| 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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