Frequently Asked Questions

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and their responses are grouped into categories. Please click on the topic below that you would like to learn more about.

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Site Features
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Renew a License    [return to the top]
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Q:  Why should I renew online?
By performing an online renewal, you can wait until later in the renewal cycle to actually submit your renewal. You'll save time by not having stop by our offices or mail forms into the department. In addition, you may use an electronic check or your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) to pay.   
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Q:  When is my renewal due if I renew online?
The date your renewal is due does not change if you renew online. It is important to note, however, that the deadline for renewing is based on the current time in Florida's Capital, Tallahassee. Tallahassee follows Eastern Standard Time.
Q:  Which link takes me to the online Renewal Function?
After you have logged into your account, you will see the Maintain Account page, which lists all your licenses registered with DBPR. Find the licenses/permits/registrations you wish to renew from the list and click on the Maintain/Renew This License link.  A new web page will open with that allows you to perform multiple functions on your license. One of the functions listed will be Renew This License. Click on that link and complete the checklist steps.
Q:  "Your license cannot be renewed at this time."  What does this message mean?
There are several possible reasons why a renewal cannot be performed online:  (1) The license is not in a renewal period,  (2) Your license has already been renewed through a different course of action (e.g. you mailed back the renewal notice) or (3) there is an outstanding issue with your license that cannot be fully addressed via the Online Services website.  If you suspect #3 is the case, please contact the Customer Contact Center via email at CallCenter@dbpr.state.fl.us 
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Q:  How do I know when I should renew my license?
Each profession has different business rules governing its renewal period.  Your first notification of when to your license is on your license itself - there is an expiration date printed on each license.

Also at the beginning of each renewal period, the department mails out a renewal notice to your current address on file. This notice is another indication that your license's expiration date is approaching and that you must complete your continuing education requirements and renew in order to retain your license.

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Q:  What if I want to change my status on this license (e.g. change from Active to Inactive)?
If you wish to change the status of your license but still remain current with the department, please contact the Customer Contact Center via email at CallCenter@dbpr.state.fl.us. 

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Q:  What is Continuing Education compliance?
Chapter 455, Florida Statutes, now requires the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to monitor all continuing education activities of licensees. This initiative ensures 100% compliance through monitoring. If proof of required continuing education is not submitted prior to renewal of the license, the licensee will be denied renewal. By "Accepting" the affirmation statement you are stating legally that you have completed your continuing education requirements.
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Q:  How do I know my license was renewed successfully online?
After completing all of the steps on your renewal checklist (including payment, if applicable), you will submit your online renewal for processing.  If the renewal is successfully processed, a confirmation page will be provided. In addition, when you click on the Maintain Account link, the expiration date of the associated license will be updated to reflect the success of the online renewal.

The department will also mail you a new license with an updated expiration date. This should be delivered within 1-2 weeks depending on the other changes that you requested during your renewal (e.g. Change in Status).

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Q:  Should I still mail in the Renewal Notice if I renewed online?
No. At the beginning of each renewal cycle the department mails out renewal notices.  If you successfully renew online, there is no reason to also mail in this renewal notice.  
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Q:  How can I provide feedback regarding the online renewal process?
We are always interested in your feedback and suggestions. Please send your comments to our email address:  CallCenter@dbpr.state.fl.us
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Search for a Licensee    [return to the top]
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Q:  Which link takes me to the Search Function?
From the Online Services homepage or the side navigation bar, clicking on the Search for a License, Permit or Registration link will launch the search function.
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Q:  What criteria do I use to find an individual or organization?
You may use the information from the person/organization's license or simply use their name.
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Q:  What type of information is provided in the search results?
License data from every DBPR-regulated area can be found in the search results, including License Type, Name, License Number, License Status, Expiration Date and City.

Once your results are returned, click on the name to find more detailed information, such as Main Address, Location Address, Alternate Name (if applicable), Related License Information (if applicable) and License Complaints (if applicable).
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Q:  How do I Search by Name?
You can perform a search either by the name of an Individual or an Organization/Establishment. You cannot perform a search using both the name of an Individual and an Organization/Establishment.

The following are a couple of tips for searching by name:

  • If you do not know the spelling of the last name, try entering the first 4 or more letters of the last name. The search will always return names that begin with the letters you have entered. If you enter 3 or fewer letters of the last name, then the search will look for exact matches.
  • If you do not know the spelling of the first name, try entering the first letter of the first name to limit the number of names returned by the search.
  • If you do not know the name of the Organization/Establishment/Business, try entering several of the words that you know are contained in the name. If you use a word that is 3 letters or less, then the search will only look for that word exactly.
  • If you enter both a Last Name and the name of an Organization/Establishment/Business, then the search only uses the Last Name. You cannot search using both name types.
  • If you receive too many licenses for your search, try using some of the Alternate Search Parameters such as License Category, License Type, and City. This will reduce the number of licenses returned by the search.
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Q: How do I Search by License Number?
When searching by License Number, you can search by either the number part of the license number, or you can enter the entire license number, including the letters. If you know the specific License Category and License Type, you can select these from the drop down to limit the search results. Selecting the License Category and License Type is not required.
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Q: How do I Search by City or County and License Type?
You can search for licenses by License Type within a City or County. You must always select a License Category, License Type, and a City/County. This search will always return licenses for the selected type within the city or county.
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Q:  Are name searches case sensitive?
No. A name can be entered in either mixed case, all lower case or all upper case and still be a valid search criteria.
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Q: I see a View License Complaint link on the license detail page. What types of complaints are displayed?
After you select View License Complaint, a listing of public complaints regarding the person or organization is displayed. The only complaints that appear on this screen are complaints for which probable cause has been found or where the subject of the complaint has waived his/her right to confidentiality and complaints against unlicensed persons and Community Association Managers (CAM).

