A Florida Department of Health investigation identified alleged unlicensed vitamin injection services at a Pensacola business. Attorney Joe Zarzaur told WEAR-TV that his client plans to sue. The case highlights supervision, credentialing, and oversight risks for injection-based service providers, such as Med Spa operators.
Undercover Findings Prompt Cease-and-Desist at Pensacola Vitamin Injection Business
On April 3, 2026, a Pensacola patient indicated plans to file a lawsuit against a vitamin injection business following an injection that allegedly caused sciatic nerve damage, according to WEAR-TV. Attorney Joe Zarzaur told the outlet his client sustained the injury after treatment at “The B-12 Store” in Cordova Mall. According to Pensacola News Journal, the Florida Department of Health issued a cease-and-desist order following a complaint filed on December 16, 2025, alleging the injection was administered by an individual who misrepresented her nursing credentials. For Med Spa operators, the case centers on licensing, supervision, and credentialing in the delivery of injection-based services.
Florida Department of Health Investigation Finds Alleged Unlicensed Injections at Cordova Mall Store
On December 16, 2025, a healthcare complaint was filed with the Florida Department of Health alleging injury following a vitamin injection administered at “The B-12 Store” in Cordova Mall in Pensacola. The complaint states the patient sustained sciatic nerve damage after the injection, as reported by Pensacola News Journal.
The complaint prompted an undercover investigation during which investigators visited the location and reported that Dorca Figaro, who was operating the business, represented herself as a licensed nurse while administering injections. She wore a nametag identifying her as a Licensed Practical Nurse and stated she held nursing credentials, but was unable to produce a valid Florida nursing license. A search of Florida licensing records did not identify an active license under her name, as reported by Pensacola News Journal.
Investigators also found that injections were provided without supervision by a qualified healthcare professional. Figaro held a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant certification but was not licensed to perform nursing functions independently. The Pensacola News Journal also reported that on January 8, 2026, the Florida Department of Health issued a cease-and-desist order and cited Figaro for misrepresenting herself as a licensed nurse in Florida. The matter was referred to law enforcement, though no arrest was reported.
In separate reporting, WEAR-TV interviewed attorney Joe Zarzaur, who stated that his client sustained a nerve injury following an injection administered in the lower back area, with ongoing symptoms requiring evaluation by a neurologist. These findings relate to documentation, supervision, and credentialing requirements associated with injection-based medical services.
Source Attribution
According to WEAR-TV, which reported on April 3, 2026, attorney Joe Zarzaur stated that his client plans to sue following an alleged nerve injury. Pensacola News Journal reported on April 3, 2026, that a Florida Department of Health investigation followed a complaint filed on December 16, 2025, and resulted in a January 8, 2026, cease-and-desist order related to “The B-12 Store” in Cordova Mall in Pensacola, Florida.
Unlicensed Practice and Supervision Failures in Injection-Based Services
As reported by the Pensacola News Journal, the Florida Department of Health identified alleged unlicensed practice, misrepresentation of credentials, and lack of supervision in connection with injection services performed at “The B-12 Store.” Investigators found that an individual administered injections without a Florida nursing license.
While the employee held certification as a medical assistant, the Pensacola News Journal stated the B-12 store provided services without oversight from a qualified healthcare professional. In Florida, the practice of medicine is defined under Florida Statutes § 458.305 and includes diagnosing and treating medical conditions. The administration of injection-based services may fall within this scope depending on how the services are performed and represented.
Such services are performed by licensed practitioners or delegated under physician supervision in accordance with state law. Under Florida Statutes § 458.3485, medical assistants may perform delegated tasks under direct supervision but are not independently licensed to provide medical treatment.
These requirements include verifying licensure, maintaining supervision protocols, and ensuring that individuals performing injections are authorized under state law. The findings also align with requirements for patient evaluation before treatment, such as before injection-based or IV therapy services are provided within Med Spa settings.
Practical Implications for Med Spa Operators
- Review injection-based protocols to ensure alignment with clinical standards.
- Verify staff credentials and competency for services involving IV therapy, injectables, and medication administration.
- Confirm that supervision structures align with state delegation requirements for injection-based services.
- Document patient evaluation and treatment indications prior to infusions and medication administration.
- Audit consent documentation to ensure risks are disclosed, and patients are appropriately screened and evaluated.
What to Watch Next
Further developments may follow as reported plans to file a lawsuit progress and any related proceedings move forward. For Med Spa operators, the case remains relevant as enforcement actions and investigations involving injection-based services continue.
About Spakinect
Spakinect provides compliance infrastructure and telehealth-supported supervision solutions for medical aesthetic practices. For additional information, see our website.
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