About
Protecting Floridians from Unlicensed Activity
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) works to keep Floridians safe by identifying, stopping, and preventing unlicensed activity across dozens of professions. Our Unlicensed Activity (ULA) Program protects homeowners, families, and legitimate businesses through education, investigations, and strong enforcement that holds violators accountable. DBPR oversees more than one million licensees statewide, and unlicensed activity occurs in nearly every profession we regulate—including construction, electrical contracting, real estate, cosmetology, community association management, and more.
During FY 2024-2025, the ULA program took these steps to protect the public and hold bad actors accountable:
2,912
Complaints Investigated
In response to legally sufficient complaints filed by Florida consumers and businesses
422
Proactive Sweeps Conducted
Investigators visited job sites and communities to stop unlicensed work before it harms the public
1,072
Certificates of Non-Licensure Issued
Proof of non-licensure used to pursue administrative or criminal cases against violators
11
Undercover Operations Completed
Working with law enforcement to catch unlicensed individuals in the act
Explore More ULA Statistics
Our Role in Protecting You
Unlicensed activity threatens the safety, finances, and well-being of Florida’s residents and visitors. What may appear to be a harmless shortcut can quickly lead to unsafe work, physical injury, financial loss, fraud, identity theft, voided insurance coverage, long-term damage to homes and businesses, and, in extreme cases, loss of life.
Too often, consumers don’t realize they are dealing with an unlicensed individual—or understand the risk involved—until the damage is already done. In Florida, performing work that requires a license without proper authorization isn’t just risky; it’s illegal.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: Protect the public and uphold the integrity of licensed professions in Florida.
To achieve this, we work to ensure that only qualified, vetted professionals are authorized to practice and that Floridians have the information they need to hire with confidence.
How We Accomplish This
Education & Outreach
DBPR meets Floridians where they are—online, in neighborhoods, and at community events. Through workshops, post-storm resource centers, trade presentations, and community fairs, we help consumers:
- Understand what work requires a license
- Recognize common scams
- Verify licenses quickly
- Report concerns through our hotline, website, or mobile app
Learn About Our Outreach
Investigations & Proactive Sweeps
Preventing harm requires active, on-the-ground enforcement. DBPR investigators:
- Review and triage thousands of complaints each year
- Conduct compliance checks and targeted sweeps
- Perform undercover operations
- Monitor online advertising and marketplaces
- Respond rapidly after natural disasters to protect vulnerable homeowners
See Our Stats
Enforcement & Legal Action
When violators are identified, DBPR takes action to stop unlawful work and hold bad actors accountable through:
- Cease & Desist Notices
- Citations and administrative penalties
- Referral to State Attorney Offices for criminal prosecution,
- Final Orders that may include fines and investigative costs
Learn More About Enforcement
Our Team
The strength of the ULA Program comes from our dedicated team working on your behalf. Each member plays a vital role in keeping consumers safe and making sure only qualified people provide regulated services in our state.
Investigators
Our investigators conduct on-the-ground fieldwork—including sweeps, undercover operations, outreach events, and post-disaster checks—to identify unlicensed individuals and stop unlawful work before it harms the public.
Unlicensed Activity Unit Analysts & Staff
Analysts review incoming complaints, determine whether they meet the legal threshold for investigation, staff the Unlicensed Activity Hotline, and process reports submitted online, by email, and through the DBPR mobile app. This team provides essential administrative support by researching licensure histories, issuing Certificates of Non-Licensure, and managing subpoenas—critical tools used to build strong cases against unlicensed individuals.Â
Attorneys
Our attorneys in the Office of General Counsel prosecute administrative cases, coordinate with State Attorney Offices, and pursue criminal action when unlicensed individuals violate Florida law.
Educators
Our educators attend events across the state and meet with homeowners, businesses, and community groups to explain common scams and how to avoid them, help Floridians make informed decisions before they hire and share how they can report unlicensed activity.
Our Partners
Stopping unlicensed activity requires collaboration. DBPR partners with:
State Attorney Offices
Across Florida prosecute criminal cases and hold bad actors accountable
Law Enforcement Agencies
Conduct stings and bring unlicensed individuals to justice
Building Departments & Code Enforcement
Identify violations and stop unlicensed work
FDEM (Florida Division of Emergency Management)
Connect with Floridians after natural disasters to educate them about the importance of hiring licensed contractors and support them with resources
Department of Financial Services
Coordinate fraud prevention and consumer protection efforts
Local Governments, Trade Groups & Community Associations
Expand our outreach, protect residents, and uphold the integrity of licensed professions
Annual Reports & Publications
DBPR publishes annual reports that detail our statewide efforts to educate the public, investigate unlicensed activity, prosecute violations, and allocate resources responsibly.
Browse Our Annual Reports & Publications