Receiving notice that you are under investigation by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) can be one of the most stressful experiences a professional can face. Whether you’re exempt from licensure, or are a contractor, real estate agent, barber, geologist, or any other DBPR-regulated licensee, or plan on obtaining a license in the future, an investigation—even before a formal administrative complaint is filed—is the first sign that your license, reputation, and livelihood are in jeopardy.
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, our Boca Raton law firm represents professionals across Florida in DBPR licensing investigations and administrative complaint proceedings. We understand the intricacies of DBPR’s regulatory framework and know how to respond effectively to protect your rights, license, and career from the very first contact.
Call Elevate Legal Services, PLLC at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] for a confidential consultation. The sooner you get ahead of the investigation, the better your chance of avoiding formal discipline.
DBPR Investigations: The First Step Before a Formal Complaint
Contrary to popular belief, DBPR doesn’t issue administrative complaints out of the blue. Every complaint we’ve ever defended was preceded by a detailed investigation conducted by a specific DBPR unit. This investigative phase is critical, and what happens here often shapes the outcome of your case.
What Triggers a DBPR Investigation?
- Consumer complaints from clients or customers
- Reports from other licensees or professionals
- DBPR’s own audit or compliance checks
- Referrals from law enforcement or other government agencies
Key DBPR Investigative Units
Depending on your license type, your case will likely be handled by a specific investigative unit within DBPR, including:
- Unlicensed Activity Program – Operating within the Division of Regulation, this program focuses on educating the public about the dangers of unlicensed activity and investigates complaints against individuals practicing without a license, or exceeding the scope of their licensed specialty.
- Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco’s Bureau of Law Enforcement – This bureau manages law enforcement and investigation programs related to alcoholic beverages and tobacco, including conducting criminal and administrative investigations and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.
- Division of Regulation – Oversees most licensing and regulation violations.
- Division of Professions—Investigates allegations related to the professional conduct of engineers, geologists, architects, etc.
- Division of Real Estate – Handles investigations for brokers, appraisers, and real estate agents.
- Division of Hotels and Restaurants – Focuses on food safety and public lodging complaints.
- Office of Inspector General’s Investigations Section – This section conducts internal investigations into allegations of employee misconduct within the DBPR, ensuring integrity and accountability within the department.
You Have the Right to Defend Yourself
The earlier Elevate Legal Services, PLLC is involved, the better. Our administrative law attorneys understand the inner workings of DBPR investigations and can intervene during the investigative phase to:
- Limit the scope of the investigation
- Protecting you from self-incrimination
- Respond to subpoenas and document requests
- Avoid formal charges through early negotiation
- Set the tone before the case reaches the legal department
The investigative unit is not your ally. Their job is to build a case, and silence or cooperation without counsel can do serious harm.
What Professions Are Targeted by DBPR Investigations?
Some of the most frequently targeted licensees include:
- General contractors and construction professionals
- Real estate brokers and sales associates
- Barbers and cosmetologists
- Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
- Engineers and architects
- Hospitality license holders (hotels, restaurants, etc.)
Each industry has its regulatory board, but all investigations fall under DBPR’s Division of Regulation or related unlicensed activity units. If you’re unsure what unit is handling your case, our legal team can request and review the file on your behalf.
Don’t Wait for a Formal Complaint — Get Help Now
Once an administrative complaint is filed, your case goes before the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). But by then, the DBPR had already done its homework. The best legal defenses often start before a complaint is issued — when we still have the chance to correct the record, clarify facts, or negotiate alternative resolutions.
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we have a strong track record of helping Florida professionals navigate:
- DBPR investigations
- Regulatory complaints
- Emergency license suspensions
- Formal hearings before DOAH
Call 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] to speak with a DBPR defense attorney today. Your career deserves aggressive, experienced representation.
What Happens During a DBPR Investigation?
1. Initial Notification
Most professionals receive a letter or email from a DBPR investigator requesting documents, a written response, or an in-person interview. This is your first opportunity to address the issue, and a critical moment to involve legal counsel.
2. Evidence Collection
Investigators will:
- Review business records, contracts, or permits
- Inspect job sites or work locations
- Contact complainants, witnesses, or customers
Request your side of the story in writing
3. Confidential Interview
You may be asked to give a recorded statement. Never do this without legal representation. Statements made during the investigative phase can and will be used if the matter escalates to a formal administrative complaint.
4. Report and Legal Review (Probable Cause Determination)
Once the investigator completes their work, the investigator presents you with their research and any complaints against you, and provides you 20 days to respond to the allegations in writing. The resulting information is then forwarded to a Probable Cause Panel, to legaly determine if there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred. If probable cause is found to exist that a rule or statute violation had occured, a formal Administrative Complaint will be filed against you.
What Are DBPR Investigators Looking For?
Investigations typically focus on potential violations of Florida Statutes and DBPR rules related to your profession. Common allegations include:
- Violating ethical or professional standards
- Practicing without a valid or active license
- Misrepresentation or fraud in advertising or documentation
- Financial mismanagement, including escrow issues or overbilling
- Substandard work or negligence
Each license type is governed by different statutory provisions, so it’s critical to understand exactly what rule or law you are accused of violating.
What Should You Do if You're Under Investigation?
Step 1: Don’t Panic, But Don’t Delay
Ignoring an investigative letter from DBPR will not make the problem go away. It can make it worse.
Step 2: Call an Experienced DBPR Defense Lawyer
Before speaking to investigators, submitting documents, or providing a written response, you need legal guidance.
Contact Elevate Legal Services, PLLC at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] immediately. We will assess the investigation and take control of the narrative early.
Step 3: Gather Your Records
Start collecting the relevant materials the investigator might ask for:
- Licenses, permits, and contracts
- Communication with the complainant
- Photos, job logs, receipts, and other evidence
Step 4: Respond Strategically
Everything you say or submit during the investigation matters. We’ll help craft a response that clarifies misunderstandings and counters any false accusations.
Step 5: Prepare for Next Steps
Even if the investigation closes without further action, keep records and stay in contact with your attorney. If a formal administrative complaint is filed, you’ll be ready.
Why Choose Elevate Legal Services, PLLC?
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we are one of the few firms in Florida that focuses specifically on administrative complaints, DBPR investigations, and license defense. We bring:
Years of Experience Defending DBPR-Regulated Professionals.
Tailored, Strategic Responses to Investigations and Complaints.
Full Representation from First Contact to Final Hearing.
Client-Focused Service with Transparent Communication.
From electricians and real estate agents to geologists and barbers, we’ve successfully defended clients from all walks of life.
Final Thoughts
A DBPR investigation is not the end of your career, but it is a signal that immediate action is needed. With the right defense strategy, many investigations can be resolved without formal complaints or penalties. Don’t wait to see what happens—take control of the situation.
Call Elevate Legal Services, PLLC today at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] to schedule your confidential consultation. Let us help you protect your license and your professional future.
