Dozens were arrested in illegal contracting on Clearwater Beach, officials said

Dozens of people were arrested in a crackdown on illegal contracting in Clearwater Beach as residents worked to rebuild after hurricanes Helene and Milton, law enforcement officials announced Thursday.

During a two-day undercover investigation, 38 people were arrested on about 45 charges, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said in a news conference with Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy. Because the community is still under a state of emergency, all charges are felonies, the sheriff said.

“When we’re done, we’ll have well over 40 (arrests),” he said.

The arrests come two weeks after 45 people were arrested in a similar operation in Madeira Beach. In the most recent investigation, undercover detectives from the sheriff's office and the Clearwater Police Department “were visited by individuals posing as licensed contractors who were able and qualified to perform plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, roofing and other construction work.” “execute,” Gualtieri said.

During the operation, unlicensed contractors offered to complete over 15 types of construction projects totaling more than $100,000, Gualtieri said. The sheriff noted that 25 of the people arrested were not Pinellas County residents. At least six were not U.S. citizens and one was in deportation proceedings.

Gualtieri said the licensing process shows that contractors have the proper education, training and skills to perform the work. He added that many of those arrested had “extensive” criminal records for charges including robbery, theft, burglary and drug trafficking.

“By engaging in this unlicensed contracting process, these offenders bypass the entire vetting process that comes with licensing and the assurances they provide to consumers about who they bring into their homes and businesses to do this important work.” he said.

The sheriff warned that unlicensed contractors who target Pinellas County residents could face jail time.

“People need to be able to rebuild and restore their lives, and we will do everything we can to help them do that without simultaneously becoming victims of hurricanes and victims of scammers and thieves,” he said.

Tips for choosing a contractor

State and local law requires any contractor you hire to be state certified or licensed. Officials say properly licensed, experienced contractors will provide safer, higher quality services.

Pinellas County officials advise property owners to be wary of contractors who:

• No state license number can be provided;
• Requires you as the “owner/builder” to obtain planning permission or claims you will save money by not obtaining permission;
• Asks for cash or large advance payments.

Unlicensed contractors do not have insurance coverage, so any injury that occurs to your property constitutes a claim against you and your insurance company.

For more guidance on choosing a contractor, click here from the Pinellas County Construction Services Department.

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