§ 214-13. Powers and duties of division of consumer affairs.

The division, through its administrator and investigators, shall have the following powers and duties:

(1)

To enforce the provisions of all state laws and county and municipal ordinances relating to consumer protection, whether civil or criminal in nature, including but not limited to the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, trade standards, warranties, and weights and measures.

(2)

To receive and investigate complaints of alleged violations, as defined in this chapter.

(3)

To initiate investigations where there is reason to believe, based on evidence presented to the division, that a violation has occurred or is occurring.

(4)

To certify complaints to the board where an investigation reveals that there is probable cause that a violation has occurred or is occurring.

(5)

To refer complaints to the office of the state attorney where there is reason to believe that a criminal violation has occurred or is occurring.

(6)

To make reports and recommendations to the board concerning alleged violations.

(7)

To effect service of process upon any supplier or other person charged as a respondent in complaint certified to the board for hearing.

(8)

To effect service of process upon witnesses.

(9)

To make periodic reports to the board concerning the activities of the division.

(10)

To implement and administer consumer protection education programs.

(11)

To conciliate consumer disputes through conferences with the interested parties and their representatives.

(Laws of Fla. ch. 74-573, § 12; Laws of Fla. ch. 77-628, § 8)