DBPR to Consumers: Protect Yourself Following Hurricane Matthew

TALLAHASSEE, Fla— Following the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is reminding Floridians of the importance of hiring state-licensed professionals and the dangers posed by unlicensed individuals.

DBPR investigators have been working to inform consumers by handing out brochures on the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors and posting warning signs that explain that unlicensed contracting during a state of emergency is a felony. Investigators have already visited Volusia, St. Johns, Flagler, Clay, Putnam and Duval Counties.

“Many residents throughout Florida have been adversely impacted by this storm,” said Secretary Ken Lawson. “It is important that consumers protect themselves from unlicensed activity scams by verifying licenses as they begin to make repairs to their homes and businesses.”

Before hiring a contractor consumers should follow these steps to avoid falling victim to unlicensed activity scams after a natural disaster:

  • Verify a construction professional’s state license with DBPR before signing a contract by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com or calling (850) 487-1395.
  • A contractor must have a license from DBPR to perform roofing repairs or replacements, structural additions, air conditioning repair or replacement, plumbing work, electrical and/or alarm work. These jobs typically require a permit. Be sure to check with your local building department regarding permit requirements for all of your projects.
  • Get a written estimate from several licensed contractors. Make sure the estimate includes the work the contractor will do, the materials involved, the completion date, and total cost.
  • Contact your insurance agent first to verify that your insurance covers the repairs before you sign a contract.

If you suspect unlicensed activity is taking place, report it to DBPR 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.

October 12, 2016 /  
DBPR Awards $200,000 to Minority Accounting Students

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced today that it has awarded the Clay Ford Minority Scholarship to 39 fifth-year minority accounting students from 10 different universities across Florida. The Clay Ford scholarships are awarded through the CPA Education Minority Assistance Program, which was established in 1999 to encourage minorities to enter the CPA profession.

DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson stated, “In Florida, we know that the future business leaders of tomorrow are in the classrooms of today. Giving every student the opportunity to succeed is important to the continued success of the state of Florida. I’m proud that at DBPR, we have been able to award $200,000 in scholarship funds to minority students entering the CPA profession. I look forward to seeing them achieve their dreams both in the CPA field and beyond.”

Award recipients will receive $3,000 to $6,000 per semester for a maximum of two semesters.

The Florida Board of Accountancy’s CPA Education Minority Assistance Advisory Council met in August to determine award winners.

Applications are accepted each year on a rolling basis and will be applied to the appropriate school year. The deadline for applications for the 2017 – 2018 school year is June 1, 2017.

For information regarding eligibility requirements and the application process, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com/CPAScholarship.

September 29, 2016 /  
DBPR Management, Employees Assist Governor Scott with Debris Removal in Tallahassee Following Hurricane Hermine
Secretary Lawson clearing debris around Tallahassee.

Secretary Lawson clearing debris around Tallahassee.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Secretary Ken Lawson helped with debris removal in Tallahassee following hurricane Hermine.

The debris was removed by the combined efforts of Governor Rick Scott, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida National Guard, several veterans’ groups, community volunteers, several state agencies and DBPR employees.

“It warms my heart to see so many active members of our community come together to assist Governor Scott with the cleanup of our beloved city,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “I am especially grateful to the DBPR employees who sacrificed their time and energy to help their Tallahassee neighbors over the last three days.”

The debris removal started on Wednesday, September 7 and will continue until today, Friday, September 9.

September 9, 2016 /  
DBPR Releases Northwood Centre Toxicity Report

TALLAHSSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) today released the Northwood Centre toxicity report, outlining the poor air quality, mold and bat feces found at that location. The report was prepared by Dr. David Krause, a nationally recognized toxicologist.

The assessment was conducted to determine if mold growth and other microbial amplification sources were present within HVAC systems (air handling units and ducts) and occupied areas of DBPR leased offices at the Northwood Centre. Based upon internal inspections and sampling of HVAC systems and carpet dust samples the following conclusions have been made. Additionally, air samples to evaluate air concentrations of PCBs in offices were taken.

  • All twelve (100%) of the Suites evaluated (60, 90, 92, 93, 96, 14, 16, 25-26, 32, 40, 42, and 50) had air handling units and/or ducts that were supporting active mold growth;
  • Twenty-two of the twenty-four (~92%) air handling units sampled were found to be supporting active mold growth. The extent and severity of mold growth ranged from one or more major components to complete and thorough involvement;
  • Twenty-three of the thirty-three (70%) ducts sampled were found to be supporting active mold growth;
  • Seven of the nine (78%) supply diffusers sampled were found to be supporting active mold growth.
  • 85% (63/74) of all sites sampled for mold clearly demonstrated the presence of active mold growth within HVAC systems.
  • Bacterial endotoxins were detected in carpet samples (11 of 11) taken throughout the DBPR leased office areas, with levels ranging from 2,128 to 4,753,000 EU/g. Values averaged 454,095 with a median value of 24,360 EU/g. Many of the areas were considered to be elevated.
  • PCB concentrations were non-detectable in most office areas with the exception of Suite 26. In the single sample where PCB Aroclor 1242 was detected the level was far below health-based risk values.

To view the complete report online, please follow this link:

https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/os/documents/Northwood%20
Microbial%20Assessment_complete.pdf

The Northwood Centre was previously leased by the Department. DBPR’s Tallahassee branch employees relocated to two buildings in Tallahassee in response to poor air quality, ceiling leaks and bat feces in the Northwood Centre.

Secretary Lawson said, “The health and safety of DBPR employees is our number one priority. Given Dr. Krause’s findings, it’s clear that our leadership team made the right decision to move our employees out of the Northwood Centre as fast as possible. By moving to our new locations, we have ensured the safety and well-being of our employees, and will continue the department’s great work of licensing efficiently and regulating fairly.”

July 14, 2016 /  
DBPR Participates in the 2016 “Build Your Bucket” Event

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) partnered with local and state agencies, as well as the Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to participate in the “Build Your Bucket” event on Saturday, June 18, 2016.

The event provided 250 local residents with natural disaster buckets and information to help them prepare in case of a natural disaster.

Two representatives from DBPR’s Division of Regulation attended the event to inform consumers of the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors to do work on a home or business after suffering storm damage. Over 500 people visited the DBPR table to learn how to protect themselves against unlicensed individuals. DBPR provided informational flyers in each bucket with tips on how to avoid unlicensed contractors in the event of a natural disaster and how to report suspected unlicensed activity.

Unlicensed activity is against the law and occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards.

DBPR offers several informational resources for Florida consumers:

  • The 2016 Natural Disaster Guide provides steps to prevent consumers from becoming victims of unlicensed activity after a natural disaster.
  • The Unlicensed Activity Resources page has useful information such as unlicensed activity FAQs, tips for hiring licensed professionals, printable informational materials…and more!
  • Consumers can verify professional licenses with DBPR online at DBPR Online Services, by calling (850) 487-1395 or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app through iTunes or the Google Play app store.
  • Floridians should report any suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com, calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440 or using the DBPR Mobile app.

The “Build Your Bucket” event directly followed DBPR’s 2016 Unlicensed Activity Awareness Week (June 13-17) in which the agency partnered with the Florida Better Business Bureau to inform consumers of the dangers of unlicensed activity.

June 22, 2016 /