Frequently Asked Questions

No. When a complaint is investigated, the Department must provide a copy of the complaint to the person being investigated. Complaints of unlicensed activity are always public record.

Yes. Complaints involving unlicensed activity may be filed anonymously. Florida law allows DBPR to investigate anonymous complaints when they are submitted in writing, allege a substantial violation, and include enough information to justify an investigation.

Providing detailed information increases the likelihood that an investigation can move forward. If there is not enough information to proceed, the case may be closed. While you are not required to provide your contact information, doing so can be helpful if investigators need clarification or additional details.

You may also report unlicensed activity anonymously by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440.

Please note: Emails sent to ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com are public records and become part of the Department’s investigative file.

Please provide all names, contact information, and documents you have that support your complaint. Additional information may be requested if needed. For example, complaints involving unlicensed contractors may require a copy of the contract and proof of payment.

The Department will notify you in writing at various stages of the complaint process, including:

• When your complaint is received
• When the review or investigation is complete
• When the case is forwarded to the legal section
• When an Administrative Complaint is filed
• When the case is closed
• When the case is set for a hearing
• When a Final Order is filed
• The status of any appeal

If you are anonymous, updates will not be provided.

If your supporting materials exceed the size limits of the online complaint system, you may submit your complaint first and then provide additional documentation by mail or as instructed by DBPR staff.

Be sure to clearly reference your complaint number on all supplemental materials to ensure they are properly associated with your case.

Supporting documentation helps investigators better understand the situation and may include:

• Contracts or written agreements
• Invoices, receipts, or proof of payment
• Advertisements or business cards
• Photos or videos of work performed
• Emails, text messages, or other written communications

You are not required to have all of these documents to file a complaint. Submit what you have, and DBPR will advise if additional information is needed.

Yes. Practicing without a license is a criminal offense. During a declared state of emergency, the penalty is elevated from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

A sweep is a proactive operation conducted by DBPR to check the licensure status and credentials of individuals or businesses performing work that requires a license.

An enforcement operation is an event that targets individuals caught offering or performing services requiring a license, often conducted with law enforcement.

DBPR may take one or more of the following actions:

• Citation: Issued for engaging in, offering to, or advertising unlicensed activity; may include fines up to $2,500
• Notice to Cease and Desist: Directs a person to stop performing unlicensed work; similar to a warning
• Administrative Complaint: Formal charging document seeking enforcement or disciplinary action

DBPR is required by statute to forward all unlicensed activity cases to the local State Attorney for prosecution.

DBPR does not have authority to order an unlicensed person to refund money. However, unlicensed activity cases are referred to the local State Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, and a judge may order restitution.

If contacting the State Attorney’s Office, note that the criminal case number differs from the Department’s case number.

Yes. To request a speaker or outreach presentation, contact the Unlicensed Activity Program at (866) 532-1440 or ULAEvents@myfloridalicense.com.

You can apply for a license online. Select the type of business or professional license you wish to apply for, manage, or renew, then follow the instructions in the “Getting Started” section.

Fines and costs are due within 60 calendar days from the date the citation is served.

Please attach a copy of the citation and mail payment to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Attn: Revenue Validation Unit
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2212

Payments can be made over the phone using a credit card by contacting DBPR’s Customer Contact Center at 850-487-1395. Please note, we do not accept payment plans.