Florida

BBB warning consumers about unlicensed workers in Florida

Published

2 years ago

June 27, 2024

BBB warning consumers about unlicensed workers in Florida

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, fla — The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about unlicensed workers in Florida. Operating without a license is illegal in the state, and the BBB wants homeowners to know what to look out for.

“This is very important as we’re heading into hurricane season,” said Bryan Oglesby of the BBB.

He explained that this is an issue that follows a big storm or hurricane. Each year, the BBB hears from consumers whose homes were damaged by a storm.

“They receive that knock on the door. They had damage to the home, the person was there to help. They paid money up front and the person never came back to finish the job and that is what we want to warn consumers of,” Oglesby said.

He explained that those workers flock to Florida after a big storm. Some come for the business opportunity to make money fixing up homes. In other cases, some unlicensed workers will take the money and not come back to do the work.

“These are usually storm chasers, out of town companies that come in knocking on doors offering to do work,” Oglesby said.

He said hiring any unlicensed worker is a risk for the homeowner. In Florida, operating without the proper license is illegal. During a state of emergency, the crime is bumped up from a misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.

Oglesby wants consumers to be proactive and get a list of trusted and licensed professionals together so you have it on hand.

“As opposed to reactive to the unlicensed guy that knocks on your door, the scammer that’s trying to take advantage of you when you’re in an emotional state,” Oglesby said.

The BBB has an online toolto help find licensed professionals in your area.

Florida man’s journey to citizenship stalled by deportation
Yanara Perez-Sanchez spoke with ABC Action News about her family’s struggles since her husband Felix was ordered to a 5 year mandatory stay in Honduras because of a missed immigration appointment in 2004.

Florida man’s journey to citizenship stalled by deportation

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Florida

South Florida celebrates Bad Bunny ahead of Super Bowl Halftime performance

Published

10 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Press Room

South Florida celebrates Bad Bunny ahead of Super Bowl Halftime performance

Published: January 28, 2026 at 9:47 PM

South Florida fans of Bad Bunny come together ahead of Super Bowl performance

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A Miami Beach rooftop has become a haven for Bad Bunny fans counting down the days until the Super Bowl, all while playing one of America’s oldest and longest running pastimes.

High above the neon glow of Lincoln Road, the vibe isn’t just cinematic, it’s Un Verano Sin Ti.

Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach is known for its skyline views and wireless headphones, but on Wednesday, the speakers were pumping 100% Benito.

The prizes for Bad Bunny Bingo ranged from free movie tickets to themed merch, but for most, the real win is the atmosphere and a community of likeminded fans.

The world will be watching when Bad Bunny takes the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage on Feb. 8 from Levi Stadium in Santa Clara.

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Florida

Looking for a job in Florida? The post office is hiring

Published

22 hours ago

January 28, 2026

Press Room

UPS announced plans to cut 30,000 jobs in the coming year. Amazon is slashing 16,000.

The post office is hiring.

In recent weeks, the U.S. Postal Service has been holding job fairs to fill vacant positions for carriers, assistant carriers, and auto techs at Florida locations, with salaries starting at $21.89 per hour. The next two are in Tallahassee and Lake City.

Recent job fairs were held at Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville.

Here’s what to know.

Is the Post Office hiring?

The USPS in Tallahassee and Lake City are looking for “committed and motivated individuals,” according to press releases. The positions are:

Rural Carrier Associates (RCA) – $21.89 per hour, paid bi-weekly, full-time with health benefits. You would deliver mail on a full-time schedule that may include weekend and holidays.
Assistant Rural Carriers (ARC) – $21.89 per hour, paid bi-weekly, part-time. You would deliver packages.
Automotive Technician (AT) – $66,586 annually, paid bi-weekly, health benefits. You would perform repairs and maintenance on all types of motor vehicles used in the postal fleet. (Tallahassee only)

Benefits include multiple health and life insurance choices, pension benefits and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) like a 401(k), and vacation time and sick leave, the USPS said.

When are the USPS job fairs?

Tallahassee: Friday, Jan, 30, at the Tallahassee Post Office, 2800 S Adams Street
Lake City: Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Lake City Post Office, 250 NW Main Blvd.

Interested applicants who can’t make it to the job fairs may also apply at usps.com/careers.

What are the requirements to work for the post office?

You must be 18 years old or older at the time of appointment or 16 years old with a high school diploma
You must be a United States citizen or permanent resident
You must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening
If driving is part of the job, you must have a valid state driver’s license and a safe driving record

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

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Florida

Florida Democrats seek guardrails on immigration enforcement

Published

1 day ago

January 27, 2026

Press Room

Florida Democrats seek guardrails on immigration enforcement

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As cities across the country see growing protests over immigration enforcement, Florida Democrats are pushing bills they say would protect residents and undocumented migrants — and counter Republican proposals to expand enforcement across the state.

“We stand at a crossroads where we need to decide what world we live in,” said Rep. Dotie Joseph, D-North Miami.

One measure, Senate Bill 316, known as the Visible Act, would ban the public use of masks, require police officers to identify themselves and create safe zones around schools and houses of worship.

“We are not a dictatorship,” said Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville. “Secret police belong in the history books, not Florida streets.”

Democrats are also spearheading efforts to grant in-state college tuition to recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, often called DREAMers. Florida lawmakers ended that benefit in 2025.

“I dream and I dream big.I will always work as hard as I have to make my dreams come true,” said Alexander Vallejos, a DACA recipient and student at the University of Central Florida. “I love my beautiful Sunshine State of Florida, and I’m a Florida kid through and through.”

Republicans argued in-state tuition diverted state funds from legal residents during the 2025 debate.

“I don’t think it’s fair to ask hardworking Floridians who are struggling to make ends meet to spend $45 million subsidizing the education of people who shouldn’t even be here,” said U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, a former state legislator.

Gov. Ron DeSantis defended Florida’s continued cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling it “positive cooperation” that “has certainly made a difference here in Florida.”

Tensions over enforcement have deepened nationally after ICE agents in Minneapolis fatally shot two U.S. citizens, drawing condemnation from lawmakers and activists.

“They feel they can do anything they want — even including executing a United States citizen in broad daylight,” said Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando.

The Visible Act must pass three committees before it can reach the full Senate floor for a vote.

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