A contractor receives a complaint filed with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. According to Florida Statutes Chapter 455, within how many days must the contractor respond to the complaint?
Correct Answer
B) 21 days
Florida Statutes Chapter 455 requires licensees to respond to complaints within 21 days of receipt. Failure to respond timely can result in additional disciplinary action.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Florida Statutes Chapter 455.225 specifically requires licensed professionals, including contractors, to respond to complaints filed with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation within 21 days of receipt. This 21-day response period is mandatory and failure to respond within this timeframe can result in additional disciplinary action against the contractor's license, including potential suspension or revocation proceedings.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 20 days
20 days is one day short of the statutory requirement. While close to the correct timeframe, Florida law specifically mandates 21 days, not 20. Using 20 days could result in a late response and potential disciplinary consequences.
Option C: 30 days
30 days exceeds the statutory requirement by 9 days. While responding within 30 days would still be timely, the law specifically requires a response within 21 days. Contractors cannot rely on a longer timeframe than what is mandated by statute.
Option D: 15 days
15 days is 6 days shorter than the required timeframe. This represents a common confusion with other regulatory deadlines, but Florida Statutes Chapter 455 clearly establishes 21 days as the response period for DBPR complaints.
Memory Technique
Remember '21 to stay free' - contractors have 21 days to respond to DBPR complaints to avoid additional disciplinary action and keep their license in good standing.
More Business & Finance Questions
A general contractor purchases equipment worth $45,000 with a useful life of 9 years and no salvage value. Using straight-line depreciation, what is the annual depreciation expense?
What is the typical recommended coverage amount for general liability insurance for a small to medium-sized general contracting business?
A contractor estimates startup costs of $75,000 for equipment, $25,000 for initial inventory, $15,000 for insurance premiums, and $10,000 for working capital. They can finance 70% of the total. How much cash do they need?
When establishing professional relationships with architects and engineers, what is the most important factor for a general contractor to consider?
A partnership agreement for a construction company should address all of the following EXCEPT:
A contractor purchases a truck for $60,000. After 5 years, it has accumulated depreciation of $35,000. What is the truck's book value?
A contractor's business plan projects first-year revenue of $500,000 with a 15% net profit margin. If actual revenue is $450,000 with the same profit margin, what is the variance in net profit?
Using the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), construction equipment is typically depreciated over how many years?
A contractor is comparing financing options for equipment purchase. Option A: $80,000 cash purchase. Option B: $20,000 down, $65,000 financed at 6% for 4 years. What is the total cost of Option B?
A contractor purchases equipment using a capital lease with a present value of $120,000. How should this be recorded on the balance sheet?