A public complaint is a complaint for which probable cause is defined pursuant to Florida Statute 455.225(10), which states: “The complaint and all information obtained pursuant to the investigation by the department are confidential and exempt from S. 119.07(1) until ten (10) days after probable cause has been found to exist by the probable cause panel or by the department, or until the regulated professional or subject of the investigation waives his or her privilege of confidentiality, whichever occurs first.”
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Search Unlicensed Complaints    [return to the top]  

Q:  Which link takes me to the Search Function?
From the Online Services home page, clicking on Search Unlicensed Complaints will launch the search function.

Q:  What criteria do I use to find an individual?
You must enter the individual's last name. Also entering a first initial will make the search faster. Optionally, you may enter the county and/or board to narrow your results.

Q:  What type of information is provided in the search results?
The first set of results you see will show you the complaint number, the name of the individual against whom the complaint was lodged, the county of activity, the city of activity, the state of activity, and the profession. Clicking on the name of the individual against whom the complaint was lodged will pop up another window which shows you the Respondent's Name, County, Address (including 3 street address lines and City, State, Zip), the Complaint ID, the Profession, the Complaint Number, the Complaint Class, the date the complaint was entered, the disposition date of the complaint and the complaint disposition.

Q:  How do I Search?
You must enter the individual's last name in the text box provided. You may also enter the first initial in the text box provided. Entering the first initial will make the search run faster. You may select a county from the dropdown list provided. You may select a board from the dropdown list provided. Click the "Search" button to initiate the search.

Q:  Are name searches case sensitive?
No. A name can be entered in either mixed case, all lower case or all upper case and still be valid.

Q:  I see that the Respondent Name on the results page is a link. What will this show me?
Clicking on the name of the individual against whom the complaint was lodged will pop up another window which shows you the Respondent's Name, County, Address (including 3 street address lines and City, State, Zip), the Complaint ID, the Profession, the Complaint Number, the Complaint Class, the date the complaint was entered, the disposition date of the complaint and the complaint disposition.

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File a Complaint    [return to the top]  

Q:  What information is required to file a complaint?
To consider a complaint complete, you must provide us with a full complaint description and the First & Last Name or Organization Name of the subject of the complaint.  Other sections of the complaint form are considered optional.  You have the option of providing the department with contact information for yourself, a second contact person, your private attorney, the private attorney for the subject of the complaint, and two witnesses (if applicable).

Q:  How do I file a complaint against an Engineer?
Licensed and unlicensed professional engineers are regulated by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers and Florida Engineers Management Corporation (FEMC). If your complaint deals with a licensed or unlicensed engineer, you should access FEMC's website.

Q:  How do I file a complaint against an Architect or Interior Designer?
Licensed and unlicensed architects and interior designers are regulated by the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design and their complaints are investigated and prosecuted by the law firm of Smith, Thompson, Shaw & Manausa, P. A. To file a complaint pertaining to architecture or interior design, please visit Smith, Thompson, Shaw & Manausa, P. A. online.

Q: Will the department contact me regarding the status of my complaint?
If your complaint against a regulated licensee meets the criteria of a public record you may view it through this web site after performing a license search. 

 

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Maintain Account   [return to the top]
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Q:  Which link takes me to the Maintain Account function?
From the Online Services homepage or the side navigation bar, clicking on the Maintain Account link will launch the Account Summary page.  This page will show you a listing of your licenses/permits/registrations and applications for those license types that are currently online.
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Q:  Why aren't all my licenses listed after clicking "Maintain Account?"
The department has consolidated over 65 systems for Divisions of Real Estate, Boxing, Land Sales Condominiums and Mobile Homes, Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Certified Public Accounting, Professions, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and Hotels and Restaurants.

If you have multiple licenses within these areas and they are not all listed on the Maintain Account page, please contact the Customer Contact Center via email at CallCenter@dbpr.state.fl.us and provide your name, tax number and all license numbers.

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Q:  What functions can I perform by clicking on the "Maintain Account" link?
Clicking on the Maintain Account link will provide you with a listing of your licenses/permits/registrations and applications that are currently supported online.  Select which license, permit or registration you wish to work with by clicking on its Maintain/Renew this License link. This will provide you with more detailed information about the selected license as well as those functions that can be performed (e.g. Renewal, Relationship Maintenance, etc.).

Also, a listing of all applications filed for the previous year is displayed.  If you have an open application, you may access the application checklist by selecting the "View Application Checklist " link.   If you have outstanding fees for your application, you may pay your fees by electronic check or credit card by selecting the "work" button next the "Fees" checklist item.   This feature is especially helpful if you've started an application online and would like to continue working on it.

