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Slump Stirs Up Builder Issues

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By BAIRD HELGESON

bhelgeson@tampatrib.com

Published: December 10, 2008

TAMPA - Cash-strapped consumers might find it tempting to save money on home improvements by hiring unlicensed contractors.

But as the economy tanks, state regulators and local builders said they hear more complaints about unlicensed contractors doing shoddy work or vanishing with consumers' money before the job is finished.

"Education is the first line of defense for consumers who want to manage their money wisely and protect themselves from unscrupulous or unlicensed individuals," said Charles W. Drago, secretary of the Florida Department of Business Regulation.

Business regulators urge consumers to investigate every worker or business subject to licensing by the state.

In the past eight years, the state logged 63,080 complaints about unlicensed workers for the 140 types of businesses the state regulates, according to state data compiled by TBO .com.

In Tampa, since 2000, 2,153 businesses or individuals have been investigated on suspicion of operating without a license. Many paid fines and a few were forced to shut down.

Those cited in Hillsborough County included the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, a local Girl Scout troop, adult book stores, nail salons - and a number of building contractors.

Penalties for unlicensed contractors make up the bulk of the $5.08 million in fines collected in the past year by the state. That includes unlicensed electricians, plumbers and roofers.

Regulators view licensing as a tool to ensure workers have proper training to protect consumers' safety and finances if things go poorly. For contractors, the license means the worker is trained in the latest building code revisions, is insured and will get the necessary permits and inspections.

"People want the work done as cheaply as possible," said Jennifer Doerfel, a spokeswoman with the Tampa Bay Builders Association. "But 90 percent of the complaint calls we get about contractors turn out to be unlicensed contractors."

Reporter Baird Helgeson can be reached at (813) 259-7668. Keyword: Unlicensed Activity, to search state inquiries into contractors and other businesses.

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