CONSUMER PROTECTION AND INFORMATION SERVICES
Most trade professionals are subject to regulation by various state and local agencies. These
agencies may be contacted to determine whether a business has the required license, certification or registration.
The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Part II, Chapter 501 Florida Statutes prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in practices of trade or commerce. This act authorizes a series of administrative rules and specifically defines prohibited acts. Copies of the act are available at public libraries. Rules that pertain to housing, include:
• 2-11, Rental Housing and Mobile Home Parks
• 2-12, Mobile Home Sales & Service
• 2-13, Sale of Real Property
• 2-15, Home Construction and Improvements
• 2-16, Condominiums and Cooperatives
In addition, Chapter 718, Florida Statutes covers Condominiums, and Chapter 482 pertains to pest control.
Better Business Bureau of West Florida
P.O. Box 7950
Clearwater , FL 33758-7950
(727) 535-5522
The Better Business Bureau offers information on businesses, including the location of the business, names of corporate officers or owners, and the length of time it has operated in Pinellas County . Information is also available on the business' record of responses to consumer complaints. Visit the web site at www.bbbwestflorida.org .
Tampa Bay Builders Association
2918 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 201
Tampa , FL 33609
(813) 873-1000 x415
A trade organization affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders and the Florida Home Builders Association. The association can recommend reliable, licensed, and insured builders to the public.
Gulf Coast Legal Services, Inc.
314 S Missouri Avenue, Suite 109
Clearwater , FL 33756
(727) 443-0657
(for ages 60+; family law, immigration & public benefits)
641 1 st Street S
St. Petersburg , FL 33701
(727) 821-0726
Legal assistance and representation is provided to persons who are without adequate means to employ other counsel. Legal assistance may be provided for landlord and tenant issues, discrimination, evictions or other housing issues and consumer problems.
Attorney Referral Service of the Clearwater Bar Association
314 S Missouri Avenue, Suite 107
Clearwater , FL 33756
(727) 461-4880
Referrals to private attorneys with real estate or other expertise offered to clients who live north of Ulmerton Road . Consultation fee for the first half hour is $40. Any further fees are to be negotiated with the attorney.
Lawyers Referral Service of the St. Petersburg Bar Association
2600 9 th Street N
St. Petersburg , FL 33704
(727) 821-5450
Referrals to private attorneys with real estate or other expertise offered to clients who live south of Ulmerton Road . Consultation fee for the first half hour is $50. Any further fees are to be negotiated with the attorney.
Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board
11701 Belcher Road, Suite 102
Largo , FL 33773
(727) 536-4720
The board provides verification of contractor licensing and information regarding contractor licensing requirements. Visit the web site at www.pcclb.com .
Pinellas County Department of Justice and Consumer Services
15251 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 209
Clearwater , FL 33760
(727) 464-6200
Conducts criminal investigations of consumer complaints and mediates disputes between consumers and contractors or other businesses. Complaints are filed by sending a letter to the department outlining the problems encountered and enclosing all relevant documents. Visit the web site at www.co.pinellas.fl.us/bcc/justice_coord
Small Claims Court
Civil Records Department
315 Court Street, #170
Clearwater , FL 33756
(727) 464-3267
The Small claims Court hears all cases at law in which the demand or value of property does not exceed $5,000, exclusive of costs, interest, and attorney's fees. Pinellas County Small Claims court uses a two hearing procedure. A pre-trial conference is held first to attempt to settle the controversy. If no satisfaction is obtained, a trial date is set. At trial a person may: (1) tell the story of the case to the judge; (2) question the other party concerning the case; (3) show papers or photos discussed at the pre-trail conference to help explain the case; and (4) call on witnesses to help explain the case. Either party has the right to appeal the judgement within thirty days after it is rendered. Florida Summary Claims Handbook by Ted R. Coleman may be helpful. It can be found in the Law Library. The Civil Courts Record Department, Small Claims Division will also send free information on filing a small claims case. For claims less than $100.00 the filing fee is $55.00, for claims between $101.00 and not more than $500.00, the filing fee is $80.00. For claims $501.00 but not more than $2,500.00 the fee is $155.00, and for claims from $2,501 to $5,000 the filing fee is $255.00. For each defendant over 5 people, it will cost an additional $2.00 per defendant. Visit the web site at www.pinellasclerk.org .
CIVIL COURT RECORDS
315 Court Street
Clearwater , FL 33756
(727) 464-3267
NORTH COUNTY BRANCH OFFICE
29582 US 19 N.
Clearwater , FL 33761
(727) 464-8700
ST. PETERSBURG BRANCH OFFICE
545 First Ave. N.
St. Petersburg , FL 33701
(727) 582-7771
SOUTH COUNTY BRANCE OFFICE
1800 66 th Street N.
St. Petersburg , FL 33710
(727) 582-7681
Section VII. Fair housing, Reasonable Accomodation and Accessibility |
