14-Day Reply to DFS (Consumer Complaints)

Anyone licensed or holding a certificate of authority must respond in writing or electronically within fourteen (14) days of receiving a written request for documents and information from the DFS Division of Consumer Services about a consumer complaint, addressing the issues raised (F.S. 624.307(10)(b) — the deadline was 20 days under prior law, and older study materials still say 20). Noncompliance penalties: up to $1,000 per violation for a licensed individual; up to $5,000 per violation for a licensed entity.

When the Department writes about a complaint, you have fourteen days to answer in writing — and every violation has a price.