Think unlicensed contracting work is no big deal?
Think again.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the arrest of nine men in July on charges related to performing unlicensed contracting work, following an undercover investigation dubbed “Operation Freelancer IV.”
With the help of Florida’s Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, detectives contacted individuals who were advertising home repair services – work that requires one or more state-issued license.
Once the contractor showed up to a home to perform the work, authorities checked with the DBPR to determine if they held a license, were registered as a contractor in Florida and were required to hold workers’ compensation coverage.
The three-day sting reportedly resulted in 11 felony charges and seven misdemeanor charges. Those arrested ranged in age from 42 to 69, and resided in Bradenton, Englewood, North Port, Myrtle Beach, Port Charlotte and Sarasota.
Typically, a first offense results in a civil citation, but subsequent violations can lead to misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. Those charged can also expect to receive a cease and desist order from the State of Florida.
“Maintenance operations like these should be a good reminder for consumers to always seek licensed contractors to perform work on their homes or businesses,” Sheriff Tom Knight said in a WFLA News Channel 8 report. “Consumers are exposing themselves to financial and physical risk by allowing these people to enter their home, unlicensed, and in some cases, with criminal histories. Let this be a warning to criminals who come into our community and illegally solicit services that their behavior will not be tolerated.”
In a separate sting operation in June called “Operation Builder Bust,” authorities in Lakeland arrested eight men on similar charges. Those charged reportedly advertised their abilities to perform wide-ranging plumbing and electrical work on the Internet without licenses or training, and all but one had no workers’ compensation coverage to protect their employees, according to news reports.
A Florida contractor licensing company can help individuals and companies navigate the state’s licensing requirements, with approvals as quick as 10 days. We are a Florida contracting licensing company. We can help get you licensed. For more information on Florida contractor requirements or to get an application started, visit our Florida contractor license website or call 239-777-1028.