After a DBPR citation in Florida or an administrative complaint is received, the clock is ticking. Whether you’re a licensed contractor, real estate agent, cosmetologist, or other regulated professional, a DBPR citation can quickly spiral into fines, license suspension, or even permanent revocation.
At Elevate Legal Services, our Florida DBPR defense attorneys have helped countless professionals respond to administrative actions and protect their livelihoods. If you’re unsure what happens after a DBPR citation—or how to respond properly—this blog walks you through the full process.
What Is a DBPR Citation?
A citation is a formal notice issued by DBPR indicating that you’ve allegedly violated a regulation under your professional license. Think of it as the administrative equivalent of a traffic ticket—but with potentially much bigger consequences.
Some common reasons for citations include:
- Advertising violations
- Unlicensed contracting
- Failure to maintain insurance or continuing education
- False or misleading business practices
- Minor disciplinary infractions
For more serious violations, DBPR may issue a formal administrative complaint instead. Learn more about those here: DBPR, DOH & FDACS Administrative Complaints
Step 1: Don’t Ignore the Deadline
Citations usually come with a strict response window—typically 30 days. If you do nothing, you’re considered to have admitted guilt by default, and penalties will be imposed automatically.
Your response options may include:
- Accepting the citation and paying the fine
- Contesting the citation and requesting a hearing
- Negotiating a resolution through legal counsel
Ignoring a DBPR notice is the worst thing you can do. Even if you think it’s minor, it could affect future renewals, insurance rates, or your standing with other licensing boards.
Step 2: Understand the Risks of Contesting Without Counsel
Many professionals make the mistake of contesting citations on their own—without fully understanding the legal implications. A poorly written response, missed deadline, or incorrect filing can escalate your case from a citation to a full-blown administrative complaint.
That’s why we always recommend speaking with a Florida administrative law attorney before taking any action.
Step 3: Prepare for a Possible Hearing
If you contest the citation, your case may go before the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). These hearings are formal legal proceedings with:
- Witness testimony
- Presentation of evidence
- Cross-examination
- Legal arguments
You’ll need to show why the violation didn’t occur, or why the penalty should be reduced. An experienced lawyer can help build your defense and represent you before the board or administrative law judge.
Step 4: Seek a Resolution That Protects Your License
In many cases, our attorneys can negotiate reduced penalties, settlements, or dismissal of citations before a hearing even happens. We analyze:
- Whether DBPR followed proper procedure
- The sufficiency of their evidence
- Whether the citation aligns with your past record and license history
- Whether mitigation is appropriate
Our goal is to resolve the issue without jeopardizing your license or professional standing.
What Happens If You Ignore or Lose?
If you fail to respond or lose your case, penalties may include:
- Fines and fees
- License suspension or probation
- Mandatory training or corrective action
- Public discipline added to your licensing record (accessible by clients or employers)
In some industries—like real estate or construction—even a minor public record of discipline can result in lost clients, terminated contracts, or refusal of future licensure.
Don’t Risk Your Career Over a Citation
Many professionals assume they can “just pay the fine and move on.” But every DBPR action becomes part of your permanent file—and future violations can trigger harsher penalties.
Whether this is your first citation or part of a pattern the board is investigating, having the right legal defense can make the difference between a warning and a career-ending outcome.
Need Help With a DBPR Citation or Administrative Complaint?
📞 Contact Elevate Legal Services for a free consultation and get experienced legal help to protect your license, your record, and your future after a DBPR citation in Florida.
