Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner - Tom A. Steckler, Director

Business Opportunities

Many Americans dream of owning their own business and being their own boss.  Although many achieve this dream, others run into financial ruin by falling prey to scams devised by unscrupulous promoters of business opportunities.

A business opportunity is an offer to assist a person in starting his or her own business by providing -- either through sales or lease -- products, equipment, supplies or service needed to carry on the business.

Business opportunities range from addressing envelopes or assembling toys at home at a cost of a few dollars, to establishing vending machine routes or installing pay telephones for thousands of dollars.  Many times, these promoters imply that investors can see a substantial return with minimal effort.

You should be aware that certain sellers of business opportunities are required, by law, to file with the Department, if the purchase price is more than $500.00 before they can solicit for business in the State of Florida.  Remember, this law is for your protection. 

Additional Resources

The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions - (FAQs) about business opportunities.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Since the founding of the first BBB in 1912, the BBB system has proven that the majority of marketplace problems can be solved fairly through the use of voluntary self-regulation and consumer education. The BBB's Core Services include: Business Reliability Reports, Dispute Resolution, Truth-in-Advertising, Consumer and Business Education, and Charity Review.

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.

Florida Attorney General's Office
The Attorney General is responsible for the enforcement of state consumer protection and antitrust laws as well as civil prosecution of criminal racketeering. Many Floridians look to the Office of the Attorney General for guidance with disputes and legal issues.

National Consumers League
The mission of the National Consumers League (NCL) is to identify, protect, represent, and advance the economic and social interests of consumers and workers. The NCL is a private, nonprofit advocacy group representing consumers on marketplace and workplace issues.

Do you have more questions about business opportunities?  Contact us via email.

File a Complaint against a Seller of Business