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.
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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 and some municipalities may offer limited self-serve sandbag distribution sites ahead of storms forecast to approach the County. Check disaster.pinellas.gov for the latest updates......
High Prescribing Health Clinic Permitting—Pain Management
Effective Oct. 1, 2025, there is a $55.00 increase in High Prescribing Health Clinic (HPHC) license fees from $1,610 to $1,665 to......
Consumer Tips: Price Gouging
Price gouging is when a business sells necessary goods or services at higher than normal prices during a state of emergency. This......
Consumer Quick Tips
A retail store must conspicuously post the return policy near the point of sale or on the receipt. Never give an uninvited......