Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Several Steps Could Be Taken to Improve the Construction Complaint Process and Increase Homeowner Protection

Report 08-21, April 2008

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Report Summary

  • The Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Construction Industry Licensing Board carry out licensing and enforcement activities for the construction industry. In Fiscal Year 2006‑07, department officials typically closed complaints filed against construction contractors within 112 days. Several factors affect how long it takes to close complaints including the type of complaint, the nature of the allegation, and the time to obtain documentation from homeowners.
  • The department's Office of Unlicensed Activity works to deter unlicensed contracting through public education and enforcement activities. Unlicensed individuals often provide investigators with inaccurate information thereby reducing the effectiveness of enforcement efforts. These individuals also have little incentive to pay department fines.
  • The Legislature created the Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund to help homeowners recover losses suffered by the actions of a licensed contractor. However, accessing the fund is a long and complex process that can take homeowners 16 months or more to complete.

Related Reports
  1. DBPR Increased Unlicensed Construction Enforcement Efforts; Electronic Submission Could Improve Complaint Processing
    Report 10-03 January 2010
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.
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.
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