FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Four men were arrested following an undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The four men, one of whom is from Jacksonville, are accused of advertising and providing estimates for regulated construction services without a license, deputies said on Wednesday.
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According to FCSO, the undercover operation began in August following an investigation into numerous complaints submitted to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Flagler County Contractor Licensing Division, and the City of Palm Coast Building Department.
During the initial investigation, the agencies identified 45 unlicensed businesses from these complaints, as well as leads from social media platforms and online advertisements.
Deputies said the FCSO General Assignment Unit sent text messages and made hundreds of phone calls, which resulted in 19 unlicensed contractors agreeing to perform work within the operation’s timeline.
During the second phase of the undercover operation, detectives met with seven of the 19 contractors at a Palm Coast home. Of the seven contractors, four were found to be providing estimates for construction services without a valid license.
Detectives then arrested the four unlicensed contractors after being accused of offering to perform work as unregistered electrical contractors and contracting without a license.
The four men were transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and were later released on a $1,000 bond.
One of the men was determined to be in the country illegally and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to FCSO.
“These arrests help prevent future victims in our community and send a strong message that unlicensed contracting work will not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Rick Staly.
Homeowners and business owners should verify contracting licenses through DBPR, the Flagler County Contractor Licensing Division, or their city before starting any project.
Anyone who suspects a contractor is unlicensed should file a complaint online through DBPR by visiting this website.