Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen • August 2016 | Page 9

the discharges and algae blooms are having on local businesses. Affected businesses are being requested to complete a Business Damage Assessment Survey that can be obtained at http://flvbeoc.org/ index.php?action=bda (select the “Lake Okeechobee Discharge-Algal Blooms” event). The survey results will be shared with various federal, state and local agencies to expedite implementation of appropriate disaster relief programs for affected businesses. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Report Unlicensed Activity via Ken Lawson, Department of Business & Professional Regulation Secretary DBPR makes it a priority to share helpful information and provide resources for consumers to use to protect themselves from falling victim to unlicensed activity scams. In addition to notifying the public about how to report unlicensed activity, it is important for Florida residents to know what DBPR is doing to help stop unlicensed activity and spread awareness about the importance of hiring licensed professionals. Unlicensed Activity Hotline and the DBPR Mobile app to report unlicensed activity on-the-go. In partnership with consumers reporting suspected unlicensed activity, DBPR’s Division of Regulation regularly attends outreach events to spread awareness and performs stings and sweeps to catch unlicensed individuals who are preying on consumers. During the past fiscal year, DBPR has conducted more than 921 unlicensed activity outreach events, 49 stings and more than 828 sweeps. Performing stings and sweeps is the Department’s way of confronting unlicensed activity directly at the source. For additional information about stings and sweeps conducted by the Division of Regulation, visit the Unlicensed Activity Program’s FAQ page. Stopping unlicensed individuals takes a collaborated effort. If you suspect unlicensed activity is taking place, report it to the department by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440, emailing ULA@ myfloridalicense.com or using the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores. At DBPR, our goal is to ensure that all of Florida’s consumers are served by well-trained and competent licensed professionals. By working together to combat unlicensed activity, we can protect the livelihood of our beautiful state of Florida! • • • DBPR gives consumers the necessary tools to help assist in combatting unlicensed activity, such as the AUGUST 2016 • DITCHMEN 9