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Subject/Topic |
Contact Name and Number |
Comments |
|---|---|---|
Fairs and Expositions |
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|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-488-9790 |
Division of Marketing and Development - Bureau of Fair Rides and Inspection |
| --Rides | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-488-9790 |
Division of Standards |
| Family Health Counseling | ||
| --Florida 24-Hour Hotline | Florida Alliance of Information and Referral Services (FLAIRS) 800-451-2229 |
Provides 24-hour counseling and referral support for topics such as: pregnancy, infants, toddlers and family planning. |
Farmer's Market (State) |
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|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-487-4322 |
Division of Marketing, Bureau of State Farmer's Market |
Farm Loan |
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|
United States Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services |
Farm Service Agency |
Farm to Fuel |
||
| --Grants | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-488-0646 |
Grant funds are available to Florida municipalities and county governments, established for-profit companies licensed to do business in Florida, universities and colleges in Florida, utilities located and operating within Florida, and not-for-profit organizations. |
Faxing (Unsolicited Faxes) |
||
| --Complaints | Federal Communications Commission | You may file your complaint by completing the FCC’s online Consumer Complaint Form or by calling the FCC’s Consumer Center at 1-888-225-5322 voice or 1-888-835-5322 TTY. |
|
Office of the Attorney General 866-966-7226 or 850-414-3990 |
F.S. 365.1657 |
--Complaints |
Federal Communications Commission 888-225-5322 |
Click on link for complaint filing information. |
|
This site provides information on unsolicited fax information. |
|
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) |
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Federal Communications Commission 888-225-5322 |
The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. |
--Complaints |
Federal Communications Commission 888-225-5322 |
The FCC makes it convenient to file a complaint. Complaints can be filed electronically, by email, by postal mail or by fax. |
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) |
||
|
United States Food and Drug Administration 888-INFO-FDA (463-6332) |
For complaints and general information. |
| FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) | ||
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 202-566-1600 |
The Federal Emergency Management Agency - a former independent agency that became part of the new Department of Homeland Security in March 2003 - is tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disasters. |
|
| --Inspector General | Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 800-323-8603 National 954-538-7555 Regional |
If you're having trouble buying FEMA trailers, contact FEMA's Office of the Inspector General. |
FTC (Federal Trade Commission) |
||
|
877-FTC-HELP (382-4357) |
Website has an online complaint form. These phone numbers are for the consumer helpline, consumer fraud complaints and internet fraud complaints. |
--Complaints |
202-326-2222 |
In order to expedite the processing of complaints please mail complaints to: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20580 |
Federal Agencies |
||
--Complete Listing |
Select a Federal Agency |
|
Feed and Seed |
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|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-488-9095 |
Division of Agricultural Environmental Services, Bureau of Seed and Fertilizer Laboratories |
FEIN Number Filing |
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Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 800-829-4933 |
Business and Specialty Tax Line Obtain an FEIN number from 7:30am-5:30pm ET by calling: 800-829-4933. |
| Fences / Fence Posts | ||
| University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) | A fence is generally defined as a visible, tangible obstruction raised between two tracts of land so as to separate, protect, and enclose the land. |
|
Fertilizer Testing |
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|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-414-1555 |
Division of Agricultural Environmental Services - Bureau of Seed and Fertilizer Laboratories |
Fictitious Names |
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|
850-245-6058 |
The Division of Corporations is the State's central location for the filing of business entities, trade and service marks, judgment liens and fictitious name and lien registrations. |
Finance Companies |
||
| --Licensing | Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9895 |
Chapter 516, F.S., persons engaging in the business of making consumer finance loans, unless exempt, must be licensed by this office. Persons engaging in consumer finance transactions must maintain books and records as prescribed by Florida Statute. |
| --Complaints | Office of Financial Regulation 800-342-2762 |
|
| Financial Consultant (Broker) | ||
| --Licensing | Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9893 |
Chapter 517, F.S., 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 |
|
| 301-590-6500 | By law, every securities firm doing business with the American public must register with NASD. |
|
Financial Planners (Investment Advisors) |
||
--Licensing |
Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9893 |
Chapter 517, F.S., 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 |
|
--Board of Standards |
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards 303-830-7500 |
Professional Regulatory Organization |
Securities and Exchange Commissioner (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. |
|
Fire Alarm Installation |
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|
varies |
|
Fire Arms Security and Investigator Weapons |
||
--Concealed Weapon Permits |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-245-5691 |
Bureau of License and Inquiry, Regional Offices |
--Sale and Purchase |
Florida Department of Law Enforcement 850-410-8139 |
Firearm Purchase Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
Fire |
||
| --Fire Equipment Dealers | Florida Department of Financial Services 850-413-3603 |
Here you can search for dealers or contractors by name, county or category. |
--State Fire Marshall |
Florida Department of Financial Services 850-413-3603 |
Division of State Fire Marshall - Also takes calls on fire prevention. |
--Fire Safety Tips |
Florida Department of Financial Services 850-413-3603 |
Division of State Fire Marshall |
Firefighters |
||
| --Certification | Florida Department of Financial Services 352-369-2800 |
Division of State Fire Marshall |
Fireworks |
||
| Consumer Fireworks Task Force | To reach a consensus on findings and recommendations
informed by public input that are responsive to the legislative charge related to the use/proper use of consumer fireworks, regulation of temporary sale facilities for consumer
fireworks;
funding for fire official training and education; and funding for clean-up of expended
consumer fireworks products. |
|
--Laws |
Varies |
Call County Sheriff |
--License to sell |
Florida Department of Financial Services 850-413-3603 |
Florida State Fire Marshall, Guide to Fireworks and Sparkler Enforcement. |
--Safety |
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission 800-638-2772 |
|
Fishing Boat Registration |
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Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 850-617-2000 |
Boat Registration and Titles |
Fish |
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--Permits Fresh and Salt Water |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions 850-488-3641or 888-347-4356 |
Recreational Commercial - Licensing System |
--Freshwater Fish Identification |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 |
|
--Saltwater Fish Identification |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-487-0554 |
|
--Freshwater Fishing Sites |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 |
|
--Freshwater Fishing Rules |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 |
|
--Freshwater Fishing Tips |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 |
|
--Freshwater Kids Fishing Clinics |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 352-742-6438 |
|
Fisheries |
||
| --Commercial | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-487-3122, press 7 |
A prerecorded message listing the locations, dates and times for all currently scheduled workshops is available by calling this number. |
--Freshwater |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-0331 |
|
--Saltwater |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-487-0554 |
|
Fishing Law Violations |
||
|
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 888-404-FWCC (3922) |
|
Fishing Permit Commercial |
||
--To sell wholesale or retail saltwater fish |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-487-3122 |
|
Fish Kill Hotline |
||
|
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 800-636-0511 |
|
Fish (Tagged) |
||
|
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 800-367-4461 |
Marine Research Institute Angler Tag Return Hotline: Callers can report catches of tagged fish. |
Flea Markets |
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|
--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. |
| Flight Schools | ||
| --Complaints FAA Certified | Federal Aviation Administration | If the flight school advertises as FAA certified, the FAA will handle complaints dealing with the flight instructors. The FAA does not take complaints dealing with billing disputes. |
| --Other Complaints | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Complaints dealing with billing disputes are not regulated and may be filed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. |
Flood Insurance |
||
|
Federal Emergency Management Agency 888-379-9531 |
National Flood Insurance Program |
--Evaluation |
Florida Department of Community Affairs 850-413-9960 |
Division of Emergency Management Bureau of Recovery and Mitigation |
|
Florida Department of Financial Services 800-342-2762 |
You can search for insurance providers on this site. |
| Florida Alliance for Information Referral Services (FLAIRS) | ||
| --Florida Network 2-1-1 | Florida Alliance of Information and Referral Services (FLAIRS) 850-224-6333 |
This website will connect you with your local 2-1-1 Florida Network Affiliate. |
Florida Tourism |
||
|
Florida's Official Vacation Guide 888-735-2872 or 850-488-5607 |
FLA-USA gives information on tourist attractions across the State of Florida. |
Florida Statutes |
||
| --Questions and Information |
850-488-8403 |
The Division of Statutory Revision publishes the Florida Statutes. The Division can assist the public in locating Florida Statutes, Laws of Florida, and State Constitution provisions. |
--Copies |
850-487-8208 |
