The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has taken significant action against unlicensed contractors who have been targeting residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This initiative was part of the 2024 Coordinated Enforcement Effort by the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA). Over a two-week period, DBPR conducted an enforcement operation in collaboration with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, leading to more than 50 arrests and preventing over $250,000 in scams related to unlicensed activities.
“Following a disaster, bad actors flock to impacted areas to take advantage of homeowners in need of repair services. They often take deposits and are never seen again, or subject homeowners to shoddy, unsafe work and dangerous situations,” said DBPR Secretary Melanie S. Griffin. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, the partnership of NASCLA and the efforts of our local law enforcement agencies, the Department is well equipped to act quickly and proactively to protect Florida homeowners from these scams and keep their hard-earned money in their pockets as they work to recover.”
The operation targeted individuals soliciting payments for 85 projects involving plumbing, electrical work, air conditioning, roofing, and structural repairs. Among those arrested were 21 individuals from outside the county; many had previous criminal records including charges for contracting without a license, theft, and fraud.
DBPR also launched a public education campaign aimed at informing homeowners about the risks associated with unlicensed contracting. The department organized 88 outreach events which included participation at 20 disaster recovery centers for Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
To assist homeowners in finding legitimate service providers for emergency repairs, DBPR offers access to the Florida Disaster Contractors Network (DCN), a free resource connecting them with licensed contractors and suppliers. Homeowners can search for licensed contractors at DCNOnline.org.
Additionally, residents are urged to report any suspected unlicensed contracting activity through DBPR's Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440 or via MyFloridaLicense.com.