Florida Consumer E-Newsletter |
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Download PDF version [1,403K PDF]
A Message From the Commissioner...
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Dear Friends: The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Consumer Services has a vast array of services and responsibilities within the State of Florida. The division is the State’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, information and protection. We make every possible effort to help consumers resolve their dispute or by directing them to the appropriate federal, state or county agency, although the division does not have authority to provide legal advice. |
The mission of the Division of Consumer Services is to protect, inform and empower Florida's consumers and businesses, while promoting a positive business environment in the state. In conjunction with consumer education, the division has regulatory responsibilities over 12 industry areas. These include: Business Opportunities, Motor Vehicle Repair Shops, Charitable Organizations, Florida Do Not Call Program, Dance Studios, Pawnbrokers, Health Studios, Sellers of Travel, Intrastate Movers, Sweepstakes/Game Promotions, Florida Lemon Law and Telemarketing. Some of these programs are required to maintain security in the form of a surety bond, letter of credit or a certificate of deposit, in order to protect consumers. In addition, the division conducts investigations of violations involving unfair and deceptive trade practices and any laws that fall under the division's jurisdiction.
Consumer complaints are received online and through regular mail and deal with a variety of subjects. Division staff attempt to resolve disputes through informal mediation, and they review complaints for compliance with applicable laws. Over 32,000 complaints were handled and approximately $6 Million in money and property was recovered for consumers last year through our mediation process. To file a complaint against a business, visit us online or call us at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) and a consumer specialist will forward a complaint form via mail.
In addition to handling complaints, the division focuses on consumer education to help aide consumers in making more informed choices during business/financial transactions. This is accomplished through public speaking events, the division’s website (as well as this monthly Consumer E-Newsletter). The division also produces publications on the regulated program areas and various other topics, ranging from motor vehicle repair to identity theft. These publications are available free of charge and can be mailed directly to your home or place of business. Last year alone we distributed over 400,000 brochures to consumers. For a full list of publications, visit us online.
Our Call Center’s toll-free Consumer Hotline, 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) and 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) En Español, is one of the best in the nation. The Call Center assists individuals daily with consumer-related issues, providing up-to-date information or transferring callers to the appropriate governmental agency. Last year we provided assistance to approximately 600,000 consumers through our Call Center. The division responds to consumer questions ranging from the various regulated areas to inquiries on a multitude of subjects that are not regulated, such as landlord/tenant issues, buying clubs and retail store regulations.
The division also functions as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s liaison in Florida regarding product recalls, inspections and investigations. Our investigators make onsite visits to ensure the recall was effective and instituted, including posting signs and monitoring inventory returns.
Remember, we’re here and ready to assist you so give us a call today for more consumer information, or to help find the right resource for assistance. Call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) calling within Florida, 850-488-2221 outside of Florida, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) En Español, and a consumer specialist will be happy to assist you. For Florida Lemon Law assistance call our Lemon Law Hotline at 1-800-321-5366. You can also visit us online.
Sincerely,
Commissioner
