FOR BUSINESSES
IMPORTANT NEWS...
DBPR Conducts Another Unlicensed Construction Sweep
November 19, 2008
Sunny Isles —Today the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Regulation conducted an unlicensed construction sweep in Sunny Isles. The sting was a coordinated effort by the Department, Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami-Dade Code Compliance and West Palm Beach Workers Compensation Investigators. Eleven licenses were checked during the sweep, and two citations were issued. This is part of the Department’s increased effort to reduce unlicensed activity.
“I’m pleased that the investigators discovered a high compliance rate during yesterday’s sweep,” said Secretary Charles W. Drago. “I would like to thank our partners for helping us ensure compliance with licensing laws and protect consumers.”
The two citations issued were for unlicensed contracting and aiding and assisting an unlicensed contractor. The Department takes the threat of unlicensed activity seriously and works diligently through both enforcement and education efforts to deter and eliminate unlicensed activity. When hiring a contractor, consumers should:
- Always ask to see the State of Florida license.
- Note the license number and verify that the license is current and in good standing. To check a license, call 850.487.1395 or visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
- Ask for references and check each one.
- Beware of scams when individuals ask for all the money up front or will only accept cash.
- Never pay in cash, especially a large up-front deposit.
- 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.
- Do not sign the certificate of completion until you are satisfied with the work done.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’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 www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
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