IMPORTANT NEWS...
Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Brevard County Sheriff's Office "Sting" Unlicensed Contractors
November 20, 2009
Rockledge—The Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in partnership with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, completed a two-day contracting sting operation, resulting in 10 arrests. Unlicensed contractors were issued notices to appear from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and administrative penalties from DBPR.
DBPR investigators gathered advertisements for construction work from newspapers, vehicles, business cards, and the Internet. Unlicensed contractors were asked to come to the “sting” house to provide a proposal for work including, swimming pool resurfacing, electrical work, roof repair, plumbing work, and removing and replacing exterior doors and door frames. When the individuals failed to provide their state-required license, they were arrested. In addition to arrests, investigators provided information on how to obtain a license. The ultimate goal is to bring the individuals into compliance with state law and protect consumers.
Below are precautions that consumers can take to help protect themselves from unlicensed individuals:
- 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.
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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