As we recommended in our November 2001 review of the Consumer Protection Program, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Legislature modified fees to better cover program costs. However, program-generated revenues still do not cover all of the costs for regulating pesticides and weighing and measuring devices.
The department is implementing risk-based inspections for weighing and measuring devices and periodically examines whether regulation of small businesses continues to benefit the public. The Legislature authorized risk-based inspections for certain fair rides.
The department evaluated but did not implement four-day workweeks for program inspectors, outsourcing of the consumer services telephone call center, and outsourcing of fair ride inspections. A rider misbehavior law was not enacted and administration of the Lemon Law was not consolidated within the Department of Legal Affairs.

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.