Punta Gorda Contracting Without a License Lawyer

Punta Gorda Contracting Without a License Attorney

Being convicted of contracting without the proper licensing could result in severe legal penalties in Florida. Depending on the circumstances of your offense, you could be facing repercussions you may not have been prepared for. The state of Florida requires all individuals engaging in contracting work to be properly licensed. If you are charged, you should reach out to a Punta Gorda contracting without a license lawyer who can help. If you are charged, you should reach out to an experienced Punta Gorda criminal defense lawyer who can help defend your rights effectively.

At Ruhl Law, P.A., our talented attorneys are equipped with the knowledge and experience to successfully defend you against charges of contracting without a license.

Contracting Without a License in Punta Gorda

An experienced unlicensed contractor lawyer can help you devise a strong defense strategy and do whatever it takes to keep you from enduring the harshest penalties possible. In Florida, if you are caught engaging in contracting work without the proper license, you could be looking at a first degree misdemeanor charge. This could result in a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and even probation or community service. A good lawyer may be able to keep you out of jail.

If you engage in contracting without a license and lie about having one, you could also be convicted of theft if you received any payment for your services under the guise of a licensed contractor. If you are a repeat offender of unlicensed contracting, your charge may increase from a misdemeanor to a third degree felony, which could land you up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, among other penalties at a judge’s discretion.

What Is Contracting in Florida?

Florida describes contracting as any activity that engages in some sort of substantial repair work, such as constructing, repairing, remodeling, upgrading, renovating, or demolishing a building or some other city structure. Any individual who takes payment for engaging in this type of work is considered, by definition, to be a contractor.

Potential Defenses Against Unlicensed Contracting

When you are charged with contracting without a license, you may feel defeated. However, depending on your case and the strength of your lawyer’s litigation skills, you may be able to form a strong defense strategy. Here are some of the potential defenses you and your lawyer may be able to use:

• You were not compensated. Technically, if you were never compensated for the work you did, you may not be considered an unlicensed contractor. By definition, you must be paid for your work to be considered a contractor. If you did not receive compensation or if there is no proof of you doing so, you may have a valid defense.
• The work was limited. If the overall scope and scale of the work you did were more limited than they initially appeared, you may be in the clear. If you and your lawyer can prove that the work you did does not violate any statewide regulations or city ordinances and that the type of work you performed was misunderstood, you may have a strong defense to mount.
• You didn’t know. One of the most basic but still relatively strong arguments you may be able to make is that you simply were unaware of the licensure requirements needed to pursue contracting work in Florida. You engaged in the work, wholly unaware that you were doing anything wrong. For many crimes to be prosecuted, the prosecution must prove intent. If there is no intent to commit a crime, it may work in your favor.

FAQs

Q: Is It Illegal to Hire an Unlicensed Contractor in Florida?

A: Yes, it is illegal to hire an unlicensed contractor in Florida. If you knowingly hire an unlicensed contractor, you could be facing legal penalties if caught. Additionally, hiring an unlicensed contractor can be dangerous for you. You will likely end up paying more than you should for work that might not be as solid or reputable as a licensed contractor’s. You may also be liable for any injuries.

Q: Can You Make a Legal Contract Without a Lawyer?

A: Technically, yes, you can draft a legal contract without the help of a lawyer, although making a contract is not the same as being a licensed contractor. Any person may draft a simple yet effective contract that might hold up in the Florida courts. As long as you do everything above board and the contract has enough elements to be properly understood, it may be legally enforceable. To be sure, hire a lawyer to help you draft something that will hold up in court.

Q: Can a Contractor Use Someone Else’s License in Florida?

A: No, a contractor cannot use someone else’s license in Florida. It is illegal to use another person’s contracting license to engage in contracting work for yourself. If you are caught doing this, you could face harsh legal penalties for unlicensed contracting, as well as potential charges of fraud. If you are worried that you may have misrepresented yourself and could face legal action, you may want to consult with a lawyer about your options.

Q: What Is the Penalty for Contracting without a License in Florida?

A: The penalty for contracting without a license in Florida can be hefty, depending on the details of your case and whether or not you are a first offender. If it’s your first offense, you could be looking at a first degree misdemeanor, which could land you in jail for a year with a $1,000 fine. If you are a repeat offender, it could be a third degree felony, which could land you in prison for five years with a $5,000 fine.

Reach Out to an Unlicensed Contracting Lawyer Today

While engaging in contracting work without a license may seem innocuous, it can have severe effects on the local economy and the licensed contractors in your area. If you are charged with contracting without a license, you should reach out to an experienced lawyer soon. The legal team at Ruhl Law, P.A., understands how to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.