Operation Freelancer Yields Dozen Arrests for Unlicensed Contracting

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested twelve people on multiple charges during Operation Freelancer VII, an investigation to protect citizens from unlicensed contractors.

Detectives worked with the Sarasota County Building Department, the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to contact individuals advertising home repair services that require a license to complete. As individuals arrived at the predetermined residence, the DBPR database was checked to determine if they were licensed, registered as a contractor, and/or required workers compensation coverage or exemption to perform the work they proposed to do.

In all, the operation resulted in 12 felony charges and 12 misdemeanor charges. Those arrested have a total of 33 prior felony and 33 misdemeanor charges as well as a combined 37 convictions. Two of the defendants, David Pond and Kim Bachert have prior charges for Unlicensed Contracting. Another, Nathan Poor, has charges dating back to 2006 for Domestic Battery, Resisting Arrest and Scheme to Defraud. The following individuals were arrested during the three-day operation:

 

  • Carlos Asiain-Hernandez, DOB 08/19/85, of 4605 Flatbush Avenue,Sarasota
  • David Mackey, DOB 06/30/67, of 3016 17th St.,Sarasota
  • David Pond, DOB 10/10/73, of 15790 Highbell Place,Bradenton
  • Haralambos Maginas, DOB 09/19/87, of 1551 North Tuttle Ave.,Sarasota
  • Jarret Dempsey, DOB 01/10/78, of 4410 19th St. Circle W., Unit B,Bradenton
  • Kim Bachert, DOB 05/20/51, of 269 Bearded Oaks Drive,Sarasota
  • Matthew King, DOB 11/25/62, of 103 North Portia St.,Nokomis
  • Nathan Poor, DOB 01/31/69, of 2713 Robinson Avenue,Sarasota
  • Nora Nowicki, DOB 10/04/68, of 3144 Courtland St.,Sarasota
  • Richard Mitchell, DOB 08/15/54, of 3205 Henrietta Place, Sarasota
  • Sergey Kurbatov, DOB 03/20/70, of 7351 Perennial Road, NorthPort
  • Steven Leimbach, DOB 02/24/79, of 123 Loquat Lane,Sarasota

Since 2012, the sheriff’s office has assigned detectives to investigate claims against people who engage in contracting work without proper licenses, permits or certification. A first offense usually results in a civil citation by code enforcement but subsequent violations lead to misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The defendants also receive a cease and desist order from the State of Florida.

“Maintenance operations like these should be a good reminder for consumers to always seek licensed contractors to perform work on their homes or businesses,” said SheriffTom Knight. “Consumers are exposing themselves to financial and physical risk by allowing these people to enter their home, unlicensed, and in some cases, with criminal histories. Let this be a warning to criminals who come into our community and illegally solicit services, that their behavior will not be tolerated.”

“For over five years, DBPR has partnered with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud, and the Sarasota County Building Department to bring down unlicensed contractors in Florida,” said DBPR Secretary Jonathan Zachem. “This continued, strong partnership is integral to DBPR’s mission to protect the public from unlicensed contractors and to uphold the integrity of the construction profession.”

“The (MSBIA) Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association continues to applaud the efforts of Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight in the aggressive pursuit of unlicensed and unpermitted activity in Sarasota County,” said MSBIA CEO Jon Mast. “The actions of the Sheriff’s office helps to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community from unscrupulous handymen impersonating legitimate licensed contractors. By defending unsuspecting homeowners in this way proves the Sheriff is focused on protecting the citizens of Sarasota County from being robbed of their money, shoddy work and peace of mind.”

Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensure, and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards. Consumers can verify licenses with the DBPR online at www.myfloridalicense.com, by calling 850-487-1395, or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app through iTunes or the Google Play store.

To check a Sarasota County license, call the Customer Service and Permit Center at 861-6678 or 861-3029. To report someone you suspect is acting as an unlicensed contractor or performing work without a permit, call 861-5000. For more information visit https://www.scgov.net/government/planning-and-development-services/building

July 2, 2018 /  
BBB & DBPR Team Up Again to Attack Unlicensed Activity in Florida

Licensed and Insured! That’s what it said in his advertisement. We hear about this all too often: contractors claiming to be licensed, but can they perform the scope of work you are requesting for your home renovation project? Hiring an unqualified, unlicensed contractor can lead to headaches and lost money. This is why the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) remain partnered to help Floridians avoid falling victim to unlicensed contractors.

