This week, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced its decisive action against unlicensed contractors targeting Floridians through two proactive enforcement operations in Lee and Monroe counties. These operations, conducted in partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Building Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Office, targeted bad actors attempting to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners through unlicensed contracting scams.
“Florida is a law-and-order stronghold under Governor DeSantis and, under his leadership, DBPR continues to work with state and local law enforcement partners to hold bad actors accountable,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “These targeted efforts protect Floridians and business owners alike from the dangers and negative, long-term impacts of unlicensed activity, and we look forward to keeping the momentum going.”
Lee County Operation
On January 28-29, DBPR executed a two-day undercover operation in Lee County, which was recently impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Following a state of emergency, unlicensed contracting targeting storm-impacted Floridians becomes a felony. This operation resulted in 9 individuals being charged with unlicensed contracting and felony State of Emergency violations.
Monroe County Operation
On February 6-7, DBPR investigators partnered with Monroe County law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend unlicensed contractors. The operation resulted in 8 citations for unlicensed contracting and electrical work.
All cases have been referred to the State Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement agencies for further action.
How to Recognize and Report Unlicensed Activity
Unlicensed contractors often lack the required training, experience, and insurance, which can expose homeowners and businesses to poor workmanship and potential financial loss. Florida homeowners and business owners in search of professionals to complete work on residential or commercial properties should always verify a professional’s license at MyFloridaLicense.com and be aware of the following unlicensed activity warning signs:
Offers with unusually low prices.
Requests for large, upfront cash payments.
Lack of written contracts.
Refusal to pull permits or requests for the homeowner to personally pull permits for a project.
The use of P.O. boxes rather than physical addresses.
Unmarked vehicles with out-of-state plates.
Floridians are encouraged to report any suspicions of unlicensed contracting activity to DBPR through the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440 or by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com.
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