 

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Maintain Related Licenses   [return to the top]
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Q:  What is a related license?
A related license is one that is linked to another. For example, a sales associate is related to his or her employing broker or corporation and a qualifying broker is related to his or her corporation.
Q:  Who can add and remove licenses as related licenses?
Corporations and brokers may add or remove their related licenses. Only real estate sales associate or broker sales associate licenses can be added or removed.
Q:  Can a qualifying broker or broker who is related to the corporation remove a related license online?
Not from their individual Online Services account. Related licenses can only be removed when the user is logged into the corporation’s Online Services account to remove a related license.
Q: Can I add any sales associate or broker sales associate to a relation?
Yes. If the sales associate or broker sales associate has a valid Florida license, he or she can be added online using the brokerage or broker's online account. You can also mail your request to 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 or fax to 850.488.8040. You may obtain a form by clicking here, select your license type, and then the transaction you wish to complete.
Q:  What happens if I add a license from another broker or corporation?
Once a license is added, the relationship with the previous broker or corporation is terminated and removed. A new relationship is then created under the new broker or corporation. Only one active relationship can exist between the broker/corporation and the sales associate or broker sales associate.
Q. How do I add a qualifying broker to my corporation?
You may obtain a form by clicking here, select Real Estate Companies, and then "Designate Qualifying Broker for Company". You can mail your request to DBPR, Central Intake Unit, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 or fax to 850.488.8040.
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Change My Address   [return to the top]
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Q:  Which link allows me to add an alternate mailing address or change an address I already have on file?
From the Online Services homepage or the side navigation bar, clicking on the Change My Address link will launch the Profile Maintenance page.
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Q:  What demographic and/or profile information can I update? 
Your profile consists of several pieces of information:  registered name(s), tax identification number, date of birth & gender if applicable and all current addresses. You can update most of this information with the exception of your name and tax identification.  To perform a name or tax number change, legal documents must be provided to the department.
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Q:  The tax number listed for me is incorrect or it says NOT ON FILE.  How can I update this information?
Because your tax identification number (e.g. SSN or FEIN) was never provided when you were originally licensed, we generated a number to identify your records.  If this is the case, click on the tax number label in order to open a new web page that will allow you to provide your correct tax number information.  

If the Social Security Number (SSN) or the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) on file is incorrect, please mail copies of legal documents to the department at 1940 N. Monroe, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783 in order to update your records.

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Make a Payment   [return to the top]
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Q:  What types of payments are accepted online?
The department currently accepts electronic checks and Visa, American Express MasterCard and Discover credit cards as methods of online payment. 

A bank debit card will also be accepted if it bears a Visa, Mastercard or Discover card logo. If you are unsure if your debit card can be used for online transactions, please contact your bank issuer before commencing any transaction on this site.

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Q: How can I pay by electronic check?

From the Make a Payment page, click on Pay by Electronic Check.  You will be prompted to enter your account owner ( personal or corporate), account type (checking or savings), bank name, bank routing numer and account number.  After entering the information and clicking Pay, you will receive a reference number for your successful transaction. 

Q: What is an electronic check?

An electronic check is another secure, convenient payment method accepted on DBPR's Online Services website.  You simply enter your account information, just like on your paper checks, and if the transaction is approved, funds are debited from your account.

Q:  Is there an additional fee for using a credit card?

No. There is no additional cost for making a credit card payment online at this time. 
Q:  What if I want to pay for an online transaction (e.g. renewal) with a check?
You may complete a transaction online and then mail in a check. Please realize, however, that your transaction will not be considered complete until the payment is received by the department. For example, if you were to complete all of the steps for an online renewal except payment because you were going to mail in a check, the renewal would not be considered timely until payment was received by the department.
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Q:  If I pay online with a credit card, when will that amount be charged to my credit card?
Credit card payments are not processed until you click on the Pay button, which is on Step 2 of the payment process. If the information you entered is verified by the credit card company, your credit card will be charged at that time.  You will receive a confirmation page that will provide you with a Payment Reference Number.  This number is your indication that your credit card was charged.  We will ask for your Payment Reference Number should you call about your credit card payment.
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Q:  Can I pay my renewal fee and other fees to the department in one transaction?
Yes.  When you elect to Make a Payment, you will be provided with a list of any items currently owed to the department, associated with the licenses shown on your account summary. Please click on Maintain Account to get this listing of licenses. 

If you have additional licenses that are supported online but not reflected in this listing, please contact the Customer Contact Center at callcenter@dbpr.state.fl.us to inquire about possible items that you may need to pay to remain compliant.

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Q:   How can I verify that I was charged appropriately for the online transactions (e.g. renewal) I completed?
The easiest way to verify you were charged properly is to review your bank or credit card statement(s) against the confirmation page you receive after you have made a payment.  The confirmation page would have a listing of those items that you paid for, as well as each item's amount.  

If you need a copy of your online confirmation page, please look in your online Messagebox by clicking on the View Messages link on the side navigation bar.

Q: What is a routing number and where can I find it on my check?

