TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered $428,626 for Florida consumers during the month of March. Last year, the department recovered more than $2.6 million of consumers’ money from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During March, the department:
- Recovered $428,626 on behalf of Florida consumers;
- Received 3,770 complaints;
- Initiated 192 investigations;
- Arrested 20 individuals;
- Provided assistance to 22,610 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
- Added 13,559 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.
As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For consumer protection information and resources, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.
