Unlicensed Contractor Charges in Tampa and Across Florida
Unlicensed contracting charges in Florida often start with what seemed like an ordinary job: a quote for a roof repair, a bathroom remodel, an air conditioning install or storm cleanup. Under Florida law, offering or performing certain construction work without the required state certification or registration can lead to a criminal charge. Local law enforcement in the Tampa Bay area periodically conducts operations targeting unlicensed contracting, and these cases can move quickly once an arrest is made.
If you or a friend or family member has been arrested, charged or contacted by law enforcement about unlicensed contracting in Tampa or anywhere in Florida, Attorney Ron Frey can help. He has been practicing law for over two decades and has represented clients in unlicensed contractor cases. Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person.
Recent Tampa Bay Operation: In October 2026, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced “Operation Bad Builder,” an undercover operation targeting unlicensed contractors that the Sheriff’s Office says led to 50 arrests (WFLA report). According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives posing as homeowners requested quotes for work such as roofing, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. These are allegations announced by the Sheriff’s Office, and everyone arrested is presumed innocent. If you or a friend or family member was arrested or contacted in connection with this operation, talk with Attorney Ron Frey before making any statements.
What Is Unlicensed Contracting Under Florida Law?
Florida regulates construction contracting under Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes. The main criminal provision for most construction trades is Section 489.127, Florida Statutes. Among other things, it makes it unlawful to engage in the business of contracting, act as a contractor, or advertise as available to do contracting work without being properly certified or registered. Electrical and alarm system contracting are addressed separately under Section 489.531.
A few points about how the law is written often surprise people:
- Contracting is defined broadly. Under Section 489.105, it can include not only doing the work, but also bidding, negotiating or attempting to sell contracting services.
- Many trades are covered. Roofing, plumbing, air conditioning, pool and spa work, general, building and residential contracting, and other trades each have their own licensing categories.
- A business tax receipt is not a contractor license. The statute says so directly.
- An inactive or suspended license can count as unlicensed. The statute treats a person operating on an inactive or suspended certificate or registration as unlicensed.
- Exemptions exist, but they have limits. Section 489.103 lists exemptions, including certain owner-builder work and certain minor jobs, but those exemptions come with conditions, and some do not apply to a person who advertises as a contractor.
Unlicensed contracting can be charged as a misdemeanor or, in some circumstances, a felony. Which applies, and whether any charge fits the facts at all, depends on the specific situation and the law in effect at the time.
Why These Cases Come Up in Tampa
Tampa’s growing economy, community and city mean there is high demand for contractors in Tampa and around the State of Florida. New homes, renovations, commercial projects and everyday repairs keep demand steady across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.
Tropical storms and hurricanes can also drive demand for contractors at various times. After a storm, homeowners may need roof repairs, water damage work, fencing, tree work and other repairs all at once. When demand rises quickly, more people offer their services, and law enforcement and regulators may pay closer attention to who is licensed for what kind of work.
How Unlicensed Contracting Cases Begin
Unlicensed contracting cases can start in several ways, including:
- Undercover operations. Local law enforcement in the Tampa Bay area periodically conducts operations in which officers pose as property owners, respond to advertisements and request quotes for work.
- Complaints. A homeowner, a business, a competitor or a building department may report a concern.
- State regulators. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) investigates unlicensed activity and can refer matters to law enforcement.
- Permit and code issues. Work performed without a required building permit, or a local code enforcement citation, can lead to further review.
Separate from any criminal case, DBPR can take administrative action, such as a cease and desist notice or a stop-work order, under Section 455.228 and Section 489.127. Local governments may also issue code enforcement citations. These tracks can overlap, and how one is handled can affect the others.
How an investigation was conducted matters. Attorney Ron Frey reviews how contact began, what was said, what was advertised or offered, how any arrest was made, and whether each step was lawful.
