Which of the following is a potential penalty for practicing funeral services without a license?

The correct answer reflects the specific legal framework governing funeral service practices in Vermont. Engaging in funeral services without a valid license can lead to significant civil penalties as a means of enforcement. In this case, the penalty of up to $5,000 is designed to deter unlicensed practice and ensure compliance with state regulations. This amount is consistent with the state's intent to uphold professional standards in the funeral service industry, which is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that practitioners meet health, safety, and ethical guidelines.

Other penalties, such as civil penalties of lesser amounts or non-monetary penalties like community service, may not accurately represent the seriousness with which unlicensed practice is treated in this context. Imprisonment is typically reserved for more severe offenses and not commonly associated with licensing violations in funeral services, making the specified civil penalty the most relevant and appropriate consequence for practicing without a license.