This week, the Florida Division of Enterprise and Skilled Regulation (DBPR) introduced its decisive motion in opposition to unlicensed contractors concentrating on Floridians by way of two proactive enforcement operations in Lee and Monroe counties. These operations, performed in partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Workplace, Monroe County Constructing Division and Lee County Sheriff’s Workplace, focused dangerous actors trying to reap the benefits of weak householders by way of unlicensed contracting scams.
“Florida is a law-and-order stronghold below Governor DeSantis and, below his management, DBPR continues to work with state and native regulation enforcement companions to carry dangerous actors accountable,” stated DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “These focused efforts shield Floridians and enterprise homeowners alike from the risks and detrimental, long-term impacts of unlicensed exercise, and we sit up for protecting the momentum going.”
Lee County Operation
On January 28-29, DBPR executed a two-day undercover operation in Lee County, which was lately impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Following a state of emergency, unlicensed contracting concentrating on storm-impacted Floridians turns into a felony. This operation resulted in 9 people being charged with unlicensed contracting and felony State of Emergency violations.
Monroe County Operation
On February 6-7, DBPR investigators partnered with Monroe County regulation enforcement companies to determine and apprehend unlicensed contractors. The operation resulted in 8 citations for unlicensed contracting and electrical work.
All circumstances have been referred to the State Lawyer’s Workplace and native regulation enforcement companies for additional motion.
Acknowledge and Report Unlicensed Exercise
Unlicensed contractors usually lack the required coaching, expertise, and insurance coverage, which may expose householders and companies to poor workmanship and potential monetary loss. Florida householders and enterprise homeowners searching for professionals to finish work on residential or industrial properties ought to all the time confirm an expert’s license at MyFloridaLicense.com and pay attention to the next unlicensed exercise warning indicators:
Provides with unusually low costs.
Requests for giant, upfront money funds.
Lack of written contracts.
Refusal to drag permits or requests for the house owner to personally pull permits for a undertaking.
The usage of P.O. bins moderately than bodily addresses.
Unmarked autos with out-of-state plates.
Floridians are inspired to report any suspicions of unlicensed contracting exercise to DBPR by way of the Unlicensed Exercise Hotline at (866) 532-1440 or by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com.
