Lake, Seminole and Orange County Real Estate News

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Dec. 14, 2011 – The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) unveiled its annual media campaign to educate the public about the dangers of unlicensed activity. The ad campaign encourages Florida consumers to check for professional licensure before hiring someone to do any work that requires a license, including real estate representation.

Last fiscal year, DBPR received 969 legally sufficient complaints about unlicensed real estate or unlicensed appraisal activity. The Department also received more than 1,700 complaints about unlicensed construction, electrical and contractor activity.

“Unlicensed activity can threaten the livelihood of law-abiding, state-licensed professionals and can pose serious personal or financial harm to consumers,” says DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson.

Members of the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association are donating billboard space throughout the state, part of a multi-component campaign that will focus on the licensed activities with the highest number of consumer complaints.

Unlicensed activity 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. Consumers can verify professional licenses online at www.myfloridalicense.com.

Unlicensed activity is illegal and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges if an individual is convicted. Floridians should report any suspected unlicensed activity by emailing ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us, or calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1400.