Dangerous Realtors! Beware!

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – March 3, 2009 – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Regulation last week rolled out a statewide unlicensed activity enforcement operation aimed at protecting the public from the dangers caused by unlicensed individuals. Working in 10 regions throughout the state, staff investigators checked over 500 licenses during the operation, which resulted in 86 citations, 41 arrests, 16 cease and desists orders and 15 notices of non-compliance.“Many Floridians may not be aware of the dangers that are associated with unlicensed activity, but I have heard first-hand from consumers and licensees who have been harmed,” said DBPR Secretary Charles W. Drago. “Their stories have motivated us to increase our efforts and find new ways to combat unlicensed activity.”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.“All unlicensed activity puts consumers at risk, whether it’s the illegal selling of real estate that could affect the biggest investment that many families ever make – their home – or other kinds of unlicensed activity,” says Cynthia Shelton, 2009 president of the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). “This kind of illegal activity hurts the public, harms legitimate business and business professionals, and ultimately weakens our communities. It unfairly taints the reputation of true real estate professionals, who care deeply about their work and the people they serve.“Unlicensed activity is a burden that we all bear – financially, legally, economically and in human resources. We need strong enforcement efforts by DBPR to protect consumers and our state’s responsible business interests,” Shelton says.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. DBPR uses a variety of tools to help eliminate the practice of unlicensed activity, including working with various agencies, industry groups and local law enforcement, which provides vital support during these operations. The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information go to: www.MyFloridaLicense.com.© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®