What started as a routine roof replacement in Miami-Dade turned into a criminal case when, investigators say, the work never began and the deposit disappeared. A South Florida man who advertised himself as a roofer was arrested Wednesday after deputies say he took a homeowner’s money for a roof job and never started the work. Investigators say the victim signed a written contract for a full roofing replacement and paid a $7,800 deposit on a $14,000 estimate. Authorities identified the suspect as 56-year-old Gary Jackson.
Company registration and the business name
A search of the Florida Division of Corporations shows a METAL ROOF MASTERS LLC tied to a Gary Jackson under document number L23000333537. The filing lists Jackson as the company manager but does not establish trade licensing or insurance. Corporate records alone do not mean a contractor is authorized to perform roofing work in Miami-Dade.
What deputies say happened
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office’s Special Predator Enforcement Team detained Jackson and charged him with third-degree grand theft and engaging in contracting without a license, as reported by Local10. Deputies told reporters Jackson presented a Feb. 9 written contract for $14,000 and accepted a $7,800 check five days later, and a subpoena showed the check was deposited into an account he controlled. Investigators say he failed to begin the work and did not respond to repeated requests for restitution, and court documents indicate he was already out on a felony bond when arrested.
Charges and the law
Jackson faces third-degree grand theft, a felony under Florida law that sorts theft offenses by value and penalty tiers. Performing contracting work without the appropriate license can also trigger criminal and civil enforcement under state and county rules. Homeowners can read the state theft statute in Florida Statutes Chapter 812 for the legal framework that applies.
How to protect yourself and report suspected contractor fraud
Miami-Dade’s Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources handles contractor complaints and offers guidance on permits and enforcement, and homeowners can start at the county’s permitting and owner-builder pages at Miami-Dade County RER. The state’s license portal lets residents verify a contractor’s current status before signing or paying large deposits via MyFloridaLicense. If you suspect fraud, police advise filing a report, contacting your bank about the payment, and preserving all contracts, checks and correspondence.
Jackson remains in county custody and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said detectives are continuing their investigation, according to Local10. Investigators ask anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office.