The routing number was created by the American Bankers Association in 1910 to identify financial institutions (banks, credit unions, etc.). Each institution has its own nine-digit routing number. Locate your bank's nine-digit routing number in the bottom left corner of your check. Enter the number exactly as printed, including leading zeroes.

Q: What is an account number and where can I find it on my check?

Financial institutions (banks, credit unions, etc.) use account numbers to identify their customers. Individuals and businesses have their own private account number. Locate your account number immediately to the right of the nine-digit routing number on your check. Enter it exactly as printed, including leading zeroes.

Q: Can I also pay from my savings account?

Yes. Enter your bank's nine-digit routing number, then enter your savings account number (not the checking account number on your check). Enter it exactly, including leading zeroes.

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Apply for a License   [return to the top]
Q:   How do I apply for a license online?
A select group of interactive applications have been added to our Online Services. You can apply for your license online by clicking on the Apply for a License link and finding the appropriate application. If you are already a licensee, you will be prompted to activate your account before applying for another license in order to help standardize your registration with the department.  If you do not currently hold a license/permit/registration, you may proceed with the application process.

In general, there are several steps to completing your online application:

  • Step 1 - Activation of your account if you are already a DBPR license holder.  If you are not, proceed to step 2.
  • Step 2 - Select the type of license/permit/registration you are seeking.
  • Step 3 - Complete your demographic information (e.g. name, address, date of birth).
  • Step 4 - Complete any deficiencies on your application checklist (e.g. payment).
  • Step 5 - Complete any additional forms that are necessary to supply to the department.
  • Step 6 - Follow through on any remaining steps as indicated for the license type you selected. For example, the completion of a fingerprint card, the notarization of an attest statement or the submission of course completion information.

If you need additional information or would like to download the application forms, please click here.

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Find Exam Information   [return to the top]  
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Q:  What type of exam information can I find using the Find Exam Information feature?
The Find Exam Information feature is intended to help applicants determine if they have been approved to sit for an examination or learn the results of their examination. To find out exam schedule information and/or the locations of examinations, please click
here.
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Q:  Will I receive an official notification of my examination results?
Yes. You will receive an official notification from either the department or the approved vendor from whom you took the examination. For some divisions/boards, scores may be first reviewed and ratified prior to your final notification.  
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Q:  How do I apply to retake an examination?
Clicking on the Apply to Retake Exam link provides you with a search feature that allows you to confirm your examination results.  After confirming your exam results, proceed to the application process by clicking on the appropriate link. You will be provided with a list of applications that can be completed online that allow you to retake an examination.  If you do not find your examination, please click
here to go to the DBPR homepage to find additional information.
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Change License Status   [return to the top]  
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Q:  What does a change in license status mean?
A change in status, typically, means that you no longer want to maintain the "current" status of your license. If you wish to retain your license but not practice, you may petition to have your license placed in an inactive status.  Each division/board has its own rules and regulations relating to this "inactive" status.  

Online applications for a change of status are available for the Board of Accountancy, Construction Industry Licensing Board and Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board.    For these boards, you may apply online to become inactive, pay the associated fee by electronic check or credit card and fill out the change of status form. 

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View Application Status  [return to the top]  

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Q:  What information do I need to view the status of my application?
You must provide us with a correct combination of a Social Security Number/Tax Number and Last Name/Organization Name to view your application status.  If you have multiple applications, you can narrow your search by choosing a board/area and profession/industry from the drop down select boxes.  You can then click "S
earch."

Q: What information do the search results provide?
You will retrieve a list of all applications filed within the previous year.  Each application will display with the name filed, the application number, profession, application type, date filed and the status of your application.   Read our glossary for a definition of date filed and what each status means.  

At this point you can choose to view the application checklist and the status of each checklist item.   The status will show as "Complete" if all requirements for that item have been satisfied.   If the status is "Deficient," a deficiency will display further explaining why this checklist item is not complete. 


Q:  What should I do if a checklist item is deficient?
The Online Services checklist shows the status of each required step in processing your application according to DBPR's records. Because an item shows a status of “deficient” does not necessarily mean that you have not provided this information to the department or that the department has not received the needed information. DBPR's application processing staff work through applications and documents received in chronological order based on date received. During peak periods it is possible that the workload volume may delay information from being processed and updated in the system. As a general guideline, processing on new applications usually begins within 3 weeks of application receipt.

Common deficiencies

1) Fees / Insufficient money received – A deficiency will show when:

a. Your received payments have not been linked in the system to your application. Payments are linked to applications when the application is worked by department staff.

b. Your payment has not been received.

c. Your payment is not sufficient to cover your application cost. This can occur if you mailed in a check for the exact application amount, but have outstanding fines or charges that must be paid before application fees can be processed.

It is possible that a payment you have made has been received and a payment by check has been cashed, without this status being updated. There is no need to contact the department about this situation unless you receive a written notification from the department that your application fees have not been received.

2) Transaction suitability / No modifier has been specified – A deficiency will show to indicate that internal systems need to do a final check that rules have not changed or an applicant’s status has not changed during the course of the application process.

