What Penalties Could I Face for Unlicensed Contracting in Pinellas County?

In Florida, unlicensed contracting is taken very seriously. Many individuals accused of unlicensed contracting may not even realize they’re breaking the law. Unfortunately, a lack of knowledge about licensing requirements doesn’t protect you from criminal charges.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Charges

Unlicensed contracting in Florida can lead to both misdemeanor and felony charges, depending on the situation. In many cases, someone may face a first-degree misdemeanor, which is the less severe of the two. This typically applies when the individual is working without a license but isn’t violating other rules, such as lacking proper workers’ compensation insurance. 

However, if a person working in the construction trade also fails to carry insurance or is involved in repeated offenses, an additional charge could potentially be added as  a third-degree felony for failure to carry workers compensation insurance or upgrading the unlicensed contracting charge on the basis of a previous prosecution for the same offense, especially without a strong defense from a leading unlicensed contractor defense attorney in Clearwater with The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier. This is a more serious crime and will result in heavier penalties.

Penalties During a State of Emergency

In Florida, there are many hurricane seasons where the Governor will declare a state of emergency. If a contractor is found working without a license during a state of emergency, the penalties could be even harsher. The law makes it especially difficult for unlicensed contractors to operate during these times to protect consumers from potential fraud or poor-quality work. Accordingly, during a state of emergency, the State Attorney’s Office may potentially pursue stronger legal actions against individuals working without the proper credentials.

Fines and Imprisonment

The penalties for unlicensed contracting can include both fines and imprisonment. For a misdemeanor charge, you could face a fine of up to $1,000 and possibly up to one year in jail. For felony charges, fines can reach $5,000, and the imprisonment could extend to five years, depending on the case. The court may also order you to pay restitution to any clients regardless of the quality of the work. In some situations, judges may also impose probation instead of jail time, often to require the payment of restitution. 

The Clearwater defense attorneys with the Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier are well-acquainted with successfully defending individuals facing unlicensed contracting charges and can fight to potentially reduce or eliminate the charge.

Long-Term Consequences

Beyond fines and jail time, unlicensed contracting can have lasting effects on your life. Without a skilled Clearwater unlicensed contracting defense attorney working to defend your rights in court, a conviction could be devastating.

A criminal record can make it harder to get a job, rent an apartment, or even apply for a legitimate contractor’s license in the future. The stigma of a conviction can also harm your reputation in the community and make it difficult to recover professionally.

The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier is Here for You

At The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier, we have been able to help clients get charges dismissed, especially when they’ve taken steps to obtain the proper license after being charged. Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat charge, the penalties can be life-changing. If you’re accused of unlicensed contracting, don’t try to handle it alone. Contact an experienced attorney to protect your rights today.

Do not face a charge of unlicensed contracting on your own. Schedule a free case consultation with one of the leading defense attorneys in Clearwater with the Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier or call us today at (727) 493-9386.