Scams & Consumer Issues in Florida

Yes. Under FDUTPA Section 501.211, any person aggrieved by a deceptive or unfair trade practice may bring a private lawsuit for actual damages and attorney fees. Punitive damages are not available under FDUTPA itself but may be pursued through separate fraud claims.

Four years from the date of the deceptive act under Fla. Stat. Section 95.11(3)(f). This gives Florida consumers somewhat more time than states with one- or two-year limitations periods.

Yes. Chapter 489, Florida Statutes requires contractors to be licensed through DBPR. Unlicensed contracting is a crime in Florida. Always verify a contractor's license at myfloridalicense.com before hiring.

Yes. Florida's Home Solicitation Sales Act provides a three-business-day cancellation right for contracts over $25 signed at your home. The seller must provide written notice of this right in the contract.

Florida Statute Section 825.103 makes financial exploitation of elderly persons (65+) or vulnerable adults a separate criminal offense, with penalties ranging from misdemeanor to first-degree felony depending on the amount taken. Civil remedies are also available, including restitution and potential treble damages. Florida's courts have been receptive to financial exploitation claims on behalf of seniors. Additionally, Florida's Department of Children and Families investigates reports of elder abuse and exploitation, and certain professionals are mandated reporters. The Florida Attorney General's office maintains a Senior Protection unit specifically focused on fraud targeting older Floridians.

If you believe a contractor committed fraud in Florida, you have several avenues for recourse. You may file a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) at myfloridalicense.com, which can investigate and impose disciplinary action including license revocation. You may also file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. For civil recovery, you could pursue a private lawsuit under FDUTPA for actual damages plus attorney fees, or file in small claims court for amounts up to $8,000. If the contractor was unlicensed, the criminal penalties are significant — unlicensed contracting is a first-degree misdemeanor (up to one year in jail) for the first offense and a third-degree felony for subsequent offenses.