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Subject/Topic |
Contact Name and Number |
Comments |
|---|---|---|
Mad Cow Disease |
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--Consumer Information |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-410-0900 |
Division of Animal Industry |
--Media Information |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-410-4033 |
|
Mailing List |
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--Removal |
888-567-8688 |
To remove your name from pre-screened credit offers (only through TransUnion, Experian or Equifax). |
--Information about how mailing lists are compiled |
Send a stamped, self-addressed #10 size envelope for the consumer booklet, Opening the Door Opportunity, to: Consumer Services -- Opening the Door, Direct Marketing Association, 1111 19th St., NW - Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036. |
|
--Sexually oriented advertising (SOA) |
Post Office Locator - The U.S. Postal Service maintains a list of people who do not want SOA mail coming to their home and provides the list to companies that mail such promotions. Contact your local Post Office and ask for Form 1500 to stop SOA mail. |
|
Mail Fraud |
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United States Postal Inspection Service Locate your nearest Postal Inspector by zip code |
U.S. Postal Inspectors investigate any crime in which the U.S. Mail is used to further a scheme--whether it originated in the mail, by telephone, or on the Internet. The use of the U.S. Mail is what makes it mail fraud. |
Mail Order |
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Varies. Contact City, County, or local Better Business Bureau. |
|
--Information |
877-382-4357 |
Truth-in-advertising standards - including that companies must have proof to back up expressed and implied claims made about its products - applies to mail order marketers. In addition, the FTC's Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule applies when a consumer places an order via online, mail, telephone, fax or computer. Under the Rule, a company must have a reasonable basis for believing that it can ship the product within the time period stated in the ad (if time not specified, within 30 days). |
--Unsolicited Merchandise |
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Unordered goods may be considered a free gift without obligation on the part of the recipient. Problems arise because consumer fails to read small print when ordering "free" items and entering contests. |
--Unsolicited Credit Offers |
888-567-8688 |
Credit bureaus can release your credit information only to people with a legitimate business need, as recognized by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). For example, a company is allowed to get your report if you apply for credit, insurance, employment or to rent an apartment. In addition to the uses described above, lenders and insurers may use information in your credit file as a basis for sending you unsolicited offers. This is known as "prescreening." However, you have a right to opt out of these offers. |
--Mailing Lists |
If consumers wish to have their name removed from mailing lists, they may write to: Direct Marketing Association, 6 East 43 Street, New York, NY 10017 |
|
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act |
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The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law that governs consumer product warranties. Passed by Congress in 1975, the Act requires manufacturers and sellers of consumer products to provide consumers with detailed information about warranty coverage. |
|
Managed Health Care |
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Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration 850-922-6830 |
|
Manatee (Marine Mammal) |
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--Save the Manatee |
800-432-5646 |
|
--Dead, Injured, or Tagged |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 888-404-FWCC (3922) |
Florida Marine Research Institute |
|
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-922-4330 |
Bureau of Protected Species Management Manatee Program |
--Manatee Education |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-922-4330 |
|
| Manufactured Home | ||
| **See Mobile Home | ||
Marinas |
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Florida Department of Environmental Protection 850-245-2847 |
Division of Law Enforcement |
Marine Resource |
||
--Endangered Mammals |
Florida Marine Research Institute 850-922-4330 |
|
Marine Turtles - Grant Program |
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-488-5460 |
The Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) collaborated on a legislative initiative to transfer administrative responsibilities for the sea turtle grants program from FWC to the CCC. |
Market Bulletin |
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-487-8000 |
Division of Marketing and Development |
Marketing |
||
--Florida Agriculture |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-488-4031 |
Division of Marketing and Development |
| Marriage Certificates | ||
|
877-550-7330 |
This agency issues certified copies of vital records: Florida Vital Statistics |
|
Marriage / Family Therapist |
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850-488-0595 |
Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling |
Massage Parlors |
||
--Masseur or Masseuse |
850-488-0595 |
Board of Massage Therapy |
Meat and Meat Products |
||
--Packers |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850- 245-5532 |
Division of Food Safety Bureau of Food and Meat Inspection |
--Retail |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850- 245-5520 |
Division of Food Safety |
Mechanical Contractors |
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Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 800-226-9101 or 850-487-1395 |
