Coral Gables police say a 47-year-old man who billed himself as a contractor is now behind bars after two neighborhood homeowners accused him of pocketing hefty upfront payments and leaving their renovations in limbo. According to investigators, each resident put down six-figure sums for major remodels that were either left half-done or, in one case, never started at all. The suspect was picked up after a Miami police stop and now faces felony theft and fraud charges, Coral Gables detectives say.
Police identified the man as Jose R. Arana, who investigators say operated under the business name “Exclusive Works Group.” An arrest report states that in May 2024, Arana gave a homeowner on Los Pinos Boulevard a $241,600 estimate and demanded $15,000 up front, then allegedly vanished without returning to do the job. In a separate case on Alcazar Avenue, detectives say another client paid more than $200,000 for renovation work that stayed unfinished, leading that homeowner to peg their losses at about $100,000. Miami police arrested Arana after he allegedly tried to use a forged ID to obtain a player's club card at Magic City Casino, and Coral Gables detectives later charged him with grand theft, organized scheme to defraud and contracting without a license. Authorities say he remained locked up at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $13,500 bond and an ICE hold, according to Local 10.
How the law treats unlicensed contractors
Under Florida law, people are barred from holding themselves out as licensed contractors or performing construction work that requires a state license without actually having one. State statutes give local authorities the power to cite and fine unlicensed operators, and they often strip unlicensed contractors of the ability to enforce their contracts in court. The law also lays out criminal penalties and civil remedies for violations. For the full legal details, see Florida's contracting statutes at Fla. Stat. §489.127 and §489.128.
How homeowners can protect themselves
Consumer advocates urge homeowners to do some homework before signing on the dotted line. That means checking contractor license numbers through the state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) portal, insisting on detailed written contracts, steering clear of large cash deposits and confirming that required permits are in place before anyone swings a hammer. The DBPR also runs an Unlicensed Activity hotline and offers guidance on common scam red flags, and homeowners can submit complaints online or by phone. For reporting details and consumer tips, visit MyFloridaLicense.com's unlicensed activity FAQs.
What happens next
Coral Gables police say they have turned the case over to prosecutors and that investigators are still looking for any other residents who may have paid the business. Alleged victims can also explore civil lawsuits, and in some circumstances the Florida Homeowners' Construction Recovery Fund may help recoup losses when a licensed contractor is responsible. State and local agencies, meanwhile, can pursue administrative sanctions or criminal charges against unlicensed operators. Police told Local 10 that the investigation remains open and urged anyone with information to contact Coral Gables police as well as the DBPR Unlicensed Activity hotline.
