Sting catches unlicensed contractors in Jacksonville

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Finding a good contractor to work on a home that needs repairs can be quite challenging, especially when there are some unlicensed contractors willing to take advantage of homeowners.

In an effort to cut down on the number of unlicensed contractors trying to work in the Jacksonville area, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, along with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Financial Services, performed an undercover sting operation to nab some of these contractors.

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According to officials, the sting was able catch eight men who were allegedly advertising for contracting work without a license for services like electrical, plumbing and roofing, which all require licenses.

Official reports list the men caught in the sting as:

  • Dennis Kratzer, 46, of St. Augustine
  • Robert Richard Barry, Jr., 55, of Jacksonville
  • Fred Preston Cone Evatt, Jr., 39, of Fernandina Beach
  • Craig Alan Svoboda, 51, of Neptune Beach
  • Timothy Lee White, 55, of Jacksonville
  • Timothy Wayne Sullivan, 46, of Jacksonville
  • Johnny Morgan, Jr., 44, of Jacksonville
  • Merle Dave Wadlow, 57, of Jacksonville

"DBPR continues to partner with local and state agencies to proactively combat unlicensed activity in an effort to protect Florida's consumers and maintain the integrity of the construction industry, especially during a time of construction growth throughout the state," DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson said. "Unlicensed contractors lack the necessary training, qualifications and insurance to complete a job in compliance with building codes and often leave homeowners responsible for any additional costs to repair substandard work."

According to the DBPR, Florida law sets specific rules and guidelines for obtaining professional licensing, and the people who have met these requirements are held to professional standards. Consumers can verify professional licenses online at www.myfloridalicense.com.

Unlicensed activity is illegal and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges if an individual is convicted. Officials are asking anyone who knows of any unlicensed work to report it by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com or calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440.