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Home » Consumer Information » Defective Products

Consumer Protection

Numerous organizations in the state of Florida protect consumers from threats to their financial well-being, but there are two agencies in particular that focus on consumer protection across the state. These include the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the Florida Department of Legal Affairs (FDLA). The Division of Consumer Services (DCS) runs a toll-free consumer hotline that deals with any Florida resident’s grievances. It can be reached by dialing 1-800-435-7352. The DCS processes complaints related to the various realms that is oversees:

  • Business opportunities
  • Game promotions/Sweepstakes
  • Intrastate moving companies
  • Telemarketing
  • Travel sales
  • No sales solicitation (“Do not call” law)
  • Dance studios
  • Health clubs
  • Auto repair shops
  • Pawn shops
  • Charitable organizations/Solicitation of contributions

The DCS will refer complaints to outside agencies if the subject of the dispute is governed by another organization. Complaints concerning the Florida Automobile Lemon Law can also be directed to the DCS by calling 1-800-321-5366.

The second state agency specializing in general consumer protection is the Department of Legal Affairs (DLA), which is located in the Attorney General’s office. The Department of Legal Affairs’ Economic Crime Division and Citizens Services (ECDCS) presides over state regulations that were put into place to protect consumer interests in many different matters. The ECDCS can be reached at 1-850-414-3990. The ECDCS has the authority to facilitate a class action lawsuit, but it does not provide individual counsel. The Economic Crime Division has jurisdiction over certain areas that are particularly bothersome to consumers such as ambiguous advertising and cunning trade practices. Contact the consumer hotline for fraud complaints at 1-866-966-7226.

If you are unsure of which agency may be able to assist you with your problem, consider looking up state agencies in the telephone book and inquiring about it. Here is a condensed list of some popular state agencies that you can call free of charge:

Department of Transportation Safety Hotline»»»1-800-424-9393

US Consumer Product Safety Administration»»»1-800-638-2772

Florida Division of Consumer Services»»»1-800-435-7352

Florida Department of Financial Services»»»1-800-342-2762

Client Relations/Human Rights Advocacy»»»1-800-342-0825

Agency for Healthcare Administration, Consumer Assistance Unit»»»1-888-419-3456

The Public Service Commission»»»1-800-342-3552

The Toxic Substances Information Center»»»1-888-232-8635

If you have no idea who you should discuss your dilemma with, the Division of Consumer Services will help you figure it out. Counties with larger populations like Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Pasco, Orange Pinellas, and City of Jacksonville Counties have localized consumer protection or service agencies. These should be listed in each county’s directory found in the telephone book. Your local Better Business Bureau or similar consumer advocate organizations may also be of some assistance. Oftentimes, consumers with valid grievances will seek out an attorney or attempt to represent themselves in a Small Claims Court, which is located in every county across the state.

If you believe filing with a Small Claims Court is the correct option, contact or visit the County Court’s Office of the Clerk. Members of the Clerk’s staff can usually provide you with valuable information in terms of the process and expenses associated with handling your own case. Some counties also offer small claims clinics that provide guidance as to how to prepare for small claims litigation. A local bar association or consumer agency will be able to tell you if one of these clinics is nearby.

Keep in mind that the amount of compensation that can be had in a small claims case is rather limited to a defined award. Therefore, if you believe considerable reimbursement is owed to you, it could be a very wise investment in the long run to consult a lawyer.