In Hernando County, a combined force of the Building Division - Contractors Licensing Section, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, and the Economic Crimes Unit, has brought down a local contractor for operating without a proper license, with ramifications that remind the community of the legal bounds protecting honest work and consumer safety. Last Wednesday, Brooksville resident Brandon R. Vicente was arrested and faced multiple felony charges related to "Unlicensed Contracting," according to a media release from the Hernando County Building Division.
Illegally conducting electrical work in the Hernando Beach area has landed Vicente in hot water, the investigations culminated in his arrest and later a civil conviction for "Unlicensed Contracting," this being his second offense after a previous citation and fine in 2023, compounded the case against him, he was also found guilty on two civil counts further leading to civil fines imposed by the Hernando County Special Master. Vicente is now awaiting trial, with a court date yet to be announced as investigations proceed while he remains incarcerated at the Hernando County Jail, as per Hernando County reports.
Amidst the repercussions, Hernando County officials have taken the opportunity to remind the public to practice due diligence when engaging contractors, underscoring the importance of verifying a contractor's license status, liability proof, and worker's compensation insurance before signing contracts for any regulated work. The county stresses this protocol not just as a cautionary tale but as a community safeguard shared in the media release.
For those uncertain about a contractor's licensing status, assistance is readily available through the Hernando County Building Division; residents may contact them at 352-754-4050 for queries and support. Furthermore, reporting unlicensed contracting, which escalates to a felony during states of emergency, can be done by contacting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 866-532-1440, this proactive approach is vital as it not only helps to uphold the integrity of the industry but also protects consumers from potential harm and financial losses.
