The cosmetology industry in Florida is strictly regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Board of Cosmetology to ensure that only qualified, licensed professionals perform cosmetology services. If you have received an Administrative Complaint alleging violations of Florida Statute 477.029(1)(e) which prohibits the use of false or forged evidence in obtaining a cosmetology license, you could be facing serious consequences that may threaten your career, business, and professional reputation.
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we are committed to defending licensed cosmetologists, salon owners, and beauty professionals against DBPR Administrative Complaints and disciplinary actions. If you have received a Notice of Violation or are under investigation for violating F.S. 477.029(1)(e), you must act quickly to protect your license. Call us at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] to discuss your case and get the legal defense you need.
Understanding Florida Statute 477.029(1)(e): Fraudulent Licensing Practices
Florida Statute 477.029(1)(e) states that it is unlawful for any person to:
“Give false or forged evidence to the department in obtaining any license under this chapter.”
This means that if you submitted fraudulent documents or false information to obtain, renew, or reinstate your Florida cosmetology license or specialty registration, you could face serious disciplinary actions, including license suspension, fines, or revocation.
Common Violations of Florida Statute 477.029(1)(e)
There are many ways in which an individual could unintentionally or intentionally violate F.S. 477.029(1)(e). Below are some of the most common violations that result in DBPR investigations and Administrative Complaints.
1. Submitting a Fake Cosmetology Diploma or Certificate
- Providing a forged beauty school diploma or altered certificate of completion to qualify for a Florida cosmetology license.
2. Providing False Work Experience Documentation
- Claiming experience hours that were never completed or exaggerating professional experience to qualify for licensure.
3. Falsifying Continuing Education Credits
- Submitting fraudulent proof of continuing education to meet licensing renewal requirements.
- Using unauthorized providers for mandatory training courses.
4. Misrepresentation of Identity on a License Application
- Using another person’s identity or providing a fake name to obtain a cosmetology license fraudulently.
- Altering personal details, such as date of birth or Social Security number, to meet licensing eligibility.
5. Using a Fake Social Security Number or ITIN
- Submitting an invalid or fraudulent tax identification number to avoid detection of prior disciplinary actions or criminal history.
6. Submitting Forged Examination Results
- Altering Florida State Board exam scores or presenting fake test results to DBPR.
7. Claiming Training Hours from an Unaccredited Institution
- Providing training certificates from non-accredited beauty schools or training programs to fulfill licensing requirements.
8. Providing a Fraudulent Apprenticeship Completion Certificate
- Submitting fake documentation showing that required apprenticeship hours were completed.
9. Forging a Letter of Good Standing from Another State
- Submitting counterfeit or altered letters when applying for a reciprocal license in Florida.
10. Failure to Disclose a Criminal Background
- Omitting past criminal convictions or previous disciplinary actions from the licensing application.
Unique Violations of Florida Statute 477.029(1)(e)
In addition to the common violations above, some cosmetology professionals unknowingly engage in fraudulent activities that can also lead to DBPR complaints.
- Using Another Person’s License to Work as a Cosmetologist – Working under someone else’s credentials and misrepresenting yourself as a licensed cosmetologist.
- Selling or Purchasing Fake Cosmetology Licenses – Engaging in black-market transactions where fraudulent licenses are bought or sold.
- Providing False Verification of Employment to Bypass Licensing Requirements – Having an employer falsify work experience records to meet licensing qualifications.
- Tampering with Official DBPR Licensing Documents – Altering official records such as licensing numbers, expiration dates, or testing results.
- Forging Training Instructor Signatures on Certification Documents – Falsifying a beauty school instructor’s signature to validate unearned credentials.
- Paying Someone Else to Take a Licensing Exam – Hiring a third party to complete state licensing exams on your behalf.
- Lying About a Previous License Revocation or Suspension in Another State – Failing to disclose disciplinary actions from another state’s cosmetology board.
- Providing Fake Professional References to Meet Licensing Requirements – Listing fake references or unverified work history to meet application criteria.
What Happens If You Are Under Investigation by DBPR?
If DBPR believes you have violated F.S. 477.029(1)(e), they will launch an investigation and may take the following actions:
- Send a Notice of Investigation detailing the alleged violation.
- Request documentation or records to verify the accuracy of licensing information.
- Conduct interviews with employers, school officials, or references.
- Hold a formal administrative hearing if violations are confirmed.
Possible Penalties for Violating F.S. 477.029(1)(e)
If found guilty of violating this statute, you may face:
- Fines up to $500 per violation.
- Suspension or revocation of your cosmetology license.
- Denial of a new or renewal license application.
- Public disciplinary records, impacting future employment opportunities.
- Criminal fraud charges in extreme cases.
How to Defend Against an Administrative Complaint
If you are facing an FDACS Administrative Complaint, follow these steps to protect your cosmetology license:
1. Review the Complaint Notice Carefully
- Identify specific allegations and the response deadline.
- Gather any relevant documentation that supports your case.
- Don’t submit a written or oral response without consulting an attorney.
2. Contact an Experienced DBPR Defense Attorney
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we provide aggressive legal representation for cosmetology professionals facing DBPR investigations. Our legal team will:
- Analyze the complaint and evidence.
- Develop a strong defense strategy.
- Negotiate reduced penalties or case dismissal.
- Represent you in DBPR administrative hearings.
Call us at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] for immediate legal assistance.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Cosmetology License Today
If you are accused of violating Florida Statute 477.029(1)(e), your career and reputation are at risk. Facing a DBPR Administrative Complaint can be overwhelming, but you do not have to fight alone.
At Elevate Legal Services, PLLC, we have successfully defended cosmetologists and salon owners facing licensing violations and disciplinary actions. If you need a strong legal defense, call us at 561-770-3335 or email [email protected] today. We are here to protect your future and fight for your rights.
