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 /  
St. Johns County commissioners to consider slot machine referendum

The St. Augustine Record
Jake Martin

 

St. Johns County commissioners on Tuesday will discuss a proposed ordinance calling for a referendum to determine whether slot machine gaming would be allowed in the county. The licensed pari-mutuel facility would be built on the northeast corner of Interstate 95 and State Road 207.

Also on the table, by a separate agreement, is a provision through which the county would receive 1.5 percent of that facility’s gross slot machine revenues via monthly payments.

Behind the push for the referendum is BestBet, which currently operates facilities in Jacksonville and Orange Park. Its facility on Race Track Road, called St. Johns Greyhound Park, closed in 2012.

July 18, 2016 /  
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than one million Florida businesses and professionals, from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. Our mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.

July 18, 2016 /