The Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division issues licenses for several types of businesses that operate within Broward County. Below is information and helpful links to educate you on your rights and responsibilities when conducting business with these types of entities.
Auto Repair/Auto Body
Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division is dedicated to protecting and educating consumers. Auto repair is one of the most common consumer services. The Broward County Auto Repair and Auto Body/Paint Regulatory ordinances and the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair Act were enacted to protect consumers. The following provides information on your rights when having your vehicle repaired, and advice on how to care for your motor vehicle in order to avoid costly repairs.
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Contractors – Licensed
Home improvements and repairs can pose many difficult problems and potentially lead to complaints for consumers. The general guidelines and cautions shown here can assist you as a consumer and should be considered when you hire a contractor.
How to Check a Contractor's License
- For a county-licensed contractor, call 954-765-4400, Option 2.
- For a state-licensed contractor, call the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 850-487-1395.
- Ask if the contractor is licensed to perform the type of work you need, and if the license has been revoked or suspended.
- Ask if any complaints have been filed against the contractor.
If the contractor’s license is current and active, you should:
- Ask the contractor for references
- Check out work done by the contractor for other customers
- Ask how long your contractor has been in business (go to www.sunbiz.org to verify)
- Check with local suppliers about the contractor's reputation
- Check with our agency or with the municipality in which the work will be done for the contractor’s ability to pull permits.
How to Select a Contractor
- Obtain detailed written estimates from contractors that include the work you want done, the quality and type of materials, how long the job will take to finish and the total cost.
- Be suspicious of a contractor who offers the fastest, cheapest job on a "you must act
now" basis. This may be an indication of inferior materials and unfinished jobs, or a job that will take too long complete. Get the proposal, contract or agreement in writing.
- Be wary if you are asked to obtain the building permit. A licensed contractor who is in good standing will always obtain the permit.
- Obtain a current copy of the contractor's insurances, including workers’ compensation, property damage and liability. Read them carefully, including the fine print.
- If you don't understand the contract, seek help from someone you trust.
The Contract Should Include the Following:
- Contractor's name, address, telephone number and the number of the Broward County Certificate of Competency or the Florida State Contractor's license.
- Clearly written details of the quality and types of materials to be used, and a description of the work to be done and if the contractor is to remove construction debris.
- The completion date of the work to be performed and a payment schedule.
- A statement that the contractor, subcontractor(s) and supplier(s) of materials will provide the customer with a notarized Release of Lien which states that the contractor has paid all subcontractors and suppliers of materials for their services, up to any payment paid.
- A statement that the contractor will obtain all necessary building permits, and whether the contract amount includes the cost of permit(s) or it will be charged separately.
- If the contractor is paid more than 10% of the contract price at the time of signing, the contractor must apply for all permits within 30 days of receiving the funds. Work must be started within 90 days after all permits are obtained.
How to Cancel a Contract
Some home improvement or repair contracts may be canceled without penalty or obligation by midnight of the third day after signing. These contracts may include:
- Agreements resulting from door-to-door sales solicitation.
- Agreements that will be paid on an installment basis for more than 90 days.
- Agreements signed anywhere other than the seller's normal place of business, unless you have requested specific goods or services or emergency home repairs.
FTC 3-day rule
Warning
- Avoid any contractor who requires large advance payments.
- Arrange to pay the contractor after the work is completed and according to a payment schedule.
- The payments should reflect approximately, the work that has been done.
- Avoid paying in cash. Payment by check will be a record of your payment.
- Make all payments by check to the company contracted to do the work, not to "cash" or a person's name.
- Do not sign a completion certificate unless all the work is completed according to contract, your satisfaction and an approved, final inspection has been performed by qualified inspector from Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division (unincorporated areas) or by your jurisdictional building department.
- If your contract exceeds $2,500.00, a Notice of Commencement must be filed by the homeowner or contractor. Your failure to record a Notice of Commencement may result in your paying twice for improvements to your property. If you intend to obtain financing, consult with your lender or an attorney before recording your Notice of Commencement. A recorded copy of the Notice of Commencement must be posted at the job site.
- A statement that the contractor, subcontractor(s) and supplier(s) of materials will provide the customer with a notarized Release of Lien which states that the contractor has paid all subcontractors and suppliers of materials for their services, up to any payment paid.
- A statement that the contractor will obtain all necessary building permits, and whether the contract amount includes the cost of permit(s) or it will be charged separately.
- If the contractor is paid more than 10% of the contract price at the time of signing, the contractor must apply for all permits within 30 days of receiving the funds. Work must be started within 90 days after all permits are obtained.
How to File a Complaint Against a Licensed Contractor
For Locally Licensed:
To file a complaint against any local contractor licensed by the Broward County Contractor Licensing and Enforcement, call 954-765-4400, Option 8.
For State Licensed:
To file a complaint against any contractor licensed by the State of Florida, call 850-487-1395.
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Contractors – Unlicensed
In 1990, the Broward Board of County Commissioners approved the initiation of a countywide Unlicensed Contractor Program to mitigate problems associated with the construction work of unlicensed contractors in Broward County. In brief, the Unlicensed Contractor Program states that any construction work performed in Broward County must be completed by a licensed contractor who has an up-to-date Broward County Certificate of Competency (License) or a State of Florida license.
There are many concerns with the use of unlicensed contractors which ultimately affect the consumer. The hiring of an unlicensed contractor is the direct responsibility of the consumer; thus the consumer is accountable for all outcomes associated with the contractor’s work. The use of an unlicensed contractor often leads to unsafe and hazardous construction and additional cost to the consumer.
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OUTREACH PROGRAM - how your organization or group can learn more.
