In an effort to combat unlicensed activity, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Regulation made a statewide unlicensed activity sweep during the last week in February. This effort is part of the division’s three-tiered approach to combat unlicensed activity through education, prevention and enforcement. While specific details were not available at press time, investigators performed compliance checks across Florida in an effort to prosecute unlicensed individuals and assist them with becoming licensed.

“DBPR is dedicated to ensuring compliance with state laws and protecting Floridians from the harm posed by hiring unlicensed individuals. We are ending a strong message that unlicensed activity will not be tolerated,” said DBPR Secretary Charles W. Drago. Hiring an unlicensed person can have dire consequences. unlicensed activity in security, for example, can threaten the personal safety of consumers, as well as the livelihood of state-licensed professionals. The Division of Regulation conducted sweeps from the ten district offices around the state. To perform these operations, they partnered with other agencies, including local law enforcement, building and code enforcement departments, State Attorney’s offices, and the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Workers’ Compensation. Specific locations were not disclosed at this time; however, an extensive summary of the operation will be distributed shortly. Through education, prevention and enforcement, the department works to eliminate this risky activity. These increased efforts are in response to concerns from both citizens and licensed professionals. Efforts include a public awareness campaign consisting of public service announcements, educational brochures, Google Ad Words, online advertising, and a soon-to-be unveiled unlicensed activity Web page. The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from security, real estate agents and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.

Provided by 'The Handshake,' The Official Publication of the Alarm Association of Florida