IMPORTANT NEWS...
Department of Business and Professional Regulation Sweeps Miami for Unlicensed Veterinarians
March 3, 2010
MIAMI—Yesterday, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation completed an unlicensed veterinarian sweep at Calder Casino & Race Course. Department investigators and inspectors checked 22 licenses, conducted inspections of the veterinary trucks on-site and found 100 percent compliance with state licensing and regulatory requirements.
“Ensuring that veterinarians meet state standards is integral to the protection of animals in the pari-mutuel industry,” said Interim Secretary Liem.
The Miami sweep was part of DBPR’s quarterly statewide unlicensed activity operation. This quarter, department investigators are focusing on low voltage electrical contracting based on tips Interim Secretary Liem received during “On the Road 2 Better Business, Part 2.” 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 Community Association Manager firm licenses to ensure compliance with a law enacted in 2009 that requires CAM businesses to be licensed.
Here are some general 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.