Bureau of Administrative - The fee for copies is $ .15 per page. |
Florists |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 352-372-3505 |
Division of Plant Industry, selling live plants only. If they are selling only cut flowers then they are not regulated. They set their own policies and prices. |
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) |
||
|
United States Food and Drug Administration 888-INFO-FDA (463-6332) |
For complaints and general information. |
Food Distribution Commodities |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-487-6694 |
Through the establishment of communication, service and delivery systems, the Bureau of Food Distribution ensures that USDA donated commodities and recovered produce are made available to eligible recipients. The bureau administers or provides support to five USDA programs in Florida: National School Lunch Program; Summer Food Service Program; The Emergency Food Assistance Program; Charitable Institutions; Disaster Feeding. |
Food Manager Licensing (Testing) |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-410-0718 |
This number will give a message with these four phone numbers to call to schedule testing times, get study materials and costs. After the message you can hold if you have any additional questions. You will be connected with the Division of Food Safety. |
--National Registry of food safety professionals |
National Registry of Food Safety Professionals 800-446-0257 |
|
--National |
National Restaurant Association 800-765-2122 |
As the nation's largest private sector employer, the restaurant and food service industry is the cornerstone of the American economy of career and employment opportunities and local communities. |
--Florida |
Florida Restaurant Association 866-fra-exam |
|
Food Grades and Standards |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-245-5555 |
Division of Food Safety |
Food Safety Information |
||
|
United States Department of Agriculture 800-535-4555 |
Food Safety and Inspection Service - Meat and Poultry Hotline |
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-245-5555 |
Division of Food Safety |
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 305-470-6900 |
Division of Food Safety Miami Office - They have spanish speaking agents. |
Food Stamps |
||
--General Information |
Florida Department of Children and Families 850-488-0679 (Tallahassee Only) 866-762-2237 (all other cities in Florida) |
Economic Self Sufficiency |
| --Retailers | United States Department of Agriculture 877-823-4369 |
Information for retailers interested in accepting Food Stamps from customers. |
| Foreclosure | ||
Homeownership Preservation Foundation 888-995-4673 |
This hotline offers free foreclosure prevention counseling by expert counselors at HUD-approved agencies, and is available to any homeowner in America having trouble paying their mortgage: 24 hours a day/7 days a week. |
|
| --Counseling |
202-708-1112 |
HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues, and reverse mortgages. |
--Tips to Avoid |
Florida Office of Financial Regulation 800-848-3792 or 850-410-9898 |
Going through the foreclosure prevention process can be complicated and you do not have to do it alone. There are legitimate organizations such as non-profit housing or credit counseling agencies that can help. |
| Foreign Banks | ||
Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9800 or 800-848-3792 |
The Office licenses, examines and regulates state foreign bank offices to ensure they operate in a safe, sound and legal manner. |
|
| Foreign Currency Exchangers | ||
| --Licensing | Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9805 |
Chapter 560, Part III, F.S. This license authorizes the holder to exchange currency of the U.S. or a foreign government to currency of another government, for compensation. |
| --Complaints | Office of Financial Regulation 800-342-2762 |
|
Foreign Travel Alerts |
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|
888-407-4747 |
May contact this number to obtain information regarding international travel alerts and information. |
Forestry |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-488-4274 |
Division of Forestry |
--County Forester |
Division of Forestry - Visit their website for county forester information. |
|
| Forex Trading | ||
|
312-781-1300 |
Banks, insurance companies, large corporations and other large financial institutions all use the forex markets to manage the risks associated with fluctuations in currency rates. In recent years, however, a number of firms have begun offering forex contracts to individual investors. NFA regulates some, but not all, of these forex firms. |
|
Commodity Futures Trading Commission 202-418-5000 |
The mission of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is to protect market users and the public from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices related to the sale of commodity and financial futures and options, and to foster open, competitive, and financially sound futures and option markets. |
|
Fortune Teller |
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|
Varies, will need an Occupational License. |
|
--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. |
| Foster Care | ||
Children's Home Society of Florida 321-397-3000 |
Foster care is a program designed to provide temporary parenting to children who have been removed from the home of their biological parents due to abuse, abandonment or neglect. |
|
--Protective Services |
Florida Department of Children and Families 850-488-5718 |
|