The most effective ways to reduce the number of people who fall victim to construction- related fraud each year is to educate consumers and to enlist the aid of the public and the industry in exposing and prosecuting the scam artists. For this reason, the Broward County Contractor Licensing and Enforcement Investigations Unit is expanding its "Outreach Programs" beyond printed material.
This new program will allow interested organizations, businesses, civic or neighborhood groups, an opportunity to request that a speaker from our office appear as a guest speaker at group meetings.
Requests will be considered on a first come, first serve basis, and due to the available manpower restrictions, a minimum expected attendance of twenty-five persons is required.
To request a program please call the Outreach Coordinator at (954) 765-4400, and have the following information available:
- Name of the group or organization requesting the speaker
- Date, time and location of the meeting or event
- Anticipated number in attendance
- Requested topic of discussion
- Name and daytime phone number of contact person for the event
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The use of an unlicensed contractor may yield the following problems:
- Inability to Receive Inspections In order to apply for a building permit from any building department in Broward County, a contractor must have a valid license. Failure to obtain required permits will result in jobs being performed without inspections. Such unauthorized construction leaves the consumer with no assurance as to whether the construction work was performed correctly and is safe.
- Failure to Meet Florida Building Code standards Unlicensed contractors are unable to apply for a building permit therefore their construction work cannot be reviewed or inspected. This eliminates the opportunity to ensure that the work meets Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements. Failure to meet the FBC requirements may result in unsafe and hazardous conditions.
- Substandard Workmanship As unlicensed contractors do not go through the process of obtaining a license, they are not aware of required construction standards which are understood by licensed contractors. This leads to shoddy and substandard workmanship. The review of construction plans and inspections by building departments in Broward County provides that work has been performed correctly and meets the standards of the Florida Building Code (FBC), Broward Edition.
- Further Cost to the Consumer The work of unlicensed contractors is often substandard and ultimately leads to costly repairs and corrections that require the services of a licensed contractor. Thus the consumer may pay more money for the job than if they had initially hired a licensed contractor.
- Fraud and Exploitation The continued hiring of unlicensed contractors encourages ”roving” unlicensed contractors who are involved in illicit construction practices. These contractors embark on work throughout the County, often taking money for jobs that are never started, not completed, or are poorly constructed. Ultimately the consumer pays the additional expense for such activities.
- Consumer Liability The consumer is responsible for the hiring of an unlicensed contractor. Consequently, the consumer is responsible for any damages and injuries incurred on the job site since unlicensed contractors often do not have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Legal Action Against the Consumer Since the consumer is responsible for the hiring of unlicensed contractors, they run the risk of being involved in legal action. This legal action may involve lawsuits from various parties due to the unauthorized construction work, thus incurring further cost on the consumer.
- Code Enforcement Fines The hiring of unlicensed contractors violates Florida Building Code requirements. This may subject the consumer to fines and the possibility of facing a quasijudicial hearing in front of a Hearing Officer.
Kosher Food
Sellers of Kosher food must follow the Broward County Code, Section 20-16e (PDF). The Kosher Food Ordinance requires that any individual or business that prepares, distributes, sells or exposes for sale any food represented to be “Kosher” or “Kosher for Passover” must have a reasonable basis to believe it is Kosher according to dietary restrictions. The purveyor must disclose the basis upon which that representation is made by posting a sign (in bold-face, one- inch-high lettering) in a clear and conspicuous place easily seen upon entrance to the establishment or the place where the food is sold or prepared.
The Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Kosher License must be displayed at the place where the food is sold or prepared.
Please Note: The Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division regulates only whether statements made on this disclosure represent actual procedures in this establishment. Our agency does not determine the religious legitimacy or acceptability of this establishment.
To make inquiries about the status of a particular establishment's Kosher Regulatory License or to file a complaint, please contact our agency at 954-765-4400, Option 8; by fax to 954-765-5199, or by e-mail to: consumer@broward.org.
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Movers
Broward County Moving Ordinance
A local move is one that begins and ends within the tri-county area (Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties). Moving companies that transport household goods within the tri-county area are required to be licensed/permitted by the County where the mover's primary business is located, and by the Florida Division of Consumer Services. Please click on the links below for information about moves of household goods within other parts of Florida (Intrastate moves), or moves outside the state of Florida (Interstate moves).
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Taxicab /Limousines
Broward County regulates for-hire vehicles, including taxicabs, luxury sedans, luxury limousines, and transport vans. Luxury limousines and transport vans are vehicles with a seating capacity of 6-19 passengers, excluding the driver.
All regulated for-hire vehicles must have a current permit and a decal affixed to the right side of the front window; the driver must hold a current chauffeur's registration. For-hire vehicles operating at Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport also must have a permit affixed to the windshield.
If you have a complaint or a problem with taxicab service or a regulated for-hire vehicle company, please contact the Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at 954-765-4400, Option 8; by fax to 954-765-5199 or by e-mail to consumer@broward.org.
Upon request, our agency will provide you with the Taxicab Passenger's Bill of Rights, which outlines what you should expect when using a taxicab in Broward County.
For additional information, please select links below:
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Towing
Broward County only regulates non-consent towing and recovery rates and fees.
A non-consent tow, sometimes referred to as I.P. towing (illegal parking), occurs when a property owner directs that a motor vehicle parked without the owner’s authorization be removed from their private property.
A non-consent vehicle tow or removal may be performed by a police department or other municipal agency at accident scenes or for municipal violations. Municipalities may establish different maximum rates for their jurisdiction, and these complaints should be directed to the municipal agency in which the tow occurred.
For more information, please select below:
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