BSO Sting Cracks Down on Unlicensed Contractors
Undercover operation busts 15 unlicensed workers
By WILLARD SHEPARD and BRIAN HAMACHER
Updated 8:46 AM EST, Thu, Nov 5, 2009
Marco Gomez didn't think his bid to fix the roof on a Broward home was going to turn out with him in handcuffs, surrounded by BSO detectives holding him at gunpoint.
But that's just where Gomez found himself after he was arrested by authorities looking to prevent unlicensed contractors from getting into your home yesterday.
The BSO undercover sting operation netted 15 illegal contractors who were working without a license and could be a danger to homes and families.
"They are using every means to entice new customers to book new work," said Det. Daniel Belyeu, with the BSO's economic crimes task force.
Contractors like Gomez placed bids for work with people who they thought were homeowners, but turned out to be Belyeu and other undercover officers.
For $11,000 Gomez promised to get the roof back into shape. He climbed his ladder, took measurements, but didn't tell the phony "family" he was missing was a license to do the work.
Gomez was hauled away, but detectives warned that while using an unlicensed contractor might save you a few bucks, it's dangerous.
"We also have life safety issues, if we hire, for example, an unlicensed electrician who doesn't install things according to code we could have a life safety issue with a fire," said Det. Belyeu. "We could have structural issues with contractors who put doors or windows in improperly."
Another man, Chuck Johnson, promised to fix solar panels, the pool pump and sliding glass doors -- all without a license. He was arrested too.
By putting themselves in danger, the unlicensed workers are putting homeowners in danger, officials said.
"If for some reason they hurt themselves on the job and they're an unlicensed person, the homeowner will ultimately be responsible for any injury that occurs or any damages to the property," said Cheryl Birsky, with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Whether it's your roof or another part of your home, do your homework, Birsky said.
"We have a lot of dos and don'ts as far as contracting, most important: always see a copy of the license, check their insurance documents, make sure they have liability, make sure they have worker's compensation insurance," Birsky said. "If they give you lists of references, check those references."
Experts said the best place to start to check out a contractor is at myfloridalicense.com.
First Published: Nov 5, 2009 8:13 AM EST
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