Photo courtesy of Contractors State License Board | Local law officials in California work closely with members of the CSLB to run background checks on unlicensed contractors during a sting operation.
Photo courtesy of Contractors State License Board | California has one of the most aggressive state policies regarding unlicensed contractors.
Photo courtesy of Contractors State License Board | In California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project valued at $500 or more for labor and materials must hold a current, valid license from the CSLB.
Photo courtesy of Contractors State License Board | California officials say sting operations are one of the most efficient ways to find unlicensed contractors.
Photo courtesy of California Contractors State License Board | The CSLB’s Statewide Investigative Fraud Team (SWIFT) conducts an average of one sting or sweep operation per week somewhere in the state.
Photo courtesy of Contractors State License Board | Contractors working without a license are subject to misdemeanor charges and fines in California.
Photo courtesy of Contractors State License Board | Police arrest an unlicensed contractor during a sting in California.
Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation | The penalties in Florida for unlicensed activity can include a fine of up to $5,000 per incident, a misdemeanor for a first offense, and a third-degree felony for any subsequent offenses.
Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation | The DBPR conducted a record number of stings this year. In fiscal year 2008-2009, it did 472 sweeps and 33 stings for unlicensed contractors.
Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation | In Florida, it’s a third-degree felony to operate as an unlicensed contractor during a State of Emergency declared by executive order of the governor.
Photo courtesy of Westchester Consumer Affairs | Officials in Weschester County, N.Y., can impound unlicensed contractors’ vehicles during a sting operation.
Photo courtesy of Westchester Consumer Affairs | “Our enforcement efforts, including use of the seizure/impound law, are paying off,” says Gary Brown, director of Consumer Protection in Westchester County, N.Y. “We’re going to keep up the pressure.”
Photo courtesy of Westchester Consumer Affairs | Home improvement contractors have perennially ranked as the top consumer complaint in Westchester County, N.Y. Officials will seize any vehicle and tools belonging to unlicensed contractors.
Photo courtesy of Westchester Consumer Affairs | In New York, Westchester County officials can seize the tools and trucks of unlicensed contractors.