If you need clarification about the requirements for a license application, contact the DBPR Customer Contact Center at callcenter@dbpr.state.fl.us or 850-487-1395. The information displayed on the website is the same information that is available to the Customer Contact Center agents. Special requests to provide the status of application information that has not yet been processed or entered in the system are discouraged since these cannot be easily accommodated and generally do not alter the sequence in which application processing work is performed. For additional information you can also review the glossary which contains an abbreviated list of checklist items and a brief description of each. 

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View Messages   [return to the top]
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Q:   What is the purpose of the online Messagebox?
The Messagebox is used by the department to provide information to a licensee such as the status of license/permit/registration(s)/applications as well as confirmations of transactions that were performed through the self-service phone system, this website or via the Customer Contact Center. 
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Q:   Can I have these messages automatically forwarded to my personal email?
Forwarding department emails to your personal email account would compromise your security. The online Messagebox allows the department to communicate sensitive information (e.g. credit card confirmation) to you in a way that minimizes the risk of someone else viewing this information.  The online Messagebox is one of the many User Services which requires a valid User ID and PIN to be provided prior to accessing the information.
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Q:   How will I know I have unread messages in my Messagebox?
When the department logs a new message for you to review, an email will be sent to your the email address you have provided on your "Main" address telling you that you have new messages to review.  To verify which email address we have on file, click on the Change My Address link on the side navigation bar.

In addition to this notification, the Maintain Account page you see after you first log into your account will tell you how many unread messages you have in your online Messagebox.

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Q:   How long will messages remain in my Messagebox?
Unread messages will remain in your Messagebox until you have had a chance to read them. After a message has been read, you have the ability to delete that message out of your Messagebox.

The department may occasionally delete expired messages (e.g. newsletters) in an effort to help you keep your Messagebox cleaned out.

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View My Continuing Education   [return to the top]
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Q:  How do I access the "View My Continuing Ed" page?
After activating your account, click View Continuing Education at the lower left. Or, select a license on the Maintain Account page, then click View My Continuing Ed to view this feature. Click on the plus sign image to see details of the courses for each requirement.

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Q:  What information do I see on the "View My Continuing Ed" page?
The View My Continuing Ed page lists the continuing education (CE) requirements for your license(s) and credits earned for the current renewal cycle. For a detailed list of the courses you completed, simply click on the plus sign image.

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Q: When I view my continuing education credits online, I notice a discrepancy in the hours I obtained. How can I correct this information?
If you notice a discrepancy in the continuing education credit hours posted to your account, please contact your continuing education provider first. Providers must electronically submit licensee course completion information to the department no later than 30 calendar days thereafter or prior to the licensee's renewal date, whichever occurs sooner. If the provider has submitted the course attendance information, you may send a copy of your certification of completion to the DBPR Bureau of Education and Testing--Continuing Education, 1940 N. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399.
(Note: CPA licensees self-report their CPE hours and should contact the Department’s Bureau of Education and Testing if they notice a CPE discrepancy).

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Q:  I am a continuing education provider. How do I report licensees’ attendance for completing my approved courses?
Providers must electronically submit licensee course completion information to the department no later than 30 calendar days thereafter or prior to the licensee's renewal date, whichever occurs sooner. You may access this software along with Technical and User guides at www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/servop/testing/providers.html
(Note: Since CPA licensees self-report their hours, this requirement does not apply to CPA providers).


FOR CPA SELF-REPORTING ONLY

Q: When can I self-report my Continuing Professional Education (CPE)?
To report CPE, your CPA primary license status must be Current, Active. CPAs are required to submit 80 hours of credit prior to July 15 of the same year their license expires. For example, if the CPA license expires on June 30, 2006, you can report your CPE starting July 1, 2004 up to July 15, 2006. CPAs must have completed their hours by June 30 of the year their license expires to avoid any penalties.

Q: What if I miss the June 30 deadline to take my 80 hours of CPE?
You must submit 88 hours by September 15, or 96 hours by December 1 of the same year your license expires. After December 1 you cannot report CPE online. Your license goes to a Delinquent status and must be re-instated.

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Using This Site

License Efficiently. Regulate Fairly.   [return to the top]
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Welcome to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's (DBPR) Online Services website. Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, DBPR is changing the way you interact with state government. We are providing you more one-stop and time smart solutions and real time access to information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a Florida government that's more friendly, that wants you to have more access and that guarantees more satisfaction.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation helps ensure that businesses and professionals provide quality services for the health, safety and welfare of the general public. We hope you enjoy our ongoing improvements including:

- A website to help you manage your licenses/permits/registrations and gather additional information.

- A centralized Customer Contact Center to assist you with your needs.

- A self-service telephone system that allows you to perform transactions at your convenience.

We are committed to licensing efficiently and regulating fairly.

Department of Business and Professional Regulation

 

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Activate My Account / Log On   [return to the top]
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Q:   What is meant by an account?
Your online account is the combination of a User ID and PIN which provides you access to the User Services (e.g. renewal, payment, updates) for the various licenses/permits/registrations you hold with the department. This User ID and PIN is also used by our self-service telephone system to grant you access into its restricted functions.
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Q:   How do I get my User ID?
In order to obtain your User ID, you must activate your account using the initial PIN that was mailed to you or given to you by a customer contact center agent.   There are 4 steps you will follow to activate your account: 
  • Step 1 - Identify your profession/industry and enter your initial PIN
  • Step 2 - Create a unique personal identification number (PIN)
  • Step 3 - Create a Hint Question (for indentification purposes only)
  • Step 4 - Record your new User ID and your unique PIN

Your User ID and PIN provide access to restricted transactions (e.g. change in status) and should be treated as sensitive information.  

