IMPORTANT NEWS...
DBPR and JSO Arrest Unlicensed Individuals who Leave Jacksonville Resident Without Roof
July 10, 2009
TALLAHASSEE—One Jacksonville consumer was left with a partially stripped roof, out $1,455 cash and an abandoned job after hiring an unlicensed individual. The victim needed to redo the roof on her house, and she received an attractive quote for $2,000 for the entire job. Soon after payment was rendered, the unlicensed individual tore the roof off her house and never returned to finish the job. The woman called the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to report the scam. This Wednesday, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office partnered to bring the unlicensed individuals to the victim’s home and arrest James Robert Glawson (39) and Kimberly Ann Favichia (36) for unlicensed contracting.
“We take unlicensed activity very seriously, and this situation is exactly what can happen when a consumer hires an unlicensed individual thinking they may save money,” stated Secretary Charles W. Drago. “In this case, the victim was literally left without a roof overhead, and I’m grateful that we could work with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to bring about justice.”
The penalties for unlicensed activity can include a fine of up to $5,000 per incident, a misdemeanor for a first offense, and a third degree felony for any subsequent offenses. Any person who acts as an unlicensed contractor during a State of Emergency declared by executive order of the Governor commits a third degree felony.
Consumers can protect themselves by following these tips:
- Always ask to see the State of Florida license.
- Note the license number and verify that the license is current and in good standing. To check a license, call 850-487-1395 or visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
- Ask for references and check each one.
- Do not pay cash and be cautious of writing checks made payable to individuals, especially when dealing with a company.
- Get everything in writing, including a detailed description of the work to be completed, a completion date and the total cost.
- Report suspected unlicensed activity at MyFloridaLicense.com or toll-free at 1-866-532-1440.
The department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
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