State Regulatory Agency Present at Annual University Pro Days Across the State
Contact: DBPR Communications Office, 850.922.8981
STATE REGULATORY AGENCY PRESENT AT ANNUAL UNIVERSITY PRO DAYS ACROSS THE STATE
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) today announced that throughout the month of March and in cooperation with universities across the state, DBPR inspectors will be present at university Pro Days to ensure all athlete agents are properly licensed. University annual Pro Days provide an opportunity for officials with the National Football League to watch pro-eligible football players working out in various tests of skill. Inspectors will also ensure that agents are not making any illegal contact with the student athletes in attendance.
“Our job is to protect these student athletes and help ensure they are not being targeted by unlicensed individuals,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “We want these students to have the brightest future possible, and that begins with hiring a licensed athlete agent who has their best interest in mind.”
So far this month, DBPR has been present at Pro Days at the University of South Florida and the University of Miami; throughout the rest of the month, the Department will be present at the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Central Florida. Having inspectors present to verify the licenses of the athlete agents also protects the universities from potential sanctions from their respective sanctioning organization.
Unlicensed athlete agents who are doing business at any of the Pro Days will be given a notice to cease and desist, could face a fine of up to $2,500 and will be referred to local law enforcement. Unlicensed activity occurs when an individual offers to perform or performs services that require a state license and the individual does not hold the required license. Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure, and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards. Consumers can verify professional licenses online at www.myfloridalicense.com.
Unlicensed activity is illegal and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges if an individual is convicted. Floridians should report any suspected unlicensed activity by emailing ULA@dbpr.state.fl.us or calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440. The individuals involved in the sting operation will be referred to the local state attorney’s office for criminal prosecution.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and certified public accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
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More information about DBPR is available online at www.myfloridalicense.com. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events and other important news.
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