What to Look For

Unlicensed Providers

• Operating out of a home or garage
• Accept only cash, do not accept insurance
• You were referred by a “friend of a friend”
• Medical procedures are often completed in a non-conventional facility (home, garage, etc.)
• They do little advertising, or signage looks like it’s temporary
• They do not have a website or online advertisement
• Medical supplies and or equipment are missing or lacking
• Common household items are utilized (i.e. supplies from home improvement or other hardware stores)
• There is no license posted on the wall, there’s a lack of degrees or certificates posted, staff is evasive when asked about licensure, certification, or inspections
• The provider uses unsavory webpages to advertise, or webpages known to advertise escorts
• Office staff is unprofessionally dressed
• Use of unlicensed persons while no doctor, ARNP or Physician Assistant is onsite
• Surgical centers may have surgical assistants in lieu of a Physician
• Dental providers that come to you or practice from their home or garage
• Dental providers that use portable dental equipment
• A provider that frequently makes house calls
• Pharmacies that do not have a licensed pharmacist on staff (Report to hotline immediately)
• Providers that display false licenses or licenses from other states, licenses must be issued by the Florida Department of Health

If you see any of these warnings, please alert our Department.

Licensed Providers

• It’s a good practice to check every provider through the Florida Department of Health License Verification portal
• There is a physical office in a location appropriately zoned for the services rendered
• Licenses and certificates are displayed and valid (not expired)
• The practice advertises in reputable venues or has its own website
• The premises are clean and disinfected
• The provider accepts insurance
• Health care policies and procedures are followed
• The Florida Patient’s Bill of Rights & Responsibilities is provided upon request per F.S. 381.026 for applicable professions

Human Trafficking

Be aware of possible human trafficking if you see the following:

• Living with employer (cots or sleeping quarters, children playing during normal school days, excessive amounts of laundry not related to the operations of the facility)
• Poor living conditions
• Multiple people in cramped space
• A kitchen on the premises
• Suitcases that are visible
• Workers without personal transportation
• Inability to speak to individual alone
• Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
• Employer is holding identity documents
• Signs of physical abuse
• Submissive or fearful
• Unpaid or paid very little
• Involved in prostitution

If you suspect human trafficking, you can report a tip, connect with anti-trafficking services in your area; or request training and technical assistance, general information, or specific anti-trafficking resources by calling the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888.

You can also alert the Department by utilizing our 877-HALT-ULA (877-425-8852), Email: HALTULA@FLHEALTH.GOV, or hotline or via the online complaint form.

For more information, please visit the DHS Blue Campaign.