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How to Verify a Professional's License in West Palm Beach?

When looking to hire a professional in West Palm Beach, it is important to confirm that such an individual or business possesses the requisite license to offer such a service. This is essential considering that several state, county, and city agencies regulate professionals and require them to hold licenses. At the state level, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) regulates and licenses more than 30 classes of professionals, including home inspectors, building contractors, engineers, and landscape architects. Similarly, the Palm Beach County's Contractors Certification Division also issues licenses to professionals. These state and county-issued licenses, especially those relating to the construction, usually require registration with the West Palm Beach Building Division. Interested persons can verify DPBR-issued licenses by using the Department's license search portal or calling (850) 487-1395. County licenses can be verified by using the Palm Beach County contractor search page, while residents can email the city's Building Division to confirm city-level license registration.

Finally, certain projects require permitting by the city's Building Division. These include projects involving building construction, improvement, alteration, and repair works. Before commencing any such projects, ensure that you obtain the required permits. You can contact the Building Division by calling (561) 822-1200 or by email for guidance on the permitting process.

Do West Palm Beach Neighborhood Councils
Issue Permits?

West Palm Beach is divided into five districts and each has its own commissioner. The District Commissioners do not issue construction permits, however, they form a major part of the city's decision-making. As such, they can decide on several construction-related matters like amendments to the city laws on zoning and priority public projects for the city. Some of the ongoing projects approved by the Commissioners include the Clear Lake Trail and Shoreline Enhancement Project. The project involves the construction of a 5300 foot long and 8-foot-wide multi-use trail on the western edge of Clear Lake, a 700-foot boardwalk connecting the trail to Okeechobee Boulevard, and limited shoreline enhancements on the west side of the lake. Similarly, the City approved improvements to Broadway Avenue, which involves converting the avenue to a four-lane roadway, upgrading the lighting, and constructing midblock crosswalks. You can check the West Palm Beach commission district map to discover which district your neighborhood falls under.

How Do You File an Unfair Business
Complaint in West Palm Beach?

If you have been treated unfairly by a professional in West Palm Beach, you can file complaints against such a business or individual with the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division online. To do so, you must be at least 18 years of age and the transaction with the professional must have been for personal or household purposes. After receiving a complaint, the agency would usually try to bring both parties together and attempt to resolve the dispute amicably. If this is not possible, then the matter will be referred for disciplinary action. However, while such an action may lead to penalties for the professional, you may not be able to recoup money lost as a result of the actions of the professional. However, you can consider instituting a civil suit against the professional before the Palm Beach County Small Claims Court. Note that this court's jurisdiction is limited to civil claims involving $8,000 or less.

Finally, unfair business complaints that include criminal allegations can be forwarded to the West Palm Beach Police Department by calling (561) 822-1900.