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Q:   What if I didn't get an Initial PIN in the mail?
Initial PINs are mailed in your renewal notice to the mailing address we have on file for you once your license type (e.g. Real Estate) begins its renewal cycle. If you have not received an Initial PIN at this time, we may not have your current address on file.

Please call our Customer Contact Center (850.487.1395) to verify your mailing address is correct and obtain your Initial PIN. 

Q:   Why am I receiving the message "We were unable to locate your registration?"
After the first step in your account activation, we verify we have your information on file.  If we do not find your registration you will receive the message about being unable to locate your registration.  Please verify the following information you selected/entered is correct and then try activating your account again.

(1) You have selected the correct Division/Board (e.g. Real Estate) and profession (e.g. Real Estate Sales or Broker)

(2) You correctly entered your Initial PIN.

If both of these items are correct, the issue is probably the way your license number was entered.  There are varying rules for each board on what constitutes your license. If you entered alpha characters with your license (e.g. BK13282) try entering just the numeric portion.  If you had entered just the numeric portion, try entering your full license (e.g. AC038282 or CBCA38372).

Should you need further assistance, please call our Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395.

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Q:   What if the listing of my licenses/permits/registrations is partially incomplete?

We could have a duplicate registration for you in our computer system.  If you hold multiple licenses/permits/registrations, please contact the Customer Contact Center (CallCenter@dbpr.state.fl.us ) to help resolve this issue. 

Q:   Can I change my account User ID?
No. The User ID assigned to you during the activation process cannot be changed in order to protect the uniqueness of your account.
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Q:   Can I change my personal identification number (PIN)?
Yes.  After you have successfully logged in, you can update your PIN to any number you like. We require your PIN to be numeric and have a minimum number of digits (4 digits) to help reduce the risk someone could "guess" your PIN number. 
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Q:   What if I forgot my User ID?
If you happen to forget your User ID, you may "find" your ID by clicking on the Forgot Your User ID link on the Logon page. This will prompt you for some additional information prior to giving you your User ID.
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Q:   What if I forgot my personal identification number (PIN)?
If you happen to forget your PIN number you can click on the Forgot Your PIN link.  You can then enter your User ID and retrieve your hint question that you established during the activation process.  If you provide the answer to your question that you entered during the activation process, you will be successfully logged into your account, but be forced to change your PIN for future use.
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Q:   Are there any restrictions on what my hint question and/or answer should be?
You should treat your hint question and answer with the same security as your User ID and PIN number.  Your hint question should be something only you would know and not be easy to guess. You should not tell your hint information to other people as this compromises the security of your account. The answer to your hint question is case-sensitive and must be alphabetic.
  

Your hint question should not contain:  your license number, your User ID or PIN, or the answer to your hint question.

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Q:   How can I re-activate my account?
After a series of unsuccessful logon attempts, your account will be deactivated to help protect your license information.  If your account has been deactivated, please contact the Customer Contact Center (850-487-1395) to have it re-activated. 
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Q:   Why am I forced to Change My PIN when I attempted to log in?
There are several reasons why you may be forced to change your PIN when you log into the website.  The first reason is that you may have called our Customer Contact Center because your account was deactivated.  The reset PIN we would have provided you would only be a temporary PIN, thus why we are asking you to enter a new one.

The other reason why you may be prompted to change your pin is because during your previous visit you may have used your Hint Question and Answer to log into the site.  If this was the case, we would like you to enter a new PIN that you will remember to log into the system.

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Q:   Can I log on to my account on more than one computer at the same time?
No. Your account is constructed to allow only one active session at a time. This security measure has been taken to help protect your private license information.
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Q:   Why is my PIN automatically entered when I log on?
This is a feature of Internet Explorer® 5.0 and higher.  The AutoComplete feature in your browser allows information entered on a web page to be saved within your browser. If you are concerned about security, you can disable this feature by completing the following steps:  (1) On the Internet Explorer® toolbar, select Tools and then Internet Options,  (2) Select the Content tab, (3) click on AutoComplete, (4) Uncheck the User Names and Passwords checkbox, (5) Click Clear Passwords, (6) Click OK.
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Technical Support   [return to the top]
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Connecting to the Online Services website
Q:   Why am I sometimes disconnected from the website?
You could be disconnected because either your visit to DBPR Online Services (your "session") has timed out or because your connection to the Internet was lost.  If your session is inactive for more than 20 minutes, your session will be ended as a security safeguard. Ongoing user activity (i.e. keystrokes, browsing, etc.) will allow your session to continue beyond this period.

The way you connect to the Internet is usually through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) such as AOL, Prodigy, ATT WorldNet, etc. Your ISP may be experiencing problems which would in turn not allow you to access our Online Services homepage. You can verify this by attempting to access another website such as www.MyFlorida.com. If you successfully reach this other website, we may be experiencing heavy internet traffic and would ask that you please return to the website at a later time.