State of Emergency Considerations
Florida law treats unlicensed contracting more seriously when it happens during a state of emergency declared by executive order of the Governor. Under Section 489.127 and Section 489.531, an alleged violation during a declared state of emergency can be charged as a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
Governors’ emergency orders often follow tropical storms and hurricanes, can cover specific counties and can stay in effect for extended periods. Whether an order applied to a particular place and time, and whether the alleged conduct falls under the statute, are questions that need careful review in each case under current law.
Related Charges
Unlicensed contracting allegations sometimes come with other charges. Depending on the facts, prosecutors may also look at allegations such as theft, a scheme to defraud, or other white collar and financial crimes. A licensed contractor can also face allegations, for example for letting someone else use a license number. For people who hold any professional license, a criminal case can carry licensing consequences, too. Learn more on our Professional License Defense page.
Everyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent, and the State has the burden of proving each element of each charge.
What to Do If You Are Contacted or Charged
If a detective, deputy, DBPR investigator or code enforcement officer contacts you about contracting work, or if you have been arrested:
- Call a lawyer first. Talk with a criminal defense attorney before you answer questions or make any statements, including to law enforcement, investigators or the people involved in the job.
- Be careful about what you say and post. Statements made in person, by phone, by text or online can become part of the case.
- Don’t contact the people involved to discuss the case. Let your attorney handle communication.
- Don’t rely on the internet or AI. Information online, including this page, is general. It can’t be applied to your situation without a lawyer reviewing your case under current law.
If a friend or family member has been arrested, you can call on their behalf to get the process started. Our pages on bond in Hillsborough County and arraignment in Hillsborough County explain some of the early steps.
How Attorney Ron Frey Can Help
Attorney Ron Frey has been practicing law for over two decades and has represented clients in unlicensed contractor cases. He looks at the full picture: what the State says happened, how the investigation was conducted, whether the work at issue required a license, whether an exemption may apply, whether a state of emergency was in effect, and how the criminal case may affect any administrative or licensing matter.
Every case is different. Options can include challenging the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, exploring diversion or other alternatives where available, or taking the case to trial. Attorney Ron Frey evaluates each case individually under current law.
The Frey Law Firm is located at 625 E. Twiggs St. in downtown Tampa, near the Hillsborough County courthouses. Attorney Ron Frey represents clients in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and across Florida.
Unlicensed Contracting FAQ
Is contracting without a license a felony in Florida?
It can be charged as a misdemeanor or, in some circumstances, a felony. Factors such as a prior finding of guilt for the same type of violation, or a declared state of emergency, can affect how a charge is filed. A lawyer needs to review the specific facts.
Can I be charged just for giving a quote or placing an ad?
Under Florida law, contracting can include advertising, bidding or attempting to sell contracting services, not only doing the work. Whether that applies to you depends on the type of work, the facts and any exemption.
Is a business tax receipt the same as a contractor license?
No. Florida’s contracting statute says a business tax receipt is not a license for purposes of that law.
Do handymen need a license in Florida?
It depends on the work. Florida law includes exemptions, including some for minor jobs, but those exemptions have conditions and limits, and some do not apply to a person who advertises as a contractor. Local rules can apply too.
What is the difference between a DBPR case and a criminal case?
DBPR can take administrative action, such as a cease and desist notice, a stop-work order or penalties. A criminal case is brought by the State Attorney’s Office in court. Both can happen at the same time, and local code enforcement may also be involved.
What if I was arrested in an undercover operation?
Talk with a lawyer before saying anything about the case. How the operation was set up, what was said and offered, and how the arrest was made can all matter.
Should I talk to the detective or the homeowner?
Call a criminal defense attorney first. Statements can be used as evidence, and your attorney can handle communication for you.
Talk With Attorney Ron Frey
An unlicensed contracting charge can affect your record, your work and your future, and you are presumed innocent. If you or a friend or family member has been arrested, charged or contacted by law enforcement about unlicensed contracting in Tampa or elsewhere in Florida, talk with Attorney Ron Frey. Call or text (813) 775-2276 for a free, confidential initial consultation by phone, video or in person.