Unlicensed contractors busted in undercover sting in Flagler, Volusia counties, investigators say

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Twelve people were arrested in Volusia and Flagler counties recently after an undercover sting aimed at rooting out unlicensed contractors preying on residents, officials said.

Law enforcement in Flagler County got involved in the issue after Sheriff Rick Staly received a suspicious phone call to his home from a “shady” contractor, a joint statement from the Volusia County and Flagler County sheriff’s offices.

Volusia County joined efforts to get unlicensed contractors off the streets after Sheriff Mike Chitwood heard from numerous citizens about the individuals.

“Both operations secured houses where an undercover detective posing as the homeowner placed calls to businesses advertising services that require the contractor to be licensed and insured,” the sheriff’s offices’ statement said. “Through coordination with the state (Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation), detectives already knew all the targets were unlicensed.

When asked to install a water heater, one contractor said he could do it, but that the homeowner couldn’t tell anyone, the statement said.

“(The contractor) replied, ‘I’m not supposed to, but I can put it in. But don’t say I did. I don’t have a license,’” the statement quoted the man as telling the undercover detective.

Most of the contractors face misdemeanor charges, but those who have been caught before, and those without insurance, could face felony charges and up to five years in prison, officials said.

Cox Media Group