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Subject/Topic |
Contact Name and Number |
Comments |
|---|---|---|
Bail Bonds |
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|
Florida Department of Financial Services 800-342-2762 |
All insurance companies authorized to write bail bonds and other judicial bonds in the State of Florida. |
Banks |
||
--State / Chartered |
Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9800 or 800-848-3792 |
The Division of Financial Institutions processes applications for new banks as well as applications for acquisitions, mergers, cross- industry conversions, changes of control, requests for trust powers, and branches. The division licenses, examines, and regulates state-chartered banks to ensure the institutions operate in a safe, sound, and legal manner. |
--National |
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) 800-613-6743 or 678-731-9723 |
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) charters, regulates, and supervises all national banks. It also supervises the federal branches and agencies of foreign banks. |
Bank, Credit Cards |
||
|
Florida Department of Financial Services 850-410-9275 |
Division of Investigations. File a complaint regarding credit card fraud or complaints on companies issued by banks. |
|
U.S. Department of the Treasury 800-613-6743 |
This is a Federal agency. This agency regulates National Banks (any bank that has "NA" or "National" in its name). The agency also regulates interest rates. If a consumer is complaining about a bank that has "NA" or "National" in its name, we refer it to the OCC. If a consumer is complaining about interest rates, regardless whether the business is a bank or not, we refer it to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Interest Rate. |
Bankruptcy |
||
--U. S. Bankruptcy |
Southern District |
|
--Pensacola |
850-435-8475 |
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--Orlando |
407-648-6364 |
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--Jacksonville |
904-301-6490 |
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--Tampa |
813-301-5065 |
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--Miami |
305-714-1800 |
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--West Palm Beach |
561-514-4100 |
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Barber /Barber Shops |
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Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 800-226-9101 or 850-487-1395 |
|
Barcodes (UPC Codes) |
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937-435-3870 |
|
Bars |
||
--Licensing and Complaints |
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 850-487-1395 |
Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco |
Batteries |
||
--Disposal |
Florida Department of Environmental Protection 850-245-8707 |
Under Florida law, it is illegal to discard nickel-cadmium or small sealed lead acid rechargeable batteries or products containing such rechargeable batteries in the trash. The batteries must be recycled or sent to a facility permitted to dispose of those batteries. |
Beaches and Shores |
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|
Florida Department of Environmental Protection 850-488-7708 |
Beaches and Costal System |
Beautician/ Beauty Shops |
||
|
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 850-487-2252 |
Informal Mediation - Division of Professions Board of Cosmetology |
Bears |
||
--Black Bears |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-922-4330 |
|
--For Kids (K-12) |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 |
The Florida Black Bear Curriculum is a joint project of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Defenders of Wildlife. |
Beauty Contests |
||
|
No state regulations, check city or county restrictions. |
|
BBB Auto Line |
||
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Better Business Bureau Auto Line 800-955-5100 and 800-940-1315 |
For arbitration under lemon law. Manufacturers with certified programs.
