SWFL PHCC and MACCA hold Unlicensed Contractors Activity Meeting with local Sheriff’s Departments and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
The Southwest Florida Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (SWFLPHCC) and Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association (MACCA) held a panel discussion on May 4, 2023, on unlicensed contractors’ activity. Timothy McGrath, Tampa Field Manager-Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation; Rick Wells, Manatee County Sheriff; Lieutenant Craig Fairly, Criminal Investigations, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Paul Guyton, Economic Crimes, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office were the panelists.
The panelists provided information on the current state of unlicensed contractor activity in each county/city, specifically post hurricane investigations. They also discussed the current efforts each county/city is employing to curb unlicensed contractor activity. as well as future plans for addressing this issue. and how our members can help.
The legal requirements for licensed contractors (i.e., license # on vehicles, etc.) were addressed. For instance, if a contractor carries more than one contractor license then all work vehicles must correctly display all license numbers on their vehicle. If you run across a vehicle that does not have their license number(s) correctly displayed, McGrath requested you download the DBPR Mobile App to report violations and vehicle license number issues when you are on the go. Capture as many photos as possible, including tag number, description and/or photo(s) of the person or vehicles involved in the crime, etc.
These photos can be uploaded with the report through the app. They can be done anonymously, if you do not want to receive any follow-up information on the case. You can also use the mobile app to search contractor licenses, inspections, check the status of a license.
McGrath suggested all contractors and their employees put the app on their phones.
The Sheriff’s Departments, and the Florida DBPR said they have limited resources to deal with this issue. The best way to curb the issue of unlicensed contractors within our community is to educate others through social media, educating the elderly population within the community, utilizing local resources, and being an ambassador for industry.
Please report any unlicensed activity to your County/City Police/Sheriff Departments and/or the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Hotline #1.866.532.1440, email the department at ULA@myfloridalicense.com or download the DBPR mobile app.
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