It is important that consumers thoroughly research professionals and businesses prior to hiring and report any suspected unlicensed activity. Unlicensed activity is against the law. BBB and DBPR take unlicensed activity very seriously because it threatens the safety of Florida consumers and takes away business from properly licensed professionals throughout the state.

Together, BBB and DBPR have the tools to help consumers find licensed professionals they can trust. Remember to look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal when choosing a contractor. The seal indicates contractors are properly licensed and have been vetted against BBB’s Standards for Trust, including a commitment to be responsive, advertise honestly and honor their promises. Always verify a contractor’s license by visiting DBPR Online, calling (850) 487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app.

Your BBB provides information on how to find properly licensed professionals, including an easy-to-use checklist.  Resources to help businesses build trust in the marketplace are also available at your local BBB office. Please visit the BBB website and click on the Better Business Bureau serving your area for more information.

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles and BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust.  Five BBB offices service the State of Florida, with primary locations in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Longwood, Pensacola and West Palm Beach.

About DBPR

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and accountants to veterinarians, contractors, and cosmetologists. More Information about DBPR is available online at DBPR Online. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events, and other important news.

June 11, 2018 /  
BBB and DBPR Team up to Prepare Floridians for a Busy 2018 Hurricane Season

This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week.

BBB is encouraging Floridians to act now to prepare their homes and businesses for what is predicted to be a busy 2018 hurricane season. Taking preventative actions now may prevent irreparable damage in the future.

BBB and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation joined forces to provide a one-stop resource page to help Florida prepare for hurricane season. The Florida Hurricane Guide has tips on disaster preparedness, recovery and repair, as well as information about government resources, storm chaser/home improvement scams, and charity relief efforts.

We are encouraging Floridians to create a plan that outlines what to do before, during and after a hurricane.

In the event of a natural disaster, we would like to remind Floridians that any repair work performed on a home or business should be completed by a licensed professional. Unlicensed contractors often will travel from out of state to a disaster area attempting to take advantage of uninformed consumers. The best way to prepare is to be proactive in selecting a properly licensed contractor and to use good judgment with sales calls, door-to-door pitches or low prices that appear too good to be true.

[Access DBPR’s Hurricane Guide at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/documents/HurricaneGuide_web.pdf]

Disaster victims should never feel pressured to make a decision by an unknown contractor. Start with trust and look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal. For reliable information, lists of BBB Accredited Businesses by industry and BBB Business Profiles you can trust on local businesses, visit www.bbb.org.  Always verify a contractor’s license by visiting DBPR Online, calling (850) 487-1395 or by downloading the free DBPR Mobile app.

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles and BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust.  Five BBB offices service the State of Florida, with primary locations in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Longwood, Pensacola and West Palm Beach.

About DBPR
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and accountants to veterinarians, contractors, and cosmetologists. More information about DBPR is available online at DBPR Online. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events, and other important news.

May 5, 2018 /  
Gov. Scott: Florida Ranks No. 1 for Building Code Strength

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released the new edition of its Rating the States report, ranking Florida No. 1 for strengthening residential building-code systems. The state-by-state assessment, previously issued in 2012 and 2015, ranks 18 states most vulnerable to catastrophic hurricanes along the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The report is intended to focus attention on the need for strong, statewide building codes and identify steps states can take to improve their building-codes.

Governor Scott said, “In Florida, we know how important it is to be prepared for hurricanes while doing everything possible to keep families safe. Florida’s building codes have consistently ranked among the strongest in the nation and I’m proud that we have now been ranked first for building code strength by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.”

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Jonathan Zachem said, “As reflected in the IBHS report, the importance of effective, well-enforced building codes was demonstrated in our state during the 2017 hurricane season. I’m extremely pleased that the state of Florida was ranked first on this landmark report.”

IBHS CEO and President Julie Rochman said, “States with strong, updated codes saw stunning proof this year in Florida that updated, well-enforced building codes have led to the construction of homes and buildings that can stand up to fierce hurricane winds. It can’t be any clearer: these codes work.”

To view reports and learn more about the Rating the States study, click HERE.

