses that are in compliance with the law and meet the qualifications and standards required to obtain their state-issued license. Consumers can empower themselves by becoming familiar with what services require a license from DBPR and by always verifying a license before hiring a professional.”

Both BBB and DBPR have online resources to educate consumers on how to report unlicensed activity.

  • BBB provides information on how to find properly licensed professionals, including an easy to use checklist. Resources to help businesses build trust in the marketplace are also available at www.bbb.org/.
  • Consumers can verify professional licenses that fall under DBPR’s jurisdiction by visiting DBPR Online, calling (850) 487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
  • Information on services requiring a state-issued professional license from DBPR and how to report suspected unlicensed activity is available online at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/unlicensed-activity/report-unlicensed-activity/.
  • Consumers can submit complaints of unlicensed activity with descriptions and pictures using the “Report Unlicensed Activity” feature on the DBPR Mobile app. To learn more about reporting unlicensed activity to DBPR using the mobile app, consumers can watch the how-to video below or visit the DBPR mobile app webpage at the DBPR Mobile App Page.

June 13, 2016 /  
Joint Operation Targets Unlicensed Contractors

Citrus County – Over the past few weeks, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Impact Unit (TIU) has teamed with the State of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Citrus County Licensing Division to conduct an undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors offering services within our community. The multi-agency operation utilized an undercover residence within our community to facilitate the sting. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) contacted people posting as “Handyman” or “Home Repair” to social media. Others were targeted after the DBPR or the Citrus County Licensing Division received complaints of unlicensed activity having been performed by specific suspects. These “Handymen” pose as contractors or do not have the proper licensing to perform specific home repairs.

According to the Citrus County Licensing Division, tasks that a “Handyman” can complete without licensing include, but are not limited to painting, trim work, cabinetry, and flooring. Those arrested during the investigation agreed to do work that was considered “structural”, meaning major repairs such as replacing exterior doors and windows were to be performed for compensation. Many of those arrested agreed to complete electrical, air conditioning, or plumbing work as well. Such tasks require proper licensing and permitting.

“DBPR is proud to partner with the Citrus County Sherriff’s Office to proactively combat unlicensed activity in Florida,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “Unlicensed individuals take advantage of Florida consumers by offering to make repairs for dubiously low prices, performing substandard work and often leaving without finishing the job. To avoid potential financial and safety risks, consumers should always verify a contractor’s license with DBPR prior to hiring them to work on their homes or businesses.”

Those with a specific question regarding licensing or code compliance can contact the Department of Business Regulation and the Citrus County Licensing Division. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses and regulates contractors to provide various construction and electrical services in the state of Florida. By law, contractors licensed by DBPR must include their license number in all advertising. Consumers can verify professional licenses with DBPR online at DBPR Online Services, by calling (850) 487-1395.

NOTE: The drug and driving charges were a result of suspects arriving at the meeting location with drugs or no driver’s licenses.

Although there were 13 people arrested during this operation, charges are pending on others not yet arrested. Warrants are being pursued for others related to this investigation. Additionally, the undercover investigators are working with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Senior vs. Crimes Unit to identify if any of those arrested have previous complaints.

To date, the operation has arrested 13 people on various charges:

Jerry P Mathes Jr.

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

George Clinton Horton

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
  • 1 Count 322.34(2) Driving While License Suspended

Robert Edward Alexander Carlisle

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
  • 1 Count 893.03(6)(B) Possession of Cannabis under 20 Grams
  • 1 Count 893.147(1) Possession of Paraphernalia

Culberth Lee Duncan Jr. (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Douglas Henry Stawarz (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

David Allen Nice 12.25.79 (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Francesco Sciolino (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Joanne Jean Chavez (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Arthur Eugene Bolinger Jr. (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License
  • 1 Count 322.34(2) Driving While License Suspended (Criminal Traffic Citation Issued)

Ted Madison Bachman (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Sasha Schiller (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Justin Douglas Shingler (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 489.127(1)(F) Contracting Without a License
  • 1 Count 489.531(1)(A) Contracting Without an Electrical License

Tina Louise Cockrell (Notice to Appear Issued)

  • 1 Count 499.03 (2) Possession of Prescription Drug without Prescription

You can find mug shots at sheriffcitrus.org.

June 3, 2016 /