Contracting Without a License
One of your neighbors expresses to you that their roof is leaking and can’t find anyone to fix it for a reasonable rate. Having experience with roofing, you offer your services for a small fee. You complete the job, but weeks later your neighbor returns complaining that the issue has worsened and is demanding a refund. You decline, and your neighbor decides to take legal action against you. Situations like these occur often, and people who may have been offering their services in good faith end up facing charges for contracting without a license. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is essential to acquire the legal services of a local criminal defense attorney.
The Orlando criminal defense lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm have over 100 years of combined experience and are dedicated to representing the people of Greater Central Florida. Our team consists of former prosecutors at the state and local level who understand how the opposition will approach a criminal case. We can apply our insight to best prepare you for your day in court.
Contractor License Requirements in Florida
Each state has regulations and requirements identifying what kind of contractor work requires a permit. In Florida, one cannot engage in the following without possessing the appropriate contractor license:
- Demolition
- Home remodeling
- Real estate improvements
- New home construction
- Home repairs
Many “handymen” often pitch their services to those in need as a way to make money on the side, but doing so without the proper licensing is strictly prohibited.
Types of Licenses
One can either be a general contractor with a broad range of skills or a specialized contractor who has a niche area of work. Florida requires all contractors, whether general or specialized, to have one of the following:
- Certified Contractor’s License: Issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and permits contractor work throughout the state.
- Registered Contractor’s License: Issued by certain municipalities permitting contractor work within a specific jurisdiction.
Unlicensed contractors who accept payment for work face severe criminal penalties.
Penalties for Contracting Without a License
Contracting without a license in Florida can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The associated penalties vary depending on the circumstances of the incident as well as the accused individual’s criminal history.
Contracting Without a License
According to Fla. § 489.127(2)(a), contracting without a license is a misdemeanor in the first degree punishable by:
- Up to 1 year in prison
- Up to 1 year probation
- Up to $1,000 in fines
If the individual claimed to be a licensed contractor and accepted payment for his services, he may face theft charges as well.
Contacting With a License With a Prior Conviction
Fla. § 489.127(2)(b) states that contracting without a license with a prior conviction is a felony in the third degree punishable by:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to 5 years probation
- Up to $5,000 in fines
Contracting Without a License During a State of Emergency
Under Fla. § 489.127(2)(c), contracting without a license during a state of emergency is a felony in the third degree punishable by:
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to 5 years probation
- Up to $5,000 in fines
Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being convicted for contracting without a license can not only permanently tarnish your reputation but also result in multiple criminal charges. Be sure to have an attorney on your side you can trust. William Umansky of the Umansky Law Firm houses a team of diversely talented attorneys. Through careful analyzation of case specifics, he can pair you with the defense lawyer best for you. Don’t face a contracting without a license charge without legal representation. Contact us today at 407-228-3838 for a free case evaluation.
Recent Criminal
Case Results
Burglary of Dwelling; Petit Theft
Withhold with 6 months probation and impulse control; adjudication withheld
Grand Theft ($300-$5000)
Nolle Prosequi-Case Dropped
CT-Driving Under the Influence Car (M1)
Nolle Prosequi - Case Dropped
CT- Driving under the influence car
Nolle Prosequi - Case Dropped
Grand Theft Third Degree
Adjudicated Guilty; One day jail/one day time serve; Restitution fees; Court Cost
Petit Theft < 300
We negotiated an agreement that entailed the State dropping the charge after our client completed a Pre-Trial Diversion Program. The Charge was dropped via a Nolle Prosequi.
Unlawful Speeding
Withhold of Adjudication; No points on license; Paid fine and clerk cost; 8 hour aggressive driver class; 90 days to satisfy fine and class
Shoot/Throw Missile Into Dwell/Struct/Veh; Child Abuse; Criminal Mischief; Battery (Domestic Violence)
No Information Notice - Charges Dropped
Attach Tag/Lic Plate To Unassigned Vehicle (M2)
Nolle Prosequi - Case Dropped
DUI with Minor In Car or BAL of .20 or Higher
Pled No Contest, 1 Year Probation, 10 day Car Impound, Community Service
Motion to Modify Probation
Motion Granted in 48 hours
Petit Theft
Adjudication Withheld, 4 Months probation, Costs/Fines, Impulse Control Class
Petit Theft of $100 or MORE (M1)
Nolle Prosequi
Refuse To Submit To DUI Test (M1)
Case Dropped
Battery on Law Enforcement Officer (F3); Disorderly Conduct (M2)
Nolle Prosequi - Case Dropped
Battery
Charges Dropped
Scheme to Defraud(F3); Grand Theft(F3)
Motion to Terminate Probation Granted
Unlawful Speed
Dismissed
Failed to Yield at Intersection
Not Guilty
Leave Scene Of A Crash W/Property Damage (M2)
Case Dropped
Motion to Modify and Impose a Withhold of Adjudication
Granted
Attempted Burglary of a Conveyance
Charges dropped
Possession of Cannabis (less than 20 grams)
Charges dropped
VOP for DUI
Reduced to reckless driving
Possession of Alcohol Under the Age of 21
Charges dropped
Driving Under the Influence
Reduced to Reckless Driving
Violation of Probation
Case Dismissed
Recent Personal
Injury Settlements
$1,600,000
Sexual Assault Victim
$1,600,000
Car Accident
$290,000
Motorcycle Accident
$200,000
Trip and Fall
$150,000
Car Accident
$110,000
Car Accident
$100,000
Car Accident
$290,000
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$120,000
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$100,000
Car Accident
$125,000
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$125,000
Scooter Accident
$275,000
Car Accident
$100,000
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$300,000
Government Liability Case
$100,000