Via media[at]eog.myflorida.com

April 4, 2018 /  
Enjoy Spring Break Responsibly, Don’t Drink & Drive

Don't Drink & Drive image
~ DHSMV urges residents and visitors to always designate a sober driver ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) urge residents and visitors to Arrive Alive, Don’t Drink and Drive as they celebrate spring break this month. DHSMV and FHP are partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Florida Sheriffs Association, AAA – The Auto Club Group and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to encourage individuals to enjoy their spring break vacation responsibility by not driving impaired.

“With record numbers of motorists on Florida roads, students and families enjoying their spring break are reminded to designate a sober driver or find a safe ride home,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “Drinking and driving can turn a fun and exciting vacation into a nightmare. Help everyone Arrive Alive this spring break; plan ahead and never let an impaired friend drive. Take the keys and save a life.”

As one of the top Spring Break destinations in the nation, DHSMV reminds high school and college-aged students flocking to Florida’s warm climate and beautiful beaches to drive responsibly. Preliminary data shows that there were more than 37,000 crashes resulting in more than 2,000 serious bodily injuries and 295 fatalities statewide in March 2017, making it the month with the highest number of total crashes, injuries and fatalities.

“The Florida Highway Patrol is enhancing its efforts this month, with an emphasis on impaired drivers,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “Be sure to use good judgment, enjoy your time in Florida and don’t drink or use drugs and drive.”

Since 2013, more DUI citations have been issued in March than in any other month of the year. Impaired drivers not only put the lives of everyone on the roadway at risk, they can face serious legal and monetary consequences. Penalties for DUIs can include expensive fines, license revocation and jail time. This spring break, law enforcement agencies across the state will continue to enforce the state’s drinking age laws to help keep impaired drivers off the roads.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco enforces the state’s beverage law and is responsible for licensing all Florida establishments that sell or service alcohol. This spring break, DBPR is partnering with state and local law enforcement agencies to help further enforce the legal drinking age and ensure that establishments are serving alcohol only to those age 21 or older.

“The DBPR’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco is committed to enforcing the minimum age for possession of alcohol and ensuring licensed Florida businesses remain in compliance during spring break,” said DBPR Secretary Jonathan Zachem. “Spring break is a great time to enjoy everything the Sunshine State has to offer, and we want to ensure everyone does that safely and in accordance with the law.”

“As visitors and residents celebrate their spring break in our state each year, we see an increase in drunk driving incidents. The Florida Police Chiefs Association is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to promote safe and responsible driving during spring break,” said Miami Shores Police Chief Kevin Lystad, President of the Association. “We know all too well that drinking and driving often leads to serious injuries or fatalities. It’s important to educate Floridians and guests about the dangers of impaired driving. Florida’s police chiefs fully support and endorse this initiative.”

“With its miles of beaches and beautiful weather, Florida is one of the prime destinations for youth to celebrate Spring Break each year,” said Sheriff Mike Adkinson, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association. “Given that our primary mission is to protect the citizens we serve, our Florida Sheriffs fully support the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s Arrive Alive, Don’t Drink and Drive initiative this March.”

“Spring Break is a great time to celebrate with friends and family, but it can easily take a tragic turn when alcohol is involved,” said Matt Nasworthy, Florida Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group.

“Before anyone has their first drink, please plan ahead to make sure all of your loved ones get home safely.”

Regulatory Compliance Services (RCS), a subsidiary of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), provides risk management and regulatory compliance training to the state’s hospitality industry. RCS training programs include Responsible Vendor Training and Alcohol Compliance to educate servers and sellers on the legal manner of serving alcohol and preventing underage drinking.

“Florida is fortunate to be revered as one of the nation’s leading destinations, welcoming 113 million visitors in 2016,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Admired for our world-class hospitality industry, it is our duty to lead by example. We strongly encourage our businesses across the state to serve responsibly and create wonderful memories for our guests. As Florida’s premier provider of responsible alcohol vendor training, we are dedicated to risk management and strongly recommend that businesses and patrons refocus awareness and take precaution during this busy season.”

Visit DHSMV’s website for more information and resources for the Arrive Alive, Don’t Drink and Drive Spring Break campaign. The public is encouraged to report dangerous and drunk drivers by dialing *FHP (*347).

March 1, 2018 /