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Orange County Consumer Fraud Unit Unlicensed Contracting Citation Program

Orange County Consumer Fraud Unit Unlicensed Contracting Citation Program Associated Builders & Contractors January 14, 2012. Presentation Outline. Background Citation & Fine Process How can we work together ? Summary. Presentation Outline. Background Citation & Fine Process

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Orange County Consumer Fraud Unit Unlicensed Contracting Citation Program

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  1. Orange County Consumer Fraud Unit Unlicensed Contracting Citation Program Associated Builders & Contractors January 14, 2012

  2. Presentation Outline • Background • Citation & Fine Process • How can we work together ? • Summary

  3. Presentation Outline • Background • Citation & Fine Process • How can we work together ? • Summary

  4. Background • Unlicensed contractor activity • fosters sub-standard construction • creates an economic burden for tax payers • violates F.S. 489 and Chapter 9, Orange County Code • Regulations did not provide penalties for unlicensed contractor activity • Assistance requested by construction industry groups and citizens • The citation process is consistent with the mission and operations of the Consumer Fraud Unit

  5. Presentation Outline • Background • Citation & Fine Process • How can we work together ? • Summary

  6. Citation & Fine Process • Citations • Investigation is initiated from citizen’s complaint • Case file is opened, violator identified • Violation is confirmed: • Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation • Orange County Building Official • Statements / Evidence • Citation is Issued: • “Pay By” Date • Appeals Date

  7. Citation & Fine Process • Appeal Process • Building Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals (BCBAA) hears appeals and renders determinations • Civil penalty not to exceed $500 • If violator is a “no show,” their right to appeal is waived • Ignored citations – collection action

  8. Citation & Fine Process • Fines and Payment Process • Payment • Cash, money order, or certified check • Revenue from fines is deposited in General Fund • Non Payment • Collection action by O.C. Consumer Fraud • Fines • $75 - $250 per violation • $500 for repeat violators

  9. Presentation Outline • Background • Citation & Fine Process • How can we work together ? • Summary

  10. How can we work together • Reporting Unlicensed Activity • Unlicensed Activity Hotline: (407) 836-5960 • Main Office Number : (407) 836-2490 • By Fax: (407) 836-1210 • By e-mail: fraudhelp@sao9.org • In Person: Orange County State Attorney’s Office • (Orange County Courthouse Complex) • 415 North Orange Ave, 1st Floor • If a homeowner or business is affected, a formal complaint is required. To file a formal complaint, you can file online or print a Construction Complaint Form at our website www.ocfl.net or you can contact our offices and we’ll send you the form by mail.

  11. Presentation Outline • Background • Citation & Fine Process • How can we work together ? • Summary

  12. Summary • Citations for unlicensed contractor activity issued by Orange County Consumer Fraud Unit. • Appeals to be heard by the BCBAA. • Fast, efficient process that does not burden the judicial system. • Responds to the needs of citizens and industry groups. • It requires a joint cooperative effort between the citizens , industry groups and government to address the issue of unlicensed activity. • Revenue from fines offsets operating expenses.

  13. Orange County Consumer Fraud Unit Unlicensed Contracting Citation Program Associated Builders & Contractors January 14,2014

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