Division of Professions Electrical Contractors' Licensing Board |
Med Fly |
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--Information |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 888-397-1517 |
Division of Plant Industry - The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is one of the world's most destructive fruit pests. |
Medicaid |
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Florida Department of Children and Families 850-487-1111 |
Determines eligibility for low income families with children, children only, pregnant women, non-citizens with medical emergencies, and aged and/or disabled individuals not currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). |
| --Apply | Florida Department of Children and Families 866-762-2237 |
|
--General Information |
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 888-419-3456 |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
--General / Referral Information |
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration 888-419-3456 |
|
--Fraud |
866-966-7226 or 850-414-3990 |
Medicaid Fraud can take many forms and cost Floridians hundreds of millions of dollars each year. The most common involves doctors, dentists, clinics and other health care providers billing for services never performed, over billing for services provided, or billing for tests, services and products which are medically unnecessary. |
| --Prescription Drug Program |
877-267-2323 |
|
Medical Discount Plans |
||
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Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) 800-342-2762 |
These plans are not currently regulated. DFS will attempt to help with problems. Medical Discount Plans are not insurance. These plans do not pay for any products or services. Instead, they offer discounts on the price of products or services from participating vendors and providers. Discount plans and their marketing representatives are not regulated by the Department of Financial Services or any other governmental entity. |
--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. |
| Medical Equipment Suppliers | ||
Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration 850-414-6010 |
Scroll down to "Home Medical Equipment Providers." | |
Medical Facilities Licensing |
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888-419-3456 |
Does not include doctor's offices (Hospital and Outpatient Services Unit). |
Medical Records |
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Florida Agency for Health Care Administration 888-419-3456 |
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Medical Technicians |
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850-488-0595 |
Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel |
Medicare Hotline |
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800-633-4227 |
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Mental Health Services |
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--Publication / General information |
National Institute of Mental Health 866-615-6464 or 301-443-4513 |
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Mental Health Counselors |
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850-488-0595 |
Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. |
Mid-Wife |
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850-488-0595 |
Florida Council of Midwifery |
Military Affairs |
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Florida Department of Military Affairs 904-823-0364 |
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Military Personnel |
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--Records |
National Personnel Records Center 866-272-6272 |
The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository of millions of military personnel, health and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the 20th century. |
Milk Products |
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-487-1470 |
The Division of Dairy Industry insures that dairy products purchased by Florida consumers are wholesome, produced under sanitary conditions, and correctly labeled. |
| Minimum Wage | ||
| --Florida |
850-414-3990 or 866-966-7226 |
To file a complaint against a business that will not meet the requirements of the minimum wage increase, please contact the Florida Attorney General. |
Minority Business |
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--Advocacy / Assistance |
Florida Department of Management Services 850-487-4698 |
The Office of Supplier Diversity's (OSD) function is to improve business and economic opportunities for Florida's women-owned and minority owned businesses. |
Missing Child |
||
--Florida |
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Missing Children 888-356-4774 |
|
--Hotline |
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 800-843-5678 |
|
--Information |
Florida Department of Law Enforcement 850-410-8585 |
Missing Children |
--Missing Children (Runaway, abducted, etc.) |
Florida Department of Children and Families 850-410-8543 |
|
--Construction |
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 850-617-2808 For Complaints: 813-740-4298, ext. 233 |
Mobile home—(also called “manufactured home” or “HUD code home”) is one that is built entirely at a factory and usually requires hook-up of utilities and certain appliances on delivery. A mobile home must be built in accordance with federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) code that supersedes state or local building codes. |
--Contracts, Dealers and Brokers |
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 850-617-2000 |
Home purchased from individuals are private transactions and are not protected or governed by consumer protection laws. |
| --Installers | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 850-617-3004 |
