Consumer Tips and Resources
Pinellas County offers tips and resources that allow consumers to make the best decisions.
Featured Government Office
Office of Consumer Protection
Anyone could fall victim to a scam. If you are unable to resolve a problem such as defective products, erroneous bills or non-delivery of goods or services, the dedicated employees of Pinellas County Consumer Protection can help. Consumer Protection is a division of the Human Services Department.
Learn MoreInfo & Resources
Consumer Stories
- Pinellas County Consumer Protection investigation leads to criminal charges
- Pinellas County Consumer Protection helps unlicensed contractor victims file charges, receive restitution
- Consumer Protection investigation leads to arrest, $203,941 in restitution for 30 victims
- Disgruntled Contractor Takes Advantage No More
- Drug Paraphernalia Dilemma
- Scam Artist No More
Apply for or Renew an Adult Use License
Adult use establishments in unincorporated areas of Pinellas County must obtain a license from the Office of Consumer Protection before they can......
Request a Human Trafficking Sign for a Business
Request a human trafficking awareness and resources sign to post in your business as required by Pinellas County Ordinance Section 42-430. Learn......
Drug Paraphernalia Dilemma
Human Services Spotlight Series #21 Protecting Our Children In February 2021, an Oldsmar resident watched a vehicle pull up to his home......
Vacation Rentals vs COVID-19
Pinellas County Human Services | Spotlight Series Issue #15 Sometime during January of 2020, the Complainant booked a vacation rental (condo) in......
Consumer Protection Frequently Asked Questions
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services...
Consumer Tips: Foreclosure Scams
Don’t Get Scammed! The possibility of losing your home to foreclosure can be terrifying! Con artists can and will prey upon your......
Sandbags and Other Flood Barriers
Pinellas County does not offer year-round sandbag distribution sites. A pilot program offering sandbags at the Solid Waste Disposal Complex was discontinued......
Tips for avoiding COVID-19 robocall scams
As many of us are practicing social distancing by staying home, we may be more likely to answer unsolicited phone calls. That’s......
Protect Your Senior Family and Friends from COVID-19 scams
During these times of social distancing and quarantine, older adults may be more isolated and therefore more vulnerable to scams. Perpetrators may......
Consumer Tips: Mortgage Terms You Should Know
CLOSING COSTS: Costs the buyer must pay at the time of closing in addition to the down payment. Closing costs average 3-4%......