LEARN 2 INVESTIGATE:
Thanks to Florida's broad open-records laws, you have access to the same tools the NBC2 Investigators use on a daily basis. Click on the articles below for step-by-step instructions on navigating state and county websites so you can start doing your own investigations!

Personal property:

How to find property records
NBC2 walks you through the process of finding out who owns a particular piece of property, how much was paid for the property, when it was purchased, etc.

Searching for mortgages, deeds, liens etc.
Nearly every county in the state of Florida puts public records like mortgages, deeds, liens and marriage licenses in an online search. Here we walk you through the search process and how to find useful information.

Is your contractor licensed?
Are you building or renovating a home? If so, you will more than likely need a contractor. Although most contractors are honest and dependable, there are many operating without proper licenses. Having a license doesn't necessarily mean the contractor is reliable, it does mean he or she has met all of the state of Florida's licensing requirements and has the proper insurance coverage.

Investigating real estate agents and mortgage brokers
If you plan to buy property or a home in Florida, there are two things you may, or may not, need - a real estate agent and a mortgage broker. Anyone selling real estate or acting as a mortgage broker must have a license in the state of Florida. Here we walk you through the process of finding out whether someone is licensed or not.

Health related services and facilities:

Health care facility search
The state of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration has created a website to aid Florida residents in making health care decisions. You can find licensed health care facilities and providers, information on Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, medications, hospital and ambulatory facility data, and much more. NBC2 walks you through the process so you can make an informed decision.

Day care licensing and provider search
The Department of Children and Families, Child Care Services Program Office, is responsible for the administration of child care licensing and training in Florida. The program regulates licensed child care facilities, licensed family day care homes, licensed large family child care homes, and licensed mildly ill facilities in 60 of the 67 counties in Florida. It also administers the registration of family day care homes not required to be licensed. We help you navigate the different searches to get the information you need.

Investigating your health care provider
Choosing a doctor is a very important decision. We show you how to find out whether a doctor has the proper licensing for their specialty as well as whether there have been any disciplinary actions taken against them. We take you step by step through the process of finding information which may help you make an informed decision.

Investigating nursing homes
When you're trusting someone else to care for a loved one, it is a very important decision. The state of Florida keeps records on nursing home licenses, emergency actions and disciplinary actions. We help you find the information you need to make this very important decision.

Investigating funeral homes, directors, embalmers
All facilities and services related to funeral homes and cemeteries are licensed in the state of Florida. At a time when you may be emotionally vulnerable it can be difficult to make a decision. We'll take you through the steps to make sure you know which facilities and people are properly licensed to assist you and work for you in your time of need.

Investigating business ownership
Ever wonder who owns a particular business? The state of Florida's Department of Business and Financial Regulation keeps a number of different databases related to business ownership online. This search can be very helpful if you're considering doing business with someone or if you've had problems with a particular business. We'll show you how to go about your search and what you'll  need to know.

Investigate a veterinarian
Just like doctors, veterinarians must be licensed in the state of Florida. The best way to find out who can legally practice veterinary medicine is by using the Department of Business and Professional Regulation's licensee search. We'll take you step by step through the online search.

 
   

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