Any person who engages in mobile home installation shall obtain a mobile home installer’s license. Each installer who installs a mobile home/manufactured home shall warrant the installation and weather sealing of the home for a period of twelve (12) months. |
| --Financing (new and used) | Office of Financial Regulation Licensing: 850-410-9895 Complaints: 800-342-2762 |
Chapter 520, Part I, F.S., covers the licensing and operating regulations of motor vehicle installment sellers. Maximum finance charges allowed on new and used automobiles are also established by statute. Motor Vehicle Sellers must be licensed by the Office prior to conducting business. |
--Title / Lien |
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 850-617-2000 |
This is the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles customer service system line. |
Mobile Home Parks |
||
--Complaints |
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 800-226-9101 |
Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes - Bureau of Mobile Homes (only if consumer owns home and rent lot). |
--Complaints (Sanitation and Health) |
The county health departments receive and investigate environmental health and sanitation complaints about these facilities. The county health departments provide complainants with report findings and corrective actions taken. |
|
--Rent Lot / Own home (10 lots +) |
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 800-226-9101 or 850-487-1395 |
Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes |
--Rent Lot and home |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Division of Consumer Services |
--Campground Memberships |
|
|
--Licenses and Permits |
Mobile home parks, lodging and recreational vehicle parks and recreational camps are licensed annually by the Department of Health in accordance with Chapter 64E-15, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) rules. |
|
Mobile Phones |
||
--Complaints |
Federal Communications Commission 888-225-5322 |
The FCC does not regulate contractual arrangements with cellular providers, but handles complaints about wireless service. |
--Verizon |
800-922-0204 |
If the consumer has not tried to work out the problem with the company, the consumer should contact them first for a resolution. The director of Verizon has asked if the consumer is a Verizon customer, to suggest that the consumer call them first to try and work out the complaint. |
--Verizon Bay County Consumers |
Verizon for Bay County Consumers 866-442-7946 |
|
--Nextel / Sprint Communications |
800-777-4681 |
Nextel has asked if the consumer is one of their customers, to call them first to try and work out the complaint. |
--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. |
| Modeling Agency | ||
| Search by County | This type of business is not regulated by the state. Business must obtain a local occupational license for the county of operation. |
|
| Modular Homes | ||
| --Construction | Florida Department of Community Affairs 850-487-1824 |
Modular home—is one that is built in sections (modules) at a factory and assembled on site. A modular home may also require finishing work (such as carpet, paint, appliances) on site, and it may have multiple stories. A modular home must be designed, permitted, built, and inspected in accordance with the Florida Building Code (FBC) and installed on a permanent foundation designed and built specifically for that home. |
| --Complaints | Florida Department of Community Affairs 850-921-0359 |
There should be a DCA insignia (MB -- #) installed on the inside cover of the electrical panel (circuit breaker box). If there is a HUD sticker installed or you have a Title, then you have a mobile home, and should call the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Consumer Complaints at 850-617-3003. |
Mold |
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Certified Mold Inspectors and Contractors Institute *Check state listing for number* |
You want to be very careful when hiring someone to do the job. Currently there are no federal or state regulations and mold companies aren't required to be licensed or certified. Therefore, there is a chance you'll get stuck with a botched job. Make sure to check references and a company's complaint record with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). |
Money Orders |
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|
Florida Department of Financial Services 850-410-9500 |
Division of Finance
|
Money Transmitters |
||
--Licensing |
Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9805 |
Chapter 560, F.S., MONEY TRANSMITTERS, PART II: Funds Transmitter, Payment Instrument Issuer; MONEY TRANSMITTERS PART III: Check Casher, Foreign Currency Exchanger |
| --Complaints | Office of Financial Regulation 800-342-2762 |
|
Mortality |
||
--Pre-paid Funeral Needs |
Florida Department of Financial Services 800-342-2762 |
Bureau of Funeral and Cemetery Services - If purchase includes plot, it then falls under Florida Department of Financial Services. |
Mortgage Brokers /Brokerage Business / Lenders / Lending |
||
--Licensing |
Office of Financial Regulation 850-410-9895 |
Chapter 494, 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 by the Office. |
| --Complaints | Office of Financial Regulation 800-342-2762 |
|
Mosquito Control |
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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-922-7011 |
Agricultural and Environmental Services |
Motels |
||
--License Enforcement |
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 800-226-9101 or 850-487-1395 |
Division of Hotels and Restaurants |
Motion Pictures |
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Motion Pictures License Corporation 800-462-8855 |
|
Motor Vehicles |
||
--Complaint Contracts and Titles |
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 850-617-2000 |