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Q:   Why can I connect to your website from home but not from work?
Often times companies restrict Internet traffic to only internal websites.  Please check with your network administrator to see if your company has established these types of access restrictions.
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Q:   Why can't I access my online license information?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to access your information:  (1) You have bookmarked an out-of-date location of a web page.  Try starting over at the Online Services homepage;  (2) Your Internet Service Provider (e.g. AOL, Prodigy, ATT WorldNet) may be experiencing problems;  (3) You have not activated your
Online Services Account.
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Browser Version and Options
Q:   Which browser versions does this website support?
Our website supports Internet Explorer® 4.0 and higher, Netscape® 4.7 and higher as well as AOL® 5.0. These are the minimum browser versions that are necessary to support some of the features and functions of the Online Services website.  If you need to upgrade your browser, please go to the Microsoft™ website (
www.microsoft.com) or Netscape (www.netscape.com) to download your upgrade.
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Q:   How can I tell what browser version I am using?
From your browser's toolbar, click on Help.  You should then find a menu option that starts out "About..." By selecting this menu option you will be provided with another window that will provide you with not only the type of browser you are using but also what version.
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Q:  Why am I missing parts of the web page (e.g. images)?
If a page does not load completely, please refresh the page. To refresh a page, simply select the View option from your browser's toolbar and then select the Refresh option.  The web page will begin to be repainted and this should solve any problems related to missing images or other components.
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Q:  What browser options (e.g. cookies) do I need enabled to use this website?
There is only one option that needs to be set in your browser to take advantage of the features on the Online Services website.  The option is to ensure that your Security Level is set to Medium.  If you are using Internet Explorer®, you can verify this by following these easy steps:  (1) Open your browser, (2) Select Tools on the toolbar, (3) Click on the Security tab, (4) Chose the Internet Icon, (5) Under Security Level for this zone, make sure it is set to Medium.  This is usually the default for this browser.

If you are using Netscape Navigator®, please verify this by following these steps:  (1) Open your browser, (2) Select Edit on the toolbar, (3) Select the Preferences menu option, (4) In the Preferences dialog box, select Advanced in the Category list on the left, (5) Click on the Enable Java® selection on the right, (6) Click OK.

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Q:  What is the best resolution (e.g. 800X600) to have set in order to use this site?
The Online Services website has been built to handle a minimum screen area of 800X600.  However, there are some web pages that provide a considerable amount of information (e.g. License Search Results) that are best viewed within a larger screen area such as 1024X600. If you are running Windows™, you can change your resolution by clicking Start->Settings->Control Panel->Display.  From there you can click on the Settings tab and adjust your screen area.
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Downloading
Q:   I'm receiving a message to check my security settings.  How do I do this?
To use the Online Services website's online forms, there are certain security settings that you may have to adjust within your browser.  The minimum settings that are expected are the typical "default" settings for your browser.  You can confirm these settings by following these directions:

If you are using Internet Explorer:  (1) Select Tools from your browser's toolbar,  (2) Select Internet Options, (3) Select the tab that is labeled as Security, (4) Verify that the security level for this zone is set to medium.

If you happen to be running AOL, these same settings can be verified by looking at your AOL preferences.  The following are the steps for AOL 6.0 users.  If you are on an earlier version of AOL, please look in the AOL help for Web Security Settings and follow the easy directions.  Again, please verify that the "medium" security level is set.

AOL 6.0 security setting review:  (1) After logging into AOL, click on the Settings tab off the top menu bar.  (2) Select the Preferences menu option.  (3) Click on the Internet Properties link which will open the AOL Internet Properties window.  (4) Click on the Security tab and verify that the security level for this zone is set to medium. (5) Click on the OK button.

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Q:   Why am I receiving a message prompting me to download a Vector Graphic Rendering (VML) component?
This Vector Graphic Rendering component is a basic component that allows the online forms to "draw" properly.  When the latest version of your browser was installed on your computer, you probably elected to install just the minimal installation.  In so doing, this component was not downloaded.  

To complete an online application or form, however, this component is needed.  To get this component, simply click OK on the download message you receive and the component will be downloaded.  You will only have to do this once.

For further information on the VML component, please see MicroSoft's website by clicking on this link:  VML article

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Q:   I can't view or open a form (e.g. Change Relationship)
The majority of "online forms" that the Online Services website and/or the DBPR Form Center provide are in a PDF format.  This format allows these forms to be printed to match the paper forms that are at district offices. You may be experiencing some issues with PDF format documents if you don't have Adobe® Acrobat Reader.

To download the free Adobe® Acrobat Reader, please visit the Adobe site:  www.adobe.com.

