Dear friends,

Throughout the week, DBPR has been sharing helpful links and information for consumers about unlicensed activity. We often provide consumers with tips and reminders on how to protect themselves from falling victim to unlicensed activity scams. In addition to informing the public about how to report suspected unlicensed activity, I believe it’s also important for Floridians to know what DBPR is doing to help fight the battle. Each year, the department has a rigorous Unlicensed Activity Campaign to spread awareness to Floridians and their guests about the importance of hiring licensed professionals.

We give consumers the tools they need to assist us in combatting unlicensed activity, such as a hotline number to call and a mobile app to report suspected unlicensed activity on-the-go. I am proud to share that this fiscal year, the Unlicensed Activity Hotline received more than 2,500 calls and there were more than 180 unlicensed activity complaints submitted through the DBPR Mobile app. Thanks to all of you, we have been able to initiate an additional 550 cases against unlicensed individuals to catch them in their tracks.

Know what a Handyman can Legally do in Flagler County:

A LOCAL BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT IS NOT A LICENSE TO PRACTICE CONTRACTING.
IT IS A TAX THAT IS PAID TO CONDUCT BUSINESS WITHIN A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY.

Protect Yourself - Know the Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed Person   

Hire an unlicensed person and YOU may end up being liable for personal or financial injuries to others!

Poor qualifications - Unlicensed persons typically do not have the education, insurance, or qualification required of a licensee.

 Poor quality work - Unlicensed contractors typically do poor quality work or do not finish the project, leaving the homeowner on the hook to repair or finish the project.

 Possible criminal background - Unlicensed persons often have criminal backgrounds that may include fraud, theft, violent crime, sexual offenses, and substance abuse.

 Likelihood of being the victim of a scam - Unlicensed persons often disappear after taking your money, and the department cannot discipline an unlicensed person, help get your money back, or require the person to finish or improve the work done. Scams in the construction industry, especially home improvement, are sadly widespread. Con artists pose as contractors and often target vulnerable people and take advantage of homeowner’s need for urgent post-hurricane property damage.

 Limited resources for broken contracts - When you have a dispute with a licensed contractor, you call the department, which has the authority to discipline and even revoke the license. This gives the licensee more incentive to play fair. However, this type of action is not available against unlicensed contractors and homeowners often find the only answer is an expensive, and generally futile, civil suit.

No insurance and liability for injuries to others - You may end up being liable for personal or financial injuries to others. An unlicensed contractor typically is uninsured and will have no way to pay you back for any property damage.

No coverage under homeowner’s policy - Most homeowner policies require that work must be done by a licensed contractor and provide no coverage for work that is not.

Noncompliance with building codes - Most projects, even small ones, require permits and inspections that unlicensed contractors ignore or are unfamiliar with. If your project isn't permitted or doesn’t comply with the building code, you may have to remove or repair the work at your own expense and be subject to fines by local government.

Liens being imposed on your property - You may be subject to liens placed on your property by subcontractors or supplies.

Please see http://www.dbpr.state.fl.us/reg/Liens.html for more information about Florida lien law.