Enforcement
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Unlicensed Activity (ULA) Program stops unlicensed individuals from putting the public at risk.
Our investigators, analysts, attorneys, and law enforcement partners across the state take action to identify violations, take action, and remove unqualified individuals from the marketplace.
1,072
Citations Issued
Penalties imposed to hold violators accountable and protect the public
1,127
Cease & Desist Notices
Notices issued to prevent unlicensed individuals from putting the public at risk
1,416
Final Orders Issued
Legal actions taken that enforced penalties and deterred future violations
11
Undercover Operations Conducted
Operations coordinated to intercept unlicensed individuals before harm occurred
DBPR in Action
Stopping unlicensed activity requires fast, coordinated enforcement. DBPR reviews complaints, conducts field operations, and pursues administrative or legal action to address violations. This work includes responding to tips, verifying activity at job sites, and conducting undercover investigations.
Explore multi-year trends, enforcement outcomes, and statewide activity.
See Our Stats
Protecting the Public & Licensed Professionals
Unlicensed activity harms consumers and undermines hardworking professionals who follow the law. Our enforcement efforts help prevent unsafe work, stop misrepresentation, protect property and finances, and ensure a fair marketplace for licensed professionals.
How DBPR Enforces the Law
DBPR uses a range of enforcement tools to stop unlicensed activity and deter future violations. These include:
Cease & Desist Notices
Immediate directives ordering unlicensed individuals to stop performing or advertising regulated services.
Citations and Administrative Penalties
Fines and penalties for violations of Florida law.
Undercover Operations & Field Investigations
Covert operations, sweeps, and site visits to identify unlicensed activity across the state.
Criminal Prosecution
Referral of cases to State Attorney Offices when violations rise to a criminal level. During a declared state of emergency, the penalty for unlicensed activity is elevated from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.
Final Orders
Legal outcomes that may include fines, investigative costs, or additional penalties.
Violators & Complaint Search
Hiring with confidence starts with knowing who you’re working with. You can review enforcement actions and see whether a complaint has been filed against a provider to help you avoid unsafe or unlawful services.
Search a Complaint
Case Highlights
Each year, DBPR investigates thousands of complaints and takes action against individuals posing as licensed professionals. These cases help illustrate the real dangers of unlicensed activity—unsafe electrical work, fraudulent financial services, unqualified mold assessors, and more.
You Play a Role in Catching a Predator
Unlicensed individuals often rely on deception, pressure, and vulnerability to find new victims. If you suspect someone is offering or performing regulated work without a license, reporting it can make a real difference. Your information helps prevent injuries, financial loss, and harm within your community.
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
Enforcement FAQs
Have questions about reporting unlicensed activity, investigations, enforcement actions, or when a case may become criminal? Find answers to these topics and more on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
View Our FAQs
Verify. Report. Stay Informed — All in One Place
With the DBPR mobile app, you can:
Verify a license anywhere, anytime and report unlicensed activity on the go!