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
Consumer Tips: Finding a Home
Home Inspections Defects often go unnoticed by the average person. Before hiring a qualified individual to inspect the home, experts recommend that......
Landlord Tenant Information
Lease or Rental Agreement The landlord and tenant are equal parties in an agreement or lease to rent real property. Before signing,......
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......