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About
Pinellas County Consumer Protection |
The
Office of Consumer Protection is a County
agency which provides four main services for
the citizens of Pinellas County:
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Mediation of consumer complaints.
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Criminal investigation of consumer fraud.
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Regulation of Charitable Solicitation organizations,
Bingo, Fortune Telling, Moving, Price Gouging,
Towing and Adult Use establishments.
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Consumer education.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
SECTION
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Provide third-party assistance in solving
disputes through mutually agreeable resolutions.
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Investigates and mediates consumer-business
disputes.
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The mediation process is conducted through
telephone contacts and informal hearings held
in the office, consumer's residence or business
location.
REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT
SECTION
- Enforces charitable solicitations ordinance
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Licenses Adult Use establishments operating
in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County.
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Licenses charitable, authorized organizations
and all lessors who are involved in the conduct
of Bingo.
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Regulates Pinellas County Towing, Price Gouging, Moving and Fortunetelling ordinances.
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Informs consumers and businesses of their
rights and obligations under existing consumer
protection laws.
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Train law enforcement on criminal consumer
protection laws.
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Consumer education presentations are given
to local civic, community organizations, and
the public school system.
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The Department distributes consumer education
pamphlets, and provides consumer awareness
information to the media.
If you have questions about any of the procedures
mentioned here, or wish to check the complaint
history of a business, contact the Pinellas
County Office of Consumer Protection at
(727) 464-6200.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
SECTION
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Conduct a consumer fraud investigation and
submit the evidence to the State Attorney's
Office for criminal prosecution.
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Investigates consumer complaints identified
as violations of criminal laws.
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Criminal charges and conviction may result
in punishment for the offender and possible
monetary reimbursement through court ordered
restitution.
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