IMPORTANT NEWS...

DBPR Reminds Athletes to Use Only Licensed Athlete Agents

August 14, 2008

TALLAHASSEE— As America’s finest athletes are currently demonstrating their talents and world-class sportsmanship in Beijing, many younger, less experienced athletes look on with aspirations of one day representing their country as an Olympian.  But, many athletes may never realize that type of success without the help of a state-licensed athlete agent.  The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates athlete agents in Florida and reminds all student athletes of the importance of contracting only with a licensed professional. 

“Combating unlicensed activity is an important objective, and we’ve found that educating consumers about the risks of hiring unlicensed individuals is one of the best weapons we have, said Secretary Charles W. Drago.  “It is our hope that everyone will use our interactive Web site to determine if an individual is a currently licensed professional.”  

Athlete agents represent and promote athletes to prospective employers. Some agents may handle contract negotiations and other business matters for clients.  A license is required if any individual directly or indirectly solicits a student athlete to engage in an agent contract to obtain employment with a professional sports team. 

To verify an athlete agent’s license, visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com and click on “verify a license.”  You can also check the license status of any other Department licensee.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  The Department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists.  For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

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