Received a DBPR Complaint? What Florida Contractors Must Do Immediately
If you received a DBPR complaint, your contractor license is already at risk.
What most contractors don’t realize is this:
“Ignoring a DBPR complaint does not stop the process—the matter may continue to move forward based on the information available in the investigative record, whether or not a response is provided.”
— Zeyna Kafrouni, Founder, Kafrouni Law | Former DBPR Construction Prosecutor
WHAT A DBPR COMPLAINT REALLY MEANS
A DBPR complaint is not just a notice.
It is the start of a formal disciplinary process that can lead to licensure risks including:
License suspension.
Heavy fines.
Probation or restrictions.
Ultimately, permanent license revocation.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IMMEDIATELY
Before you respond to the DBPR, you need to control the case early.
At this stage, you should:
1. Secure and organize all project documentation.
2. Avoid rushed or incomplete written responses
3. Identify exposure before submitting anything to the Department
4. Understand how investigators evaluate contractor cases.
“Early decisions and missteps can play a significant role in how a case develops and whether it escalates.”
— Zeyna Kafrouni, Founder, Kafrouni Law | Former DBPR Construction Prosecutor
HOW THE DBPR PROCESS ACTUALLY WORKS
Most contractors don’t understand how quickly the case progress:
Investigation → Probable Cause → Administrative Complaint → Formal or Informal Hearing stage.
Each step in the DBPR investigation processs increases risks —and reduces your ability to control the outcome, particularly as the case moves towards the hearing stage.
Visit our Resource Center to expand on this process more.
COMMON MISTAKES THAT DAMAGE YOUR CASE
Responding too quickly without strategy
Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documentation
Ignoring the complaint initially
Assuming the case will “go away”
These mistakes often turn manageable cases into formal charges.
Attorney Zeyna Kafrouni previously prosecuted thousands of contractors cases inside the Florida DBPR.
She understands:
How investigators build cases
What triggers escalation
Where cases can be challenged early.
Early decisions matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a DBPR complaint automatically public?
A: DBPR Investigations are generally confidential until probable cause is found or waived. Then they become public record. Regardless of confidentiality, the matter should be taken seriously.
Q: Do I have to talk to an investigator?
A: Cooperation is often requested, but any statements you provide can become part of the record. Consider a careful, document-based approach.
Q: Can a DBPR contractor complaint be dismissed early?
A: In some cases yes, a DBPR complaint may be resolved before formal charges, depending on the specific facts, timing, and how the matter is addressed during the investigation stage. Early decisions and documentation can influence whether a case progresses further.
Q: Can I settle the dispute with the complainant and make DBPR go away?
A: A private settlement with the complainant may help resolve certain issues, but DBPR may still evaluate whether a violation occurred and may proceed independently. Documentation and the underlying facts remain important.
Additional Guidance for Florida Contractors
How Does a DBPR Investigation Work for Contractors?
What Is a Probable Cause Determination in a DBPR Case?
What Happens After a DBPR Administrative Complaint Is Filed?
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: This publication is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.Regulatory matters involving contractor licensure are governed by Chapters 455, 489, and 120, Florida Statutes, the Florida Administrative Code, and applicable Construction Industry Licensing Board rules.Outcomes depend on the specific facts, procedural posture, evidentiary record, and applicable law.