Florida DBPR Takes Action Against Unlicensed Contractors Targeting Floridians Impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced its decisive action against unlicensed contractors targeting Floridians impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In conjunction with the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies' (NASCLA) 2024 Coordinated Enforcement Effort, DBPR launched a targeted enforcement operation over two weeks, targeting bad actors attempting to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners through unlicensed contracting scams. The operation, completed in partnership with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, resulted in more than 50 arrests and saved homeowners from more than $250,000 in unlicensed activity scams.

"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 unlicensed individuals apprehended through the operation had solicited payment from homeowners for 85 projects for plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, roofing, and structural repair services. 21 of the individuals were from outside the county and many had prior criminal records, including charges for contracting without a license, theft, and fraud.

In addition to these enforcement actions, DBPR conducted a public education initiative to educate homeowners on the dangers of unlicensed contracting and equip them with the skills to prevent and report suspicious activity. Through the initiative, DBPR conducted 88 outreach events, including participation at 20 disaster recovery centers for Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The Florida Disaster Contractors Network (DCN) is a free tool available to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs. DBPR encourages homeowners in need of repairs to search for a licensed contractor at DCNOnline.org.

Homeowners are encouraged to report any suspicions of unlicensed contracting activity to DBPR through the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440 or by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com.

###

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates nearly 1.7 million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida across more than 30 fields of industry. The Department's mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. For more information, visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

Follow @FloridaDBPR on X and Facebook, @Florida.DBPR on Instagram and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on LinkedIn for important information and updates on matters relating to Florida's business and professional licensing.