Consumer Protection Regulations

• Licenses charitable, authorized organizations, and all lessors who are involved in the conduct of Bingo, High Prescribing Health Clinics, and Adult Use Establishments.
• Regulates moving and towing ordinances.
• Enforces price gouging ordinance during a local declared state of emergency.
• Enforces Human Trafficking Public Awareness Sign ordinance.
• Enforces charitable solicitations and fortunetelling ordinances.

Bingo Ordinance

• Bingo games can only be played between Noon and 3AM.
• The organization’s license must be displayed in a conspicuous area.
• Volunteers must wear name tags.
• For more information about organizations conducting bingo, call (727) 464-6200.
• Click here for more information on Bingo.

High Prescribing Health Clinics

• Clinics that prescribe more than 20 CII and CIII controlled substance. medications in a single day must be registered.
• Hours of operation must be limited to 7AM to 9PM.
• Please report non-registered clinics to our Office at: consumer@pinellas.gov or call (727) 464-6200.
• Click here for more High Prescribing Health Clinic Permitting Information.

Adult Use Establishments

• The Pinellas County Adult Use Establishment ordinance applies only to the unincorporated areas of the county.
• Each city has its own Adult Use ordinance.
• An adult use permit (zoning) must be obtained prior to submitting an application for a new adult use license. For more information, please visit Pinellas County Development Review Services or call (727) 464-3888.
• Adult Use establishments in the unincorporated areas of the county must obtain a license with the Office of Consumer Protection.
• Click here for more information on Adult Use Establishments.

Moving Ordinance

If you are planning on hiring a mover, remember:

• Movers must provide a written estimate prior to the move.
• The ordinance covers moves that begin or end in Pinellas County from either Pinellas, Pasco, or Hillsborough counties.
• If you have any questions about movers, call (727) 464-6200.
• Click here for more information on Moving Ordinances.

Towing

• Towing companies must notify local law enforcement of the date and time of the tow.
• Towing companies may only charge the maximum rates as allowed by the ordinance.
• Immobilization companies or “booters” may only charge $35.00 per incident.
• Click here for more information on Towing.

Price Gouging

• It is illegal for anyone to sell necessary goods or services at higher than normal prices during a state of emergency.
• Normal average retail prices are based on the average of two prices recorded over the past 12 months.
• If you believe that a business or individual is price gouging during a declared state of emergency, call (727) 464-6200.
• Click here for more information on Price Gouging.

Human Trafficking Public Awareness Sign Ordinance

• Requires certain businesses and locations to display public awareness signage to inform the public about human trafficking and resources for assistance.
• Click here for more information on Human Trafficking Public Sign Awareness ordinance.

Charitable Solicitation

Charities soliciting in Pinellas County:

• Can only solicit during the hours of 8AM and 9PM.
• Must identify the organization they are soliciting on behalf of.
• If requested, must send financial disclosure information to you within 14 days.
• Click here for more Charitable Solicitation Information.

Fortunetelling

• No one may engage in unfair or deceptive practices in the conduct of fortunetelling.