IMPORTANT NEWS...

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation Sweeps and Stings Florida for Unlicensed Activity

March 2, 2010

TALLAHASSEE—Today, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation began its statewide enforcement operations to stop unlicensed activity. Sweep and sting operations will be held throughout Florida this week to protect consumers from the personal and financial harm that can result from hiring unlicensed individuals.

This quarter, department investigators will focus on low voltage electrical contracting and community association managers. Low voltage contractors became one of the focuses of this quarter’s sting after licensees expressed concerns about increased unlicensed activity in their profession. A Limited Energy Systems Specialty Contractor’s license is required to do low voltage electrical work, such as the installation of home theater and surround sound systems, wired computer networks, closed circuit televisions, electric locks and central vacuums. Investigators will also be checking CAM firm licenses to ensure compliance with a recently enacted law that requires CAM firms to be licensed. CAM firms responsible for the management of more than 10 units or a budget of $100,000 or greater are required to have a CAM firm license.

“Unlicensed activity harms consumers, our licensees and Florida’s economy. Statewide enforcement operations are a great way to remind consumers of the importance of hiring licensed professionals and let unlicensed individuals know that DBPR investigators are on the streets and unlicensed activity will not be tolerated,” said Interim Secretary Charlie Liem.

The Division of Regulation will conduct sweeps and stings from the eight district offices around the state. A sweep involves checking licenses to ensure compliance with state laws; a sting involves undercover operations where known or suspected unlicensed individuals are targeted. This statewide operation will focus on unlicensed low voltage contactors and community association managers.

Here are some tips to help consumers protect themselves against unlicensed activity:

• Always ask to see the State of Florida license.
• Note the license number and verify that the license is current. To check a license, call 850-487-1395 or visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
• Ask for references and check each one.
• Do not pay cash and 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.
• Report suspected unlicensed activity at MyFloridaLicense.com or toll-free at 1-866-532-1440.
  

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.