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Printing
Q:   How can I see what my page will look like before I print it?
There is a feature in your browser known as Print Preview that allows you to preview a page before you actually print it. To preview a page in either Internet Explorer® or Netscape® browsers, simply select File on your browser's toolbar.  Then select the Print Preview option off the menu. A preview of the page is then shown and you can then determine if you want to print that page or not.
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Q:  When I preview or print a page, some information is cut off.  How can I fix this?
Sometimes the web page you are viewing is too large for your browser to print all the information. To print the entire page, you will need to adjust your browser's default print settings. To adjust these settings, please follow these simple steps: (1) Select File off your browser's toolbar, (2) Select the Print option, (3) Select either the Properties tab or the Basics tab, whichever your browser has available, (4) Select either the Landscape or Portrait print option -- whichever one is not already selected, (5) Click on the Print button.
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Privacy and Security Information   [return to the top]
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Q:  How is my license information protected?
The User Services sections (e.g. renewal, address changes, etc.) of the Online Services website have been protected in two ways.  The first is to restrict access to these areas to only those individuals that have provided a valid User ID & PIN or User ID & Hint information. 

We also protect your information through Secured Socket Layer (SSL) protection.  What this basically means is that the information being transferred between your computer and ours is encrypted. Our encryption level is 128-bit.

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Q:  What can I do to protect my information?
There are three basic things you can do to help protect your information.  First, do NOT provide your User ID, PIN or Hint information to anyone else. The second is to make your PIN and Hint Information something known only by you.  As you recall, your User ID, PIN and Hint Information are the ways you access your information.  These should be kept confidential in order to reduce your security risks.

The final thing you can do to help protect your information is to always log off.  Once you have completed your transaction (e.g. renewal, payment, etc.) it is important to log off in order to not leave a "live" session active for someone else to use.  If you were to forget to log off, we will do this for you but only after a period of time has passed.

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Q:  What is your Security Policy & Terms of Use for this website?
Our Online Services website is brought to you, in part, by Florida's State Technology Office (STO). The privacy statement that has been adopted by this website is the same one that encompasses other STO supported websites such as
www.MyFlorida.com. To view this statement, please click on the following link:  privacy statement.
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Site Navigation   [return to the top]
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Thank you for your interest in our Online Services website.  This is a Florida government that's more friendly, wants you to have more access and guarantees you more satisfaction. To help you navigate and find information on this website, we have provided a listing of the buttons that are used on the site and an explanation of their general meaning.  If you have additional feedback, please contact our Customer Contact Center at CallCenter@dbpr.state.fl.us   
FAQ Button Launches this FAQ page in a new browser window.
Display Buttons    Displays the first/last page of a results that are returned.
     Displays the previous/next page of a results that are returned.
General Buttons General Buttons are shaped same as this "Sample" button.
Below is a list of all the buttons from this site and their functions.
  Accept Accepts or agrees to a statement or result.
  Add Performs an addition routine. For example, "Add" allows you to add a new address.
  Back Returns you to the previous page or to the Maintain Account page.
  Cancel Cancels the current transaction (e.g. payment).
  Clear Clears all of the corresponding fields from a page.
  Close Closes the corresponding browser window or exits the process.
  Confirm Confirms any information or result listed on a page.
  Continue Continues with the corresponding process.
  Decline Decline or reject a result.
  Delete Deletes the corresponding item/result.
  Filter Filters a result from a search based upon criteria that the user submits.
  Find Finds a specific item(s) that a user specifies.
  Get Hint Retrieves the Hint Question to find forgotten PIN number.
  Log On Logs the user on to this site to gain access to User Services.
  Log Off Securely exits the user from the site.
  New Search Performs a new search with new values to be entered.
  Next Views the next set of information/results.
  OK Confirms a message or result.
  Pay Submits payment information.
  Previous Returns to view the previous set of information/result.
  Print Prints the corresponding page via the browser's printing function.
  Recalculate Recalculates the amount due from the payments outstanding list.
  Return to Checklist Returns to the License Checklist Items page upon a successful payment submission.
  Save Saves the information from the corresponding page.
  Search Searches for specific item(s) based upon a submitted criteria.
  Submit Submits the entered/displayed information from a corresponding page.
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Contact Information   [return to the top]
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Email Us: Please send your comments and/or questions to Call.Center@dbpr.state.fl.us. In order to better serve you, please include your daytime phone number in your e-mail message.
Phone Us: Our Customer Contact Center's phone number is 850.487.1395.  The Customer Contact Center's hours of operations are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
Fax Us:

For Barbers, Cosmetology, Asbestos and Electrical Contractor application issues such as responses to deficiency letters or submission of additional information in order to complete an initial application, the fax number is 850.921.0038.

For Real Estate (new applications only) and Appraiser application issues such as responses to deficiency letters or submission of additional information in order to complete an initial application, the fax number is 850.922.4191.

For Accountancy, Architecture, Athlete Agent, Auctioneer, Building Code Administrator, Community Association Manager, Employee Leasing, Geology, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Harbor Pilot, Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Surveyor & Mapper, Talent Agency and Veterinary Medicine application issues such as responses to deficiency letters or submission of additional information in order to complete an initial application, the fax number is 850.921.6636.

For Construction Contractor and business application issues such as responses to deficiency letters or submission of additional information in order to complete an initial application, the fax number is 850.488.8748.

For License Maintenance-Change of Status for Real Estate issues or additional information, the fax number is 850.488.8040.

For License Maintenance for all other board issues or additional information, the fax number is 850.487.9529.

Mail Us: Our mailing address is as follows:
DBPR Customer Contact Center
1940 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0786
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