18204 SE Heritage Drive

Tequesta. FL 33469

Dear Russell,

Charles and I wanted to express our appreciation for the professional and prompt service you provided us. Meeting Mateos and Jose was delightful. They both were so considerate and hard working. We enjoyed their easy-going attitudes and warm personalities.

We had a lot of jobs all over the house and it was comforting to have you, our neighbor to turn to. We are grateful for your guidance through our homes maintenance issues. Your experience as both a General Contractor and Home Inspector helped us in choosing proper materials, services and undoubtedly saved us money.

Although we feel (thanks to you and your crew) like our house is in pretty tip-top shape right now, please know that should future trouble arise, we have “EXCELLENCE” on speed dial! Thanks again and please feel free to use us a references.

Fondly,

Charles Cray Jennifer Cray

“I believe that this great increase in proactive enforcement efforts illustrates the department’s commitment to protect the public and provide an even playing field for our licensees,” said Secretary Charles W. Drago. “This fiscal year, we encourage our licensees and Florida’s consumers to be our partners in this effort by reporting unlicensed activity to DBPR.”

What many may not know is that unlicensed activity can literally leave victims without a roof overhead. Last week, Division of Regulation investigators in Jacksonville executed a sting operation to arrest unlicensed individuals who left a victim out of money and without a roof over her head. The story paints a clear picture of the dangers of unlicensed activity.

The division proactively combats unlicensed activity through sweeps, which consists of checking licenses to ensure compliance with state laws, and stings, which consist of undercover operations where known or suspected unlicensed individuals are targeted. Both operations may result in the arrest of unlicensed persons. In the past three years, the division has made a commitment to increase these efforts, which is demonstrated in the data below.

Number of Proactive Enforcement Operations
Fiscal Year 2008/2009—505
Fiscal Year 2007/2008—327
Fiscal Year 2006/2007—147
Penalties for unlicensed activity can include a fine of up to $5,000 per incident. Persons engaging in unlicensed activity can be charged with a first degree misdemeanor for a first offense. In addition, any person who acts as an unlicensed contractor during a Governor-declared state of emergency commits a third degree felony.

“The department’s stepped-up enforcement efforts are providing greater protection from unscrupulous activity and helping to ensure that law-abiding, licensed contractors can meet Florida’s building needs,” said Jay Carlson, President of the Florida Home Builders Association and a home builder from Punta Gorda, Fla. “We sincerely appreciate the great work of Secretary Drago and the many law enforcement organizations that have helped crack down on unlicensed activity.”

There are measures consumers can take to protect themselves. Always check licenses by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com. Unlicensed activity should be reported to the department via the Web site or by calling, toll-free, 1-866-532-1440. When hiring a contractor, consumers should:

Always ask to see the contractor’s license.

Note the license number and verify that the license is current and in good standing. To check a license, call 850-487-1395 or visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

Get a Release of Lien covering all workers and materials. This removes your property from the threat of lien.

Ask any potential contractor for references and check each one.

Beware of scams when contractors ask for all the money up front or will only accept cash.

Beware of contractors who arrive in unmarked vehicles, possibly from out-of-state.

Be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.

Get everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date and the total cost.

Request from the contractor a list of all subcontractors and suppliers who have a contract with the contractor to provide services or materials.

Don’t sign the certificate of completion until you are satisfied with the work done.

Additionally, licensed contractors are reminded to hire licensed subcontractors when required for work such as plumbing and electrical.

The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

Read more: http://www.panhandleparade.com/index.php/mbb/article/department_of_business_and_professional_regulation_sends_strong_message_to_/#ixzz17xP00QvK

Unlicensed activity threatens the financial and personal safety of consumers, leaving them with little to no recourse. State-licensed professionals are also impacted by unlicensed activity. Unlicensed individuals often underbid licensed professionals, but they usually do not carry workers’ compensation or liability insurance, posing an increased threat to consumers and cutting out licensed professionals.

According to licensee and President of Alarmpro, Inc., Norm Mugford, “Unlicensed activity creates a huge financial and legal drain on the resources of the legitimate business community and the state.”

Unlicensed activity can result in a first degree misdemeanor criminal charge and a fine up to $5,000. The department’s ultimate goal is to bring people into compliance with the law. Unlicensed activity charges do not bar an individual from obtaining a license. The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly, and the overall goal is to ensure that those providing professional services to Floridians obtain a license in order to comply with the law.

The department uses a variety of tools to help eliminate the practice of unlicensed activity. Pre-announcing the enforcement efforts provides an opportunity to educate consumers and prevent unlicensed activity before it occurs. Partnerships are an important element in the fight against unlicensed activity. Industry partners, as well as other agencies, including local law enforcement, provide vital support during these operations.

“Unlicensed contractors put Floridians at personal and financial risks. Consumers often become victims, and the livelihood of law-abiding state-licensed contractors is threatened,” said Jay Carlson, President of the Florida Home Builders Association and a builder from Port Charlotte, Fla. “Strong enforcement efforts by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation are helping to ensure all consumers are protected.”

“The Construction Coalition applauds the Department of Business and Professional Regulation under the leadership of Secretary Drago for tackling the issue of unlicensed activity head-on with coordinated, statewide efforts, such as this one,” said Lori Killinger, Chair of the Construction Coalition. “Unlicensed activity hurts the consumer and the contractor.”

The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

FLCA