Help Us Stop Bad Actors
Licensed professionals work hard to meet Florida’s licensing standards. When unlicensed individuals cut corners or ignore the law, it puts consumers at risk and makes it harder for licensed professionals to compete fairly. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Unlicensed Activity Program (ULA) relies on licensed professionals to help spot and report unlicensed activity. Speaking up helps protect the public and supports a level playing field for those following the rules.
Unlicensed Activity Hurts Everyone
When unlicensed individuals offer or perform regulated services, the consequences can be serious:
- Consumers may face unsafe or substandard work
- Legitimate businesses lose jobs to unfair competition
- The public’s trust in licensed professions is undermined
- Communities face greater risk of fraud and financial loss
Your Role as a Licensed Professional
As a licensed professional, you are often the first to recognize when unlicensed activity is taking place. Reporting suspected violations helps protect consumers and ensures accountability across your industry.
You are not responsible for investigating or proving wrongdoing. Reporting concerns allows DBPR to review the information, conduct investigations, and take enforcement action when appropriate.
You should also verify that any subcontractors you hire or supervise have the appropriate Florida license for the work they perform.
Taking action helps ensure that:
- Consumers receive services from qualified professionals
- Licensed businesses can compete fairly
- Bad actors are held accountable under Florida law
Learn How DBPR Investigates & Enforces Unlicensed Activity
Our Role in Protecting You
DBPR’s Construction Toolkit provides licensed professionals with practical resources to help identify unlicensed activity, understand enforcement processes, and share accurate information with customers and partners.
The toolkit includes:
- Guidance on licensing requirements
- Information on common unlicensed activity schemes
- Tools to support compliance and consumer education
Construction Toolkit for Unlicensed Activity
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!