The Bottom Line
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
August 21, 2015
Dear Friends,
At DBPR, our mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. This includes upholding the integrity of all of the industries we regulate and protecting consumers from unlicensed individuals who fail to obtain the required state-issued license. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can often lead to poor quality work, no insurance liability for injuries and noncompliance with general safety standards or building codes. To help prevent these individuals from taking advantage of Florida consumers, DBPR conducts unlicensed activity operations, known as sweeps and stings.
A sweep is an enforcement operation by the department to check the licensure status and credentials of individuals or business seen engaging in activities or providing services that require a license. In other words, DBPR investigators conduct random licensure checks to ensure compliance from businesses or individuals providing services that require a license. A sting is an enforcement action by the department, often in conjunction with law enforcement, to catch individuals in the act of offering to perform services or engage in activities that require a license. Sting operations often include the use of online classified advertisements for services that require a state license.
This week, DBPR’s Division of Regulation issued Notices to Cease and Desist to six unlicensed individuals following a sting operation conducted in the Lake City area. The unlicensed individuals were caught offering to perform electrical and construction services that require a state-issued professional license. Sting operations are an effective tool for combatting unlicensed individuals, and DBPR is committed to taking necessary administrative action to protect Florida’s residents and businesses.
There are several proactive efforts consumers can take when considering hiring a professional for services that require a license. Floridians can verify professional