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
Adult Use Establishments
The Office of Consumer Protection manages licensing for adult use establishments. Effective Oct. 1, 2025, there is a $59.00 increase in Adult......
Apply for or Renew a Bingo License
The Pinellas County Bingo Ordinance requires that anyone who conducts bingo or leases premises for the conduct of bingo must first obtain......
Submit a Complaint about a Business
If you have a problem with any business transaction, you can file a complaint online or by emailing consumer@pinellas.gov. If you have......
Trade-In Tangle
Human Services Spotlight Series #17 Protecting Consumers from Scams Sometime during July 2020, a vehicle owner visited an auto dealership for a......
Scam Artist No More
Human Services Spotlight Series #16 Air Conditioning “Contractor” Pleads Guilty Between 2016 and 2018, a Pinellas County man used Craig’s List, roadside......
Insurance Company Pays Back
Human Services Spotlight Series #14 Insurance Company, Owner Disagree Over Cost of Vehicle Repairs Sometime during April 2020, the complainant tried to......
Opening a Can of Worms
Human Services Spotlight Series #13 Unlicensed Contractor Repays Homeowner A Pinellas County resident contacted Consumer Protection after she had problems with a......
Final Agreement
Human Services Spotlight Series #11 Complainant Gets His Money Back In October 2018, the complainant made a $10,000 credit card payment to......
Payback Long Overdue
Human Services Spotlight Series #12 Scammer Pleads Guilty, Returns Money to Churches Pinellas County Consumer Protection became aware of an individual who......
Homeowners’ Peace of Mind
Human Services Spotlight Issue #10 Unlicensed contractor gets jail time. Seven homeowners get their money back. Seven Pinellas County consumers who needed......