|
|
National Center for Dispute Settlement 800-777-8119 |
|
| --Also see the Florida Lemon Law | ||
Bedding Label Act |
||
| --Complaints | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Consumers may file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for informal mediation. |
--Federal Information (Businesses) |
|
|
Bee (Killer Bees) |
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|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 888-397-1517 |
Division of Plant Industry |
Bee Hives |
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 352-372-3505 |
Division of Plant Industry |
Better Business Bureaus (within Florida ) |
||
--Regional Offices
|
Better Business Office - Altamonte Springs 407-621-3300 |
Serves: Brevard, Citrus, Lake, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia Counties. |
Better Business Office - Clearwater 727-535-5522 |
Serves: Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota Counties. |
|
Better Business Office - Jacksonville 904-721-2288 |
Serves: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, St Johns, Suwannee, Taylor and Union Counties. |
|
Better Business Office - Pembroke Pines 305-827-5363 |
Serves: Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie, Highlands, Indian River, Okeechobee, Hendry, Glades, Dade and Monroe Counties. |
|
Better Business Office - Pensacola 850-429-0002 |
Serves: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton and Washington Counties. |
|
Better Business Office - West Palm Beach 561-842-1918 |
Serves the cities of: Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie, Highlands, Indian River, Okeechobee, Hendry, Glades, Dade, Monroe, Miami and Ft Lauderdale Counties. |
|
Better Business Bureaus (outside Florida) |
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Betting |
||
--Dog Track, Horse Track, Jai-alai, Card rooms at Tracks |
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 850-488-9130 |
Division of Pari-Mutual Wagering |
Billboards |
||
--Advertisement Placement Only |
Florida Department of Transportation 850-414-4545 |
|
Billiard Parlors |
||
|
If strictly billiard parlor. No state regulations. Check with county or city regulations. |
|
--Complaints and Information |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Consumers may file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for informal mediation. |
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-245-5520 |
Division of Food Safety - If establishment is selling packaged food or alcohol for licensure or complaints. |
Bingo |
||
|
866-966-7226 or 850-414-3990 |
Bingo is not a game promotion. Bingo can be conducted as a fund raising event; however, it must be done at a registered charitable organization which SOC would handle. (F.S. 849.0931) If the Bingo game is done to make a profit, the regulation is handled by their local law enforcement. |
Biomedical Waste |
||
--Non-Emergency |
|
Complaints concerning biomedical waste are investigated by county health departments. Small amounts of improperly disposed biomedical waste are cleaned up under Florida Department of Health supervision. Emergency situations are referred to the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Emergency Response at 850-488-2974. |
--Emergency |
Florida Department of Environmental Protection 850-245-8705 |
Emergency Response |
Birding in Florida |
||
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-922-0664 |
|
Birth Centers |
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Florida Agency for Health Care Administration 850-487-2717 |
Hospital and Outpatient Services F.S. 383.30; F.S. 383.335 |
Birth Certificates |
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904-359-6900 |
|
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877-550-7330 |
This agency issues certified copies of vital records: 1217 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
|
Black Bear |
||
|
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 |
Bear Management and information about species |
Blind Services |
||
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Florida Department of Education 800-342-1828 |
The Division of Blind Services is responsible for ensuring that people of all ages in the state who have visual impairments can live independently. |
Blue Cross/ Blue Shield |
||
|
800-338-2227 |
|
Boats |
||
--Accidents and Education |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-5600 |
|
--Florida Dealers Licenses |
Does not require a state license but some counties require licenses. Check with your local county government for more information. |
|
| --Financing | Office of Financial Regulation 800-848-3792 or 850-410-9805 |
Chapter 520, Part II, F.S., any person who engages in the business of a retail installment seller or operates a branch office, unless exempt, must be licensed by the Office. Part II of Chapter 520, Florida Statutes, oversees companies that engage in the business of selling retail installment goods, such as boats, furniture and appliances. Interest rates charged by the seller, contract forms and fees collected by the seller are regulated by this statute. Simple-interest contracts and revolving accounts also fall under the Act. |
--Marine Violations |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 888-404-3922 |
The telephones are answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week. You may also call the nearest regional office on local numbers (during business hours). Cellular phone customers throughout most of the state can make a free call by dialing *FWC or #FWC depending on service carrier. |
