When a business won't make things right, a formal complaint does two things: it puts the company on notice that someone official is watching, and it creates a dated record you can use later. Here's where Florida consumers can file and how to make your complaint count.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
FDACS's Division of Consumer Services is Florida's main consumer protection clearinghouse.
- Phone: 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352)
- Online: through the FDACS consumer complaint portal
FDACS reviews your complaint, may contact the business for a response, and can refer it to other agencies.
Florida Attorney General
The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division handles fraud and deceptive or unfair trade practices under Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Complaints help the office spot patterns.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB is a private nonprofit, not a government agency. Businesses often respond to protect their rating, and complaints and responses can be public.
Where to file what
| Problem | Best place |
|---|---|
| Damage claim denied | FDACS, plus small claims court if needed |
| Billing or membership charges after canceling | FDACS, your card issuer |
| Deceptive advertising | Florida Attorney General |
| Public record of how the business responds | BBB, Google reviews |
How to write a complaint that works
- One-sentence summary: "Kiwi Car Wash Gatlin denied a $645.31 paint damage claim after my car was damaged in its wash."
- Timeline: dates and what happened.
- What you already did: reported on site, sent a written claim, sent a demand letter.
- Evidence: attach photos, estimate, emails, receipts.
- What you want: payment of a specific amount, a refund, a cancellation.
Keep it factual and calm. Insults make complaints easier to dismiss.
After you file
Save the confirmation number and every reply. A complaint doesn't replace small claims court, but it strengthens your paper trail. See our small claims guide.
Other places worth knowing
- Your credit card issuer for billing disputes.
- Google, Yelp and Nextdoor for public reviews that other customers will read.
- Small claims court when you need an order to pay. See our small claims guide.
What happens after an FDACS complaint
FDACS typically reviews the complaint, may forward it to the business for a response, and shares that response with you. It can also identify complaints that belong with another agency. The process doesn't replace a lawsuit, but businesses often respond more seriously once a state agency is involved.
Sample complaint summary
On September 24, 2026, my vehicle was damaged in the tunnel at [business, address]. I reported it before leaving and completed the business's incident report. A body shop estimated the repair at $645.31. The business denied the claim without inspecting my vehicle. I request payment of the repair cost. Photos, the estimate and all correspondence are attached.
Keep it organized
Create one folder, physical or digital, with every document in date order. Each agency you contact will ask for the same things.