Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) Overview

2. Florida Legal Context

DBPR was established under Chapter 455, Florida Statutes, which gives it authority to regulate professions and enforce compliance. Each regulated industry may also be governed by its own chapter of Florida law.

Examples:

• Construction – Chapter 489, Fla. Stat.
• Real Estate – Chapter 475, Fla. Stat.
• Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco – Chapter 561–565, Fla. Stat.
• Condominiums & HOAs – Chapter 718, Fla. Stat.

DBPR’s powers include:

• Issuing and renewing licenses
• Investigating complaints
• Conducting audits and inspections
• Enforcing fines and disciplinary actions for violations

3. Real-World Application

Examples of DBPR regulation in Florida:

• A Tampa restaurant must obtain DBPR approval to serve alcoholic beverages.
• A Miami general contractor must hold a DBPR-issued construction license to operate legally.
• An Orlando condominium association must comply with DBPR oversight for condo governance and board elections.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Without DBPR compliance, your business could face suspension, fines, or shutdown.

Why it matters:

• Legal operation: Many businesses cannot open without a DBPR-issued license.
• Consumer trust: Licensed professionals show legitimacy to clients.
• Risk management: Avoids disciplinary action, fines, or criminal charges.
• Industry oversight: DBPR ensures safety, professionalism, and fair business practices.

Common mistakes in Florida businesses regulated by DBPR:

• Failing to renew licenses on time.
• Operating without the proper category of license.
• Misrepresenting qualifications in marketing.
• Ignoring consumer complaints that DBPR investigates.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota bar was fined and temporarily closed for serving alcohol without a renewed DBPR license.
• A Jacksonville contractor faced license suspension after DBPR confirmed unlicensed subcontractors were used.
• A Fort Lauderdale real estate brokerage avoided penalties by resolving a DBPR audit with proper record-keeping and compliance training.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we represent Florida businesses and professionals in all matters involving DBPR. We assist with:

• Applying for and renewing DBPR licenses
• Defending against complaints, audits, and disciplinary actions
• Navigating compliance for regulated industries (construction, hospitality, real estate, and more)
• Advising boards and associations regulated by DBPR
• Representing businesses in hearings before DBPR or the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH)

We make sure your business stays compliant, licensed, and protected.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What industries does DBPR regulate?
A: Construction, real estate, community associations, alcohol and tobacco, hotels, restaurants, and many other licensed professions.

Q: What happens if I operate without a DBPR license?
A: You may face fines, cease-and-desist orders, license denial, or even criminal charges depending on the violation.

Q: How do I check if my license is active?
A: DBPR maintains an online license lookup tool at myfloridalicense.com.

Q: Can DBPR investigate customer complaints?
A: Yes. DBPR investigates consumer complaints and can impose fines, suspensions, or discipline.

Q: Why hire a lawyer for DBPR issues?
A: A lawyer can help secure licenses, defend against disciplinary actions, and ensure compliance—protecting your business from costly shutdowns.

8. How to Retain Our Law Firm

We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:

• Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
• 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
• 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)

All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.

9. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program

Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.

BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.

At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.

What you get with BELAW:

• On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
• Document review and compliance audits
• Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
• Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
• Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
• Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
• Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
• Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts

We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.

We make it easy to get started:

• Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
• Or fill out the secure contact form below

A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.

10. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain

We make it easy for you to retain us:

• Call or text: (813) 254-1777
• Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
• Or submit your request using the form below

Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

11. Who You Are Hiring

When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.

A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.

Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.

He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.

Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.

12. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach

We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.

Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.

13. Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.