--Registration and Titles |
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 850-617-2000 |
Boat motor repair does not have the same legal protections as motor vehicle repair. The "new product" warranty is the consumer's best protection. The lemon law does not apply to the purchase of boats. |
--Ramps |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-5600 |
This site includes boat ramps organized by region. |
--Repair Complaints |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Consumers may file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for informal mediation. |
--Safety |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-5600 |
|
--Safety Recall and Information |
You can check for documented and alleged defects for all boats manufactured in or imported into the United States. |
|
Body Piercing |
||
|
850-245-4444 |
Operators and piercers (defined in subsection F.S. 381.0075(2) and section 64E-19.002, F.A.C., respectively) must be trained in infection-control procedures prior to licensure of a body-piercing salon. |
| Bonds | ||
| --Registrations | Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9893 |
Chapter 517, F.S., The office examines securities dealers, investment advisers, their respective offices and associated persons who conduct securities business in, to or from Florida, to ensure their compliance with the rules and regulations of the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act. |
| --Complaints | Office of Financial Regulation 800-848-3792 or 850-410-9805 |
|
Bottled Water |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-245-5555 |
Food Safety - Vended Water |
Bounced Check |
||
--Information and Consumer Tips |
Florida Office of the Attorney General 866-966-7226 or 850-414-3990 |
Under Florida law, any check returned from a bank stamped "NSF" (Non-Sufficient Funds), "Account Not Found," or "NSF Unless Otherwise Indicated" is a worthless check that may be subject to prosecution as passing worthless bank check under Florida 's criminal statutes. |
Boxing Regulation |
||
|
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 800-226-9101 or 850-487-1395 |
The Florida State Boxing Commission regulates professional boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts. |
Branding (Animal) |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-410-0945 |
Division of Animal Industry - Livestock and Brands |
Braille Writers |
||
|
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration 850-414-6010 |
Wheelchairs/Braille Writers, etc. |
Breast Feeding |
||
|
HHS Blueprint to Boost Breast-Feeding. |
|
|
847-519-7730 |
La Leche League International is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in consultative status with UNICEF, is an NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), acts as a registered Private Voluntary Organization for the Agency for International Development (USAID), is an accredited member of the US Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition, is a member of the Child Survival Collaborations and Resources Group (CORE), and is a founding member of the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). |
Breast Implants |
||
|
United States Food and Drug Administration 888-463-6332 |
Center for Devices and Radiological Health Breast Implant |
| Bridges | ||
| --Florida | Florida Department of Transportation 850-414-4100 or 866-374-3368 |
The Florida Department of Transportation bridge program has a solid safety record. The Safety and Preservation of the State Highway System is the top priority of the Florida Department of Transportation. |
Brokers (Dealers) |
||
--Registrations |
Office of Financial Regulation |
Chapter 517, F.S., The office examines securities dealers, investment advisers, their respective offices and associated persons who conduct securities business in, to or from Florida, to ensure their compliance with the rules and regulations of the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act. |
| --Complaints | Office of Financial Regulation 800-342-2762 |
|
| --National | Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) 301-590-6500 |
By law, every securities firm doing business with the American public must register with FINRA. |
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 202-551-6551 |
The mission of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly and efficient markets and facilitate capital formation. |
|
| Brokers (Mortgage) | ||
| --Licensing | Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9895 |
Chapter 494, Part I, F.S., The Mortgage Brokerage and Mortgage Lending Act, covers the licensing requirements and operating regulations for mortgage brokers, mortgage brokerage business, correspondent lenders, and mortgage lenders. Prior to conducting business, mortgage brokers, mortgage brokerage businesses, correspondent lenders, mortgage lenders, and branch offices must be licensed. |
| --Complaints | Office of Financial Regulation 800-342-2762 |
|
| Brokers (Stockbrokers) | ||
| --Registration | Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9893 |
The Bureau of Securities Regulation protects the investing public from investment and securities fraud while facilitating capital formation in the State of Florida. The office examines securities dealers, investment advisers, their respective offices and associated persons who conduct securities business in, to or from Florida, to ensure their compliance with the rules and regulations of the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act. |
