Unlicensed Contractor Sting Operation Leads To 40+ Arrests: FL Sheriff

CLEARWATER, FL — More than 40 people were arrested on more than 50 charges in a two-day unlicensed contractor sting along the beaches in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office news release.

The operation, “Flood of Fraud 2,” ran from Tuesday through Thursday on Clearwater Beach.

“As we announced two weeks ago in Madeira Beach, our current focus is protecting our residents and businesses who are desperate to rebuild and get on with their lives from being exploited and ripped off by people offering to do work on their property. But in some cases, have absolutely no intention of doing the work, in other cases are unqualified to do the work, and in all cases are unlicensed to do the work,” Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said. “These people are simply scammers and thieves and really no different than people who are running around in neighborhoods at 3 in the morning breaking into homes.”

• Also Read: Looters, Unlicensed Contractors Arrested After Hurricanes

Clearwater police Chief Eric Gandy added, “We haven’t seen this kind of storm damage in Clearwater previously, and in some cases it was catastrophic. Houses were completely destroyed and infiltrated with water. We’re just here to make sure our citizens don’t take another hit from an unlicensed contractor.”

Report unlicensed contractor activity by calling the Pinellas County Tipline at 727-582-6767. Most building repairs in Pinellas County require permits, the sheriff’s office said. “Ignoring the substantial damage assessment process and working without a permit can bring big consequences.”

While storm-related permit fees are waived, residents should be wary of contractors asking homeowners to obtain owner/builder permits, the agency added. Reputable contractors apply for their own permits.

A comprehensive list of licensed and insured contractors can be found here. State-certified contractor licenses can be verified online here.