For-hire transportation remained in second place but saw an improvement with 39 fewer complaints registered than the previous year. The improvement is attributed to the department's vigilant code enforcement.

Home service grievances jumped one notch from last year's fourth position to the third most recurring complaint category, with 217 registered issues. Problems associated with home services ranged from incomplete work on home improvements, to disputes in job costs.

Towing was the fourth most-cited problem and saw a 40% increase in complaints from last year. To deter would-be violators, the department headed 90 investigations into illegal towing activities and collaborated with several law enforcement agencies for special operations, netting 221 citations and $83,570 in fines. The department also conducted regular towing audits that resulted in $22,514.75 in consumer reimbursements and $88,393.91 in Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) agreements to correct mistakes. Some of the violations included towing without a license or decal; failing to provide manifests, which document the ownership of vehicles; and missing trip sheets, which record towers' daily activities. Some also failed to use safety chains or have proper vehicle markings identification, solicited at accident scenes or disabled vehicle sites, and overcharged consumers.

"It is important that consumers are aware of the types of issues people have in the marketplace so that they can make informed decisions and avoid running into trouble in a business transaction," said Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department Director Cathy Grimes Peel. "Our department offers mediation and consumer education as a free service to the community, in addition to the other regulatory activities we conduct behind the scenes."

The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department operates the Mediation Center where consumers can speak with investigative analysts to register their complaints and receive general information on a variety of topics. Consumers may also contact the department to inquire about a company's service history prior to doing business with them.

Complaints and inquiries may be submitted via the department's website at www.miamidade.gov/csd or over the phone (305) 375-3677.

About CSD
The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department (CSD) investigates and mediates consumer complaints, enforces the County's consumer protection laws and business regulations, and licenses certain businesses. In addition, the department's Cooperative Extension Division provides technical assistance to commercial agricultural growers, backyard gardeners, homeowners, and manages youth and family development programs. The department also educates consumers on issues that affect them and provides resources to the public to improve their quality of life.