| --Complaints | Office of Financial Regulation 800-342-2762 |
|
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) 301-590-6500 |
By law, every securities firm doing business with the American public must register with FINRA. | |
Building Contractor |
||
|
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 800-226-9101 or 850-487-1395 |
Building Code Inspector, Building Code Administrator |
Burning Permits |
||
--General Information |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-488-6111 |
Division of Forestry - You must contact the forestry office in your county to obtain a burn permit. |
| --County Offices | Blackwater Forestry Center 850-957-6160 |
Serving the Following Counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa. |
Chipola River District 850-547-7083 |
Serving the following Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Walton and Washington. |
|
Tallahassee District 850-922-5155 |
Serving the following Counties: Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla. |
|
Perry District 850-838-2299 |
Serving the following Counties: Dixie, Lafayette, Madison and Taylor. |
|
Suwannee District 386-758-5700 |
Serving the following Counties: Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Hamilton, Suwannee and Union. |
|
Jacksonville District 904-266-5001 |
Serving the following Counties: Clay, Duval and Nassau. |
|
Waccasassa Forestry Center 352-955-2005 |
Serving the following Counties: Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion and Putnam. |
|
Bunnell District 386-446-6785 |
Serving the following Counties: Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia. |
|
Withalacoochee Forestry Center 352-754-6777 |
Serving the following Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Pasco and Sumter. |
|
Orlando District 407-856-6512 |
Serving the following Counties: Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Seminole. |
|
Lakeland District 863-648-3160 |
Serving the following Counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk. |
|
Myakka River 941-751-7627 |
Serving the following Counties: Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee and Sarasota. |
|
Okeechobee District 863-462-5160 |
Serving the following Counties: Glades, Highland, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie. |
|
Caloosahatchee District 239-690-3500 |
Serving the following Counties: Collier, Hendry and Lee. |
|
Everglades District 954-475-4120 |
Serving the following Counties: Broward, Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach. |
|
Business Opportunities |
||
| --Consumer Tips | Federal Trade Commission | Want to be your own boss, work from home, or just make extra money? Then you may be tempted by an ad for a business opportunity. Before you open your checkbook, check out the offer. |
--Consumer Tips |
Florida Office of the Attorney General 866-966-7226 or 850-414-3990 |
|
--Regulation, Information and Complaints |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Division of Consumer Services Florida law applies only if the contract was entered into in the State of Florida. |
--Chain Letters |
Contact the USPS. Any chain letter asking for money is illegal. |
|
--Complaints |
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 877-382-4357 |
Complaints include false earnings claims, good locations not available, non delivery of product, more time required to be spent working than indicated by the seller - Click on link to file a complaint with the FTC. |
--FEIN Number Filing |
800-829-4933 |
Business and Specialty Tax Line (Obtain an EIN from 7:30am-5:30pm local time only. |
--Franchise Taxes |
800-352-3671 |
|
--Locating Company |
877-382-4357 or 877-ftc-help |
Consumers should request financial statements from the company, obtain 10 references and check them. |
--Multi-Level Marketing Info |
|
There are no filing requirements for multi-level companies. |
--Pyramid schemes |
|
Pyramid schemes are illegal if main emphasis is on recruiting other people and not on product sale. |
--Starting a new business |
407-956-5600 |
Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) is a public-private partnership serving as Florida’s primary organization devoted to statewide economic development. |
--Small Businesses |
United States Small Business Administration 800-827-5722 |
|
--Rural Business |
Rural Development - Business Program |
|
--Vending Machines |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Consumers should be aware that certain sellers of business opportunities are required, by law, to file with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services if the purchase price is more than $500 before they can solicit for business in Florida. |
Business Opportunity Sweep |
||
|
Associated Record Distributors 202-326-3551 |
The FTC recommends that the consumer call them on these hot lines rather than the court appointed receiver because the receiver charges the FTC for their service. |
Business Schools |
||
--Vocational Courses Only |
Florida Department of Education 850-245-3200 |
|
Butterflies |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 352-372-3505 |
Plant Industry |
Buying Clubs |
||
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The three day cancellation period, by law, cannot be waived. Total refunds must be made within 10 days of cancellation. |
--Complaints
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Consumers may file a complaint with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for informal mediation. |
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