Charlotte County, FL
09/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2024 10:13
Unlicensed Contracting During Emergency is a Felony
Unlicensed Contracting During Emergency is a Felony
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2024) - A State of Emergency was declared by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sept. 23, 2024, as a result of Hurricane Helene. Any person who does work without the correct licensure during a state of emergency may be charged with a felony.
Per Florida Statute 489.127(2)(c): "Any unlicensed person who commits a violation of subsection (1) during the existence of a state of emergency declared by executive order of the governor commits a felony of the third degree."
This applies to all types of construction - not just that which is associated with repairs due to a tropical storm or hurricane and is in addition to the regular penalties incurred by unlicensed individuals acting in the capacity of a contractor.
Allowing an unlicensed person to perform work on your property puts you, as the owner, at risk. They are unable to obtain workers compensation coverage or general liability insurance and are unable to obtain permits for the work they are doing. Should injuries occur at the site, the owner may be liable for the injuries, and any work performed without a permit, may not be covered by your insurance company in the event of future claims.
Anyone coming into the area wanting to work as a contractor should first contact the Charlotte County Community Development Department for more information. This applies to all licensed contractors - all contractors working in the county must register with the county prior to contracting for work.
For information about whether a person is licensed and registered as a contractor in Charlotte County, or to notify us of possible unlicensed activity, please contact the Charlotte County Community Development Department at 941-743-1201 or [email protected]. Please note that the department is closed until Monday, Sept. 30.
For storm information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000. Those with internet access can find information on resources at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm.
Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty,and www.x.com/ccoem.
For media information, contact Communications Director Brian Gleason at 941-661-6415 or [email protected].
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