Sarasota unlicensed contractor investigation nets 20 criminal charges

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office released today the results of the first six months of a program to investigate claims against people engaging in contracting work without proper licenses, permits, or certification.

Two Sheriff's Office detectives worked with the Sarasota County Code Enforcement and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to investigate these claims.

In the first six months of the program 20 individuals were criminally charged and another 23 received citations. A first offense usually results in a civil citation by code enforcement; subsequent events lead to criminal charges.

If you suspect someone if acting as an unlicensed contractor call Sarasota County Code Enforcement at 861-6126 or click here.