This is the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles customer Service system line. There is no "cooling off" rule when a consumer can legally cancel a contract to buy, after it has been signed. Deposits made for a vehicle ultimately not purchased may be refundable, unless stated non-refundable deposit on receipt. |
| --Financing (new and used) | Office of Financial Regulation Licensing: 850-410-9895 Complaints: 800-342-2762 |
Chapter 520, Part I, F.S., covers the licensing and operating regulations of motor vehicle installment sellers. Maximum finance charges allowed on new and used automobiles are also established by statute. Motor Vehicle Sellers must be licensed by the Office prior to conducting business. |
--Inspection Program |
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--Lemon Law |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-321-5366 |
F.S. 681 |
--Motor Vehicle Repair Act |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates motor vehicle repair shops in the State of Florida. We also provide consumer information and complaint history on businesses. |
--Odometer |
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 850-617-2907 |
F.S. 501, Part II; F.S. 319.25-320.27; F.S. 817.52 Odometer reading is an accepted means of determining both the condition and the dollar value of a motor vehicle. After a vehicle has been driven for a while, certain systems need routine safety checks and repairs. If the odometer is turned back, mechanical problems which could affect safety may go unchecked and un-repaired. Because the odometer reading is relied on so heavily, both Florida and Federal law make it illegal to, in any way, tamper with the odometer. |
--Rental |
Florida Office of the Attorney General 866-966-7226 or 850-414-3990 |
Some car rental companies use questionable tactics, at times rising to the level of outright rip-offs. Last minute charges and use of intimidation and scare tactics to coerce consumers into buying things they do not need are common practices used by car rental companies. |
--Rental Tips |
Federal law does not cover short-term car and truck rentals. |
|
--Repair |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates motor vehicle repair shops in the State of Florida. We also provide consumer information and complaint history on businesses. |
--Retail Installment Sales |
Florida Department of Financial Services 800-848-3792 |
Retail Installment Sales |
--Solid Waste Fee |
Sales and Use Tax and/or Solid Waste and Surcharge - Charged on purchase of batteries and tires. |
|
--Inspection Program |
||
--Titles |
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 850-617-2000 |
This site provides frequently asked questions about motor vehicle titles. |
--Used |
|
Sales by individuals is a private transaction and not covered by consumer protection laws. |
Moving and Storage |
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--Intrastate (Beginning and Ending within the State of Florida) |
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 800-435-7352 or 850-488-2221 |
Moving and Storage - This applies to household goods. Companies that engage solely in moving or transporting vehicles (this would include boats as well) are not required to register with us. |
--Interstate (Complaints) |
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 1-888-368-7238 |
File an online complaint on a motor carrier or a interstate mover of household goods. |
|
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 888-368-7238 |
Toll free hotline for consumers to use to check the background of interstate movers, to file complaints, etc. Website for interstate moves, includes complaint form and information on how to protect yourself. |
| --Interstate Moving Tips | American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) (703) 683-7410 |
AMSA is a non-profit trade association established in 1936. It has an education foundation, The Moving and Storage Institute. This site will provide you with helpful information for household interstate moves. |
| --Interstate Registration | United States Department of Transportation 800-832-5660 |
|
| --Interstate Registration | Federal Motor Safety Carriers Administration 1-800-832-5660 |
|
--Loss/damage (Interstate only) |
Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration 202-385-2423 202-385-2400 |
Licensing and Insurance Information - If complaint dealing with the loss/damage to goods, consumer must bring private lawsuit against the mover. 1) Get moving company's process server and 2) name of mover's insurance company. If company does not have a process server or insurance company, you can file complaint with FMCSA for violation of federal requirements. |
--"Hostage" Situation (Interstate only) |
Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) 888-368-7238 |
|
| --Self Moving Trucks (U-Haul) | Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 850-245-1300 |
motor vehicles, private passenger automobiles with no trailer in tow, travel trailers, camping trailers, van conversions, and motor homes as defined in s. 320.01(1)(b), or pickup trucks not carrying agricultural, horticultural, or livestock products and which have visible access to the entire cargo area, or city, county, state, or federal vehicles. |
Multiphasic Health Testing Centers |
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Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration 850-487-3109 |
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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity |
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|
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 904-381-6006 |
Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control |
Museum |
||
--Florida |
850-488-1484 |
Division of Historical Resources |
| Mutual Funds | ||
| --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 |
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