New Suffolk Law Cracks Down On Dishonest Contractors, Officials Say

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk County residents may soon see tougher penalties for dishonest contractors under a new law signed this week by County Executive Ed Romaine and Legislator Jim Mazzarella.

The measure, known as Introductory Resolution 1543-2025, tightens rules for anyone doing licensed work in the county — from home improvement contractors to other county-regulated professions. It adds stronger background checks, higher fines, and more public transparency to help protect homeowners and consumers from being scammed.

Mazzarella said the legislation was inspired by a personal story after a friend’s father was defrauded by a contractor — an experience he said highlighted weaknesses in Suffolk’s licensing system.

“No family should have to experience that kind of betrayal,” he said. “This law gives Suffolk County the power to crack down on bad actors, protect consumers, and make sure businesses play by the rules.”

The law expands the county’s Registry of Unscrupulous County-Licensed Professionals — a public online list where residents can look up contractors or other licensed professionals who have committed serious violations. The registry was previously limited to home improvement contractors but now covers all county-licensed fields.

It also requires license applicants to list the names and home addresses of all business owners and officers, helping prevent people from hiding behind fake or shell companies.

Contractors who break the law will face tougher consequences:

• First offense: Fine up to $1,000 or up to 15 days in jail, or both.
• Repeat offenses (within 18 months): Misdemeanor charge with fines up to $5,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
• Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
• Operating without a valid license — or after one has been revoked — could also bring criminal charges.

County officials say the law is designed to weed out dishonest contractors while protecting the many professionals who operate responsibly.

“Suffolk County will not tolerate dishonest business practices,” Mazzarella said. “This law puts consumers first and sends a clear message — if you exploit residents or operate unethically, you’ll face serious consequences.”