A sold-out room, a packed panel, and an important conversation for the industry.

MACCA (Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association) and SWFL PHCC (Southwest Florida Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association) brought contractors and industry professionals together on September 17 for an engaging discussion focused on unlicensed contractor activity and what licensed contractors can do to help address it.

Held at Courtyard Sarasota University Town Center, the sold-out event gave attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the regulatory, law enforcement, and legal professionals involved in investigating and addressing unlicensed work.

We extend a sincere thank-you to our panel, Detective Geraldine Brown of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office; Sergeant Jason Farrier and Detective Ryan Emkey of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department; Lieutenant Brian Gregory of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office; Detective Corporal Joseph Rogers of the Palmetto Police Department; Kevin Henson and Nick Lata of the Office of the State Attorney, 12th Judicial Circuit; Lieutenant Matthew Brown of the North Port Police Department; Andrew Van Sickle of the Office of the State Attorney; and Matthew Dunklin, Florida DBPR Field Manager, Central FL/Division of Regulation, for joining us and sharing their knowledge and experience with our members.

Their participation gave contractors a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the agencies involved and gain a clearer understanding of how unlicensed activity is identified, investigated, and addressed. The panel covered what happens when a complaint is filed, what information agencies need, and how licensed contractors can help report potential violations.

Several important topics were raised throughout the conversation, and we’ll be addressing these issues in more depth in upcoming articles. Please stay tuned for additional information and resources for contractors.

For contractors who encounter potential unlicensed activity, gathering as much detail as possible and reporting it is an important first step. Reports can be submitted anonymously here, and we can submit the report on their behalf without including their personal information. 

A special thank-you goes to our event sponsors, Bulletproof AC and iMold Cleaning and Restoration, for supporting this important industry conversation and helping make the event possible.

Want to stay connected? 

Right now, SWFL PHCC memberships and annual sponsorships are 50% off!!

Starting October 1, memberships and annual sponsorships will be 15 months for the price of 12 months. That means three additional months of benefits at no additional cost.

If you’ve been considering joining The SWFL PHCC, this is a great opportunity to get connected and take advantage of the membership benefits available to you.

Become a Member: https://swflphcc.org/benefits

Become an Annual Sponsor: https://swflphcc.org/annual-sponsorship