State Attorney Bruce Bartlett Cracks Down on Unlicensed Contractors

CLEARWATER, FL – Today, State Attorney Bruce Bartlett announced that he will seek the maximum sentence on looters, scammers and unlicensed contractors who prey on victims of Hurricane Helene.

"It is reprehensible that there are some who would take advantage when people are at their most vulnerable. Rest assured, any criminal who tries that in Pinellas and Pasco County will feel the full weight of the law," said Bartlett.

In Florida, all contractors must have a certified or registered contractor’s license. Per Florida Statute, any unlicensed contractor who violates the law during the existence of a declared state of emergency by the Governor may be charged with a felony.

Bartlett continued, "Sadly, this won’t be the last storm that we face. We will ensure that our citizens have confidence in who they hire and deter any future predators from even thinking about trying their scam in our community."