News from the State of Florida
Last week, the Department partnered with several local agencies and the Department of Financial Services in an undercover operation in the Manatee County area seeking unlicensed individuals who were offering or advertising to perform construction work that they did not have a proper license to perform. As a result of the operation, nine individuals advertising as handymen were issued cease and desist notices from DBPR and the cases were turned over to the local State Attorney for prosecution.
A criminal offense of unlicensed activity can result in misdemeanor or felony charges if an individual is convicted. Floridians should report any suspected unlicensed activity by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com or calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440. Additionally, before you hire anyone to perform services that require a license, be sure to verify their professional license on our website at www.myfloridalicense.com.
I contracted for a man to replace two patio doors and one window then signed a contract and gave him a check for 1300.00 dollars found he has no license no permits drawn no work performed and he cannot be located sheriff’s dept. working on case but it is going nowhere. I have reordered my doors and windows from another company that cost me more money I paid half but am short the rest of the money can I get some help ?
Unfortunately no more than what you’ve already done. Because he is an unlicensed contractor it has to be handled to the sheriffs department. The Contractors Recovery Fund is only used for licensed contractors who could complete contracted work. Hopefully the police can catch the guy and force some type of restitution from him.