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Home Improvement Expert Bob Vila Joins State Effort to Protect Consumers
Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Bob Vila Produce Public Service Ad and Website to Help Safeguard Consumers from Unlicensed Contractors
June 1, 2007
TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Business and Processional Regulation (DBPR) today announced the launch of a new public service announcement (PSA) featuring home improvement guru Bob Vila that encourages consumers to hire only licensed contractors to perform home repairs.
“In a state so often affected by the forces of Mother Nature, it is important that citizens know how to protect themselves against unlicensed and unscrupulous contractors,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “As Hurricane Season begins, we thank Bob Vila for helping remind Floridians that they should always ask to see the contractor’s license and check for references.”
The DBPR/Bob Vila partnership will also include a co-branded web page to highlight important guidelines and checklists for consumers to follow when hiring a contractor. The web page will be available through both www.MyFloridaLicense.com and www.BobVila.com. The PSA will direct consumers to the web page where they will be able to check the contactor’s license number and find other helpful tips on what to do before you hire a contractor.
“Every day we hear stories of people getting ripped off by unlicensed contractors, and we wanted to help them protect themselves,” said DBPR Secretary Holly Benson. “This message is an important one, and by working with Bob Vila, who is known by homeowners across the state, we hope to ensure that this message hits home.”
Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor for the first offense and a felony for any additional offenses. A state-issued contracting license ensures the licensee has proven competency in the field of contracting to work safely and legally in the state of Florida. There are more than 100,000 contractors currently licensed to work in Florida.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation guarantees professionals and businesses are licensed efficiently and regulated fairly, ensuring the health, safely and welfare of consumers.
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