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

Presentation Outline BackgroundBackground Citation & Fine ProcessCitation & Fine Process How can we work together ?How can we work together ? SummarySummary

Presentation Outline BackgroundBackground Citation & Fine ProcessCitation & Fine Process How can we work together ?How can we work together ? SummarySummary

Unlicensed contractor activityUnlicensed 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 activityRegulations did not provide penalties for unlicensed contractor activity Assistance requested by construction industry groups and citizensAssistance requested by construction industry groups and citizens The citation process is consistent with the mission and operations of the Consumer Fraud UnitThe citation process is consistent with the mission and operations of the Consumer Fraud Unit Background

Presentation Outline BackgroundBackground Citation & Fine ProcessCitation & Fine Process How can we work together ?How can we work together ? SummarySummary

Citation & Fine Process Citations 1.Investigation is initiated from citizen’s complaint 2.Case file is opened, violator identified 3.Violation is confirmed: Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation Dept. of Business & Professional Regulation Orange County Building Official Orange County Building Official Statements / Evidence Statements / Evidence 4.Citation is Issued: “Pay By” Date “Pay By” Date Appeals Date Appeals Date

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

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

Presentation Outline BackgroundBackground Citation & Fine ProcessCitation & Fine Process How can we work together ?How can we work together ? SummarySummary

How can we work together Reporting Unlicensed Activity Unlicensed Activity Hotline: (407) Main Office Number : (407) By Fax: (407) By In Person: Orange County State Attorney’s Office (Orange County Courthouse Complex) 415 North Orange Ave, 1 st 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 or you can contact our offices and we’ll send you the form by mail.

Presentation Outline BackgroundBackground Citation & Fine ProcessCitation & Fine Process How can we work together ?How can we work together ? SummarySummary

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.

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