Don’t fall victim to unlicensed activity; research professionals and businesses prior to hiring.
Clearwater, FL – With Unlicensed Activity Awareness Week occurring June 13 – 17, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are teaming up again to remind Floridians to thoroughly research professionals and businesses prior to hiring and to report any suspected unlicensed activity. Unlicensed activity is against the law. BBB and DBPR take unlicensed activity very seriously because it threatens the safety of Florida consumers and takes away business from properly licensed professionals throughout the state.
“BBB has the tools to help consumers find licensed professionals they can trust,” said Karen Nalven, President of BBB Serving West Florida. “Remember to look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal when choosing a contractor to know they are properly licensed and have been vetted against BBB’s Standards for Trust including a commitment to be responsive, advertise honestly and honor their promises.”
“Unlicensed activity threatens the livelihood of honest, hardworking professionals and can result in substantial physical or financial burdens to Florida consumers,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “DBPR strives to ensure Florida consumers receive services from people and businesses that are in compliance with the law and meet the qualifications and standards required to obtain their state-issued license. Consumers can empower themselves by becoming familiar with what services require a license from DBPR and by always verifying a license before hiring a professional.”
Both BBB and DBPR have online resources to educate consumers on how to report unlicensed activity.
- BBB provides information on how to find properly licensed professionals, including an easy to use checklist. Resources to help businesses build trust in the marketplace are also available at www.bbb.org/.
- Consumers can verify professional licenses that fall under DBPR’s jurisdiction by visiting DBPR Online, calling (850) 487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
- Information on services requiring a state-issued professional license from DBPR and how to report suspected unlicensed activity is available online at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/unlicensed-activity/report-unlicensed-activity/.
- Consumers can submit complaints of unlicensed activity with descriptions and pictures using the “Report Unlicensed Activity” feature on the DBPR Mobile app. To learn more about reporting unlicensed activity to DBPR using the mobile app, consumers can watch the how-to video below or visit the DBPR mobile app webpage at the DBPR Mobile App Page.
