Pasco County deputies say 14 people are facing arrests after an undercover operation aimed at unlicensed contractors across West Pasco County. According to the Economic Crimes Unit, the sting ran from April 20 through 23, with detectives posing as homeowners and using fake job leads to draw in suspects who allegedly quoted and showed up to perform work without proper state licenses. Deputies told investigators the services on offer included marine contracting, plumbing and air conditioning installation.
Who Deputies Say They Caught
According to the Pasco Sheriff's Office, the Economic Crimes Unit confirmed the individuals involved did not hold the licenses required for the work they agreed to perform, and the operation ended with 14 arrests. The agency posted a list of businesses and operators named in the sting, including Nickolie Kotow (doing business as Nick's Handyman Services and Renovations LLC), John Davis and Jill Setter (J&J Docks), Michael Carpenter (Proline Property Maintenance LLC) and Geoffrey Davis (Wise Guy Carpentry & Home Service LLC). The sheriff's office said the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation assisted with the operation and urged residents to be extra careful about who they let onto their property with tools in hand.
How To Check A Contractor Before You Hire
Homeowners can verify a contractor's status using the state's official license lookup. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation maintains a "Verify a License" tool that shows whether a license is active and whether there is any disciplinary history attached to it. Before signing anything, ask for a license number, proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, then confirm the DBPR record reads "Current, Active." If a contractor will not provide documentation or stalls when you ask for it, officials say that is a clear red flag.
What The Law Says About Unlicensed Work
Performing contracting work without the proper certification is a criminal offense in Florida. Under Florida Statutes §489.127, unlicensed activity is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, while repeat violations or crimes that happen during a declared state of emergency can be charged as third-degree felonies. The law also lets regulators issue stop-work orders, and local code officers can impose civil fines and daily penalties until violations are fixed. In some cases, those civil actions can be recorded and enforced much like other court judgments, which can follow a business or individual for a long time.
If You Think You Were Targeted
Anyone who believes they were approached, quoted or scammed by one of the contractors involved in this operation is asked to call the Pasco Sheriff's non-emergency line at 727-847-8102 (option 7). Deputies also want people to hang on to written estimates, text messages, photos and any other records that show what was promised or done; those contact details and reporting options are listed on the Pasco Sheriff's Office. Potential victims can also file complaints with the DBPR and should save receipts, contract copies and any communications that identify the person or business behind the job. Investigators say homeowner tips and documentation help them decide whether more enforcement is needed.
Why These Stings Keep Popping Up
Undercover operations targeting unlicensed contractors have become a regular tool in the Tampa Bay area. The sheriff's office ran a similar sweep that led to 11 arrests last year, part of a pattern of stings meant to protect consumers. State regulators and fraud detectives have teamed up on larger efforts in recent years as well, all aimed at cracking down on contractor fraud, insurance abuse and shoddy or unsafe work that can leave homeowners paying twice. It is not exactly the kind of home makeover drama you see on TV, but for local officials, it is a recurring storyline they say they are determined to keep rewriting.