--Protective Investigations |
Florida Department of Children and Families 850-488-0500 |
Investigates reports called into the abuse hotline. |
Franchise Information |
||
--Regulation, Information and Complaints |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Division of Consumer Services - Business Opportunities Program Area |
Fraud |
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|
866-966-7226 or 850-414-3990 |
Hotline to fight fraud and corporate scams. Trained personnel staff the hotline and collect information from citizens. A fraud investigator or consumer advocate will then contact the caller and assist them with the proper steps to be taken to resolve their problem. |
National Fraud Information Center 800-876-7060 |
The NFIC was originally established in 1992 by the National Consumers League, the oldest nonprofit consumer organization in the United States, to fight the growing menace of telemarketing fraud by improving prevention and enforcement. |
|
--Computer Crimes |
Florida Department of Law Enforcement 850-617-1350 |
Computer crime can take many forms. It is an expanding criminal activity, with new methods developing every day. Varieties of computer crime include anything from internet fraud, viruses and cyberstalking. |
| --Identity Theft | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Additional information about identity theft. |
Free Gift/Merchandise |
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
F.S. 817.415 |
Freon Recovery Certification |
||
--Air Division |
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 850-488-0114 |
There is no DEP certificate for freon. Miami-Dade County has a freon certificate for their county and you can find out more by calling 305-372-6925. For information on the federal requirements for freon, please call 800-296-1996, or go to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). |
Freshwater Fishing |
||
--Sites |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 |
|
--Rules |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 |
|
--Tips |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-4676 |
|
--Kids Fishing Clinics |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 352-732-1225 |
Duval: 904-573-3906 Osceola: 407-846-5300 |
Frontons-Jai Alai |
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|
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 850-488-9130 |
|
Fruit and Vegetable Inspection |
||
--Sell out of State and Country |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 863-291-5820 |
Division of Fruits and Vegetables |
--Inspection |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-782-3240 |
|
Fruit Shippers Certificate and Free Sale |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-487-0785 |
Division of Fruits and Vegetables |
Fuel |
||
|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-487-2634 |
Bureau of Petroleum Inspection |
| Funds Transmitter | ||
| --Licensing | Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9805 |
Chapter 560, Part II, F.S. This license authorizes the holder to transmit funds, either by wire, facsimile, electronic transfer, courier or otherwise, within this country or to or from locations outside this country. |
| --Complaints | Office of Financial Regulation 800-342-2762 |
|
Funeral and Cemetery |
||
--Funeral and Cemetery Hotline |
Florida Department of Financial Services 800-323-2627 |
F.S. 497 |
--Licensing and Registration |
Florida Department of Financial Services 850-413-3039 |
Bureau of Funeral and Cemetery Services |
|
North American Cemetery Regulators Association 515-281-4441 |
To promote a forum for discussion of mutual problems and concerns of cemetery and other death care regulatory and enforcement agencies. |
|
National Funeral Directors Association 800-228-6332 |
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) provides advocacy, education, information, products, programs and services to help members enhance the quality of service to families. |
--Consumer Arbitration |
Funeral Service Consumer Assistance Program 800-662-7666 |
FSCAP is a nonprofit consumer service designed to help people understand funeral service and related topics and to help them resolve funeral service concerns. FSCAP service representatives and an interviewer assist consumers in identifying needs and filing complaints. Free brochures on funeral related topics are available. |
Funeral Directors |
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|
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 800-226-9101 or 850-487-1395 |
Licensing Portal |
|
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 850-488-8690 |
Division of Professions, Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers |
Future Consumer Services |
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| Futures | ||
| --Complaints | 312-781-1300 | NFA regulates every firm or individual who conducts futures trading business with public customers. The CFTC provides government oversight for the entire industry. Each U.S. futures exchange operates as a self-regulatory organization, governing its floor brokers, traders, and member firms. |
Commodity Futures Trading Commission 202-418-5000 |
The mission of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is to protect market users and the public from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices related to the sale of commodity and financial futures and options, and to foster open, competitive, and financially sound futures and option markets. |
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