Tampa-area sting nets 50 people accused of contracting without a license

Detectives from the sheriff's Construction Fraud Unit answered online and social media ads, followed up on tips and complaints from residents, and met suspects undercover, the agency said. FOX 13 reported that the team posed as homeowners needing repairs, working from a location in Riverview. Sheriff Chad Chronister told reporters some targets were picked because the county already had complaints about shoddy or unfinished work.

The sheriff's office described two of the cases. A 40-year-old man quoted $14,000 for an HVAC job and wanted half of it in advance, FOX 13 reported; the agency said he had been arrested on a similar allegation in 2023. A 56-year-old man was arrested on an allegation of doing electrical work without a license. Authorities also said 18 of the 50 are in the country illegally, according to FOX 13. WWSB noted that the release did not spell out the charges. The arrests are allegations, not convictions.

Officials have not estimated the total losses from complaints filed before the sting. Chronister said unlicensed operators promise to start right away and skip permits and inspections. Demand for repairs remains high in the county after back-to-back hurricanes, FOX 13 reported.

The agency tells homeowners to look up licenses on myfloridalicense.com, the state's DBPR licensing site, request an insurance certificate, put the deal on paper and hold back part of the price until the work is done. Anyone who thinks they were a victim can call detectives at 813-247-8200.