FL S0854

Creates s. 501.0195, F.S., regulating unlicensed vendors (non-contractors) who provide home repair services, requiring them to apply for necessary permits within 30 days of receiving payment and begin work within 30 days of permit issuance or payment if no permit is needed

Requires homeowners to send a certified mail written demand letter before an unlicensed vendor can be found in violation, with a rebuttable presumption of no just cause if the vendor fails to act within 30 days of receiving the demand

Establishes tiered criminal penalties based on the amount of money received: first-degree misdemeanor for amounts under $1,000; third-degree felony for $1,000–$19,999 (or repeat offenses under $1,000 within 3 years); second-degree felony for $20,000–$199,999; and first-degree felony for $200,000 or more

Creates a legal presumption that an unlicensed vendor intended to deprive the homeowner of money if the vendor fails to refund owed amounts within 30 days of a written demand, and bars the defense that the vendor merely intended to return the money

Amends s. 501.022, F.S., to clarify that a business card does not qualify as a "sample, catalog, or brochure" for purposes of the home solicitation sale permit exemption, effective July 1, 2025