Commissioner Wilton Simpson shuts down illegal door-to-door pest control sales operation targeting Florida residents and issues $36,000 fine

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today the successful shutdown of an illegal door-to-door pest control operation that had been targeting residents across the state. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) took decisive action against Mira Home LLC and Grit Marketing LLC, imposing a $36,000 fine and banning Grit Marketing from any future pest control activity in Florida after the companies engaged in unlicensed and unlawful solicitation.

The enforcement action came after FDACS discovered that Grit Marketing employees had conducted door-to-door sales and solicited over 600 pest control contracts between March 3, 2025, and March 11, 2025, on behalf of Mira Home, a licensed Florida pest control company. Investigation revealed that Mira Home had improperly obtained Pest Control Identification Cards for individuals who were not its employees but rather independent contractors working through Grit Marketing, a violation of Florida law. Florida statutes require that anyone performing pest control services or soliciting them door-to-door must possess a valid Pest Control Identification Card issued by FDACS to ensure proper training, supervision, and safety.

“One of my top responsibilities as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture is protecting Florida’s consumers, and that includes cracking down on illegal door-to-door sales operations and those operating outside the law,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “I encourage all Floridians to be wary of high-pressure, door-to-door sales tactics, to verify that a pest control company and its employees are properly licensed before signing any contract, and to report any suspicious activity to FDACS.”

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FDACS’ administrative complaints outlined the scope of the illegal activity, noting that more than 30 Grit Marketing employees had conducted unlicensed pest control activities throughout the state. The investigation found that Mira Home, though licensed, had relied on Grit Marketing to bypass Florida’s regulatory framework by allowing independent contractors to perform pest control activities under false pretenses. The violations highlight the potential risks to consumers when companies ignore state licensing requirements, including the possibility of unsafe practices, lack of insurance, and inadequate training for those performing pest control.

As a result of the enforcement actions, Mira Home LLC agreed to pay the $36,000 fine and comply fully with all laws governing the Structural Pest Control Act, Chapter 482 of the Florida Statutes, and its associated administrative rules. Grit Marketing LLC agreed to cease all pest control activities and is now permanently prohibited from soliciting contracts or conducting regulated pest control services anywhere in Florida.

In addition to taking direct action against the companies involved, Commissioner Simpson is seeking to strengthen consumer protections through legislative measures. In the proposed 2026 Florida Farm Bill (Senate Bill 290), Simpson has included a provision that would allow Floridians to post official “No Commercial Solicitation” signs at their homes and establish criminal penalties for violators. This measure is intended to give residents an additional tool to protect themselves from aggressive and illegal door-to-door sales practices.

Florida officials emphasize the importance of consumer awareness in preventing fraud and unsafe practices. Residents are encouraged to verify the license status of any pest control company or employee before engaging their services. Suspicious activity can be reported directly to FDACS by calling 850-617-7996.

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Commissioner Simpson and FDACS officials say the action against Mira Home and Grit Marketing underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to protecting Floridians from illegal business operations, fraudulent practices, and unsafe pest control activity. By enforcing state licensing requirements and taking proactive steps to prevent high-pressure solicitation, the department aims to ensure that consumers can trust licensed professionals and make informed decisions about services that impact their homes and safety.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, including tips for verifying pest control licenses, residents can visit FDACS.gov. The department urges all Floridians to remain vigilant and report violations, helping to protect themselves and their neighbors from illegal and potentially hazardous business practices.